Video-sharing platform, TikTok, has partnered up with Cyversity to connect underrepresented individuals with more opportunities in the cybersecurity world. TikTok is championing the #SeeYourselfInCyber hashtag as a part of a new HBCU program set to launch later this fall. The program, made up of an online mentoring syllabus, will host in-person events at HBCUs to aid students with the skills needed to work within the cybersecurity sector. The initiative aims to solve the issue of 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by awarding 50 students a scholarship representing the platform’s ongoing commitment to helping the next
Streaming video service, Amazon Prime, has announced the launch of a new localized version of its streaming service in Nigeria. The company launched in Africa in 2016 and is committed to expanding its services to more than 200 countries. Amazon Prime also plans to expand its services in other markets like South Africa to boost its subscribers in new markets. The video streaming services will feature local-language interfaces and subtitling. The launch will benefit the local community as the platform is committed to investing in local production and aims to
“We were made to look like fools,” one creator said. Content creators are calling out TikTok’s rival, Triller, for recruiting Black talent and not committing to paying them on time or sometimes not at all. According to The Washington Post, more than two dozen creators, talent managers, and former company staff have anonymously decided to speak out against the platform. Many recalled their experiences of being forced to cope with uncertain payments, a demanding posting schedule, and vague requirements throughout their partnership with the platform. In 2021, the video-sharing app
Instagram has partnered with Brooklyn Museum and writer Antwaun Sargent to debut this year’s #BlackVisionaries program. The initiative, designed to help invest in and support Black talent, will include a grant of $650,000. The support program, co-founded by the social media giant, writer Antwaun Sargent and the Brooklyn Museum in 2021, is designed to help uplift and champion underrepresented voices within the creative industry. Last year, five Black designers and Black-led small design businesses were awarded $205,000 in grants last year. The funding allowed each participant to pursue their biggest
Cryptocurrency platform Binance has joined forces with TikTok star Khaby Lame for the launch of their new NFT series. The influencer, who will join the team as a brand ambassador, will use his signature moves to debunk myths surrounding crypto and the blockchain space. The partnership will see Lame create content that helps clear up any misconceptions people may have around Web3 and cryptocurrencies. As a result, fans will not only be able to purchase exclusive Khaby Lame NFT collections, but they will also have access to educational resources to
22-year-old Khaby Lame (@khaby.lame) has officially become the most-followed person on TikTok after accumulating 142.8 million followers on the platform, ultimately making him the official king of TikTok. Khaby Lame, who first joined the app in March 2020, managed to cultivate a cult-like following in just over a year without saying a word. Over the past few weeks, his fans across the world launched a social media hashtag (#KhabyToNumberOne) to push him past TikTok creator Charli D’Amelio, who previously held the top spot with 142.3 million followers. “I don’t care
Snapchat has officially launched ‘The Black Creator Accelerator,’ a mentorship program to help emerging talent jumpstart their careers. The scheme which falls under Snapchat’s content-accelerator program, 523, will see the social networking app invest $3 million into emerging Black creators. In addition, participants will learn creative skills and knowledge to help them pursue successful careers. Snapchat’s announcement follows similar actions by other tech companies who have decided to help bridge the gap and create an industry that reflects the diversity within our communities. “The launch of this accelerator program is part of
YouTube has officially opened grant applications for the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund Class of 2023. The $100 million funds will amplify and nurture Black voices in the creator community. The grant program, which the video platform first launched in 2020, was primarily designed to help support and nurture Black creators and artists, from musicians and lawyers to gamers and fitness instructors. The scheme has welcomed over 300 grantees from the United States, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria in just over two years. The program has not
Tiktok has teamed up with MACRO again for a first-of-its-kind grant designed specifically with Black creatives in mind. As an extension of the TikTok for Black Creatives creator incubator program, the social media giant is providing creators and artists with career-building resources that will help them thrive on TikTok and in real life. “Our aim is to ensure Black creatives and artists have the resources they need to reach new heights in their careers and spearhead innovation in their respective industries,” said Kudzi Chikumbu, Director of Creator Community at TikTok, in an official statement.
The popular app, known for its collaborations with the VERZUZ brand, has launched a funding program that will provide Black creators $2,000 in cash and $2,000 in company equity per month on the app. The contracts with the creators begin on January 1, and participants are required to sign a one-year contract with the app to qualify for the payments. The program is called the Triller Assembly for Black Creators. It aims to empower Black creators and talent to deepen the pipeline of Black-owned content across entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, and sports. “Triller and
