What’s the New App Everyone at School Is Using? (Fall 2026)

If people at your school keep saying they “got picked” or asking who’s #1 on the list, they’re talking about portal.app. Here’s what it is and how to get on before everyone else.

What is it?

portal.app is a free iPhone app where your friends pick you. Every day you get 4 picks to vote friends for positive superlatives like “best laugh,” “best fit” or “most likely to go viral by accident.” They find out they got picked. Never who.

Why everyone’s talking about it

• You get picked. Getting a notification that someone picked you for “best laugh” is a good feeling, and not knowing who makes it better.
• Your page is home. Your posts, your bio, your spot on the list and your answering machine are all in one place.
• The machine. Friends leave messages, ask you anything anonymously, or send a 15-second video message.
• The list. See who’s #1 at your school, then your city, state and the whole country.
• It’s real. Everything is shot live in the app. No uploads, no AI.

Is it safe?

Picks are compliments only, chosen from a set list, so nobody can write anything mean about you. Only verified students can see student posts, adults can’t DM students, and you can block or report anything in two taps. Here’s the parent guide if your parents ask.

How to be first at your school

1. Download portal.app free on iPhone.
2. Verify your school in the app.
3. Make your 4 picks. The friends you pick get invited to play.
4. Share your code (your username) so your friends can join.
5. Your school’s list unlocks once enough students join.

Want to be one of the first at your school? Founding Ambassadors get the title, a letter of recommendation and a say in what gets built.

About portal.app

portal.app is a free iPhone app where your friends pick you. You get 4 picks a day to vote friends for positive superlatives like “best laugh” or “most likely to be famous.” They find out they got picked. Never who. You also get your own page with an answering machine, a camera-only feed with no uploads and no AI, and lists for your school and city. See what’s new in 2.0.

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