Becoming 54Ruum

You might’ve noticed we went a little quiet lately—and if you were looking for us, thank you. We’ve been thinking about you, too. Now we’re back, with something big to share:

So…what happened?

On Sunday, May 11th 2025, our Instagram page was suddenly suspended and permanently deleted within 24 hours, following a conflict with Meta AI. This took us by surprise—especially since we’ve always played by the rules. But rather than dwell on the loss, we saw an opportunity.

The Rebrand: Why 54Ruum?

We’ve been dreaming of an identity that reflects who we truly are. The name PHOTORUUM was just the beginning—now we’re evolving.

What 'Ruum' means:

Ruum is our stylized take on “room”—a space. A space to connect, learn, grow, and be discovered. It’s the soul of our community.

What '54' means:

The number 54 represents the 54 countries that make up Africa. It's our homage to our roots, and a statement about where we’re building from—a creative powerhouse rooted in Africa, made for the world.

Why Now?

Let’s be honest. Our previous name, Photoruum, was just a bit too close to Photoroom, a well-known AI photo editor. This overlap created confusion—and may have even contributed to our page being taken down.

So we took this moment to reclaim our story, realign with our mission, and step confidently into a new chapter—one that’s truly ours.

What’s Next?

We’re back stronger than ever, with the same mission: To celebrate, support, and showcase Africa’s most talented photographers and visual artists—like you.

Thanks for staying on this journey with us. We’ll see you again very soon on Instagram.

With appreciation,

Rah
Cofounder & Head of Operations
The Ruum Africa