CONTENT
FUTURISM
Explored through the lens of Black Youth.
BLACK
YOUTH
DRIVES
CULTURE
FORWARD.
Drives
Forward.
From the moment we began this work it was especially important for us to empower young Black voices to tell their own stories and share their owned experiences. As part of that effort, we chose 6 emerging Black creators to bring each section of this study to life. Spearheaded by Avery “Aves” Scott, our very own Design Director, this select group of young designers reflects a diversity in background, creative skill level, identity, and perspective.
More than simply providing an in-depth study to our audiences, we are always consciously elevating, advancing and contributing to the culture we represent. You’ll see that come to life thoughout the following pages.
Enjoy.
Olive
Hooper
@cyfr.world
Jay
Mccrary
@uuupah
Dakarai
Akil
@dk1994
Amika
Cooper
@blackpowerbarbie
Ally
Thatcher
@fallencargo
Jarrhette
Burke
@itsjburke
diversity
creatives
Hover over
The past three years have transformed every aspect of our lives. From extensive periods of isolation and unrest, to breakthroughs in technology and a shifting social media landscape – 2020 radically transformed the world as we knew it.
For millions of young people navigating the journey from adolescence to adulthood, this new social climate has challenged them to rethink everything — including the role media plays in shaping and reflecting who they are.
Despite creating much of the media content that’s gotten us through this moment, Black youth are often overlooked as drivers of today’s culture and creativity. So we went straight to the source. As the media space continues growing and evolving at a rapid pace, we sat down with a select group of Black youth to understand how their evolving interests and behaviors are shaping the future of content.
Here are 5 cultural
shifts defining the
future of content.
Defining
Future
From anime to gaming, Black youth are taking pride in embracing the unique interests and cultural nuances that shape their identity. In the era of intersectionality, Black youth are looking for content that authentically represents every facet of who they are. This shift calls for media companies to develop a deeper understanding of the niche communities and movements shaping their target audience to create content that makes a deeper impact.
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II.
III.
IV.
V.
Niche is the
New Normal
Afrofuturpreneurism
Generative Tech is Reshaping the Creator Economy
The Rise of Personalized Content
Beauty in the Mundane
Introducing the first volume of REVOLT’s annual Zine exploring the perspective of Black Youth in America
"Black youth are often overlooked as drivers of today’s culture and creativity."
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Anime & Cosplaying:
From creating Black versions of popular characters, to organizing cosplay conventions, Black youth see anime as an avenue to explore important conversations around Black representation in animation.
Video Gaming
Black youth, especially Black girl gamers, are seeing online gaming as community hubs where they can create their own safe spaces for casual conversation, intense competitions and online solidarity.
BOOKTOK & PODCASTING:
Black youth are using Booktok and podcasting to amplify Black voices and spotlight their storytelling prowess.
Embracing Nature + Alternative Therapy:
Black youth are prioritizing their mental and psychological health by taking their wellness journeys beyond traditional therapy. They’re exploring avenues like Black herbalism, outdoor adventuring, yoga instruction, foraging, and veganism for self-improvement.
Astrology & Hoodoo:
Black youth are reconnecting with their ancestral spirituality and expanding their astrological awareness to better understand themselves.
COWBOY CULTURE:
Black Youth reveal a fascination with cowboy culture, seeing it as a much needed cultural disruption in the White dominated space, as well as an opportunity to embrace a more rural lifestyle.
From URL to IRL:
afro
futurpr
eneurism
In the face of an ever-increasing wealth gap, Black people are spearheading businesses and brands at unprecedented rates. As entrepreneurship continues becoming a bigger focal point within the Black community, more platforms and voices have emerged to emphasize the importance of Black sovereignty, financial freedom, and generational wealth. Controlling over $1.7 trillion in spending power, Black consumers are becoming more aware of their economic power and getting smart about how they use it (Nielsen).
Black youth own their own brand or business
identify ‘Entrepreneurship’ as their biggest motivation for achieving success
supported a Black-owned fashion brand in the last year
HOW afrofuturpreneurism
COMES TO LIFE
From URL to IRL:
Founded by Aurora James, The 15% pledge challenges retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black businesses
The summer of 2020 saw a swell in black-owned and operated mutual aid networks and businesses
Black Futures, curated by Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham, invites us to consider the Black history being made all around us
The Black in Fashion Council works to ensure that fashion and beauty companies’ boardrooms reflect the audiences they serve
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Currently Trending
PAST TREND
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From URL to IRL:
Before there was ‘extended reality’ (XR) there were NFT’s - the genesis for Black creators transitioning their art into the digital world. We’d be remiss not to acknowledge the sandbox NFT’s created and the gateway they ultimately became to usher in this new era of digital ownership and autonomy for Black creators. Below are just a few crucial moments & examples of how NTF’s paved the way.
