Starly: Social Media App for Content Creators
Built a React Native video-sharing app with Supabase for Pakistani comedian Sajjad Jani.
Starly: Social Media App for Content Creators
I built Starly, a video-sharing platform for Pakistani comedian and dubbing artist Sajjad Jani. The app lets creators upload, share, and monetize content without copyright restrictions.
🎯 The Problem
Sajjad Jani is a renowned Punjabi comedian, but copyright issues prevented him from fully sharing his work on mainstream platforms like YouTube. He needed his own platform to distribute content directly to fans.
🛠️ Solution: React Native + Supabase
Tech Stack
- React Native with Expo: Cross-platform mobile development (iOS/Android from one codebase)
- Supabase: Open-source backend with PostgreSQL, authentication, and file storage
- Expo: Simplified React Native setup and deployment
Core Features
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Secure signup and login |
| Video Upload | Direct video posting to platform |
| Feed | Chronological video timeline |
| Engagement | Likes, comments, notifications |
| Social | Follow creators, build community |
| Inbox | Direct messaging between users |
| Profiles | Creator pages with content history |
📱 User Interface
| Login | Signup | Feed | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
📊 Key Achievements
- MVP launched in 8 weeks: Video upload, feed, engagement, and messaging functional
- Zero copyright friction: Content owners have full control; no platform restrictions
- Real user base: Sajjad’s existing fanbase migrated to the platform
- Technical stability: Supabase handled 10K+ monthly active users without issues
💡 Key Learnings
- React Native with Expo reduces time-to-market: Eliminated need to maintain separate iOS/Android codebases
- Supabase is production-ready: Real-time database, auth, and storage without DevOps overhead
- Creator economics matter: Users will migrate if the value proposition is clear (in this case: no copyright restrictions)
- Video handling is complex: Compression, transcoding, and delivery require careful optimization
- Community features drive retention: Likes, comments, and messaging keep users engaged