Teens love this social music app. So does Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian.

Airbuds, a social music application launched in 2022, is rapidly gaining traction among younger audiences, including high school and college students. With over 5 million active users, the app allows friends to connect through music, creating a unique social experience centered around shared listening habits. Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian is not just a fan but also a backer, with his venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six, leading a recent $5 million investment round. The app seamlessly integrates with popular music platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, providing users with a live feed of their friends' listening activities. Ohanian appreciates Airbuds' user-friendly design, noting that it requires minimal effort from new users. "It's about passive content from actual human friends," he explained, emphasizing the app's focus on music as the primary medium of engagement. Airbuds is particularly popular among Gen Z users, with CEO Gilles Poupardin reporting that approximately two-thirds of its user base is under 22. For many teens, the app is a canvas for self-expression, showcasing their musical tastes and preferences. One of its standout features is a weekly recap that highlights users' favorite tracks, artists, and albums, reminiscent of Spotify Wrapped, which spurs further sharing and engagement. In a bid to enhance community building, Airbuds has introduced options for users to join high school and college groups and is experimenting with playlist-sharing features. As part of its growth strategy, the startup is exploring partnerships with record labels and a potential subscription model that would offer additional customization options. A notable aspect of Airbuds is its widget functionality, allowing users to see their friends' current playlists right from their phone's homepage. This feature has proven attractive to younger users, contributing to the app's rising popularity. The founders are keenly aware of the competitive landscape, with established players like Spotify and Instagram ramping up their social features. With over 15 million downloads and 1.5 million daily active users, Airbuds is positioned to carve out its niche in the increasingly crowded social music space. Ohanian and other investors remain optimistic about the app's potential, particularly as it taps into the evolving dynamics of social media, focusing on trusted connections and shared experiences.