This archive report was first published on 22 June 2021.
June 22, 2021 - Opera has launched Hype Clubs, a new feature in its chat service Hype, allowing users to connect with others who share similar interests.
Available in Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia, Hype Clubs are public and interest-based group chats that enable users to find new friends and join communities centered around topics such as sports, gaming, arts, and software development.
"It's important to belong," said Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera. "Hype Clubs is a place where users can be themselves and spend time with others who share their hobbies and interests."
With Hype Clubs, users can easily find and join groups based on their interests, and even create their own Clubs to gather like-minded individuals. The communities are generally centered around specific topics, such as Euro 2020 or Minecraft.
Opera has also partnered with nine leading carriers in Sub-Saharan Africa to provide free data to users who browse with Opera Mini, allowing them to access Hype, news articles, and stay informed about local events.