deVine App Aims for a Pure Vine Reboot, Banning AI-Generated Content

A former Twitter employee is leading a charge to revive the iconic short-video app Vine. The new project, called deVine, has secured funding from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. It promises a return to the platform’s creative, human-centric roots with one major rule: no AI-generated content allowed.

The initiative taps into widespread nostalgia for Vine’s six-second video format. It also addresses growing user frustration with algorithm-driven, AI-saturated social media feeds. According to Rolling Stone, the beta waitlist already has over 145,000 people.

Nostalgia Meets a New Social Media Philosophy

Evan Henshaw-Plath, the project’s founder, was Twitter’s first employee. He tells Rolling Stone the goal is to “reclaim social media by and for people.” The deVine app will host an archive of thousands of original Vine videos. Crucially, it will integrate technology from the software nonprofit Guardian Project to block AI-made posts.

This anti-AI stance is a direct response to what Henshaw-Plath calls “enshittification.” He believes current platforms prioritize profit and AI engagement over genuine human connection. deVine seeks to be a fun, controlled escape from modern doom-scrolling.

Can a Vintage Vibe Find a Modern Audience?

The original Vine was shut down by Twitter in early 2017. In its short lifespan, it created internet celebrities and lasting memes. Its spirit influenced successors like TikTok. However, Henshaw-Plath argues something uniquely pure was lost—the challenge of distilling humor and story into just six seconds without algorithmic manipulation.

The team is now restoring archived videos and reaching out to original creators. Questions about long-term monetization and ads remain for later. For now, the focus is on rebuilding a community-driven space. The massive waitlist suggests a real appetite for this alternative.

The deVine app represents a bold experiment to reverse modern social media trends. This Vine reboot is betting that users crave authentic, human-made content more than ever.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the deVine app?

deVine is a new social media app aiming to revive the spirit of Vine. It is being developed by early Twitter employee Evan Henshaw-Plath and is funded by Jack Dorsey’s nonprofit.

How is deVine different from the original Vine?

A core difference is its built-in technology to prevent AI-generated content. It also launches with a large archive of original Vine videos that volunteers saved before the platform shut down.

When will deVine be available to the public?

The app is currently in a limited beta testing phase. There is a significant public waitlist, but a full public launch date has not yet been announced by the development team.

Why are the founders against AI content?

The founder believes AI content is being forced on users and degrades genuine human connection online. The goal is to create a space focused on authentic, human creativity.

Will old Vine creators be involved?

Yes. The deVine team is contacting original Vine creators. They are discussing whether these creators want their old accounts and content restored on the new platform.