How AI and Video Are Fuelling a 1.1 Billion Creator Future with Ben Woods from MiDiA

1.1 billion people will be creators by 2032 — but who are they, and what does that future look like? In this episode of The Business of Creators, Ian Shepherd dives deep with Ben Woods from MiDiA to explore the eye-opening findings from their latest report on the creator economy.

Ben breaks down what’s really driving this explosive growth: the rise of consumer-creators, the power of video, and how AI is flipping the playbook for creators at every level. Whether you're a seasoned creator, brand, or investor, this episode is packed with insights that will reshape how you think about content, monetization, and community.

Topics Discussed:

• What the 1.1 billion creator forecast actually includes
• Why video is now the default format for all creators
• AI’s impact on workflows, speed, and monetization
• How brands and traditional media are becoming creators
• The evolving pain points: burnout, platform dependence, and time constraints

Key Takeaways:

• The creator economy isn’t just influencers — it includes everyday users reshaping entertainment through content
• AI is lowering the barrier to entry and giving both new and veteran creators powerful tools
• Burnout is real — and most creators are hitting a ceiling on how much they can sustainably produce
• Smart creators are building businesses beyond platforms: franchises, merchandise, live events, and direct audience ownership
• Traditional media and brands are now copying creator playbooks — and succeeding

Listen to learn actionable strategies to grow your creator business — and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more insights on the business of creators!