In an era where social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube dominate news consumption, concerns about misinformation and the reliability of information have surged. A recent Pew Research study revealed that only 56% of U.S. adults express trust in national news media, highlighting a significant challenge for traditional outlets.
To address these concerns, SaySo has emerged as a new short-form video app, specifically designed to provide curated news from trusted creators and independent journalists. Launched this month for iOS users in the U.S. and Canada, SaySo follows a successful private beta that began last November.
What sets SaySo apart is its commitment to offering a more personalized news experience, steering clear of the endless scrolling typical of other platforms. Upon creating a profile, users can select topics that interest them--ranging from politics to public health--and receive a tailored Daily Digest of videos that refreshes every 20 hours.
The app features an Explore page, allowing users to discover content from various creators while incorporating familiar functionalities such as following, liking, saving, commenting, and sharing. A key aspect of SaySo is its requirement for creators to cite sources within their videos, fostering an environment of trust and transparency.
Combining human and AI moderation, SaySo emphasizes content integrity, with a moderation queue ensuring that most issues are addressed before reaching the audience. Co-founder and CTO Dion Bailey stated, "If something slips through and gets flagged, we investigate and take action."
Additionally, SaySo is developing a "community notes" feature that will enable users to engage in a crowdsourced fact-checking process, similar to initiatives seen on platforms like X and TikTok.
At its inception, SaySo has onboarded around 30 creators, including notable figures like Nico Agosta, recognized for his investigative series on congressional financial dealings, and Dr. Victoria, who focuses on social justice issues.
On the topic of creator compensation, CEO Ramin Beheshti mentioned that many creators have joined as founding partners, receiving stipends from the outset. The app plans to establish a comprehensive monetization model, ensuring that the majority of revenue generated will support creators directly.
SaySo is the flagship app of Caliber, formerly known as The News Movement, which was rebranded in 2025 to emphasize social, short-form journalism. Beheshti expressed a vision of creating a news product that alleviates the information overload many face today.
Looking ahead, SaySo plans to expand into the U.K. this summer and continue its growth into additional markets throughout 2027, positioning itself as a promising player in the future of news delivery.
