SOC-0035: Prototype a YikYak Clone as an AT Protocol Service

Project size: 3 months

Estimated difficulty: Hard

Recommended Skills

• Proficiency in TypeScript and Node.js
• Familiarity with the AT Protocol and Bluesky ecosystem
• Experience with distributed systems and real-time messaging
• Knowledge of geospatial indexing and location-based services
• Experience with React (or another modern frontend framework)

Description

Centralized “hyperlocal” networks like YikYak demonstrated the power — and pitfalls — of anonymous, location-based microblogging. This project will build a prototype of a YikYak-style service on top of AT Protocol, leveraging its distributed architecture to create a decentralized local feed. This project will:

1. Implement an AT Protocol AppView and Lexicon (e.g., @atproto/server) that supports geotagged posts and local-radius queries.
2. Implement privacy-preserving location handling, allowing users to opt in/out of precise geotagging and to specify visibility radii.
3. Build a client application (web and mobile-responsive) that lets users post anonymously, browse nearby feeds, upvote/downvote, and flag content.
4. Integrate real-time updates via an AT Protocol Relay (com.atproto.sync) to deliver live local feed changes.
5. Provide basic moderation tools, such as on-chain content flagging and centralized review workflows via Ozone.

This hybrid approach — combining decentralized protocol work with a user-facing client — will explore the feasibility of ephemeral, location-aware social microblogging on a decentralized network.

Expected Results

• An AT Protocol AppView server with:
  • Geotagged post schema and storage
  • Local feed query endpoints (e.g. posts within x km)
  • Opt-in privacy toggles for geolocation
• A client demonstrating:
  • Anonymous posting and browsing of local content
  • Real-time feed updates via push subscriptions
  • Upvote/downvote and flagging UI
• Automated tests covering server and client core features
• Deployment scripts and developer documentation