As AI dominates the internet, Palo Alto-based search engine Kagi is offering its curated collection of non-commercial, human-authored websites to mobile devices through new “Small Web” apps for iOS and Android. The “Small Web,” according to Kagi, features sites created by individuals, such as personal blogs, webcomics, and independent videos.
These types of properties laid the foundation of the early web, before being overtaken by ad-supported models and large corporate platforms. They are also increasingly difficult to find in today’s web, where much content is AI-driven or AI-authored.
The search startup introduced its “Small Web” initiative in 2023 to highlight such content in its search results and through a dedicated website. In March, Kagi expanded these efforts with browser extensions, mobile apps, and a feature to filter results by category.
The Small Web website functions like a modern-day StumbleUpon, displaying a random selected site and allowing users to click “next” to discover more. The goal is to help users encounter parts of the web they might otherwise miss.
With categories, users can restrict discovery to topics of interest from over 30,000 “Small Web” sites in Kagi’s index.
These opportunities are present in Kagi’s new iOS and Android mobile apps and browser extensions. Users can choose content types to view, such as videos, blogs, code repositories, or comics. They can also check recently viewed or popular sites and read them in a distraction-free mode, save favorites, and revisit them later.
While the aim to enhance visibility for less-visited indie web parts is commendable—especially as AI content mimics human creation—some Kagi users express that the Small Web isn’t ambitious enough.
On Hacker News, a person noted that Kagi limits sites to those with active RSS feeds, excluding unique, single-purpose, or experimental pages from its collection. Another user was frustrated encountering a “Small Web” site potentially AI-written.
The notion of a human-curated web of content authored by humans remains appealing, particularly if Kagi’s original ambition of emerging as a premium Google alternative doesn’t transpire.
Meanwhile, people can propose new Small Web sites via its GitHub page.