Digg, with the backing of tech luminaries like Kevin Rose and Alexis Ohanian, is aiming for a resurgence as the internet’s homepage. While still in its invite-only phase, the newly launched mobile apps for iOS and Android offer a glimpse into this ambitious revival. I recently downloaded the iOS app, and while it’s undeniably bare-bones, it shows considerable promise.
The app’s functionality mirrors Reddit’s familiar structure: users submit links, others comment and vote (or ‘digg’), and popular content rises to the top. A ‘bury’ button, similar to a downvote, allows users to signal content they’d prefer to see less of in their feeds. This is a smart feature, focusing on personalized content moderation rather than simply downvoting.
The Home tab features four main categories: Trending, Most Dugg, Newest, and Heating Up. The subtle differences between ‘Trending’ and ‘Heating Up’ are unclear, but the latter seems to prioritize newer content, providing a refreshing feel. Each category allows you to filter content by ‘My Feed’ (from followed communities) or ‘All Digg’ (from the entire platform). Currently, a limited range of broad communities are available, from /AMA to /technology, but this should expand as the platform grows.
Navigation within the app is intuitive. Tapping on individual posts reveals the post text, linked content, and any included images. Overall, the design is clean and simple, prioritizing ease of use over complex features. It’s a smart strategy for a platform still in its nascent stages.
While the current iteration lacks the depth and polish of established platforms, its minimalist approach allows for a clean and efficient user experience. The focus on core features—submission, voting, and community engagement—lays a solid foundation for future development. This is not a finished product, but it’s a strong start for Digg’s comeback attempt. The future looks bright for this once-iconic platform, as long as they continue to iterate and expand their offerings.
