The Business of Creators

Discover how young digital natives are revolutionizing corporate culture, marketing, and social activism through content creation and hear about ZCON, the groundbreaking conference where Gen Z content creators and Fortune 500 executives converge to reshape the future of business.Ian speaks with Regina Harris, from Digital Brand Architects and Olivia Frary, Head of ZCON at UTA Next Gen, who share exclusive insights on Gen Z's unprecedented influence in corporate America. Learn why major brands are turning to teenage content creators for business strategy and how social media authenticity is becoming the new currency of success.Key Takeaways:Why Gen Z creators are "content machines" and how their natural content creation differs from previous generationsThe evolution from "haul culture" to conscious consumption in social media marketingHow teenage fan pages became training grounds for today's most influential marketersThe power of digital activism and how Gen Z is making social movements more accessibleBest practices for brands looking to partner authentically with young creatorsThe future of corporate conferences and why diversity in leadership can't waitThe Business of Creators is a podcast for content creators and everyone interested in the Creator Economy. On this show Ian Shepherd speaks with the pioneers shaping the industry and digs deeper to get the scoop on new ways to create, distribute and monetize content.Ian is co-founder of Electrify Video Partners, a company investing $m in established creators to accelerate their growth. Visit the new website at electrify.video.Subscribe to this show for more interviews from industry leaders shaping the Creator Economy.

Mike Donoghue, CEO of Subtext, about the power of text message marketing for creators, influencers, and brands. Learn how SMS subscriptions are outperforming traditional social media and email marketing strategies.Key Topics:SMS marketing vs social media algorithmsText message engagement rates (98% open rate!)Case study: Creator earning $500,000/year through SMSHow music labels use text messaging for fan engagementBuilding an owned audience with SMS subscriptionsYou'll discover:Why creators are switching to text message marketingHow to monetize your audience with SMS subscriptionsTechniques for creating high-value SMS contentThe future of creator-audience relationshipsThe Business of Creators is a podcast for content creators and everyone interested in the Creator Economy. On this show Ian Shepherd speaks with the pioneers shaping the industry and digs deeper to get the scoop on new ways to create, distribute and monetize content.Ian is co-founder of Electrify Video Partners, a company investing $m in established creators to accelerate their growth. Visit the new website at electrify.video.Subscribe to this show for more interviews from industry leaders shaping the Creator Economy.

In an exclusive interview with paranormal investigation duo Sam and Colby, they discuss their journey from YouTube stars to big-screen filmmakers. Discover how these ghost-hunting content creators are pushing the boundaries of the creator economy and taking their audience on thrilling new adventures.Key InsightsSam and Colby's new film "The Legends of the Paranormal" hits 350+ Cinemark theaters for a 7-day releaseBehind-the-scenes look at their creative process for YouTube videos and feature filmsSneak peek at this year's Hell Week series - "something no other paranormal crew has ever done"How they're expanding their brand through merchandise deals with Zumiez and Hot TopicBalancing content creation with business ventures and fan experiencesIn this eye-opening conversation, Sam and Colby share:The challenges of adapting their YouTube style for a theatrical releaseHow they keep their annual Hell Week series fresh and excitingTheir strategy for engaging fans beyond the screen through merchandise and experiencesThe benefits and challenges of being a creator duoExciting plans for 2025 that will surprise their audienceThe Business of Creators is a podcast for content creators and everyone interested in the Creator Economy. On this show Ian Shepherd speaks with the pioneers shaping the industry and digs deeper to get the scoop on new ways to create, distribute and monetize content.Ian is co-founder of Electrify Video Partners, a company investing $m in established creators to accelerate their growth. Visit the new website at electrify.video.Subscribe to this show for more interviews from industry leaders shaping the Creator Economy.

