Jack Dorsey Revives Vine with diVine, Preserving Original Video Archive
In an effort to revive the beloved short video format, Jack Dorsey has launched a new project called diVine. This app aims to bring back Vine’s iconic six-second looping videos, alongside an extensive archive of content.
diVine Launches with Archive Access
On Thursday, diVine was introduced, giving users access to over 100,000 archived Vine videos. These videos were restored from a backup created prior to Vine’s shutdown in 2016, ensuring that this nostalgic content is preserved. The app also provides users the opportunity to create profiles and upload new videos.
Combatting Generative AI Content
Unlike traditional social media platforms that often host generative AI material, diVine aims to flag and prevent suspected AI-generated content from being uploaded. This commitment to authenticity enhances user control over content on the platform.
Funding and Development
Dorsey’s nonprofit, “and Other Stuff,” founded in May 2025, financially supports diVine. The initiative focuses on funding open-source projects that could change the social media landscape.
Evan Henshaw-Plath, known by the nickname Rabble, played a critical role in developing diVine. As an early Twitter employee, he delved into the archives created by the Archive Team, a group dedicated to preserving forgotten internet content.
The Archive Restoration Process
When Vine was shut down, its videos were saved as large binary files, which were not easily accessible. Rabble spent months writing scripts to extract and reconstruct these videos along with user data, including engagement metrics and original comments.
User Experience and Copyright
DiVine currently offers a significant collection of popular Vine videos, though some niche content is missing. Rabble estimates the app features between 150,000 to 200,000 videos from approximately 60,000 creators, compared to Vine’s original millions of users.
- Vine content creators retain ownership of their videos.
- Creators can file DMCA requests to remove their content.
- Verification for ownership requires proof of access to original accounts.
New Upload Verification
New videos uploaded to diVine will be verified using technology from the Guardian Project, ensuring that content is human-made. This feature helps maintain the platform’s integrity and authenticity.
The Role of Nostr in diVine
DiVine is built on Nostr, a decentralized protocol endorsed by Dorsey, allowing developers to create their own apps easily. Dorsey expressed his vision for the project, emphasizing the importance of permissionless protocols that facilitate creativity without corporate constraints.
Consumer Demand for Authenticity
Despite the rise of generative AI content, Rabble believes there is a strong desire among consumers for authentic, non-AI-generated social experiences. He pointed out the nostalgia for the early days of social media, where community building was prioritized over algorithm-driven engagement.
DiVine is now available for both iOS and Android users at diVine.video, offering a blend of nostalgia and modern functionality.
