15 Black Streaming Services To Support!
Article updated 8/20/2022
A few weeks ago the world was hit with the Media Black Out, a movement that called for individuals, specifically people of color, to turn off their connection to any form of media. Stop consuming social media, music, television, etc for a day! It was a global protest calling media companies to recognize and support not only black lives, but to address their racist and prejudice biases within their own corporations. Instead of us giving our money to these corporations Media Black Out encouraged individuals to support black owned businesses. With such a big movement happening, The Reel Effect did not want to end the support for black content creators and black businesses and that is why we have gifted you with a list of black streaming services you can support and fall in love with!
Don't feel like going through our list? Well you can watch a previous TRE video here, that breaks down black streaming sites like Urban Movie Channel, Black & Sexy TV, Kweli TV, Dame Dash Network, and Slay TV! Also, if you're a Nollywood fan or just enjoy African series check out list of 8 African owned streaming platforms here!
ARTHOUSE DIGITAL - Art cinema-inspired original streaming series and films from award-winning filmmaker Lamont Pierré.
BROWN SUGAR - this streaming platform allows you to watch classic television shows and movies but they also have the largest collection of classic, Black cinema.
BLACK BOX MOVIES - 100% Black owned and operated this streaming service allows you to watch the latest releases on demand from anywhere.
BLACK & SEXY TV - Established in 2011, Black & Sexy TV is one of the original independent, Black owned and operated digital series platforms. All of their series are original where you might see some of your favorite up and coming Black actors as well as some current superstars like Javicia Leslie (Batwoman) and Will Catlett (Black Lighting).
ALL BLK - Previously Urban Movie Channel this Black streaming platform was established in 2014, founded by BET founder, Bob Johnson. It features a rapidly evolving slate of popular original series such as Craig Ross Jr.’s Monogamy, A House Divided, and Double Cross; must see independent films, nostalgic Black cinema, lively stage plays, popular network TV, and much more.
KWELI TV - Kweli meaning "truth" in Swahili brings you global, Black content to viewers. Streaming over 600+ titles featuring indie films, documentaries, web series, children’s shows, animation, wellness, business, audio stories & more!
OWN APP - Founded by the media mogul herself, Oprah Winfrey. The Oprah Winfrey Network provides lifestyle and entertainment content to primarily Black women and African American audiences. The network has a strong roster of reality shows like Ready to Love and Love & Marriage. Along with scripted content like Queen Sugar, The Haves & Have Nots, and All Rise.
AMERICAN LEGACY NETWORK - For over 24 years, the American Legacy Network has programmed content that celebrates African-American history and culture. You can watch classic black films and documentaries, and original programming.
AFROKIDS.TV - Provides kid friendly and family oriented media that offers a variety of animated adventure series, historical events and people, African storytelling, games, and more.
SLAY TV - this is the premiere streaming service for queer and trans original content.
BLACK WORLD CINEMA - Founded in 2005 by Floyd Webb and Alisa Starks, Black World Cinema showcases seldom seen classic, Black films and new, original movies. Focused on filmmakers that bring compelling content and stories seldom presented in mainstream cinema.
AFROLAND.TV - a free online streaming service that gives you access to watch FREE African movies, television shows and Nollywood! Helping to bring African stories to the global stage!
URBAN FLIX TV - this streaming service brings you critically acclaimed: series (scripted and unscripted), features, short form stories, musical projects, stage plays, VR, stand-up comedy specials, and documentaries.
DAME DASH NETWORK - Founded by Roc-a-Fella record executive, Dame Dash, started the Dame Dash Network providing original movies and digital series.
FOX SOUL - is not black owned, but does provide content catered to Black audiences. Established in 2020, Fox Soul is the first streaming platform launched by Fox Corp featuring original and syndicated content.
BET PLUS - is not black owned, but does provide a vast library of some of your favorite series like Tyler Perry's House of Payne, The Game, Being Mary Jane, Real Husbands of Hollywood. They also have original digital series and movies starring some of your favorite actors like Paula Patton, Eva Marcille, Rotimi, Nate Parker and more.
Let us know which black streaming sites you enjoy the most, and if we missed any! Stay tuned for our next list of streaming services that cater to African and Nollywood content!