As TikTok faces increasing regulatory pressure in the United States, a new decentralized social media platform called Own has officially launched its beta version to the public. Positioned as a next-generation alternative to mainstream apps, Own combines short-form videos, images, and text posts with blockchain-backed monetization tools aimed at empowering content creators globally including a growing digital community in India.
A New Take on Social Media
Unlike traditional platforms, Own introduces a token-based economy built on the Base Layer 2 blockchain, allowing creators to earn directly from their content without follower thresholds or minimum post counts. The platform features familiar tools like direct messaging and a swipeable content feed, but its real innovation lies in how it rewards users.
At the heart of the app is the $OWN Token, which creators receive based on the engagement their posts generate. The token is fully tradable, enabling real earnings for users in any part of the world.
Co-founded by Amir Kaltak (CEO), Katia Zaitsev (COO), and Sarah Mick (CCO) a veteran designer from Tinder and Bumble the app has been built with a focus on fairness, transparency, and global inclusion.
“Most creators worldwide can’t access monetization on popular social platforms due to geographic restrictions,” said Kaltak. “Own eliminates that barrier by ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to earn.”
Monetisation Made Fairer
Own introduces several creator-friendly revenue models, significantly undercutting the fees charged by platforms like TikTok:
- Tipping: Creators keep 80%, while Own takes a 20% cut (compared to TikTok’s 50%).
- Sponsorships: Creators retain 90% of the revenue.
- Own Shop (e-commerce): Creators earn 95% of each sale.
- Content Licensing: Blockchain-backed content verification allows creators to resell or license their media, keeping 90% of the proceeds.
These monetization features, including tipping and token rewards, are expected to go live between July and September, with Own Shop rolling out as a beta later in the year, between October and December.
India: A Key Market for Growth
India, already home to popular short-form platforms like Chingari, presents a high-potential market for Own. With over 180 million users already active in India’s creator economy, tools that offer better monetization and ownership could find rapid adoption.
Own’s model offers a level playing field, especially attractive to Indian creators seeking to diversify income beyond YouTube and Instagram.
Additional Features
- Drafts for Comments: Users can now save up to 20 drafts for 14 days, with autosave functionality.
- Voting System: Viewers can upvote or downvote content, helping creators rise in visibility.
- Content Ownership: Every post is tracked on the blockchain, ensuring origin transparency and enabling rights management.
Sarah Mick emphasized that Own is a step toward “redefining social media with fair pay, meaningful engagement, and genuine content ownership.”
Availability and Funding
Own is now available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The platform has already attracted nearly 40,000 users to its waitlist.
The company has raised over $5 million in funding from notable investors, including Sarah Mick, Michael Terpin (Transform Ventures), Saba Capital, Base Spin Capital, and Stoka Global.
