A new invite-only social platform, founded and owned by Black women, is being developed with the aim of reshaping how online communities are built and sustained. Byio, short for By Invite Only, is described as the first SaaS, AI-forward social network of its kind, designed primarily for the Black community but open to allies and supporters worldwide.
The platform’s premise is to give power back to users, who will determine who is allowed onto the platform and who remains. It has been built in response to issues creators have long raised around discrimination, censorship, content theft and unfair revenue distribution.
Excitement is already building. Speculation suggests a global superstar from the Caribbean may be one of the first to join the platform, with rumours of an exclusive music release set to debut there.
Global Buzz Before Launch
Byio’s announcement on 1 September quickly gained traction, generating more than one million views in less than 48 hours. Supporters showed early commitment by purchasing physical Byio stickers, designed as real-world versions of the digital badges that will feature within the platform. Each sticker also unlocks access to perks in Byio’s Discord, such as an exclusive supporters’ channel, but does not guarantee membership.
Entry to the platform itself will begin with the TG10s — the Global Ten Thousand. Within 24 hours of launch, over 1,000 people had joined the Discord server, where TG10 members will be selected. This first wave will hold the power to extend invitations, shaping how the community grows.
Features and Functions
Byio plans to launch fully equipped with live streaming, video sharing, gifting, subscriptions and e-commerce. It will run as a 100% invite-only model, positioning itself as creator-first and promising the highest earning potential of any platform. The company also highlights new patent-pending tools, alongside an AI-driven design aimed at improving safety and engagement.
Celebrity participation is expected from the outset, with the teased involvement of a Caribbean artist heightening anticipation further.
“Byio is being built to make history, the first platform of its kind created by Black Women who have endured the same discrimination and silencing that millions of creators face on social media,” said R.M. Easterly, Founder & CEO of Byio. “This is not just for the Black community, but for allies and supporters everywhere who believe in fairness, recognition, and putting power back into the hands of users.”
