What is Are.na and how to use it
Founded in 2014 by Charles Broskoski, Daniel Pianetti, and Chris Sherron, Are.na is often described as an online software tool for saving, curating, and organizing content.
Think it sounds a lot like Pinterest? Well, you’re not wrong.
But while Are.na does fit the category of a social media network by allowing users to upload and share content, it doesn’t contain the stereotypical social media functionality such as liking, sharing, or favoriting content, nor is the platform as reliant on visual content in general. While Tumblr is also a fair comparison, it might be easier to think of are.na as simply a creative research platform, perfect for those who want to discover as well as collate their existing inspiration.
Who is Are.na for?
While anyone can use Are.na, it is most popular among artists, designers, and architects to find, collate, and organize their thoughts and ideas for creative projects.
Many well-known creatives have publicly shown support for Are.na, including Cory Arcangel (artist), Martine Syms (artist), and Emily Segal (artist).
How does Are.na work?
Upon signing up, the first thing you will be prompted to do is create your first Channel. Channels are like folders focused on a specific idea that will hold Blocks (think Pinterest Boards). Blocks can cover a variety of file formats including images, links, PDFs, videos, and text. Channels can be public or private and you can also add collaborators to them, if you like. Blocks can be in multiple Channels, and related Channels can be connected to one another.
While Are.na does require you to create an account before getting involved, it is easy to create a free “Guest” account and get up to 200 Blocks. Alternatively, for those who want unlimited Blocks as well as additional features, there is a $7 monthly/$17 annual fee.
With an incredibly minimalistic UI, it’s easy to focus on the task at hand in Are.na, especially considering that the platform is entirely ad-free regardless of your account type.
Why use Are.na?
According to Are.na, the platform aims to be a “distraction-free space where you can collect anything, organize your thoughts, and develop ideas over time. It’s also a community where curiosity and collaboration are more important than algorithms and likes.”
In short, Are.na is amazing for processing your thoughts and ideas, whether you choose to do so for a personal project, artistic inspiration, or a collaborative exercise. If you choose to make your Channels public, there will be an enthusiastic, knowledge-hungry audience waiting to appreciate your carefully collated content on your area of expertise.
Are.na can be accessed via the web or downloaded as an app for mobile or tablet devices.
Get the Are.na IOS app
Get the Are.na Android app