In February 2021, artist Trevor Jones sold an NFT artwork for $101,593, making him one of the highest-selling Black NFT artists. The artwork titled “The Bitcoin Angel” features an angel holding a bitcoin while standing on a pile of cash.
Trevor Jones
In March 2021, digital artist Krista Kim sold an NFT artwork for $3.5 million, making her one of the highest-selling Black female NFT artists. The artwork titled “Mars House” is a digital rendering of a futuristic, pink-colored house.
Krista Kim
In May 2021, artist Josie Bellini sold an NFT artwork for $50,000, making her one of the highest-selling Black female NFT artists. The artwork titled “The Price of Tomorrow” is a digital rendering of a futuristic cityscape.
Josie Bellini
In April 2021, artist Alotta Money sold a collection of NFT artworks for $6 million, making him one of the highest-selling Black NFT artists. The collection, titled “Reaper,” features a series of digital sculptures depicting the Grim Reaper.
Alotta Money
In June 2021, musician Eri Ife sold an NFT album for $20,000, making him one of the first Black musicians to sell an NFT album. The album titled “Dear Mom” features six tracks and is accompanied by unique digital artwork.
Ere Ife
In recent years, NFTs offered a unique opportunity for ownership and a glimpse into the future. Web3 emerged as a new frontier for creators, enabling perpetual compensation for their work. For Black creatives, that was particularly significant, as they often face
infringement and lack of recognition. As generative technology now begins to advance and become more widely accessible, opportunities for those already engaged in the digital space are only growing from here.
For Black creatives, that was particularly significant, as they often face infringement and lack of recognition.
THE RISE OF PERSONALIZED CONTENT
IV.
ALGORITHMS have made it easy for social platforms and mobile apps alike to curate and deliver targeted content personalized to the unique interests, habits and taste of each user. Algorithms also drive discovery and help users develop a deeper understanding of their personal interests. The more personalized content consumers are exposed to, the more content they look to consume, which ultimately increases the screen time they spend.
Amidst all of the personalities, opinions and perceptions on social media, Black youth are placing a greater value on simplicity and authenticity. TV viewers and digital consumers desire more than the antics of reality TV. Instead, they are championing shows such as Insecure, Atlanta and Sex Education - series that tell relatable stories that reflect their daily realities and they can authentically connect with.
Even grittier shows like Euphoria and I May Destroy You are capturing global audiences with their unfiltered depictions of real life.
I like watching shows for Black people, about Black people and what they actually go through for real, rather than lying about it or trying to spoof it up… with the way society is going right now, it makes it a little more relatable and easier to digest.
There needs to be more of a story, for example if there’s a specific show I want to understand a little bit more, I want to go a little bit deeper. I want to spend a day with you, see what you like and see who you are as a person.
The global pandemic has also taught us to practice gratitude and appreciate the simple things. The last three years have inspired more people to develop healthier habits that bring peace, stillness, and joy amidst the chaos.
METHODOLOGY
01 EXPLORE.
REVOLT Insights Lab (qual)
For phase 1 of this research we tapped REVOLT’s traveling pop-up lounge, known as the Insights Lab, where we conducted in-person interviews with young people across the US. This version took place in Atlanta, GA at the end of 2021.
02 VALIDATE
Knit (quant)
Next, we worked with our partners at Knit to field a nationwide survey with 500 Black Millennials & Gen Z’ers across the US which worked to both validate and challenge our hypothesis.
04 IDENTIFY.
First & First (social analytics)
In order to identify real life examples of who’s trending & emerging in these spaces, we worked with our partners at First & First. We conducted a full digital audit to understand who was taking up digital space in each of these categories and which subcultures were quickly gaining traction.
05 EVOLVE.
First & First (social analytics)
In order to identify real life examples of who’s trending & emerging in these spaces, we worked with our partners at First & First. We conducted a full digital audit to understand who was taking up digital space in each of these categories and which subcultures were quickly gaining traction.
