Latest news with #AmirKaltak
Associated Press
11 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Creator-First Own.App Officially Opens Beta
Austin, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Own. App, the next-generation gamified social media platform that empowers creators to earn more, go viral with no followers, and fully own their content and audience, has officially opened its beta access. After a successful invite-only phase and a VIP waitlist that surpassed 40,000 users, Own. App (available on iOS and Google Play ) is now welcoming creators and communities into its ecosystem—starting today. Own. App is a performance-based content platform, where creators earn from real-time engagement and ranked content based on true merit—not ad budgets, follower counts, or algorithmic suppression. Backed by proprietary technology and blockchain infrastructure, the platform is redefining what it means to create, earn, and scale online—with ownership at its core. 'We're not building another social app—we're building a new economy where creators are the platform,' said Amir Kaltak, CEO and Co-Founder. 'Own. App rewards talent, and gives every user a real stake in what they create. This isn't about chasing views—it's about building value.' Key Platform Highlights: Youtube: Gen Z Early Adoption Early adoption has been strong among Gen Z creators aged 18–24, a generation that's grown up on content creation and driving global content trends, but expects platforms to deliver real visibility, earnings, and ownership. Many users don't even know Own. App runs on a decentralized infrastructure —they just know that it works. 'Own. has a lot of potential. I like how it's focused on content and the creators first. I love the layout and features and can't wait to see where this app goes so far. It's an amazing app already. Glad I came here and I'll be inviting everyone I know for sure,' said user @lance2funy. 'I love the fact that legitimate content is treated as that, and not filtered because of an algorithm that is unfair. I see Own. being the leader in this space because of actual fairness to creators,' said user @huasmurf. 'Own. has a lot to love, but my first impression of Own. was the feeling of positivity. So many creators want that chance to succeed and be proud of what they create and Own. gives you just that. So far I enjoy the gallery and being able to update my community freely throughout my day. I see Own. being one of the hottest platforms. With LIVE features & monetization rolling out, you have the potential to be one of the best growing platforms for upcoming creators such as myself,' said user @ 'I had around 300,000 + followers on different social media platforms, and just did a fresh restart of everything. What I love about this platform is the potential. The potential of being able to speak authentically about stigmatized things like plant medicines, to share knowledge and resources freely. And it's a way for creators to be in service while also being able to make enough money to support themselves at the same time. I'm looking forward to seeing how it evolves and grows and grateful to be here,' said user @shamanstaab. 'The best thing I love about Own. app is the security. I'm a crypto investor and always receive a lot of spam/scam messages on other platforms. Also as an artist I faced impersonation issues, but in Own. I can post, share and promote securely and don't have any of those issues. I see Own. as a future standard for Social Media and in the near future, I see many other platform users prioritizing Own. over all other platforms,' said user @edrickblade. 'I love how easy the app is to understand. I love that I can feel at peace knowing that my content will not be stolen and that I will be able to make some extra money soon! I can see Own being extremely successful and I can't wait to grow with it. I can see Own. being more successful than TikTok due to many issues TT is having, said user @mari_ana5572. Own. App has developed the foundation for the next generation of digital creators to grow without limitations, earn without middlemen, and build communities they actually own. Upcoming creator-first tools and features include: Built by Experts, Backed by Vision The platform is led by an executive team with deep experience at Bumble, Tinder, TikTok, Paramount, and other major tech/media companies—bringing together the tools, knowledge, and scale to build something truly creator-first. With multiple billion-dollar exits behind them, this team is setting the stage for Own. App to become the new standard for media, identity, and income online. 'At Bumble, we helped shift power in dating,'said Sarah Mick, Co-Creator of Bumble & Co-Creator, Chief Creator Officer of Own. App. At Own .App, we're shifting power in media. Creators are no longer just content machines—they're founders of their own brands. This platform is about giving them the tools, visibility, and ownership they need to build something that's truly theirs with the best user experience.' Waistlisted users should check their emails for recent updates. Access codes and onboarding instructions are now being sent out in waves. New users will continue to be onboarded daily as the beta scales globally. For more information and to join the beta, visit www. About Own. App Own. App is a gamified, next-gen social platform designed for creators to go viral, earn more, and own everything they build. With performance-based discovery, fair global pay, and content ownership, Own. App is redefining how media, money, and creativity flow online. Xenia von Wedel own (at)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Own, a new social media app, aims to tokenize the creator economy
With the TikTok deadline to sell its U.S. operations now just two days away, a new decentralized social media app launched its beta to the public on Tuesday. Own is the latest alternative to TikTok to emerge, featuring a swipeable feed for not just short videos but also text posts and images, as well as other features you'd expect, like direct messaging. However, the new app aims to disrupt the market by utilizing blockchain technology and a token economy. Most notably, content creators on the app can earn revenue without any minimum requirements for follower count or post count. The app was developed by Amir Kaltak (CEO) and Katia Zaitsev (COO), who previously co-founded web3 company Lexit. Notably, the app was also co-created by Sarah Mick (CCO), who has experience working at major dating apps Tinder and Bumble. Key highlights include the $OWN Token, which is rewarded to creators based on video engagement and is fully tradeable. Own operates on Base Layer 2 blockchain, ensuring secure transactions and content ownership. Kaltak believes this will be a game-changer for creators, especially since they earn tokens regardless of their location. 