The power and convenience of mobile devices have made content access nearly instantaneous. From social media to streaming apps, entertainment is at your fingertips — and content creators such as Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredricks are capitalizing on the movement. Fredricks is a comedian, actor, and entrepreneur who has been working to establish his brand as someone who connects people from various backgrounds and proudly focuses on amplifying Black voices and content. A significant part of this work is manifested in creating KevOnStage Studios, a multi-channel operation for original content, from podcasts to television shows and films. Although Fredricks’ work has taken off, it hasn’t always been this way. His journey started from the proverbial bottom, and now he’s working to build an empire that puts his name alongside those who own major streaming platforms including Netflix and Hulu.

Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” featuring L.V. is widely known as a classic record from the 90s. Nearly three decades since the song’s release, it has reached a new streaming high.

Facebook first launched its Black Gaming Creator Program in December 2020 to support the gaming community with $10 million over the span of two years. Now, the program has returned for its second year and applications reopened on Aug. 23. “We’re excited to reopen applications for the Black Gaming Creator Program’s second year and are eager to see the next wave of great gaming creators at Facebook Gaming,” said Facebook’s Global Director of Gaming Creator Partnerships Luis Renato Olivalves in a statement. “With many new partners in the first year, this program is proof of the growing excitement for entertaining, diverse and creative personalities and new communities within game streaming.” Along with its commitment of $10 million in funding, according to Adweek, the program’s benefits include official partner badges, early access to new streaming features and tools, exclusive access to a private Facebook gaming group and events, bi-monthly mentorship and training summits, and more....

N-I-G-G-E-R — t he letters flowed down my chat like a waterfall of hate. My heart fell to the bottom of my stomach. I had only been streaming for a few months when this incident happened. A random person took time out of their day to hit me with a racial slur, with the sole intent of ruining my day. It was just another reminder that as a Black person, not even video games are a safe space. Unfortunately, this is all too common in the world of video game streaming. Black people in the Average Gamer Community have endured relentless, unwarranted disrespect for years. I was playing Overwatch and tried to make effective call outs to help my team win the match. Someone on my team proceeded to imitate my voice, then called me a “ghetto, broke nigger who sucks at the game.” In this arena, your audience is largely watching your stream to see how you react to the game. That’s why it’s essential for streamers to show their face via webcam if they hope to grow their following. As video game...

Content is ubiquitous. That’s great for consumers who devour streaming audio and video voraciously each day. But it’s a mixed bag for content creators who have to cut through the clutter to have their creative work seen and heard. To be fair, not all content is good content. But everyday content creators are often competing with established television, film production, and record companies on the same platform for the same eyeballs. And even the talented aspirants often struggle to stand out. Historically, many young Black Americans have gravitated towards sports or entertainment as career choices. And with platforms like YouTube, where anyone with a smartphone can quickly showcase their singing, rapping, or dancing ability, dreams of fame and fortune feel closer than they’ve ever been. Many aspiring musicians start by putting their music out there on streaming platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify, and YouTube. Doing so is a good start. But, understand, streaming revenue from these...

Verzuz was created back in April of last year as a way to unite people from all over while sheltered in-place at home. The platform’s battles first began with appointed artists streaming from the comfort of their homes. Then its partnership with Apple Music gave it an in-person upgrade to make the battles more accessible for viewers. Following delays and postponed events, the platform is now taking new COVID-19 precautions to switch back to its original format.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Verzuz (@verzuztv) The live streaming platform posted a message on their socials this morning stating that it will be returning to its original format of having artists stream from separate locations. “This has been an emotional week,” the platform stated. “In addition, as COVID-19 numbers continue to increase, safety is a top priority for us. As much as we enjoy having everyone together in the same room, to protect the artists and everyone who works with us in putting the...

Quibi is shutting down after only six months of operation. In an open letter , founders Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman confirmed the end of the mobile streaming service that raised close to $2 billion in funding. “We started with the idea to create the next generation of storytelling and because of you, we were able to create and deliver the best version of what we imagined Quibi to be,” the letter reads. “So it is with an incredibly heavy heart that today we are announcing that we are winding down the business and looking to sell its content and technology assets.” Quibi was designed for people on-the-go, but by its launch in early April, the global pandemic was nearing its first peak and potential users were more than likely self-isolating at home. Additionally, the unemployment crisis may have played a part despite Quibi’s fairly inexpensive plans: $4.99 (with ads) or $7.99 (ad-free). However, during its short-lived existence, the short-form entertainment service provided...

Though concert halls are closed and artists have stopped touring, you can still get a front-row seat to some amazing musical experiences. TIDAL has partnered with Facebook’s virtual reality platform Oculus “to bring live, immersive, and intimate music performances straight into people’s homes,” the press release says. Oculus Quest headsets, much like Facebook, help connect people with each other and the world through innovative, world-class VR hardware and software. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meta Quest (@metaquest) The global music streaming service and social media titan wants fans to feel like they’re standing in the crowd at exclusive performances with VR, high-quality audio, and 2D video. The concerts will be available via virtual reality in the Venues app (found in the Oculus Quest) and in 2D video and high-quality audio in TIDAL. “At a time when livestreamed performances are seen as the new norm, TIDAL’s partnership with Oculus provides music lovers an...