Nepali Student in Australia Launches ‘Thopla’: A Global Social Media Network for Nepalis

Ujjwal Khanal, a native of Bharatpur, Chitwan, who moved to Australia three years ago to pursue a Master’s degree in Accounting, has developed a specialized social networking platform named ‘Thopla’ to connect Nepali communities across the globe.

Formally unveiled at a launch event in Kathmandu, Thopla aims to provide a unified digital ecosystem focused on Nepali culture, content creation, community engagement, and digital monetization. Over 13,000 users have joined the platform within five months of its updated release.

Features and Monetization for Creators

Thopla incorporates mainstream social network functionalities while embedding creator-centric monetization tools tailored for the Nepali demographic:

• Content & Reels: Users can post short-form videos (reels), share photo/text updates, host live video streams, and create multi-participant live audio rooms.
• Monetization & Gifting: The platform features a digital wallet and coin system. Users who reach 200 followers can receive virtual gifts from viewers, while creators with 500 followers become eligible for direct payouts based on view counts and ad revenue.
• Payment Integration: While currently utilizing international payment gateways, the development team is integrating domestic Nepalese e-wallets like eSewa and Khalti for seamless local withdrawals.

Connecting Migrant Workers and Emergency Features

Beyond entertainment, Thopla addresses key communication barriers faced by the Nepali diaspora. In several Gulf nations where popular messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Messenger face network restrictions, Thopla’s audio and video calling features have emerged as a reliable communication channel for migrant workers staying in touch with their families in Nepal.

Additionally, the team has integrated a ‘Nepal Crisis Response System’. Featuring an “I Am Safe” button, the tool allows users to broadcast immediate safety updates to their families and local communities during natural disasters or emergencies.

Future Roadmap

Khanal, who gained programming skills while completing his BBA in Nepal and currently works as a Zone Manager at an Australian IT firm, built Thopla alongside a dedicated team of engineers.

The team plans to roll out business promotion tools, local event ticketing, and expanded creator features, with the long-term vision of establishing Thopla as the primary digital home for the global Nepali community.