kweliTV, a streaming service for the global black community, expands to more platforms

There’s a new way to watch kweliTV on television.

The D.C.–born video streaming platform that curates independent films films, news and kids programming of the global black community is expanding with availability on more platforms, meaning the list where the platform is offered now includes Apple TV, Google Play, Roku, Amazon Fire and iOS.

Founder DeShuna Spencer said demand from customers has been on the rise since the platform launched out of beta in September 2017.

“Our goal is to make sure that we’re able to make it easier for them to watch our content,” said Spencer.

kweliTV features more than 230 films and documentaries that feature black voices. Spencer wants to feature films that accurately portray the black experience, and shine a light on social issues. With films that are being added to the platform this summer, Spencer said the platform is also bolstering efforts to offer stories from around the world.

DreamTown, directed by Betty Bastidas, seeks to bring visibility stories of triumph from the Afro-descendant community of Ecuador.

“For people looking in from the outside, such stories create tolerance and understanding that we’re more similar than different and for a society to thrive, all voices must be heard, acknowledged and celebrated,” Bastidas said in a statement.

Fire With Fire, from director Mandlakayise Walter Dube, Jr., tells the story of a teenager fighting in the liberation movement against apartheid in South Africa.

FIRE WITH FIRE – “We never know how high we are till we are called to rise” could be the motto of this high impact film based on the true story of a teen hawker drawn into the South African liberation movement.
Watch on #kweliTV 👉🏾https://t.co/2HucsnuQys #bingeontheculture pic.twitter.com/BJ5Jj9rsmk

— kweliTV (@kweliTV) July 16, 2018

The service is also looking to offer more insights from directors, which it is doing through interviews that air on Facebook Live, Spencer said.

Spencer said the company is also looking to maintain community connections as it grows. It’s piloting programs to connect members with businesses owned by black women, and donating to nonprofits from every subscription.