Pinterest is best known for shopping inspiration and design ideas, but the company’s newest app, Shuffles, is meant to inspire us. To get us to tap into our own creativity. Never heard of it? Turn on your phone. The app has taken over TikTok and has created a frenzy in the digital sphere.
What Is Shuffles?
“Shuffles is a standalone app created by TwoTwenty, Pinterest”s innovative incubator team,” according to a Pinterest-released statement. ”Shuffles is an engaging way to create, publish and share visual content. With more people coming to our platform for creative inspiration, we’re continuously experimenting with new ways to help pinners and creators bring their ideas to life.”
In short, it is vibey and aesthetic mood boarding. You can plan out your next #OOTD, make a mood board for your current aesthetic (I made this, BTW), visualize your dream home setup, and so much more. Plus, everything you add to a collage is clickable, linking back to the original pin and its website of origin. Sign. Me. Up!
In-app features include adding text, animations like visual movement, searching for photos from within the Pinterest app that you don’t already have saved to collage with and re-shuffling. Re-shuffling allows users to create from any collage on the app, which will link back to the original creator as inspired by and create a library of user-generated content that links back to all of your pins.
Once your masterpiece is complete, you can save it to your phone, share it in a message with friends or publish it in a Shuffles community. These communities are organized by hashtags that are searchable on the app, so you can browse what other creators are designing at any time. Think of things like fashion, nails, home decor, and more.
The app broke the internet when creators started posting talk of its super fun mood-boarding capabilities, user codes, and level of exclusivity. Those lucky enough to have snagged a code to join the app were rewarded with three (sometimes up to five) invite codes back to keep sharing with others
The app was really sought after because invite codes were harder to find than a needle in a haystack. It’s the FOMO, for us. You always want what you can’t have.
Well, if you remember when Pinterest first launched in 2010, you’d recall that the app was originally invite-only—which ended in 2012 when Pinterest dropped its exclusive policy and became open for all. Looks like they’ve mimicked this same model for Shuffles.
We spoke with Karen Tan, the creator behind @wineclubsocial, who is loving the new platform. I will say, she is quite the pro with collages. #WhatAVibe!
FLEETSTREET: What do you like about the app?
Karen Tan: I like the app because it allows me to use my creativity to come up with something beautiful. As simple as it is, all you have to do is click on the plus button, find images curated based on your preferences through their algorithm or use your own pictures, and add them to your canvas. Users can easily create mood boards, inspirations, and much more! Get creative!”
FS: What is your favourite thing about Shuffles?
KT: I love the support from the shuffles community. Everyone’s commenting encouraging messages and following each other. This app allows me to escape from reality and create something meaningful within seconds without scissors or a scrapbook.
If a beauty influencer creates a collage of their favourite skincare products, followers would be more likely to check out recommendations from a trusted source.
Should you down load the app?
Tan predicts the collage-app will be integral for social media managers and business owners. She adds that the tool could be used for businesses to produce features on specific products and can help build awareness for brands.
How long has Shuffles been around?
The app has been available to download for a few months now but Shuffles recently got into the viral powers of TikTok. Creators are sparking interest in the app by sharing videos of their Shuffles collages soundtracked by music. All these aesthetic vibes have us feeling inspired. So, how does it work once you’re on there?
How do you use Shuffles?
- Find Inspiration in the massive photo library
- Cut Out objects from an image with a single tap
- Layer, Rotate, and Resize objects into collages
- Add Animations & Effects to make your Shuffles pop
- Share Privately with friends to collaborate on creative projects
- Remix other peoples’ Shuffles to put your own spin on someone else’s creation
This article has been updated since the Shuffles app is no longer invite-only and you no longer require a code to get access. Shuffle away and don’t forget to follow us on shuffles, @fleetstreetmag!
