Elloes

Elloes is a digital art community and social networking service that gained prominence in the mid-2010s. Founded in 2014 by Paul Budnitz, Elloes was initially conceived as an advertising-free alternative to existing social media platforms. Its early focus was on providing a cleaner, more artist-centric environment for sharing creative work.

The platform quickly attracted a significant user base, particularly artists, designers, and photographers who were disillusioned with the advertising models and data collection practices of larger social networks. Elloes offered a minimalist aesthetic and a commitment to user privacy, which resonated with its target audience. It featured a feed for images and text, with options for users to follow each other and discover new content through tags and curated collections.

Elloes' business model relied on a combination of selling merchandise and offering premium features, differentiating itself from ad-supported platforms. While it experienced a surge in popularity, the platform faced challenges in maintaining user engagement and evolving its features to compete with established social media giants. Over time, its user base stabilized, and it continued to operate as a niche community for artists and creatives seeking an ad-free online space.