Blacktag

Introducing Blacktag: A Platform for Black Creators and Audiences

Amidst the vast digital landscape, a new platform has emerged, aiming to amplify the voices of Black creators and bridge the economic gap within the community. Dubbed Blacktag, this innovative platform seamlessly integrates the functionalities of both Netflix and Youtube, catering specifically to Black audiences and creators. Additionally, it offers advertisers a unique opportunity to engage with this influential demographic.

At the helm of Blacktag is Akin Adebowale, the co-founder and CEO, who shares the platform's mission with passion and conviction. "Our core focus is to create a sustainable ecosystem that enables brands to reach Black creators and audiences through an authoritative and contemporary platform," he states. "Moreover, we aim to address the long-standing disparity between creativity and economic empowerment within the Black community."

Scheduled to officially launch in the second quarter of 2021, Blacktag has already secured a seed round of funding totaling $3.75 million. This investment, led by Creative Artists Agency and the venture capital firm ConnectVentures, a partnership between New Enterprise Associates, will fuel the platform's growth and expansion. A portion of these funds will be allocated to the production of original subscription-based content, attracting collaborations with renowned creators such as Issa Rae and Common.

On the user-generated content side, Blacktag aims to collaborate with approximately 300 to 500 creators spanning the fashion, technology, and entertainment sectors. The new service will offer a subscription-based model focused on original content, priced at $5.99 per month, along with free value-added services for user-generated and sponsored content. Creators can earn revenue through collaborations with Blacktag's in-house production team, Blacktag Studio, as well as brand deals and advertising integrations within their uploaded content.

Regardless of where the content is streamed, Blacktag's co-founder and Chief Content Officer, Ousman Sahko Sow, underscores the platform's focus on tapping into the potential of the Black community. He notes that younger generations, from the Z-era to millennials, are increasingly disinterested in traditional Black entertainment and are seeking alternative forms of entertainment. "Take, for instance, the esteemed creator Tyler Perry. While I admire his contributions as a Black creator, his content tends to be more traditional," Sahko Sow explains. "There's a vast untapped audience and creative pool within the Black community, and by bringing these creators together on one platform, we can create a win-win scenario for brands to engage with Black consumers."

Blacktag is poised to revolutionize the digital landscape for Black creators and audiences, offering a platform that not only amplifies their voices but also empowers them economically. With its unique blend of original and user-generated content, Blacktag stands as a testament to the diversity and creativity of the Black community, while providing advertisers with a powerful tool to connect with this influential demographic.