As social media sites like Meta continue to remove DEI initiatives, many are looking for alternatives for platforms where they could maintain their online presence.
Here are five Black-owned social media platforms to check out.
FanBase: Launched by Isaac Hayes III, son of musician Isaac Hayes, in 2018, FanBase recently made the news for its increased interest, receiving more than $5.2 million in monetary support from its crowdfunding campaign. The app was identified as a TikTok alternative due to its similar interface and was just in the top 10 of the App Store. Dedicated to uplifting Black content creators, FanBase ensures that they have equity on their creations instead of others who capitalize on their ideas- an issue common on apps such as TikTok. The app has over 400,000 users as of now and is expected to continue to grow exponentially.
BEAN: Known as BEAN Now, an acronym for Black Economic Advancement Network, the site is a popular, new social networking app. It’s gaining buzz for its ability to function as a hub for entrepreneurs and professionals. Through Bean Now, users can connect with professionals to support Black-owned businesses and creatives. The site also lets everyone update their own achievements, sharing what’s new in their lives while establishing a connection with others.
BlackPlanet: Available as an app and website, BlackPlanet is an app that allows users to socialize and introduce themselves to others for a variety of purposes, including networking, dating or even friendship. First launched in 1999 in the early days of what would develop into social media, the site was available for users to discuss politics and pop culture, apply to open job positions, and develop relationships through bulletin boards, chat rooms and listservs.
The app now boasts more than 20 million members.
Brandcil: Newly launched, Brandcil’s latest platform is not considered to be a social media site. Rather than offering the space to post and interact with others, their latest release offers users- mainly creators, businesses, and influencers a space to streamline their presence on social media sites. Brandcil’s platform supports all social media sites, including YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok, to help consolidate posting for those who need to maintain a consistent online presence.
Spill: Created by Alphonzo Terrell, a former Twitter employee who was laid off by Elon Musk after he acquired the app, and his friend DeVaris Brown, SPILL, named after “spilling the tea,” is a platform that’s created to be positive, safe and inclusive for all users. The app’s focus is on providing a safe space for Black women, the LGBTQ+ community and other people who often revolutionized sites like Twitter, but were often the subjects of targeted attacks. Through the app, users can share images, provide updates and interact with each other’s thoughts through board posts.
