Get All Access for $5/mo

Koo App Wins The Best Essential Apps of 2020 At Google Awards 2020 Koo is India's very own microblogging platform in Indian languages

By Prabhjeet Bhatla

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Unsplash

Google PlayStore on Tuesday announced Bangaluru-based startup Koo as the winner of the Best Apps of 2020 in the "Everyday Essentials' category from India. The platform was selected from among thousands of apps on the PlayStore in India. Google announces these awards every year to celebrate users' favorite apps.

The platform is available in Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, and Marathi. It will soon launch English as well. Koo's competes directly with Twitter in the microblogging space.

"We are very proud and thankful for being given this accolade by Google. Koo has been chosen from among thousands of apps on the PlayStore. This is a testimony to the user love we've got in a short span of 8 months since we launched Koo in March. We will keep pushing the limits of creating unique and immersive experiences that help people express themselves in their mother tongue. We invite everyone to be a part of this vibrant family and community on Koo," said Aprameya Radhakrishna, chief executive officer, and co-founder, Koo.

Almost, 90 per cent of India does not speak English and a large part of the internet experience is built around English. As a result, there is a dearth of content in Indian vernacular languages on the internet today. Koo gives vernacular languages speakers of India the platform to express themselves in their mother tongue and consume thoughts from other community members in a language of their preference.

Koo was also declared as the winner of the AatmaNirbhar app challenge started by the Government of India. PM Narendra Modi encouraged Indians to use Koo in his Mann Ki Baat address to the nation in August.

"Koo has been created to represent the voice of India and Indians. Freedom of expression is at the core of Koo. We enable Indians to share their thoughts with the larger community and help unite Indians across the world in their mother tongue. We are elated to be recognized by Google as one of the Best Apps in 2020. We are committed to the AatmaNirbhar mission started by Honourable PM Narendra Modi and will work towards creating a digital product that India can be proud of," added Mayank Bidawatka, co-founder, Koo.

Prabhjeet Bhatla

Former Staff

Leadership

Why Hearing a 'No' is the Best 'Yes' for an Entrepreneur

Throughout the years, I have discovered that rejection is an inevitable part of entrepreneurship, and learning to embrace it is crucial for achieving success.

Entrepreneurs

Academic Excellence Is Not Necessary for Success in Life: Hear from the Founder of this Exciting New Digital Education Platform.

Many educational platforms are emerging these days to help people qualify for various types of entrance examinations. But what about the students who don't want to take the traditional path, the ones who don't rank among the top 10 in the classroom yet still aim high in life?

Growing a Business

You Need an Advisory Team More Than Ever. Here's Why — and How to Run One Effectively.

The right advice, particularly in a company's early stages, can be an existential matter: how to surround yourself with the right minds.

Business News

Chipotle CEO Addresses Backlash Over Portion Sizes: 'There Was Never a Directive to Provide Less'

The fast-casual chain has been under fire about inconsistent portion sizes.

Starting a Business

NFL Great Stefon Diggs Has a Plan to Change the Game in Fashion

Four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs has a burning passion for football and fashion. Here's his best advice for pursuing your dreams.

Growing a Business

You'll Never Satisfy Your Customers — or Grow Your Business — Without Doing These 3 Things

Customer feedback can be used to drive sustainable growth. Here are three approaches to how you can move past measurement to drive improvement and ultimately grow your business.