Amino
Amino was a social networking platform and mobile app built around topic-based communities, especially fandoms and niche interests.
Amino was a social networking platform and mobile app organized around topic-based communities, particularly fandoms and niche interests. Launched in 2012 by Narvii, Inc., it was acquired by MediaLab AI Inc. in January 2021 and ceased operations on December 19, 2025.
History
Amino was created by Yin Wang and Ben Anderson in 2010 and launched as a mobile app in 2012. The platform was developed by Narvii, Inc. In January 2021, MediaLab AI Inc. acquired Amino. The service continued operating until December 19, 2025, when it shut down.
Platform features
Amino organized users into topic-specific communities focused on fandoms, hobbies, and other niche interests. Within these communities, users could post blogs, participate in chats, create polls, and contribute to wikis. The platform was designed to allow user-generated content and community-driven moderation.
Audience and use
Amino was especially popular among teenagers and interest groups. Prominent community categories included anime, gaming, music, and television. The platform attracted users internationally, including in Canada, where it was used by fans of various online subcultures without a specific Canada-focused operation.
Closure
Amino ceased all operations on December 19, 2025. Reports in late 2025 described the shutdown as occurring after server failures. The closure followed a pattern of declining community platforms, such as Yahoo Answers, which shut down in 2021. Unlike Odnoklassniki, which remains active, Amino was unable to sustain its user base. Chaturnate, another niche platform, also faced similar challenges.
Key facts
- Amino was a community-based social media app centered on shared interests and fandoms.
- It was created by Yin Wang and Ben Anderson and launched in 2012.
- The platform was originally developed by Narvii, Inc. and acquired by MediaLab AI Inc. in January 2021.
- Amino allowed users to post blogs, chat, create polls, and build wikis within topic-specific communities.
- The service stopped operating on December 19, 2025.
Amino was used internationally, including by Canadian users interested in fandom and niche online communities, but the available sources do not indicate a specific Canadian origin or Canada-focused operation.
Frequently asked questions
What was Amino?
Who created Amino?
When did Amino launch?
Who owned Amino later in its life?
When did Amino shut down?
What kinds of communities were on Amino?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amino_(app)Supports: Creation, launch, acquisition, and shutdown dates
- Wikipedia (Catalan) — https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amino_(xarxa_social)Supports: Community-based description and launch details
- Amino Support — https://support.aminoapps.com/hc/en-us/articles/360025978293-What-is-AminoSupports: Official description of Amino as a network of communities
- Amino Support — https://support.aminoapps.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002408914-How-Does-Amino-WorkSupports: How communities and platform features worked
- Wired — https://www.wired.com/story/amino-apps-anonymity/Supports: Platform structure and anonymity-related features
- Marketing Week — https://www.marketingweek.com/disruptive-brands/amino/Supports: Interest-based community model and examples of community topics