Somewhere between the endless meme reposts, bots pretending to be people, and suspiciously accurate ads for things nobody actually needs, social media stopped feeling very social.
That frustration eventually became the basis for Miami-based Vylit, a new adults-only social and creator platform launched this spring by Ami Gan and Kailey Magder.
“We were frustrated with how social media works today,” Magder told Refresh Miami. “Platforms are cluttered with ads, political content, and algorithm-driven noise. We wanted to build something that focuses on people, content, and real communities, not engagement at all costs.”
The platform combines creator subscriptions, chats, discovery tools, and AI-powered features into one experience. But the founders insist they are not trying to build another addictive scrolling app.
Before co-founding Vylit, Gan served as CEO of OnlyFans from 2021 to 2023.
After years spent watching creators build audiences on one app while monetizing on another, she saw an opening.
One of Vylit’s core features is “Vybe Match,” an AI-driven discovery tool that pairs users based on interests, aesthetics, and moods.
“It’s definitely what we consider precision-based search and discovery,” Gan said. “Any day of the week, you’re in a different mood.”
The founders believe discovery has become one of the weakest parts of existing creator platforms, where creators often depend on outside apps just to get noticed. Vylit aims to make recommendations feel more personal and community-driven.
AI is also deeply integrated into the platform, though the founders repeatedly emphasized transparency. AI-generated images are labeled, and users always know whether they are chatting with a real creator or an AI-powered version.
“There’s been a lot of issues on existing platforms around people misleading others,” Magder said. “We wanted to stop that.”
Creators can train AI versions of themselves through prompts and conversational preferences. Magder said she even added her favorite emojis so her chatbot would sound more authentic.
The platform is strictly 18-and-over, with age verification required for all users. Topless content is allowed, while explicit nudity is not.
“To us, social media, especially when there’s monetization involved, should be for adults,” Gan asserted.
Naturally, the company has leaned into the branding. During Formula 1 weekend in Miami Beach, Vylit flew a banner over South Beach reading: “We’re freeing the nipple.”
“We own it,” Gan said with a laugh.
The startup currently operates with a lean team of roughly nine employees, many based in Miami. And if there is one city uniquely qualified to serve as a testing ground for creator culture and influencer economics, it might be Miami.
“There are creators everywhere here,” Magder said. “It’s endless.”
The founders also see momentum building in Miami’s tech ecosystem.
“It’s a very exciting time to be a tech company in Miami because it’s on its way up,” Gan said.
For now, Vylit is keeping most user metrics private after initially launching with roughly 200 creators in beta. But the company is already working on livestreaming, gamification features, creator rewards, and nostalgic group chats inspired by old-school ICQ rooms.
“We’re constantly evolving the product,” Magder said. “We didn’t just build something and stop.”
That may ultimately be the company’s biggest bet: that after years of doomscrolling, users are ready for a version of social media that feels a little more human again.
Pictured at the top of this post: Vylit Co-founders Kailey Magder, left, and Ami Gan.
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I am a Miami-based technology researcher and writer with a passion for sharing stories about the South Florida tech ecosystem. I particularly enjoy learning about GovTech startups, cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence, and innovators that leverage technology to transform society for the better. Always open for pitches via Twitter @rileywk or www.RileyKaminer.com.
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