East Texas-Owned App Nears 10 Years, Climbs to #4 in App Store Rankings

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) – An East Texas owned app is quietly making noise on a national stage. The Official Black App, developed by East Texas resident and TXAN 24 News owner Donovan Bridgeforth, is now ranked #4in paid business apps on the iOS App Store.

The milestone comes as the app approaches its 10-year anniversary — a rare feat in the fast-changing world of mobile technology. Launched nearly a decade ago, The Official Black App was designed to highlight Black-owned businesses and provide users with tools to connect, network, and grow.

Bridgeforth, who also leads TXAN 24 News and multiple local media projects, said the recognition is less about rankings and more about consistency.

“It shows that something built right here in East Texas can have staying power,” he said. “Reaching the top 6 is exciting, but the real accomplishment is almost 10 years of serving people.”

The app’s rise comes at a time when more East Texans are turning to digital platforms to support business and community growth. For Bridgeforth, it’s also a reminder that innovation doesn’t have to come out of Silicon Valley — it can come from Tyler.

As The Official Black App nears its 10-year mark, its national recognition adds another East Texas success story to the list.