Phony Texts Content Automation
The largest network of scripted storytelling on social media gets an automation boost
Project Duration: 5 months
Custom Automation Project
Learn how Phony Content and Findan Software created a custom web application for the Phony Texts social media empire.
The client
Sitcoms meet social media for a Gen-Z audience
Phony Content was founded by Gen-Z brothers Jesse and Simon Brooks in 2018. The L.A.-based duo took the sitcom formula and adapted it for a younger, more connected audience, telling stories through the lens of text conversations. The concept was a smash hit, quickly amassing thousands of viewers and fans for their flagship “Phony Texts” channels on social media.
The obstacle
Inefficient production holds Phony Texts back
The Phony Texts concept was wildly successful but difficult and time-consuming to produce.
A big part of the show’s popularity is due to its production quality, designed to closely mimic the appearance and experience of text messaging on Apple devices. After writing the script, the team would manually create the visual and audio elements of the show.
This inefficient process was holding Jesse and Simon back, keeping them from scaling their content creation business and growing their audience.
The opportunity
A custom web app automates storytelling
Phony Content needed a custom software solution that could help automate their production process. Jesse and Simon chose to work with Findan Software because our team explained technical terms in an easy-to-understand language that they could easily relate to their business needs.
Findan Software recommended an open, extensible application that semi-automates the building of stories using text and audio sound effects in an iMessage-style format.
The web app allows the Phony Content team to create semi-automated text message conversations through an easy-to-use XML editor. The user can control all aspects of the conversation, including the participants, typing speed and delays.
The result is fully animated shows that the team can easily export to a video file format for uploading to social media channels.
“Todd and his team at Findan Software did the perfect job. They are professional, detail-oriented and fantastic listeners. Their error-free work is a testament to their ability to ingest your vision and make it a reality.
Coming into this as a tech novice, I leaned heavily on this team’s experience and input. This is the first of many projects with Todd— and Findan. Cannot recommend anyone more.”
The Summit
The largest network of scripted storytelling on social media
Since we wrapped our automation project with Phony Content, the company has continued to experience incredible success. The company’s growth has literally translated into global impact, with Phony Texts programming now available in seven languages (German, French, English, Dutch, Arabic, Spanish, and Norwegian).
But Jesse and Simon’s story doesn’t end there. Their content creation company now boasts six Snapchat shows and an audience of more than 16m subscribers with 100m monthly video views across all of its social media channels.
Today, Phony Content is the largest network of scripted storytelling on social media. Findan Software is proud to be a part of its journey.
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