Rebuilding Trust: SaySo’s Mission to Restore Faith in News

The Rise of SaySo: A New Approach to Curated News

In today’s digital age, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become go-to sources for news updates. However, concerns about misinformation and excessive clutter in feeds have led to a growing distrust among users. This shift in trust is evident not only in social media platforms but also in traditional news outlets, with only 56% of U.S. adults expressing trust in national news media.

Amidst this backdrop, SaySo emerges as a beacon of hope for those seeking a more reliable and intentional news experience. This new short-form video app, currently available for iOS users in the U.S. and Canada, aims to provide curated news from vetted creators and independent journalists. SaySo sets itself apart by offering a personalized news experience that prioritizes quality over quantity, steering clear of the endless scrolling typical of other platforms.

One of SaySo’s standout features is the Daily Digest, where users can select topics of interest such as politics, social issues, public health, or crime. The app then curates a set of videos tailored to the user’s preferences, refreshing the selection every 20 hours.

For users looking to explore a wider range of topics, SaySo offers an Explore page where additional content from various creators can be discovered. The app also includes standard features such as the ability to follow, like, save, comment, and share content.

A key differentiator for SaySo is its emphasis on transparency and trust. Creators on the platform are required to cite sources within their videos, fostering credibility with users. The app utilizes a combination of human and AI moderation, along with source validation, to ensure the integrity of the content shared.

Dion Bailey, co-founder and CTO of SaySo, highlights the platform’s rigorous moderation process, stating, “Content doesn’t auto-publish. Everything goes through a moderation queue to catch any potential issues before they reach the audience. In case of a violation, we investigate, address it with the creator, and take appropriate action.”

In addition to its existing features, SaySo is working on a “community notes” feature that will allow users to engage in a crowd-sourced fact-checking process similar to other social media platforms.

At its launch, SaySo introduced around 30 creators, including individuals like Nico Agosta, Dr. Victoria, and Isabel Ravenna, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the platform.

Regarding creator compensation, Ramin Beheshti, CEO and co-founder of SaySo, explains that many creators have joined as founding partners and receive a stipend from the outset. The platform plans to implement a monetization infrastructure in the future, with the majority of revenue going directly to creators.

Beheshti’s background as the former chief product and tech officer at Dow Jones underscores SaySo’s commitment to delivering quality news content. SaySo is the flagship app of Caliber, formerly known as The News Movement, which rebranded in 2025 to focus on social, short-form journalism.

Looking ahead, SaySo has ambitious plans for expansion, with upcoming launches in the U.K. and other markets in the pipeline for 2026 and 2027. Beheshti envisions SaySo as a transformative news product that addresses the information overload prevalent in today’s media landscape, offering users a more meaningful and trustworthy news experience.