A Palo Alto-based search startup, Kagi, has unveiled new “Small Web” apps for iOS and Android, aimed at promoting non-commercial, human-authored content as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the internet. The initiative brings a curated selection of independent websites, including personal blogs, webcomics and niche video platforms, directly to mobile users.
Kagi said the “Small Web” concept draws inspiration from the early days of the internet, when individual creators and hobbyists dominated online spaces before the rise of large, ad-driven platforms. The company noted that such content is becoming increasingly difficult to find in today’s digital landscape, where AI-generated material and algorithm-driven feeds often overshadow independent voices.
First introduced in 2023, the Small Web project has now expanded beyond a dedicated website to include mobile applications, browser extensions and category-based filters. The platform allows users to explore more than 30,000 curated sites, with a discovery feature that randomly surfaces pages in a manner similar to early web exploration tools.
Users can refine their experience by selecting specific content types such as blogs, videos, code repositories and comics, while additional features enable bookmarking, tracking recently viewed pages and reading in a distraction-free mode. The goal, according to Kagi, is to make it easier for users to rediscover overlooked corners of the internet and engage with authentic, human-created content.
Despite the innovation, some users have raised concerns about the platform’s limitations, including its reliance on sites with active RSS feeds and occasional inclusion of content suspected to be AI-generated. Nevertheless, analysts say the initiative highlights a growing demand for curated, human-centred digital experiences, as debates continue over the future of online content in an AI-driven era.