The internet abounds with fascinating and practical websites, making it understandable why individuals seek to preserve them for future reference. While bookmark managers, note-taking applications, and read-it-later services like Pocket offer ways to collect and organize links, the sheer volume and diversity of links across multiple platforms and apps present a significant challenge.
Addressing this issue with a novel approach that emphasizes customization is Plinky, an application developed by former Twitter engineer Joe Fabisevich.
Plinky, available for iPhones, iPads, and Apple silicon Macs, provides users the ability to save links to web pages, applications, videos, images, and even app store listings. It allows users to neatly label and organize these links into various folders, with customization options for labels and folders as well as the appearance of each saved link.
Moreover, Plinky includes a robust search function and the ability to pin important links for quick access. The app can be conveniently added to the Share menu, facilitating the quick sharing and saving of links from virtually any source—browsers, other applications, and messaging platforms—with just a few taps. The save animation also adds a pleasing visual touch to the process.
Fabisevich, in an interview with TechCrunch, shared that his motivation to create the app stemmed from frequently sending his fiancée numerous links, including tweets, articles, videos, and memes. Although she appreciated the thought, she expressed that it was often distracting and suggested he save some of the content for later. This feedback prompted Fabisevich to develop Plinky.
The founder believes that a link-saving app should prioritize simplicity in its design. While acknowledging that apps like Pocket and Instapaper are excellent for reading, he pointed out that these platforms may not be ideally suited for handling multimedia content such as videos and photos.
Fabisevich has developed browser extensions for Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, alongside seamless integrations with the RSS reader Unread, iOS Shortcuts, and Zapier. An open API is also available, enabling third-party developers to create additional integrations for a wider range of platforms.
The free version of the service allows users to save up to 50 links, create a maximum of five labels, and organize content into three folders. To unlock unlimited features, users can opt for a subscription at $3.99 per month or $39.99 annually. Alternatively, lifetime access is available for a one-time fee of $159.99.
In the realm of bookmarking applications, Plinky exhibits notable shortcomings when juxtaposed with Raindrop, a well-established competitor. Raindrop extends its functionality across diverse platforms, including Android, Mac (Intel), and Windows, while also offering extensive integrations. Its free tier is particularly generous, allowing users to save unlimited links and bookmarks. Nevertheless, Raindrop demonstrates inefficiencies with YouTube and App Store links, channeling them through its internal browser instead of directing users to native applications—a flaw effectively addressed by Plinky.
Plinky’s organizational capabilities outshine traditional browser bookmark managers, offering a user-friendly interface to classify links with folders and labels.
The creator of Plinky, Fabisevich, acknowledges his experience with Raindrop but expresses a desire to craft a more universally accessible solution. “Raindrop describes itself as ‘designed for creatives, built for coders,’” he remarks. “While that’s admirable, it caters to a narrow audience. I envisioned a tool that serves a broader spectrum of users by providing a universal inbox for their links.”
From the moment a link is saved in Plinky, its unobtrusive design becomes apparent, allowing the app to perform its function without unnecessary distractions. This contrasts with Raindrop’s approach, which necessitates immediate categorization, potentially complicating the initial user experience.
What’s next for Plinky?
In the upcoming months, Fabisevich plans to enhance the app with improved organizational and customization capabilities. He aims to streamline the process of importing links from established services such as GoodLinks, Raindrop, and Pocket, allowing users to easily migrate their existing bookmark and clipping libraries.
Additionally, the founder intends to introduce secure folders for storing sensitive links, an integrated reading experience within the app, and functionality to set reminders for links intended for later review. A native Mac application is also on the roadmap, addressing the limitation that the current version is an iPad app only compatible with MacOS devices powered by Apple silicon.
One notable feature of the app is its support section, which includes a list of forthcoming features that users can vote on. Development prioritization is based on user votes, ensuring that the most desired features are implemented first.
Over the long term, Fabisevich aims to develop more tailored workflows for saving and prioritizing links, accompanied by an enhanced search experience.
