In April 2026, two apps—Roost and Carrier Pidge—launched to let users send messages at the speed of virtual carrier pigeons, with Roost’s creator spending over $10,000 to keep the app running by July.
Two apps that mimic the slow, whimsical pace of carrier pigeons have captured attention this year, offering users a digital twist on analog communication. Roost Social and Carrier Pidge, both released in April 2026, allow messages to travel at speeds dictated by virtual birds, with delivery times ranging from minutes to days depending on distance. While the apps operate independently, their timing and features have sparked comparisons and curiosity about their creators’ inspirations.
How the Apps Work: Pigeons, Turtles, and a 0.2% Chance of Loss
Roost lets users choose from a variety of animals, including a red-eared slider turtle that moves at 1 mph, while Carrier Pidge exclusively uses pigeons flying at 110 mph in the app.
I just couldn’t get the idea out of my head and that night, I just started building the project,
said Noah Larrobino, the creator of Carrier Pidge, who developed the app in just three weeks using AI tools. Logan Mendelsohn, who built Roost, credited AI with helping refine the app’s code and artwork, though he later faced backlash for using AI-generated visuals, prompting him to launch an artist challenge to replace them with human-created designs.
From Jokes to Apps: The Creators’ Stories
Mendelsohn’s idea for Roost began 11 years ago during a European backpacking trip, when he jokingly suggested creating an app that would be so funny if it took a super long time to get there.
The concept resurfaced in 2025 when he posted a TikTok video about it, sparking interest. As a person who loves silly apps but also does the occasional birding, I need this app bad,
one user commented, according to USA Today.
Larrobino’s inspiration came more abruptly. I was just sitting on my couch one night and the idea just came to me,
he told USA Today. He used an AI chatbot to outline the app’s structure before relying on Claude Code, an AI coding assistant, to write much of the code. I just had a big smile on, just laughing the whole time while developing it,
he said.
In-App Purchases and the Cost of Keeping the Flock Alive
Both apps are free to download but feature in-app purchases. Roost users start with four animals and can buy more for 99 cents to $9.99. Mendelsohn revealed that keeping the app operational costs thousands, with over $10,000 spent in July according to a Google Cloud billing statement shared with USA Today. It’s always been a joke,
Mendelsohn said of the app’s premise, though he acknowledged the financial burden of maintaining it.
What’s Next for the Virtual Pigeon Flock?
Roost’s Mendelsohn plans to replace AI-generated artwork with user-submitted designs through an artist challenge, while both apps continue to refine their features.
For now, the virtual pigeons keep flying—slowly, deliberately, and with a dash of whimsy.
