Ello Sees Surge of Interest in Ad-free Social Networking

Ello, the ad-free social network, has attracted a surge of interest in the last week. Created by Kidrobot founder Paul Budnitz, the site is still in beta and is currently invite-only, but it cracked Google’s top 10 hot trends list on Wednesday, and Betabeat reports that Ello is getting nearly 4,000 requests to join an hour.

Facebook frustration seems to be at the root of the Ello’s sudden popularity. The Daily Dot reported that Facebook’s real-name policy has driven “an exodus” of LGBTQ users away from the social stalwart due to the policy’s discrimination toward drag performers and those who use pseudonyms for safety or other professional reasons.

“You don’t have to use your ‘real name’ to be on Ello.