BLKFAM is a new free, ad-supported streaming platform focused on Black families, providing access to a diverse range of over 1,000 hours of fresh animated content for kids, along with sitcoms, reality shows, fitness programs, news, music-driven content, and more for the whole family.
Whoopi Goldberg is an investor in BLKFAM and will serve as the creative director. The platform currently has 10 original live-action and animated series in development, set to be unveiled throughout 2024.
Goldberg expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “I’m thrilled to be part of BLKFAM from the beginning. I take pride in contributing to something that my great-grandchildren can enjoy, with characters who look like them onscreen, created by people who resemble them, for them,” as mentioned in a statement to TechCrunch.
BLKFAM positions itself as the first Black-owned and Black-focused family streaming service, aiming to cater to Black audiences who often feel misrepresented or neglected in mainstream media despite being one of the highest consumers of TV content. According to Nielsen, Black viewers consume over 81 hours of media weekly, with 80% utilizing free over-the-top services, in contrast to 69% of all viewers, according to Horowitz Research.
BLKFAM’s mission is to provide content that entertains, educates, and celebrates Black American family-friendly themes. Rather than adopting the “quantity over quality” approach of competitors, BLKFAM focuses on offering a thoughtfully curated collection of inclusive stories designed to engage viewers in meaningful discussions. Collaborating with content partners Playwatch Kids and Candle Media’s ATTN, the platform delivers educational shows like “Kembe,” “Gabby Galactic and the Orbiteens,” and “12th Street,” among others.
The company’s strategy of promoting co-viewing experiences, where content caters to the entire family rather than specific age groups, sets it apart from competitors.
Founder Larry Adams, the former chief brand officer for HBO Max, shares his insights on this strategy, “Having a deep understanding of the streaming landscape professionally, I noticed a gap in co-viewing platforms. As a Black parent, when my kids and I would sit down to watch a movie or show, the options for family viewing were often mixed with adult-oriented content. The content tailored to Black audiences lacked a wholesome family viewing perspective.”
Adams, who also played a key role in launching DirecTV Now in 2016, AT&T’s live TV streaming service, adds, “We recognize that families enjoy watching together and only turn to separate viewing experiences when the choices are limited.”
BLKFAM is currently accessible on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, YouTube TV, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio, LG, as well as iOS and Android devices.
