Short answer: If you want one app for Haitian events, Haitian-owned businesses and community in the United States, start with Haitian Corner, which is free on iPhone and Android. Piwo and Lakou Network are social networks for Haitians worldwide, and HaitianMeet is built for friendship and dating. For tickets to large events, Eventbrite is the biggest platform, and Duolingo has a free Haitian Creole course.
Disclosure: this guide is published by Haitian Corner, which makes the Haitian Corner app. We describe every app here as fairly as we can, including the ones that compete with ours.
Quick comparison
| App | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Haitian Corner | Haitian events, Haitian-owned businesses and community in one app | Free |
| Piwo | Following Haitian artists and promoting your talent or products | Free |
| Lakou Network | Sharing stories and creative work with Haitians worldwide | Free, with ads |
| HaitianMeet | Meeting Haitians for friendship or dating | Free, with in-app purchases |
| Lokal | News and local listings from Haiti | Free |
| Eventbrite | Buying tickets to larger Haitian events | Free app; paid tickets usually carry fees |
| Duolingo | Learning Haitian Creole | Free, with an optional subscription |
| Haïti Inter, 4Diaspo | Live Haitian radio, news and music | Free |
1. Haitian Corner: events, businesses and community in one place
Haitian Corner is a free app and website for the Haitian diaspora. It puts the things people usually hunt for across group chats, flyers and Facebook groups into one place.
- Haitian events by city: Kompa parties, festivals, concerts, networking nights and community events, with RSVP and ticket information. See New York, Miami, New Jersey and Boston.
- A Haitian business directory: restaurants, bakeries, salons, DJs, photographers, real estate, financial services and more. Browse Haitian businesses, or list yours for free.
- Community: a social feed, community groups, Kompa music and Haitian cultural videos, and the Ludo Ayisyen game, in Haitian Creole and English.
Good to know: Haitian Corner is newer than some apps on this list, so its community is still growing. Its event and business listings are strongest in New York, South Florida, New Jersey and Boston.
Download: App Store (iPhone) · Google Play (Android)
2. Piwo: a social platform for Haitian talent and products
Piwo, made by Wonivo, describes itself as a free and inclusive social platform where Haitians from around the world can meet and share. You can follow Haitian artists, promote your own talent or products, and find Haitian-owned local businesses. It's a good fit if you create content or sell something and want a Haitian audience.
3. Lakou Network: a social network for Haitians everywhere
Lakou Network, from Weekeze, is a social network for Haitians that aims to connect people across borders and generations. Members share stories, show creative work and collaborate on businesses and community projects. The app is free and shows ads.
4. HaitianMeet: meet Haitians for friendship or dating
HaitianMeet is a social app for meeting Haitians worldwide, whether for friendship, dating or cultural exchange. It's free to download, with paid plans available in the app. Choose it if your main goal is meeting new people rather than finding events or businesses.
5. Lokal: news and local listings from Haiti
Lokal, from Chokarella Media, is one of the earliest Haitian apps, first released in 2012. It focuses on what's happening in Haiti and the wider Haitian community: local attractions, deals, events and businesses. It's available for iPhone.
6. Eventbrite: buying tickets to larger Haitian events
Eventbrite isn't a Haitian app, but many Haitian promoters sell tickets there, especially for big Kompa concerts and festivals. Search "Haitian" or "Kompa" plus your city. Keep in mind that Haitian events are mixed in with everything else, and paid tickets usually include service fees.
7. Duolingo: learn Haitian Creole for free
Duolingo launched a Haitian Creole course for English speakers in February 2022. It's a good way for second-generation Haitians, partners and friends to start learning Kreyòl, and the core lessons are free.
8. Haitian radio apps: Haïti Inter and 4Diaspo
For news and music from home, Haïti Inter streams live Haitian radio, and 4Diaspo carries stations including WPBR Radio Nouvelle Lumière and Radio Haiti Tropical, with Haitian news and gospel music.
How to choose the right app
- To find Haitian events or businesses near you: Haitian Corner.
- To promote your music, art or products: Piwo or Lakou Network.
- To meet someone: HaitianMeet.
- To buy tickets to a big concert: Eventbrite, or the ticket link on the event's Haitian Corner page.
- To learn Kreyòl: Duolingo.
- To listen to Haitian radio: Haïti Inter or 4Diaspo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app for the Haitian community?
It depends on what you need. For Haitian events, Haitian-owned businesses and community in one place, Haitian Corner is built for that. Piwo and Lakou Network focus on social sharing, and HaitianMeet focuses on meeting people.
Is there an app to find Haitian events near me?
Yes. Haitian Corner lists Haitian events by city, including New York, Miami, New Jersey and Boston, with RSVP and ticket information. Eventbrite also lists some Haitian events, mixed in with all other events.
Is there an app to find Haitian-owned businesses?
Yes. Haitian Corner has a free Haitian business directory with restaurants, salons, DJs, photographers, real estate agents, financial services and more. Business owners can list themselves for free.
Are these apps free?
All of them are free to download. Lakou Network shows ads, HaitianMeet and Duolingo offer paid upgrades, and paid tickets on Eventbrite usually include fees. Haitian Corner is free to use, and businesses and events are listed for free.
Can I learn Haitian Creole on an app?
Yes. Duolingo has offered a free Haitian Creole course for English speakers since February 2022.
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