Animal-Only Video App Fureelz Reports 40% User Growth Since April Launch
Fureelz, a Maine-based short-form video app dedicated exclusively to animal content, has expanded to 76 countries despite a U.S.-only public relations rollout. Founder Ashley Quincey partnered with animal welfare groups to add donation tools, aiming to turn viewer joy into support for adoption and rescue.
forbes.comFureelz launched on April 9, 2026, as a global short-form video platform headquartered in Maine and dedicated exclusively to animal videos. Founder and CEO Ashley Quincey conceived of Fureelz after feeling anxious using other social media except when viewing animal videos. Quincey cited concerns about bullying on existing social platforms as one motivation for creating an animal-only alternative.
Fureelz partnered with Best Friends Animal Society and PetSmart Charities. Users see a “Donate Now” tab when viewing videos from the partnered nonprofits. Best Friends Animal Society operates the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the United States.
Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, said the organization was excited to participate. "As a national nonprofit working to save the lives of pets in shelters, Best Friends was excited to join this platform that focuses on the joy that pets and other animals bring us," Castle stated. " Fureelz has been downloaded in 76 countries.
The platform increased about 40 percent since its April 2026 launch. S. , miniature ponies from Sweden and Nigerian influencer Oga Duke. Fureelz was a featured start-up at the 2026 Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida, where Quincey said the booth was mobbed by brands and influencers.
Users upload videos of their pets and like videos by clicking a paw print rather than a heart or thumbs-up symbol. The platform uses AI moderation with safety protocols to prevent videos of animal abuse. Ashley Quincey has over 20 years of experience in the tech space.
She owns two dogs named Fozzy and Maisy, referred to as the “Chief Snack Officers” at Fureelz. Fureelz recently opened a regulation crowdfunding offering to build grassroots support from animal lovers rather than relying solely on venture capital. Quincey plans to expand partnerships with charities that help endangered species and to create a 501c3 organization that would allow users to donate quickly to animals affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes or wildfires.
Quincey said she hopes the platform offers lighter content and cited studies suggesting animal videos can reduce stress.
“Give joy, get joy." — Ashley Quincey, founder and CEO of Fureelz. forbes.com reported that Quincey aims for Fureelz to function as a palette cleanser when the world feels heavy.”
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 2026-04-09
Fureelz launches as a global short-form video platform dedicated to animal videos
1 sourceforbes.com - 2026-05-12
Forbes publishes profile detailing Fureelz growth, partnerships and future plans
1 sourceforbes.com - 2026-05-13
Current date; Fureelz continues post-launch growth and crowdfunding campaign
1 sourceforbes.com
Potential Impact
- 01
Potential for rapid international user growth beyond initial U.S. marketing focus
- 02
Increased donations to animal shelters and adoption programs through in-app prompts
- 03
Expansion of monetization options for animal-content creators without reliance on controversial engagement tactics
Transparency Panel
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