ELLO, a new global messaging platform created by digital media entrepreneur Val Segal, launched this week with support from Atlas Artists. Designed as a modern alternative to Telegram, the platform blends secure communication with built-in monetization, signaling a shift in how content is shared and paid for online.
ELLO combines the familiarity of everyday messaging with features such as native video publishing, subscription channels, and in-platform revenue tracking. Segal, whose background includes managing a YouTube multi-channel network, said the goal is to give creators direct ownership of their audiences and income.
“We built ELLO to merge messaging and media, but also to empower creators to earn directly,” Segal said. “No algorithms, no middlemen — just communication and earnings in one place.”
The platform includes private chats, public channels, and dedicated spaces for musicians, influencers, publishers, and brands to engage directly with their audiences. Unlike traditional social media, ELLO eliminates the need to juggle multiple platforms to build a community and generate revenue.
A major feature of ELLO is its internal wallet, which allows partners to track income from subscriptions, video advertising, sponsored content, and exclusive events. Real-time analytics help users understand what drives engagement and profit.
ELLO is also attracting interest from legacy magazine publishers. Instead of relying on PDFs or formats that are difficult to read on mobile phones, publishers can create fully native, mobile-first digital magazines designed specifically for messaging environments. Publishers can also link external pages for brands, sponsors, and advertisers, creating seamless commercial integrations without disrupting the reading experience.
Security is a key priority. ELLO does not require a phone number to register, uses encryption, and offers unlimited media storage. Browser-accessible channels make it easier for audiences to discover content without downloading the app.
The platform is available in Spanish from launch, making it accessible to Spanish-speaking audiences across the United States, Latin America, and Europe.
Dave Fleming of Atlas Artists praised the platform’s approach. “It’s not just another messaging app,” Fleming said. “ELLO brings creativity and business together in a way that helps artists and publishers take control of their work.”
ELLO is rolling out globally and is already onboarding partners across entertainment, media, music, and publishing. To maintain exclusivity, the company plans to issue only 100 Multi-Channel Licenses worldwide, ensuring revenue is shared among a select group of partners.
Built on a global cloud infrastructure, ELLO is designed for scale, performance, and security. As messaging apps continue to grow without native monetization, ELLO is positioning itself as a new kind of platform — where communication, content, and income live in the same place.