Stndby, a machine learning powered messaging platform —built with neuroscientists and clinical psychologists, launched the first custom digital wellness assistant that helps those affected by addiction through anticipatory wellness routines. The system is designed to offer encouragement, motivation, and teachings, giving users a pathway to practice healthier behaviors and develop deeper awareness and coping skills. It can connect people to resources such as nearby rehabilitation centers, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and live human support. The chatbot also reminds users to explore additional content that was developed as part of Viacom’s Listen campaign to reduce the stigma around addiction. It is an autonomous tool that offers safe, anonymous, personalized support for those struggling with addiction personally or supporting someone who is, as well as a “way to better see themselves in the world and build a stronger inner tool kit.”

Stndby and the accompanying HereToListen.com website launched concurrently on Oct.3rd 2017. Stndby is connected to the HereToListen.com supporting website allowing users to type in and submit their phone number on the website, and the digital wellness assistant would immediately text their phone to begin a conversation. This allowed the corresponding marketing efforts across, linear PSA, billboards, social and digital channels to provide a gateway into Stndby outside of the messaging platform.

Over three months

100k+ messages exchanged

Across 713 area codes

70% retention

Snapchat

1,713,548 impressions

815,337 video views

1. Stndby was used by individuals in 713 area codes. The majority of these area codes represented the more rural and isolated areas in the United States.

2. We discovered early after launch that over half the users were supporters of those suffering, so we quickly developed a "supporter conversational track" that addresses the nuanced needs of these often forgotten group tied to this epidemic.

3. The data also provided insight on new user experience functionality around increasing interactivity, such as journaling, which enhances the end users sense of connection, check-ins, which allows Stndby to check in with the end user.