Manila, Philippines – Filipino video sharing and e-commerce social platform Kumu partnered with digital publication platform Ookbee Thailand to launch the new chat-style novel application TypeKita that aims to empower young Filipino readers and storytellers.
TypeKita introduces a chat-fiction format that elevates the digital novel experience and gives readers the feeling of reading from a private chat screenshot.
The novel application is a localized version of the Thai original Joylada and is marketed as a newbie-friendly platform for Filipino readers and writers. It boasts an intuitive and user-friendly chat editor that makes creating stories easier for writers and an immersive reading experience that allows readers to be part of the conversation. The app also allows stories to be shared via social media, email, or messaging apps.
And while the app is mostly free, TypeKita also offers writers the opportunity to monetize their work and make it a side hustle.
TypeKita was officially launched on August 16. The event was attended by Ysabel Yuzon, head of growth at Kumu; Dana de la Vega, vice president of strategic management at Kumu; and Erich Valdevioso, creator manager at TypeKita, to answer questions from attending members of the press about the ins and outs of the new app.
According to Yuzon, “[TypeKita] opens doors even for those who may not have considered writing before.”
Prior to its launch, TypeKita has seen steady growth in terms of users, showing potential for genres such as romance (including sub-genres in BL and GL), coming-of-age, mystery, and fantasy. TypeKita showcases the best of Filipino storytelling, with the majority of its featured stories written by talented Filipino writers.
Rexy Dorado, Kumu president and co-founder, said, “We have always been on the lookout for talent of all kinds, and TypeKita is the space we’re dedicating to the written word.”
“We believe creative people always find their way to each other, but this is where we can also help people find the creativity within themselves, bolstered by a safe community. Both Kumu and TypeKita share a similar moderator system to keep things appropriate and any hate out of the picture,” he added.