'Most creators around the world don't have access to monetization on major social platforms simply because of their location. With Own, we've built a system that levels the playing field and opens up real earning potential for creators globally,' he told TechCrunch. Kaltak adds that a portion of the platform's cash revenue is used to buy $OWN Tokens from exchanges for distribution to creators. 'We're tokenizing the creator economy in a way that rewards creators fairly while creating consistent buy-side demand for the token on the open market, which contributes to long-term price resilience and sustainability,' he said. Rewarding creators with in-app tokens has become a common practice, particularly in regions outside the U.S. One example is Chingari, a short-form video app that has attracted over 180 million users in India. Other forms of monetization include tipping, brand sponsorships, and selling items on Own Shop (the app's version of TikTok Shop). The app promises that creators can earn up to 50% more than on other platforms. Specifically, in the case of tipping, Own takes only 20% of the revenue, whereas TikTok takes 50%. For sponsorships, creators retain 90% of the earnings, with only 10% going to Own. Creators benefit most from Own Shops, keeping 95% of the revenue while Own takes just 5%. The monetization features, including tokens, are expected to be available sometime in the third quarter, between July and September. Meanwhile, Own Shop is expected to roll out as a beta sometime between October and December. Another revenue stream is content licensing. Each piece of content has proven ownership and origin, tracked on the blockchain, allowing creators to license their content while maintaining their rights. So, for example, creators can resell their content to brands for use in marketing campaigns and earn 90% of the revenue, while Own takes a 10% cut. The ranking system is also an interesting feature. Viewers have the ability to interact with content by pressing the up or down arrows to cast their votes—upvoting or downvoting posts in a manner reminiscent of platforms like Reddit. Creators who receive a higher number of upvotes can climb the leaderboard, gaining greater exposure. 'Owning your content, consumer agency, global equal pay, equal opportunity to go viral, making meaningful connections, and empowering people through self-expression and fair pay are at the forefront of correcting the current problems with social media,' Mick told TechCrunch. 'Without higher platform support and higher expectations of app ability for these creators, you're ultimately doing a disservice to their loyal fans.' Own is now available for free in the App Store and Google Play Store. The company claims to have nearly 40,000 people on the waitlist. To date, the startup has raised over $5 million from Sarah Mick, Michael Terpin (Transform Ventures), Saba Capital, Base Spin Capital, and Stoka Global.
TechCrunch
2 days ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Own, a new social media app, aims to tokenize the creator economy
With the TikTok deadline to sell its U.S. operations now just two days away, a new decentralized social media app launched its beta to the public on Tuesday. Own is the latest alternative to TikTok to emerge, featuring a swipeable feed for not just short videos but also text posts and images, as well as other features you'd expect, like direct messaging. However, the new app aims to disrupt the market by utilizing blockchain technology and a token economy. Most notably, content creators on the app can earn revenue without any minimum requirements for follower count or post count. The app was developed by Amir Kaltak (CEO) and Katia Zaitsev (COO), who previously co-founded web3 company Lexit. Notably, the app was also co-created by Sarah Mick (CCO), who has experience working at major dating apps Tinder and Bumble. Key highlights include the $OWN Token, which is rewarded to creators based on video engagement and is fully tradeable. Own operates on Base Layer 2 blockchain, ensuring secure transactions and content ownership. Image Credits: Kaltak believes this will be a game-changer for creators, especially since they earn tokens regardless of their location. 'Most creators around the world don't have access to monetization on major social platforms simply because of their location. With Own, we've built a system that levels the playing field and opens up real earning potential for creators globally,' he told TechCrunch. Techcrunch event Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW Kaltak adds that a portion of the platform's cash revenue is used to buy $OWN Tokens from exchanges for distribution to creators. 'We're tokenizing the creator economy in a way that rewards creators fairly while creating consistent buy-side demand for the token on the open market, which contributes to long-term price resilience and sustainability,' he said. Rewarding creators with in-app tokens has become a common practice, particularly in regions outside the U.S. One example is Chingari, a short-form video app that has attracted over 180 million users in India. Other forms of monetization include tipping, brand sponsorships, and selling items on Own Shop (the app's version of TikTok Shop). The app promises that creators can earn up to 50% more than on other platforms. Specifically, in the case of tipping, Own takes only 20% of the revenue, whereas TikTok takes 50%. For sponsorships, creators retain 90% of the earnings, with only 10% going to Own. Creators benefit most from Own Shops, keeping 95% of the revenue while Own takes just 5%. The monetization features, including tokens, are expected to be available sometime in the third quarter, between July and September. Meanwhile, Own Shop is expected to roll out as a beta sometime between October and December. Another revenue stream is content licensing. Each piece of content has proven ownership and origin, tracked on the blockchain, allowing creators to license their content while maintaining their rights. So, for example, creators can resell their content to brands for use in marketing campaigns and earn 90% of the revenue, while Own takes a 10% cut. The ranking system is also an interesting feature. Viewers have the ability to interact with content by pressing the up or down arrows to cast their votes—upvoting or downvoting posts in a manner reminiscent of platforms like Reddit. Creators who receive a higher number of upvotes can climb the leaderboard, gaining greater exposure. 'Owning your content, consumer agency, global equal pay, equal opportunity to go viral, making meaningful connections, and empowering people through self-expression and fair pay are at the forefront of correcting the current problems with social media,' Mick told TechCrunch. 'Without higher platform support and higher expectations of app ability for these creators, you're ultimately doing a disservice to their loyal fans.' Own is now available for free in the App Store and Google Play Store. The company claims to have nearly 40,000 people on the waitlist. To date, the startup has raised over $5 million from Sarah Mick, Michael Terpin (Transform Ventures), Saba Capital, Base Spin Capital, and Stoka Global.
