Here is probably where everything starts: ad-driven platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Youtube) only reward top creators. Mid and small-size creators are left out - no matter how engaged their audience is. Long story short, mid and small-size creators desperately need new tools to engage and monetize their community.

Carter loved the idea. He partnered with some of the best in Silicon Valley, and created a firm called Backplane, which would build a niche social-network platform that could be used by other artists and even brands. Gaga invested her own money in the venture. Gaga’s social network is called Littlemonsters.com and it is built completely around the

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While many communities have built atop various communication platforms and social networks, those platforms aren’t primarily focused on serving the needs of communities. For instance, while both Li and David use Slack for their communities, the platform is clearly designed for enterprises, which is apparent from its pricing model (starting at $7/me... See more

“If you look at these fan clubs or VIP memberships that have launched, it’s tied to exclusive, specific types of content being provided by influencers and celebrities.”- Krishna Subramanian, CEO of influencer marketing firm Captiv8.