03 EXPAND.
REVOLT Nation (qual)
Once we honed in on our 5 cultural shifts, we held an ongoing dialogue with our mobile community (aka REVOLT Nation) made up of thousands of young, Black passionate future-makers spread across the US. We worked with them to understand their POV on the changes in content culture and how they resonated with each.
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For more info or research inquiries, contact insights@revolt.tv
© Copyright 2023 REVOLT MEDIA
Interact with the contents of the zine to discover more!
Interact with the contents of the zine to discover more!
I.
II.
Afrofuturpreneurism
III.
Generative Tech is Reshaping the Creator Economy
IV.
The Rise of Personalized Content
V.
NICHE IS THE NEW
NORMAL
From anime to gaming, Black youth are taking pride in embracing the unique interests and cultural nuances that shape their identity. In the era of intersectionality, Black youth are looking for content that authentically represents every facet of who they are. This shift calls for media companies to develop a deeper understanding of the niche communities and movements shaping their target audience to create content that makes a deeper impact.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Did you know?
Did you know?
afrofutur
preneurism
In the face of an ever-increasing wealth gap, Black people are spearheading businesses and brands at unprecedented rates. As entrepreneurship continues becoming a bigger focal point within the Black community, more platforms and voices have emerged to emphasize the importance of Black sovereignty, financial freedom, and generational wealth. Controlling over $1.7 trillion in spending power, Black consumers are becoming more aware of their economic power and getting smart about how they use it (Nielsen).
II.
In the face of an ever-increasing wealth gap, Black people are spearheading businesses and brands at unprecedented rates. As entrepreneurship continues becoming a bigger focal point within the Black community, more platforms and voices have emerged to emphasize the importance of Black sovereignty, financial freedom, and generational wealth. Controlling over $1.7 trillion in spending power, Black consumers are becoming more aware of their economic power and getting smart about how they use it (Nielsen).
GENERATIVE TECH IS RESHAPING THE CREATIOR ECONOMY
III.
From Web3 to XR (extended reality - VR, AI & AR), breakthroughs in technology have introduced a new space within the creator economy. AI, in particular, is creating new opportunities for Black creators to be innovative and experimental while elevating and monetizing their work. There’s a lot of uncertainty and skepticism surrounding the future of generative tech, however Black youth are optimistic about the possibilities and potential in the space.
V.
BEAUTY IN THE MUNDANE
Beauty
Mundane
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Niche is the New Normal
Beauty in the Mundane
I.
Niche is the
New Normal
II.
Afrofuturpreneurism
III.
Generative Tech is Reshaping the Creator Economy
IV.
The Rise of Personalized Content
V.
Beauty in the Mundane
I.
Niche is the
New Normal
II.
Afrofuturpreneurism
III.
Generative Tech is Reshaping the Creator Economy
IV.
The Rise of Personalized Content
V.
Beauty in the Mundane
I.
Niche is the
New Normal
II.
Afrofuturpreneurism
III.
Generative Tech is Reshaping the Creator Economy
IV.
The Rise of Personalized Content
V.
Beauty in the Mundane
I.
Niche is the
New Normal
II.
Afrofuturpreneurism
III.
Generative Tech is Reshaping the Creator Economy
IV.
The Rise of Personalized Content
V.
Beauty in the Mundane
I.
Niche is the
New Normal
II.
Afrofuturpreneurism
III.
Generative Tech is Reshaping the Creator Economy
IV.
The Rise of Personalized Content
V.
Beauty in the Mundane
Here are 5 cultural shifts
Choose your own destiny to decide where you want to start by clicking on one of the below, then use the navigation bar at the beginning of each chapter to tap into others along your journey….
Defining
Future
defining the future of content
Select a chapter
I.
II.
Afrofuturpreneurism
III.
Generative Tech is Reshaping the Creator Economy
IV.
The Rise of Personalized Content
V.
Select a chapter
Niche is the New Normal
Beauty in the Mundane
I.
II.
Afrofuturpreneurism
III.
Generative Tech is Reshaping the Creator Economy
IV.
The Rise of Personalized Content
V.
Niche is the New Normal
future of content.
Olive
Hooper
@cyfr.world
Jay
Mccrary
@uuupah
Dakarai
Akil
@dk1994
Amika
Cooper
@blackpowerbarbie
Jarrhette
Burke
@itsjburke
Ally
Thatcher
@fallencargo
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