A new messaging app that delivers messages in person from strangers nearby was released on Thursday.

The app Somebody sends a message to the app user closest to the intended recipient. The stranger then has to deliver the message to the recipient.

Messages range from a verbal message to a hug.

American film director and artist Miranda July came up with the idea for the app and was determined to get it made.

"The app, like much of July's art, is an attempt to hold a conversation between worlds virtual and real," reports W Magazine.

For those not-so-interested in a stranger delivering the message, there is an option to reject incoming messages.

"Sometimes I don't actually want strangers coming up to me." July tells W Magazine while laughing, and adds: "But if you see my name pop up, please say 'Yes.' I'm really the most benign thing someone will ever encounter."

The app works best when one is surrounded by other Somebody users.

Alhough the app was just released this week, people are already talking about it on Twitter: