Imagine having a single platform where you can discover, create, and share lists of your favorite books, movies, restaurants, and skincare routines. This is the vision behind Hypelist, a new app founded by Alfonso Cobo, a former Squarespace employee. Cobo's goal is to unify online recommendations and list-building, providing users with a one-stop-shop for all their discovery needs.

The idea for Hypelist was born out of Cobo's observation of people seeking recommendations on social media, but struggling to keep track of suggestions and share them with others. "People were using makeshift solutions like WhatsApp, spreadsheets, or notes apps, and I thought there had to be a better way to get recommendations," Cobo explained in an interview. With Hypelist, users can create lists across different categories, filter through featured lists, and even collaborate with friends on a single list.

The app's home screen showcases lists created by other users, allowing for discovery and inspiration. A recent update introduced a comments feature, enabling users to engage with lists and provide feedback. Furthermore, Hypelist is integrating an AI chatbot that can answer questions like "What is a good burger restaurant in Brooklyn?" or "What are some of the best movies of 2024?" The AI assistant will also provide personalized suggestions based on the topic and items already added to a user's list.

Since its launch in January, Hypelist has seen "good traction," with users creating an average of three lists each. The company is now exploring revenue streams, including a potential subscription plan dubbed "Hypelist Ultra." This plan, set to launch in the next few months, will cost $2.99 per month and offer unlimited AI assistant calls, private lists, and better customization options for paying users. Cobo emphasized that the company aims to rely on subscription and brand partnerships rather than displaying ads.

Hypelist is not the only player in the list-building and recommendation space. Startups like France-based Memorizer and India-based Openvy are also working on creating social experiences around lists and recommendations. Additionally, Linktree's CEO Alex Zaccaria has expressed interest in building curation tools on his platform. However, Hypelist's topic-agnostic approach and AI-powered features set it apart from existing solutions.

As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how users respond to its unique features and whether it can establish itself as a go-to destination for online recommendations. With its focus on collaboration, personalization, and discovery, Hypelist has the potential to revolutionize the way we find and share new content online.