Wabi: The YouTube of Apps Raises $20M Pre-Seed

The YouTube of apps is gaining traction fast with the launch of Wabi. Created by Eugenia Kuyda, the founder of Replika, Wabi secured $20 million in pre seed funding to support a new way of creating and sharing software. In this article, we’ll explore how Wabi started, what makes it different, and why it may change how everyday people build apps without needing to know any code.

Origin of the YouTube of Apps

Eugenia Kuyda’s earlier success with Replika laid the foundation for Wabi. Back in 2017, when most people didn’t think much about AI companionship, she built Replika into a platform with over 35 million users. That experience shaped her belief that AI could help create more personal digital experiences, not just chatbots.

Instead of building yet another tool for developers, Kuyda wanted to give people the ability to make their own digital helpers tools that match their personal needs. This is where Wabi comes in. It shifts software creation from professional developers to anyone who can type a prompt.

The idea also fits the current moment. AI tools are becoming part of everyday life, and the gap between what non technical users want and what traditional app stores provide keeps growing. Wabi aims to fill that gap by letting users build apps as easily as writing a sentence.

Funding Behind the YouTube of Apps

Wabi raised $20 million in pre seed funding, which signals strong confidence in the project. The investor list is a who’s who of tech, including:

• Naval Ravikant (AngelList)

• Garry Tan (Y Combinator)

• Justin Kan (Twitch co founder)

• Anish Acharya and others

These investors see potential in what’s known as “user generated software.” They believe people can create useful, personal tools when given intuitive systems. Acharya mentioned that Kuyda predicted the rise of AI companions early and she may now be ahead again with personal built apps.

Kuyda has emphasized that Wabi will avoid relying on ads or intrusive monetization. Instead, the funding will help the platform grow its team, refine the AI systems, and keep the user experience simple and enjoyable.

How the YouTube of Apps Works

Wabi works by converting natural language prompts into functional mini apps. Users do not need coding experience everything is automated.

Here's how the process unfolds:

1. Prompt the system with what you want for example: “Create a daily meal planner that adjusts for calorie goals.”

2. Wabi generates the app, including structure, interface suggestions, and core logic.

3. You can tweak or customize the app’s behavior, still without touching code.

4. When ready, you publish and share the app with others on the platform.

The sharing element is key. Other users can try your app, leave comments, or even remix the app into something new much like how videos evolve and circulate on YouTube.

This design turns app development into a social and creative activity instead of a technical one.

Key Features of the YouTube of Apps

Wabi’s most exciting aspect is how it personalizes the software experience. Instead of one generic app for everyone, people can make tools uniquely suited to their lifestyle, routines, or workflows.

Some notable features include:

• Instant app creation based on conversational prompts

• Remixing, allowing users to build upon each other's designs

• Personalized suggestions based on activity and interest

• An Explore page to browse popular and trending apps

• Interoperability with AI models like ChatGPT or Gemini for intelligence based features

For example, someone might create a:

• Mood tracker that includes journaling prompts

• Personal workout planner based on home equipment

• Budget tracker that adapts to their financial habits

These apps are lightweight, focused, and personal something traditional app stores rarely deliver.

Comparing the YouTube of Apps to Other Tools

There are other platforms that allow non technical app creation, such as Replit and Cursor, but Wabi stands out in one major way: it blends building and sharing in one ecosystem.

Similar platforms may allow creation, but they don’t emphasize social discovery. Wabi creates a community around creativity, where apps evolve as people interact with them. This makes the platform feel more like a playground than a workspace.

Future of the YouTube of Apps

Looking ahead, Wabi’s team aims to enhance recommendation systems, improve onboarding for new users, and introduce more personalization features. The challenge will be maintaining app quality because apps created quickly may also break or become outdated if neglected by their creators.

However, investors believe that even if some apps are temporary, others will evolve into long lasting, highly valuable tools. This mirrors how early YouTube had rough, experimental videos that eventually gave rise to full time creators and polished content ecosystems.

Wabi may do the same for software: transforming app creation into a form of everyday creativity.

Final Thoughts on the YouTube of Apps

Wabi introduces a new wave of user generated apps, combining personal expression with practical functionality. By allowing people to build tools that actually fit their lives, Wabi makes software feel more human. With strong funding, experienced leadership, and a clear vision for accessible creativity, it may help reshape our relationship with technology.

If you're ready to experiment or simply curious, take a look at the platform and see what others are making. Your next idea might only be a prompt away.