Keek Social Inc. Announces Strategic Shift to Social Commerce and Live Streaming Monetization

Rhea-AI Summary

Keek Social (PRSNF) announced a strategic shift on February 18, 2026 from traditional social networking to social commerce and live-stream monetization. The company plans features such as tipping, virtual gifting, paid subscriptions, live-stream shopping, brand sponsorship tools, and patent-pending ad insertion technologies.

Keek will roll out upgraded monetization tools, expand creator onboarding, pursue e-commerce and payments partnerships, and explore international expansion while updating shareholders on product milestones.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 18, 2026) - Keek Social Inc. (TSXV: KEEK) ("Keek" or the "Company") today announced a strategic shift in its business focus from traditional social networking to social commerce, positioning the Company to capitalize on rapidly growing global monetization trends in live streaming and creator-driven commerce.

Strategic Rationale

The Company intends to roll out a suite of live streaming monetization technologies designed to enable creators and users to generate and share revenue across multiple channels, including:

• Live streamer tipping and virtual gifting
• Paid subscriptions and premium content access
• Live-stream shopping and integrated e-commerce transactions
• Brand sponsorship and creator marketplace tools with Keeks patent pending ad insertion technologies.

These features are expected to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional advertising and align Keek with high-growth global trends. Management believes that user monetization—rather than user acquisition alone—will be the defining metric of next-generation social platforms.

Market Opportunity

Social commerce has rapidly emerged as one of the most dynamic sectors in digital media. According to data from China's Ministry of Commerce and iResearch, live-streaming e-commerce transactions in China exceeded RMB 4.9 trillion (approximately USD $680+ billion) in 2023, representing one of the largest segments of digital retail globally.

In China, platforms such as Douyin and Taobao Live have helped make live-stream shopping a multi-hundred-billion-dollar annual market segment within broader e-commerce.

In the global live streaming monetization space, services such as Bigo Live reportedly process over USD $2 billion annually in live-stream tipping and virtual gifting revenue, according to company disclosures and filings by its parent company JOYY Inc.

Competitive Positioning

Keek's pivot reflects management's belief that:

1. Engagement without monetization limits shareholder returns.
2. Creator economies require direct revenue pathways.
3. Social commerce integrates entertainment, retail, and payments into a unified ecosystem.

The Company's upcoming technology releases will focus on seamless in-stream payments, secure transaction processing, and scalable revenue-sharing infrastructure.

Forward Strategy

Over the coming quarters, Keek intends to:

• Launch upgraded live-stream monetization features.
• Expand creator onboarding programs.
• Develop strategic partnerships in e-commerce and payments.
• Explore expansion opportunities in high-growth international markets.

The Company will continue to provide updates to shareholders as product milestones are achieved.

About Keek Social Inc.

Keek Social Inc. is a publicly listed technology company focused on building next-generation digital engagement and monetization platforms. The Company is transitioning its focus toward social commerce and live-stream monetization technologies to unlock scalable global revenue opportunities.

For further information, please contact:

Personas Social Incorporated
Mark Itwaru
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: 647-789-0074
Email: mark@keek.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements reflect current expectations but are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Shareholders are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284267

FAQ

What strategic shift did Keek Social (PRSNF) announce on February 18, 2026?

Keek Social announced a pivot to social commerce and live-stream monetization on February 18, 2026. According to the company, the shift prioritizes creator monetization tools like tipping, subscriptions, live-stream shopping, and patent-pending ad insertion technologies.

Which live-stream monetization features will Keek (PRSNF) introduce and when?

Keek plans features such as tipping, virtual gifting, paid subscriptions, live-stream shopping, and sponsorship tools. According to the company, these upgrades will roll out over the coming quarters as product milestones are achieved.

How does Keek (PRSNF) justify the move to social commerce for investors?

Keek argues that monetization, not just user acquisition, will define next-generation social platforms. According to the company, diversifying revenue via creator-driven commerce aims to improve shareholder returns by expanding revenue streams beyond advertising.

What market size data supports Keek's (PRSNF) social commerce strategy?

Keek cites large live-stream commerce figures, including RMB 4.9 trillion in China (around USD $680+ billion) and reported platforms processing multi-billion-dollar tipping revenues. According to the company, these metrics highlight global monetization potential.

How will Keek (PRSNF) approach partnerships and expansion after the pivot?

Keek intends to develop strategic e-commerce and payments partnerships and explore international markets. According to the company, efforts will include expanded creator onboarding and collaboration with commerce and payments partners in coming quarters.