A new social media platform built by and for the Black community is preparing to launch — and it’s already making history.
Byio (short for By Invite Only) is positioning itself as the first-ever SaaS, AI-driven social platform founded and owned by Black women.
Founder R.M. Easterly says the platform was born out of frustration with mainstream social media networks that have long been accused of silencing or discriminating against Black creators.
“Byio is being built to make history,” Easterly said in a press release. “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. 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.”
Invite-Only Model: Community Decides Who Stays
Byio will operate on a 100% invite-only basis, meaning entry will be tightly controlled by the community itself. Members will decide who joins and who remains on the platform, creating what developers describe as a safer and more authentic space.
The app will feature live streaming, video sharing, gifting, subscriptions, and e-commerce tools aimed at empowering creators to earn directly. AI will also be integrated to ensure smarter, safer, and more engaging experiences.
Global Ten Thousand Launch
Access to the app will begin with a select group called the TG10s (The Global Ten Thousand). Within just 24 hours of Byio’s Discord community opening, more than 1,000 people signed up in hopes of being chosen as early adopters.
Supporters have even purchased physical Byio stickers as a show of solidarity with the platform’s mission. The stickers also unlock perks inside Byio’s Discord — including access to an exclusive supporter channel — though they do not guarantee entry to the app itself.
The Woman Behind the Vision
Easterly is no stranger to building innovative platforms. She previously launched THYIM (They Help You In Minutes), a gig marketplace offering on-demand assistance for everyday needs.
Byio, she says, is a natural extension of her mission to create tools that provide power, dignity, and opportunity to underserved communities.
