What is Daze? A wannabe Gen Z messaging app is viral on TikTok

The next big thing?
By Tim Marcin  on 
daze messaging app being displayed in tiktoks
Daze has been getting lots of views on TikTok. Credit: Screenshots: TikTok / @daze.chat

The next big thing might be a messaging app called Daze — but it hasn't even launched yet.

Because seemingly everything in 2024 has an AI component, yes, Daze does incorporate AI. It's a messaging app aimed at Gen Z that is designed to look free-flowing with lots of different fonts, colors, graphics, movement, stickers, drawings, and more. TikToks posted by the app have gone viral — the most watched has eight million views.

The TikTok shows a chat where someone talks to their crush and uses Daze's interactive features, such as drawing and games, to flirt and see if they like them back.

Mashable Top Stories
Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news.
Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

TechCrunch published a detailed article on Daze "blowing up" ahead of its planned launch on Nov. 4. It reported that Daze had 156,000 sign-ups on its waitlist. Still, right now the app has roughly 1,400 invite-only beta users. It seems like Daze is positioning itself as a more fun messaging app and has used AI to help power some of the creative tools.

"Our goal with Daze has been to make a feature complete messenger that is competitive with iMessage, WhatsApp, etc., while still having a suite of really fun and creative features," founder Willem Simons told TechCrunch. "You can quickly type a message and press send, or drag the message anywhere within the chat. It is easy to use and utilitarian, but also very free and unconstrained."

It obviously remains to be seen if there is a market for an AI-focused messaging app aimed at being more fun. Even if Daze were the next big thing, oftentimes the next big thing ends up being mostly hype and little substance. Remember Clubhouse?

close-up of man's face
Tim Marcin

Tim Marcin is an Associate Editor on the culture team at Mashable, where he mostly digs into the weird parts of the internet. You'll also see some coverage of memes, tech, sports, and the occasional hot take. You can find him posting endlessly about Buffalo wings on the website formerly known as Twitter at @timmarcin.


Recommended For You
ChatGPT was messaging users first — but OpenAI said this wasn’t supposed to happen
OpenAI logo displayed on a laptop screen and ChatGPT on AppStore displayed on a phone screen

The 'Gen Z marketing script' trend is not giving
Three examples of the trend: The Jane Austen Centre, Fyfield Manor, and Northumberland Zoo.


Why is Gen Z trauma-dumping on TikTok using candy salad?
Three images of young women adding candy to salad bowls with the words "trauma candy salad" in text on each image.


More in Life
When will we know who won the 2024 election?
A poll worker holds a stack of ballot envelopes.

Legos aren't cheap — snag 'em for 15% off at Target while you still can
LEGO Star Wars: The Clone Wars Yoda's Jedi Starfighter Collectible

Treat yourself to 25% off Solawave at Ulta
woman using solawave skincare wand and lifestyle image of solawave skincare wand

How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership
Illustration of a person signing for a package delivery

Save $100 on the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and welcome luscious winter locks
two people both use a dyson supersonic hair dryer

Trending on Mashable
Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 31
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 31
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'


Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 30
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 30
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!