Sign up & sign in
Use email + password, phone OTP (SMS), or Google. New accounts verify both email and phone on one account; you can then log in with either.
1. Welcome to yb.zone
yb.zone is a location-first social app. Instead of an endless algorithmic feed, you see Vibes — short posts pinned to real map coordinates. Discover what is happening nearby, chat securely, join group Squads, and explore optional spaces like anonymous Rant Zone and AR Zone (Android).
Core idea: Start on the Map, branch into Discover for wider trends, and use Pulse for activity and encrypted direct messages.
2. Getting started
Onboarding
Pick your @handle, profile name, gender, date of birth, and optional city/bio. Grant location and notifications for the best map experience.
Where features live
Android app — full Map, Squads, AR, encrypted DMs. Web (yb.rant.zone/app) — Discover, Drop a Vibe, login, link phone/email.
4. Map (VibeMap)
What you see
Pulses on the map show Vibes; newer posts glow brighter. Swipe up the nearby sheet to browse pins in view. Tap clusters to zoom in.
Controls
- Search — places, hashtags, vibes, businesses
- Near me / World — recenter or zoom out
- Layers — map tint, Show businesses (🏪 at ~10–50 km zoom)
- Safety mode — Global, Women-only, or Men-only
Tap a vibe
Open detail: reactions, comments, report/block, Message for DMs, share, directions preview.
Businesses
Tap 🏪 → reviews, Pulse here (linked vibe), brand Claim when verified.
5. Discover
Browse beyond your map viewport: layered feed, Footprints (newest) vs Popular, hashtag trends, people search, and Following-only filter (heart icon). Tap posts to interact; use Follow on profiles you like.
6. Pulse — activity & messages
Activity shelf
Comments, mentions, joins, and safety notices — expand the top shelf on Pulse.
Direct messages
1:1 chats are end-to-end encrypted (MLS). Start from a profile or vibe → Message. Unread badges appear on Pulse.
7. Squads (group chat)
Pulse → SQUADS Mobile only. Create or join squads (up to 60 members), accept invites, explore public squads. Brand squads support custom reaction emojis and follower roles. Join via invite link → accept terms.
8. Profile
⋮ menu → Profile View and edit avatar, bio, privacy, trust score, followers/following, your vibe grid, and share link yb.rant.zone/u/yourhandle. Business accounts can manage brand content and location claims.
9. Rant Zone & AR Zone
Rant Zone
⋮ menu → Rant Zone Dark-themed, anonymous text feed — handle hidden. Compose, comment, search. Separate from map pins.
AR Zone (Android)
⋮ menu → AR Zone Requires ARCore. Time Capsule — anchored message/media at GPS + compass. Traces — lighter location traces in AR view.
10. Settings
⋮ menu → Settings
- Appearance — palette, accent, dock glass
- Map — overlay colour, businesses toggle, default safety mode
- Profile & privacy — visibility, bio, handle rules
- Account & security — password reset, link Google, delete account
- Legal — Privacy Policy, Terms of Service
- Feedback — bug reports and suggestions
11. Quick reference
| Feature | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Post a Vibe | Red + on Map |
| Browse nearby | Map → swipe up nearby sheet |
| Change safety mode | Map chip or Settings → Map |
| Direct messages | Bottom bar → Pulse |
| Squads | Pulse → SQUADS |
| Anonymous post | ⋮ menu → Rant Zone |
| AR experiences | ⋮ menu → AR Zone (Android) |
| My profile | ⋮ menu → Profile |
| Account / delete | Settings → Account & security |
| Report / block | Vibe detail or user profile |
| Link phone or email | Prompt after signup (new accounts) |
12. Glossary
- Vibe — Geo-post (text, mood, optional photo) at a map location.
- Pulse — Inbox tab: activity + DMs (not the map animation).
- Safety mode — Global, Women-only, or Men-only visibility lane.
- POI — Business listing on the map (reviews, pulses).
- Trust score — Profile reputation indicator.
- MLS / E2EE — Encryption used for 1:1 direct messages.
13. Support
Questions, bugs, or safety reports:
Web: Report a problem · Delete account.