Key facts
- WeWard, a fitness app with over 30 million users globally, has launched a "Walking Mode" feature.
- This new feature allows users to block access to selected apps, such as TikTok and Instagram, until they meet a customizable daily step goal.
- The feature was developed by WeWard's head of growth, Tyler Chandler, using AI-assisted coding, specifically Claude.
- WeWard's CEO, Yves Benchimol, stated the goal is to encourage physical activity and combat sedentary lifestyles promoted by social media.
- Users earn in-app currency called "Wards" for walking, which can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or charitable donations.
WeWard, a fitness application with a global user base of over 30 million, has introduced a novel feature called "Walking Mode." This functionality enables users to restrict access to selected applications, including popular social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, until they achieve a predetermined daily step count. The concept was initiated by an employee and brought to fruition within two months through the use of AI-assisted coding, specifically leveraging Claude.
According to Yves Benchimol, co-founder and CEO of WeWard, the feature is designed to encourage users to increase their physical activity and reduce sedentary screen time, which he believes social media contributes to across all age groups. The app's core model rewards users with "Wards," an in-app currency, for walking. These Wards can then be redeemed for tangible rewards such as cash, gift cards, or charitable donations. The platform also incorporates leaderboards to foster a sense of competition among users.
Tyler Chandler, WeWard's head of growth, explained that the "Walking Mode" idea stemmed from his personal struggle with postponing default screen time controls. He aimed to demonstrate the capability of a single individual using AI-assisted coding to develop a complex feature from start to finish, thereby motivating the team to embrace AI for bringing innovative ideas to life. Benchimol highlighted that Venus Williams, an angel investor in the company, supports features that promote outdoor activity, although her involvement is primarily in marketing rather than feature development.
WeWard reports that its users typically spend only a few minutes daily within the app itself, a metric viewed positively as it aligns with the app's objective of driving activity away from phones. The company states it has 4 million users in the US, with New York, Chicago, and Miami being top cities. On average, the platform increases users' walking time by nearly 25%, with the average user being around 35 years old and 60% being women.