If you're looking for a different, thoughtful, and engaging way to chat casually, Slowly offers a unique experience: it's an app where messages arrive with a purposeful delay, like true virtual letters, creating a more meaningful connection with other people around the world. You can download it below:
Slowly: Making Friends by Letter
Android
Usability and user experience
Slowly was designed to evoke the nostalgic atmosphere of pen pals, but adapted to the digital age. The interface is clean and welcoming: users create a nickname and avatar, then choose between browsing profiles or being "matched" with someone through an algorithm based on interests or location. Sending "letters" simulates the real-life experience, with a delay ranging from 30 minutes to 60 hours, depending on the distance between sender and recipient. This mechanic gives weight to the message's content, reinforcing a more introspective and less impulsive experience.
Exclusive and differential features
Slowly's most striking feature is precisely this conscious latency: a message takes time to reach the other person, making each exchange more valuable. Furthermore, users can collect virtual stamps—which accompany the letters—representing places or events, making the experience both playful and collectible. Stamps can be earned on special occasions or purchased with "Slowly Coins," earned through purchases or by viewing ads.
Other features include support for photos and audio notes, provided the recipient allows, which enriches communication and allows for greater expressiveness.
Strengths and differences
- Deeper connection: Deferred sending makes conversations reflective, without the urgency of instant chats.
- Collectible elements: Virtual stamps add a special charm to correspondence.
- Variety and customization: personalization via avatar and nickname, choice of interests and location filter create a more personalized and welcoming environment.
- Multimedia with consent: Photos and audio are allowed, but respecting the recipient's choice.
Performance and stability
Slowly launched in 2017 for iOS and in 2018 for Android. Since then, it has gained prominence, being nominated for "Best Innovative App" in 2019 on Google Play, and surpassed 1 million users earlier that year. Recently, in September 2023, the "Open Letters" feature was introduced, allowing users to share open letters for others to read and increase their chances of connecting. These regular updates mean the app continues to evolve, maintaining strong performance and active support for its users.
User Experience
Users report that Slowly transforms conversations into something more thoughtful and meaningful. Reading and writing letters encourages a more reflective and emotional approach, unlike the rush of casual chat apps. The combination of anonymity—through nicknames—and personalization—with avatars and badges—creates a space that's both personal and communal. Exchanging letters with time and care also sparks curiosity about the person on the other end, without rushing and with more emotion.
Overview of strengths
- Originality: chat with intentional delay, in letter format.
- Emotional engagement: each message has value and built-in expectation.
- Light gameplay: Stamps as collectibles make the experience fun.
- Enriched communication: photos and audio available with consent.
- Constant updates: award-winning apps and an active development team.
- Reflective and welcoming environment: ideal for those who value depth more than speed.
Slowly: Making Friends by Letter
Android
Conclusion
If you're looking for a creative and emotionally rich way to chat casually—away from the rush of instant messaging— Slowly delivers an atmosphere of literary and human encounter. Each letter is a gesture of presence, an invitation to read calmly. An app that transforms the simple act of conversation into something more precious and memorable. And best of all: you can download it below via Google Play.