December 5 2025

Executive Summary: Social platform Fanbase and diversity‑focused stock image provider Pocstock have struck a landmark deal: they will compensate creators whose content is used to train AI models. The partnership gives users of Fanbase, an app founded by Isaac Hayes III in 2018, the chance to earn money when their photos, videos or audio clips help improve machine‑learning algorithms. It’s a first‑of‑its‑kind agreement aimed at making AI training more ethical and inclusive.

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AI models thrive on data, but they rarely reward the people who produce that data. That’s beginning to change thanks to a collaboration between Atlanta‑based social media platform Fanbase and Pocstock, a stock image library that specializes in diverse and inclusive visuals. According to a feature by AfroTech, the two companies have agreed to pay Fanbase users whose content is used to train machine‑learning models. The move not only compensates creators but also aims to address biases in AI by ensuring datasets include more representations of Black, Hispanic, Asian and Indigenous communities, as well as people with disabilities.

Fanbase was founded in 2018 by Isaac Hayes III, son of the legendary soul musician, and differentiates itself by paying users from day one. Unlike ad‑supported social networks, Fanbase shares revenue with content creators through subscriptions, tips and exclusive content. The platform has attracted a community of artists, influencers and entrepreneurs who want to monetize their audiences without relying on advertising algorithms. Pocstock, meanwhile, provides royalty‑free images and video clips featuring diverse models and has raised funding to integrate AI into its platform. Its CEO Steve Jones has been vocal about the need for fair representation and compensation in the AI space.

Under the partnership, AI companies will license content from Pocstock that was sourced from Fanbase. Creators who opt in to the program will be paid when their data is used for training. The compensation structure hasn’t been fully disclosed, but both companies emphasize transparency and fairness. In a newsletter, Jones wrote that AI cannot be allowed to “learn to be racist” due to biased training data and that Pocstock holds the kind of diverse data needed to prevent such outcomes. For Fanbase users, the deal provides a new revenue stream and a chance to participate directly in the AI economy.

Beyond the financial benefits, the collaboration has broader implications for entrepreneurs and developers. It signals that user‑generated platforms can form ethical data partnerships rather than simply selling data behind users’ backs. It also acknowledges that diverse datasets improve AI performance. Models trained on inclusive imagery and voices are less likely to generate harmful stereotypes and more likely to deliver value in global markets. Startups building AI products should take note: acquiring high‑quality, representative data is not only a technical necessity but also a moral one. Partnering with communities and compensating contributors can build trust and differentiate your brand.

This deal may also inspire other social networks and content platforms to rethink their approach to user data. As regulators scrutinize privacy and data ownership, companies that proactively share revenue with contributors will be better positioned to navigate legal changes. Entrepreneurs who create platforms reliant on user content should consider similar models from the outset. Doing so can reduce compliance risk, attract loyal users and create new business lines around data licensing.

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