The Rise of Black-Owned Streaming Services: Revolutionizing the Entertainment Industry

The digital entertainment landscape is witnessing a transformative era with the emergence of Black-owned streaming services. These platforms are not just new entrants in the streaming world; they represent a significant shift in the industry, challenging traditional norms and amplifying diverse voices. As noted by Black Content Review, "While we are seeing a little more Black content produced than we’ve seen in previous parts of the century, it remains that Black people are not accurately or authentically represented in media. Studies from UCLA and USC demonstrate this year after year.

This is largely due to a lack of diversity among those who produce content and own the platforms we watch content on. Very few of these platforms are Black-owned streaming services. However, there has been a quiet movement to change that, with some relatively new, and growing, Black streaming services entering the space in hopes of making the content we watch more inclusive of Black TV shows, movies and stories." Join us today as we look at some of the newest Black-Owner streaming services you should check out!

KweliTV stands out with its vast array of high-quality documentaries, news programs, original docuseries, educational content, and independent films. This interactive on-demand and live streaming video network brings stories from North America, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa to a global audience. It's a platform where viewers can explore Black films from the US, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, and other African countries, as well as Brazil, Haiti, and Cuba. Learn more about KweliTV here.

Previously known as UMC, ALLBLK is a streaming service dedicated to inclusively Black entertainment. It offers a unique collection of original series, independent films, nostalgic Black movies, and live stage plays, featuring classic Black actors like Lisa Raye and Marques Houston. Find shows made for Black viewers by Black writers, directors, producers, and actors that resonate with the Black community in a way other streamlining services have not been able to do so far. Discover ALLBLK’s offerings here.

Newer generations need representation within their entertainment, and thankfully there are options that make it easier to get access to content that meets these needs. Black & Sexy TV, a fully independent Black-owned streaming service, caters specifically to the Black millennial audience. It was born from the film "A Good Day to be Black and Sexy" and has since been a platform for filmmakers to distribute their projects from a Black perspective. Find out more about Black & Sexy TV here.

Classic movies and urban stories have always been a popular genre but it has just now been a situation where Black voices are being heard and seen in this area of tv and streaming access. Brown Sugar is a subscription video-on-demand service offering a vast collection of classic urban movies and TV shows, streamed uncut and commercial-free to various devices. It’s a go-to platform for films like "Coffy" and "Dolemite" and shows like "Saints and Sinners." Explore Brown Sugar here.

The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) is quite literally Oprah’s brainchild. Launched in 2011, it replaced the Discovery Health Channel. Watch OWN, a branch of this network, allows viewers to access live TV and original programming such as "Queen Sugar," "Greenleaf," and "Black Love." Watch full episodes on demand as well as a live stream of what’s on OWN right now on your computer, TV, or mobile device for great access to Black content. Dive into the world of OWN here.

These Black-owned streaming services are more than content providers; they are pillars of change. They prioritize narratives that resonate with the richness and complexity of Black experiences, introducing audiences to stories that offer a nuanced view of the world. By actively engaging Black talent across various creative roles, these platforms are dismantling historical barriers in the entertainment industry. They foster a sense of community and connection, creating spaces where viewers feel seen and heard. This community-building extends to social media engagement and exclusive events, fostering unity and shared experiences.

The success of these services extends to economic empowerment. As they attract subscribers, investors, and advertisers, they contribute to the growth of Black communities within the entertainment sector. However, challenges like competition with established giants and navigating complex licensing agreements remain. Each challenge presents an opportunity for innovation, setting new standards in the industry.

The rise of Black-owned streaming services is reshaping the entertainment landscape, moving beyond token representation to embrace diverse perspectives. As these platforms evolve, they are laying the groundwork for a future where diverse stories are not just included but celebrated. This revolution in entertainment is a testament to the richness and diversity of human experiences, setting a new standard for inclusivity in the media industry. So, if you are ready for some new streaming services and want to support Black creators, actors, and voices, then check out some of these streaming services and find your new favorite content today!