I’ve always been curious about livestreaming spaces. There’s something fascinating about watching real people connect in real time, sharing stories, talents, or just everyday life. But as we all know, not every online space is welcoming. A lot of platforms today struggle with NSFW content, toxic behavior, and users who are more focused on shock value than connection.
So when I heard about Kumu, a proudly Filipino-made app that promotes itself as a safe and positive community, I was intrigued. Could it really live up to that promise? So, I decided to find out for myself.
As a first-time user, I gave myself a small challenge: join Kumu, explore the app, and engage with the community to see just how long it would take for me to find my so-called “kumunity.”
Once I was in, I started browsing through the app’s livestream feed. I was immediately struck by how clean and vibrant everything looked. The thumbnails were friendly, the stream titles weren’t clickbaity or suggestive, and the overall atmosphere felt light and positive. But what truly impressed me was how the streamers interacted with their viewers. Most of the hosts I encountered were genuinely warm and approachable. Whether they had 10 viewers or 100, they made a clear effort to greet everyone, even if it was just a simple “hi.” It was clear that streamers weren’t just performing; they were building real-time relationships with their audience.
I also tried joining a few co-hosted streams, those multi-tile sessions where several people are live at once. These streams, in particular, had an even more relaxed and welcoming vibe. It felt like walking into a friendly group chat that just happened to be live.
What makes Kumu stand out, though, goes beyond features. It’s the culture. The streamers I watched were mindful of their content, and now on my 14th day using the app, I still haven’t come across a single stream that felt inappropriate, toxic, or NSFW. Everything I’ve joined so far felt like a genuine safe space: warm, respectful, and inclusive, even for someone completely new.
After 14 days of exploring Kumu, what started as a simple experiment turned into something more meaningful. I came in curious, half-expecting to encounter the same issues that often plague other social platforms. But instead, I found a space that felt genuinely light, respectful, and friendly. Sure, there’s the occasional playful teasing, but never anything that crosses the line into bullying. And even then, it’s reassuring to know that report buttons are easy to find, empowering users to take action and help keep the community safe and free from toxicity. I didn’t just observe a kumunity, I slowly became part of it.
So, would I recommend Kumu to a friend? Absolutely. It’s fun, it’s safe, and most importantly, it feels real. I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much, but now I get why so many people stay. There’s a sense of community here that’s hard to find elsewhere. I’d definitely come back.
If you’re planning to try it out yourself, here are a few tips: don’t be afraid to say “hi” in streams. Streamers will usually greet you right away. Explore the co-hosted streams; they’re often the most welcoming. And if you’re feeling shy, it’s okay to just watch at first. You’ll quickly get a feel for the kind of space Kumu offers.
In the end, my little experiment turned into something more than just research. It reminded me that the internet doesn’t have to be chaotic to be entertaining. Sometimes, it can just be kind and Kumu, at least from what I’ve seen, proves that’s still possible.
– Kristine Julia Robin (@juliaurr), a new member of the Kumunity 💙
