Dostt App

Opening the app and the initial setup

The app launches with a splash screen featuring the Dostt logo. No tutorial. No walkthrough. The main screen appears within a few seconds. You see a "Get Started" button, a language selector, and a phone number input field. The interface is clean but basic. The color scheme is blue and white. The app asks for phone number verification via OTP. After verification, you set up a profile: add a name, age, gender, and a profile photo. The app requests camera and microphone permissions. You are then dropped into the main dashboard. The dashboard shows a list of suggested contacts, a call button, and a chat icon. The entire onboarding process takes about two minutes. The app does not explain how the matching algorithm works or how to start a conversation. You are left to figure it out on your own.

The clash between safety claims and user reports

The Play Store description explicitly states "100% safe & verified profiles" and "stringent content moderation." This is a key selling point. However, multiple users have reported the opposite. One reviewer on the App Store wrote: "There’s a few recorded voices in there, no actual people in there. Very creative scammer." Another reviewer on FoxData stated: "Fake app There was nothing in serious or nothing for fun. Just taking cash app. Should ban this app." Users have also reported fake profiles and fraud concerns. This is a critical contradiction. The app's advertised safety and the actual user experience do not align. The "verified profiles" claim appears to be a marketing tactic rather than a functional reality. This mismatch between promise and delivery is a major red flag. It suggests that the developer is either unaware of the issue or is deliberately misleading users. The "Bug fixes and improvements" changelog entries suggest that the developer is making some effort to address issues, but the persistent complaints about scams and fake profiles indicate that the core problem remains unresolved.

Real-world performance: ads, bugs, and crashes

The app's performance is a mixed bag. The core functionality is functional: you can make audio and video calls, send messages, and connect with other users. However, the user experience is heavily degraded by bugs and instability. Reviews consistently mention that the app is "full of bugs". Users have reported call issues on some devices, including inability to make calls or poor audio quality. One user on Google Support reported that their account was suspended without any reason. The app also suffers from performance issues, with some users describing it as "slow" or "laggy." The app's size (107.2 MB) is moderate, but the performance does not seem to justify the size. The developer, BEHTAR TECHNOLOGY PRIVATE LIMITED, is based in Bengaluru, India. The company is also known as Lokal, a hyperlocal platform that has raised significant funding. Despite this backing, the Dostt app appears to have persistent quality issues. The "Bug fixes and improvements" changelog entries are vague and do not provide specific details about what was fixed. This lack of transparency is a concern. The app's rating on Google Play is 3.58 from 36,000 ratings, which is mediocre. The iOS version has an even lower rating of 2.52 from 21 ratings. The mixed reviews and low ratings suggest that the app is not meeting user expectations.

The app's monetization strategy is also a point of contention. The app is free to download, but it offers paid coin packs for calls and gifts. Users have complained about high calling costs, with one review mentioning "60 rupees per minute". This pricing model can be expensive for users, especially in India where the app is primarily targeted. The app also faces competition from other social networking apps like FRND, Vibely, and Connecto. These competitors offer similar features, and some may have better pricing or user experiences. The app's positioning as a platform for "emotional well-being" and "expert conversations" is interesting, but it is not clear how this differentiates it from other social apps. The app's description mentions "verified professionals and trained listeners", but user reviews suggest that the app is primarily used for casual socializing rather than professional support. The lack of clear differentiation and the presence of scams and fake profiles undermine the app's credibility. The app's privacy policy states that data is encrypted in transit, but the overall security of the platform is questionable given the reports of scams.

The app's "No Judgement" feature is designed to provide a safe space for users to express themselves freely. However, the presence of scams and fake profiles contradicts this claim. Users who are looking for a safe and supportive environment may be disappointed. The app's "Native language" support for Hindi and Telugu is a positive feature, as it caters to the diverse linguistic needs of Indian users. However, the app's overall quality issues may overshadow this benefit. The app's "New friends" feature allows users to connect with random individuals. This can be a fun way to meet new people, but it also increases the risk of encountering fake profiles or scammers. The app's moderation system is supposed to address these issues, but user reports suggest that it is not effective. The combination of a mediocre user experience, persistent bugs, and a lack of trust makes for a frustrating experience. The app's ranking on the Google Play Store is not prominently displayed, but it is listed in the Social Networking category. The app's future success will depend on the developer's ability to address the core issues and rebuild user trust.