Steppin, a novel iOS app, is revolutionizing the way we approach fitness and screen time management. By combining the two, Steppin aims to bridge the gap between physical and mental health, encouraging users to be more active and mindful of their social media usage.

The app, co-founded by Paul English, who previously launched travel search engine Kayak, works by blocking access to social media apps unless users meet their daily step goals. This innovative approach allows users to earn time on their favorite social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, by achieving their daily step targets.

The idea for Steppin was born during a vacation in Spain, where English, his son Michael, and fiancè Rachel Cohen realized that despite being surrounded by beautiful scenery, they were constantly glued to their phones, scrolling through social media. They saw an opportunity to tie physical activity to screen time management, promoting a healthier balance between the two.

Users can customize the app to suit their needs, deciding how many steps are required to earn one minute of screen time. This flexibility allows users to set goals that are either aggressive or lenient, depending on their individual preferences. Additionally, Steppin doesn't just connect with social media apps; users can also cut back on other time-consuming apps, such as Netflix or certain games.

While Steppin is being marketed towards Gen Z, English believes the app can benefit people of all ages. He himself has been using Steppin to reduce his social media usage, and has found that it applies to everyone, regardless of age. "We have found through just talking to friends and families that a lot of parents say, 'I want my teenager to have this, my 12-year-old is addicted,' And then some adults are saying, 'Yeah, I too, have a problem, it's not just Gen Z, I find that I'm on my phone too much and I'm not getting out of the house enough.'"

At launch, Steppin is available for free, but the company plans to offer it through an annual subscription model in the future, with an expected price point of around $20. Looking ahead, Steppin aims to expand its features, allowing users to log physical activities like yoga classes to earn social media time. A leaderboard will also be introduced, enabling users to track their progress and compete with friends.

Steppin is now available for download on iOS, with an Android rollout planned for the coming weeks. As the app gains traction, it will be interesting to see how users respond to this innovative approach to fitness and screen time management.

In a world where screen time addiction is a growing concern, Steppin offers a unique solution that encourages physical activity while promoting responsible social media usage. With its customizable approach and expanding feature set, Steppin has the potential to make a significant impact on the way we approach our digital lives.