How Free Speech Platforms Can Survive

Yesterday Elon Musk and X made a significant announcement that they have filed an antitrust lawsuit against the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), and GARM members CVS Health, Mars, Orsted, and Unilever. This bold move is a direct consequence of their actions, which have cost X billions of dollars and severely impacted their ability to operate as a free speech platform. The video streaming platform Rumble has joined them and filed suit as well. 

As someone who has been in the free speech social media space for eight years now, I can empathize with the challenges X and Rumble are facing. Gab has also encountered similar issues with the advertising business model, and I applaud them for taking legal action against those who have sought to destroy their businesses.

While there are some courageous businesses that won’t be swayed by the outrage mob and will continue advertising on free speech platforms, the majority of advertisers, especially the big spenders, are not so resilient. We are grateful for the businesses that support us and our mission, but the reality is that advertising revenue alone is not sufficient to keep platforms like Gab, Rumble, and X afloat.

Gab’s traffic has exploded recently with the election cycle news and currently we have so much unsold ad inventory that we lowered our prices down to a $1 CPM price (cost per 1,000 views.) If you are business owner or have an organization that runs online ads we encourage you to learn more about advertising on Gab here. 

The longterm solution lies in shifting the focus to the users who are willing to fund the site. Subscriptions, payments, and on-site commerce are essential components of a sustainable revenue model for free speech platforms. By offering more features as paid options, platforms can generate the necessary income to continue providing a free speech haven for their users. If users spend several hours a day on the app, it’s reasonable to expect them to contribute a small monthly fee to support the platform.

Gab’s survival and growth rely heavily on the financial support of its users. By donating directly, upgrading to GabPRO, or purchasing merchandise from the Gab Shop, users can contribute to the platform’s sustainability and ensure its continued operation. Every month, Gab depends on cash flow to cover essential expenses such as server bills, engineers, lawyers, and team members.

Without the support of our users, Gab would be unable to maintain its commitment to free speech and provide a space for unique uncensored perspectives. Supporting Gab monetarily is not only crucial for the platform’s survival but also sends a powerful message to those who seek to suppress free speech online. Moreover, contributing to Gab’s financial stability allows the platform to continue developing new features and improvements that enhance the user experience and further solidify its position as a leading free speech platform. 

Cutting out the middleman and eliminating the attack vector of advertisers who succumb to pressure campaigns from special interest groups and the media is crucial for the survival of free speech platforms. By building a loyal user base and fostering a community that values the importance of open dialogue, free speech platforms can thrive and continue to provide a space for uncensored perspectives and ideas.

X’s antitrust lawsuit against advertising conglomerates is a significant turning point for free speech platforms. It highlights the need for alternative revenue models and the importance of user support in maintaining an open and free online environment. As we navigate the challenges of the digital age, it’s essential to prioritize the preservation of free speech and the rights of all individuals to express their opinions without fear of censorship or retaliation.

Andrew Torba
CEO, Gab.com
Christ is King

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