I’ve been thinking a lot about how we stay in touch.

Most of the apps we use today are built for visibility. They reward speed, reactions, and constant activity. And even when you care about the people you’re talking to, it can start to feel… loud. Like connection has to be performed instead of simply felt.

Loquee started as a quiet experiment:

What would an app look like if staying connected could be more low-key?

Not another feed. Not another place to keep up.

Just a small space for small circles — a few people who matter, checking in with each other gently.

What Loquee actually is

Loquee isn’t social media. There are no likes, no public profiles, and no metrics to keep track of.

Instead, you create private circles with a handful of people. Inside those circles, you’ll find simple check-ins — small prompts that make it easier to say how you’re really doing, without having to start a full conversation.

You can respond when you want.

You can stay quiet when you need to.

And sometimes, just being there is enough.

The name “Loquee” is a play on low-key — that feeling when something matters, but you don’t want to make a big deal out of it. Low-key checking in. Low-key missing someone. Low-key being present without pressure.

How people might use Loquee

There isn’t one “right” way to use it — and that’s kind of the point. But here are a few ideas I’ve seen or imagined:

• Chosen family groups
  A small circle where you can check in weekly without the noise of group chats.
• Friendships that don’t need constant texting
  People who care about each other but don’t want to keep up a fast-paced conversation.
• Long-distance connections
  Staying emotionally close even when life gets busy.
• Neurodivergent or low-energy spaces
  Places where replying immediately isn’t expected and silence doesn’t feel like failure.
• Creative or reflective circles
  Sharing thoughts or moods without turning it into content.
• Quiet support groups
  Where someone can say “I’m here” without needing to explain everything.

You might use Loquee every day. Or once a week. Or only when you need it. That’s intentional.

A note about privacy and technology

I want to be transparent about how Loquee works behind the scenes.

The app currently runs on Google Firebase, which helps handle things like secure login, data syncing, and notifications. Using Firebase allows Loquee to stay lightweight and reliable while I build and improve it.

Importantly:

• Your data is not tied to your personal Google account.
• You don’t need a Google profile to use Loquee.
• Google does not see who you are or who you’re talking to inside the app.

I chose Firebase because it makes it possible to build something small and independent without collecting unnecessary information myself. At the same time, I know that some people feel unsure when they hear the word “Google,” and that’s completely valid.

Nothing here is hidden — and if knowing that Loquee runs on Firebase doesn’t feel right for you, that’s okay. Transparency matters more to me than trying to convince everyone.

Why it feels different

Loquee starts anonymously. There are no usernames or profiles to manage. Customization focuses on the space you share together, not on presenting yourself.

Even small details — like the way themes work or how responses are shown — are designed to avoid comparison. Everyone’s words sit next to each other equally. No one is more visible than anyone else.

The goal isn’t engagement.

It’s permission.

Permission to connect in a way that feels low-key and human.

You can try Loquee on TestFlight

Loquee is still evolving, and I’d love to know how it feels to use in real life.

It’s early, and things will change — but that’s part of the process. Feedback, quiet observations, and honest experiences all help shape where Loquee goes next.

A small experiment

Loquee isn’t trying to replace messaging apps or communities. It’s just a small experiment in making space for connection that doesn’t ask for more than you can give.

If you’ve ever felt low-key overwhelmed by loud apps, or low-key wanted a softer way to stay close to people, maybe this will resonate.

And if it doesn’t — that’s okay too.

Thanks for being part of this little experiment.