Recently, we’ve seen a lot of solutions for the streaming service doldrums. These are apps that promise to get you watching more of what you love, less of what you don’t — and fast. Usually, this involves bringing options from all the services you subscribe to into a single platform.
Unfortunately, many of these apps end up putting you in the same position as before. You still have to scroll through tons of options, just now in one place. They might do a little curating based on your taste, but every streaming service does that already.
Well, Likewise promises to do things a little bit differently. Does it succeed where others fail? Let’s find out.
What is Likewise?
Likewise is an app that brings together all the videos available to you across the streaming platforms you subscribe to. It recommends what to watch based on ratings you give movies and TV shows (and more).
But Likewise has two interesting twists that set it apart. The first is that it suggests new content for you based on other users with similar viewing habits, rather than an algorithm. While they aren’t the only app in the space to do this, it’s nice to see. They lean into this social aspect even further by allowing you to follow other users and ask the community questions for specific recommendations.
Likewise also goes into new territory by expanding beyond your subscription services and into the realm of books and podcasts. It seems like they want to be your one-stop for media recommendations.
When you take everything this app does together, it feels like a mixture between Letterboxd, Goodreads, and JustWatch.
The company’s Likewise TV app is a bit more specific. It brings all those shows and movie recommendations into one place, accessible through your computer or smart TV, and you can launch videos directly from there.
How do I use Likewise, and is it free?
You can use Likewise on Android, iOS, and in your browser. And the best part? It’s free.
Likewise TV can be downloaded on:
- Android TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
That wide availability and zero cost make it an attractive option for potential users. But, there is a catch.
Right now, the product isn’t monetized as it builds a user base. But eventually, there will be ad revenue or paid features (or both).
Is Likewise a good app?
If you find yourself looking for recommendations all the time, it might help you to get them all in one place. And if you prefer human-sourced suggestions to algorithm-generated ones, Likewise seems your best bet.
Making the deal even better, the app includes books and podcasts. So you might never need another website for media recommendations again.
The Likewise TV app, meanwhile, does make streaming more convenient, since you don’t have to hop around between platforms to search.
If all that sounds good, the multiple Likewise apps are a great (and free) option.
But does it address the issue it seeks to solve? Does it end the endless scroll?
Yes, as long as you engage with the community. If you just use the app to recommend new things, you’re back to square one — sitting in front of endless options.
Related: JustWatch: Your Movie Night Savior In 2022?