A groundbreaking social media platform, Own, has emerged as a formidable alternative to TikTok, introducing a unique approach to the creator economy through blockchain technology and a token economy. Launched in its public beta phase on June 19, 2025, Own aims to empower content creators by allowing them to truly own their content and audience, addressing long-standing issues of deplatforming and lack of control on traditional platforms.
Unlike conventional social media giants, Own leverages decentralized technology to ensure creators have full ownership of their social graph and fan interactions. This means that creators are no longer at the mercy of platform algorithms or sudden policy changes, a concern that has plagued influencers and artists on other apps. Instead, they can monetize their influence directly through tokens, which represent value and can be earned or traded within the ecosystem.
The app, based in Austin, Texas, positions itself as a Web3-era solution, offering gamified features that allow creators to go viral without needing a massive following from the start. As reported by TechCrunch, Own is designed to shift the power dynamics back to the creators, ensuring they reap the benefits of their hard work and originality.
Own’s beta launch has already sparked significant interest, especially in regions like Africa, where the platform is seen as a game-changer for local content creators. By tokenizing influence, Own provides an opportunity for creators to build sustainable income streams, potentially transforming how digital content is valued globally.
The platform’s innovative model also includes community-driven features, such as the ability for users to stake tokens or participate in platform decisions, as highlighted in various discussions on social media. This creator-first approach could set a new standard for social media, challenging the dominance of established players.
As Own continues to roll out and refine its features, the tech and creator communities are watching closely to see if it can deliver on its promise of a fairer, more rewarding digital landscape. The intersection of blockchain and social media may just be the future, and Own is at the forefront of this revolution.
Alfred Lee
