Two former engineering students have transformed their viral toy invention into a Spider-Man-inspired wrist-mounted device that creates floating strings of light. Stephen Fazio, who studied at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Austin Hillam from Brigham Young University, developed the ZipString Aracna as an evolution of their original ZipString toy that captivated millions on social media.
The original ZipString toy uses a tiny motor to rapidly drive a string through the air in a continuous loop, creating an illusion that appears to defy physics. The invention first gained massive attention when it went viral on TikTok in 2021, demonstrating the mesmerizing effect of the airborne string loop that seems to float independently.
Following their social media success, Fazio and Hillam appeared on the popular television show Shark Tank in 2022, where they pitched their innovative toy concept to potential investors. Their business venture proved successful, as they officially launched the product in 2023 with a major retail contract from Walmart, bringing the ZipString to mainstream consumers across the United States.
The entrepreneurs' success continued to grow throughout 2024, when they expanded their retail presence to include Target stores nationwide. By that year, they had achieved a significant milestone by shipping over one million units of their original ZipString toy, demonstrating strong consumer demand for their physics-defying creation.
Not content to rest on their initial success, Fazio and Hillam have now introduced the ZipString Aracna in 2025, which adapts their core technology into a wrist-worn device reminiscent of Spider-Man's web shooters. This new version features glow-in-the-dark capabilities, making the floating string effect even more visually striking in low-light conditions.
The ZipString Aracna is currently being funded through a Kickstarter campaign, where it has generated substantial backing from supporters. At the time of reporting, the campaign had raised $567,817 with 13 days remaining for potential backers to pledge their support. Early bird pricing for the wrist-mounted device starts at $40, making it accessible to a broad range of consumers.
The Kickstarter campaign has attracted attention from the design community, with users commenting on various aspects of the product. Some observers have speculated that the Spider-Man-like design might have been initially pitched to Marvel or Disney before the creators decided to pursue independent development. Others have praised practical features such as the device's ability to automatically store its string when not in use.
The success of both ZipString products highlights how innovative toy design can evolve from simple concepts into commercial successes. The journey from viral social media content to major retail partnerships demonstrates the power of digital platforms in launching new products and the importance of continuous innovation in maintaining market momentum.
