NGL, short for “not gonna lie” is an app that connects to a user’s Instagram, allowing users to share their thoughts and opinions with their followers anonymously. According to their website, users will be able to send or receive compliments, advice, questions, opinions and more.
The phrase is typically used when a person wants to honestly confess their thoughts or opinions about someone or something.
We’ve all had those burning questions we really need answered but are too afraid to ask. Maybe there’s a person we follow that we’ve always wanted to ask out on date but need to know if she’s into a 5’5 short king? Or maybe that one co-worker doesn’t use enough deodorant and you need to let them know without embarrassing them in person?
Launching worldwide in 2021 on both Apple and Android, NGL is free to download and hopes to provide a safe space for people online.
“We believe anonymity should be a fun yet safe place to express your feelings and opinions without shame. Young people don’t have a space to share their feelings without judgement from friends or societal pressures.” Says NGL on their website.
How to download and use NGL
- Download the app by visiting the website on your smartphone and selecting either the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and input your Instagram handle which will bring you to the PLAY tab.
- You should see your IG profile picture and the default question which is “send me anonymous messages”. However, a dice icon in the corner allows you to randomly generate another question such as or “tell me what you REALLY think about me!”, “drop a name for a tbh” and much more.
- Once you’ve decided on a question, tap the “copy link” button.
- Tap the “Share!” button beneath that which will redirect you to Instagram where it will open your story.
- Paste the link into your story and your followers will be able to tap on it to send messages straight to the INBOX section of the NGL app.
- Open the NGL app and you’ll see all of your followers’ responses and will be able to reply.
No time for haters
The app features built-in algorithms that are able to detect and filter out any content associated with cyber bullying or other potentially harmful content. The algorithm is also able to detect the alternative meanings of emojis in messages such as various fruits and vegetables being used in inappropriate contexts.
“Our algorithm can also detect the semantic meaning of emojis and our web scraper pulls specific examples of contextual emoji use. This means we stay on trend, we understand lingo, and we know how to filter out the bad stuff.”
If the detection algorithm fails, there’s always the option to report or block users should any harmful content reach your inbox.
NGL Pro membership
Despite claiming to be completely anonymous, the app can provide hints if you’re curious as to who sent a certain message but you’ll need to subscribe to NGL Pro for AED 36.50 per week. If you decide to do to that, you’ll be able to get exclusive hints that might help you figure out who sent a certain message.