Built by CodesClue

Akcru

Movie Invite Tickets, chat that unlocks on acceptance and watching together in sync, with VIP premieres for new films, on iOS, Android, Android TV and the web.

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Industry: Media and entertainment
What we did: Film launch platform: apps, TV, web and backend
Platforms: iOS, Android, Android TV, Web
Stack: React Native
WordPress

In numbers

platforms: iOS, Android, Android TV and web: 4
early access for VIP members on a film launch: 72h
API and sign-in behind every app: 1

Overview

Akcru calls itself connective entertainment: not just streaming, not just chatting, not just dating. People send each other a Movie Invite Ticket, chat opens only once the invite is accepted, and they watch the film together in sync. New films can launch on Akcru with a VIP screening first. CodesClue built the product across every screen it runs on.

Akcru wanted to replace endless messaging with a shared moment. Its line is "DMs are dead. Send a MIT instead." The product had to make that one action simple on a phone, keep the conversation closed until both people had said yes, and then put them in front of the same film at the same time.

New films launch with their own VIP screening page. For Drop Zone Everest, VIP members get 72-hour early access and a $4.99 VIP screening price, a trailer, a Screening Room with the cast and creative team, and a Meet the Cast section, then watch in the Akcru app on iOS or Android. For premieres on the big screen there is a TV app, built for one film at a time.

Our approach

We treated Akcru as one product on four screens, not four projects: the same brand, the same films and one backend behind the apps and the TV app.

One action at the centre
Every flow starts from the Movie Invite Ticket: send it, accept it, and the rest of the experience opens from there.
Understanding the vision first
Akcru's brand is the product, from the neon look to the words on each button. We built to its creative direction rather than to a generic streaming template.
A launch page for every film
VIP screening pages that the Akcru team can open for each new title, with the sign-up, the offer and the behind-the-scenes content in one place.
The big screen as a premiere
The TV app is designed for the remote and the living room: one film owns the screen, from the opening to the watch button.

Challenges and how we solved them

A social product and a film launch business share one platform, and each screen has different rules.

CodesClue built the apps, the TV app, the website with its VIP film pages, and the backend behind them.

Challenge
Four platforms, one product
The iOS and Android apps, the TV app and the website all had to look, sound and behave like the same Akcru.

Solution
iOS and Android apps
Send a Movie Invite Ticket, accept one, chat once both people are in, and watch together in sync.
Challenge
Chat that has to be earned
Conversation opens only after an invite is accepted, so the rule had to hold on every device and every path into the app.

Solution
Backend, API and login
One API and one sign-in service behind the phone apps and the TV app.
Challenge
Launches on a timetable
VIP members get in before the public release, so early access, pricing and reminders had to line up with each film's launch.

Solution
VIP screening pages
A page per film with the VIP sign-up, early-access offer, trailer, Screening Room, cast and FAQ, and optional text reminders.
Challenge
A TV app that feels like an event
A premiere on the television needed to feel like a night out, while staying simple to use with a remote.

Solution
Android TV premiere app
A React Native app for the big screen, built around a single film and navigated with the remote.

How it works

On Akcru, a film is something you share, not something you scroll past.

A person sends a Movie Invite Ticket for a film.
The invite is accepted, and chat unlocks for the two of them.
They watch the film together, in sync.
New films can open first to VIP members, who watch before everyone else.

CodesClue has exceeded our expectations!!! Their professionalism, communication, and ability to execute have been exceptional. What impressed us most was their ability to truly understand our vision for Akcru a first of its kind Film Launch Platform, and bringing it to life. Not just technically, but in a way that reflected our vision. They've been responsive, collaborative, and committed throughout the entire process. CodesClue is exactly the company they say they are and more. And based on our experience, even better. Highly recommended.

Anthoni StyvensCo-Founder & CEO, Akcru

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