Join us as we dive deep into the incredible journey of Kit Chilvers and Iyrah Williams, the young British entrepreneurs behind Pubity Group. Discover how these two teens turned their passion for football memes into a global social media phenomenon reaching billions of views per month!Key Topics:How Pubity Group started from humble beginnings in 2014Building a Gen Z-focused social publishing empirePartnering with major brands like Subway, GymShark, and HingeThe secret sauce: data-driven content strategy and community engagementFuture plans for expansion in the US marketLearn from these social media masters about:Identifying trends and understanding algorithmsBuilding engaged online communitiesTurning social media audiences into sustainable businessesCreating authentic branded content that resonates with Gen ZThe Business of Creators is a podcast for content creators and everyone interested in the Creator Economy. On this show Ian Shepherd speaks with the pioneers shaping the industry and digs deeper to get the scoop on new ways to create, distribute and monetize content.Ian is co-founder of Electrify Video Partners, a company investing $m in established creators to accelerate their growth. Visit the new website at electrify.video.Subscribe to this show for more interviews from industry leaders shaping the Creator Economy.

Join us as we dive deep into the groundbreaking $500 million acquisition of Influential by Publicis Groupe. Discover how this deal is reshaping the creator economy and influencer marketing landscape.In this episode:The rise of Influential and its journey to becoming a leader in influencer marketingHow data-driven approaches are transforming creator collaborationsThe future of the creator economy and its projected growthInsights on effective influencer marketing strategies for brandsThe role of AI in the evolving world of creator marketingKey Takeaways:Learn why Publicis chose Influential and the strategic advantages of this partnershipUnderstand the growing importance of measurable ROI in influencer campaignsGain valuable advice for brands looking to leverage creator marketing effectivelyThe Business of Creators is a podcast for content creators and everyone interested in the Creator Economy. On this show Ian Shepherd speaks with the pioneers shaping the industry and digs deeper to get the scoop on new ways to create, distribute and monetize content.Ian is co-founder of Electrify Video Partners, a company investing $m in established creators to accelerate their growth. Visit the new website at electrify.video.Subscribe to this show for more interviews from industry leaders shaping the Creator Economy.

OnlyFans creators are emerging as leaders in the adoption and integration of AI! These innovative content creators are leveraging AI to transform their operations, enhance audience engagement, and redefine the boundaries of personalized content delivery.In the latest episode of the Business of Creators our guest is the founder and CEO of SuperCreator, a company at the forefront of developing AI tools for content creators. We'll explore how AI is transforming the way OnlyFans creators engage with their audiences, manage their content, and scale their businesses.Here are 3 takeaways from the episode1. AI-powered tools are emerging to help content creators manage and scale their one-on-one interactions with fans, potentially transforming how creators engage with their audience.2. The creator economy is shifting towards more personalized, niche content experiences, with AI enabling creators to provide tailored interactions at scale.3. Data shows that a small percentage of top fans (around 15%) often account for the majority of a creator's revenue (up to 80%), highlighting the importance of identifying and nurturing high-value relationships.Whether you're a content creator, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of digital media, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI is reshaping the creator economy.The Business of Creators is a podcast for content creators and everyone interested in the Creator Economy. On this show Ian Shepherd speaks with the pioneers shaping the industry and digs deeper to get the scoop on new ways to create, distribute and monetize content.Ian is co-founder of Electrify Video Partners, a company investing $m in established creators to accelerate their growth. Visit the new website at electrify.video.Subscribe to this show for more interviews from industry leaders shaping the Creator Economy.

TheSoul Publishing is a digital media powerhouse you may not have heard of, but their content reaches billions across social media. In this episode, Victor Potrel, Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Creator Services, pulls back the curtain on how TheSoul has become one of the world's largest digital studios, with a staggering 2.5 billion subscribers.We dive into the strategies behind TheSoul's meteoric rise including:How they've mastered both long-form and short-form videoThe role of data and AI in their content creation processAnd their expansion into creator services and musicVictor also shares his journey from YouTube to Lego and finally to TheSoul, offering unique insights into the evolving digital landscape. Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or just curious about the future of digital media, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss.The Business of Creators is a podcast for content creators and everyone interested in the Creator Economy. On this show Ian Shepherd speaks with the pioneers shaping the industry and digs deeper to get the scoop on new ways to create, distribute and monetize content.Ian is co-founder of Electrify Video Partners, a company investing $m in established creators to accelerate their growth. Visit the new website at electrify.video.Subscribe to this show for more interviews from industry leaders shaping the Creator Economy.

In this episode of we sit down with Jordan Barclay, better known as EYstreem - a 21-year-old YouTube sensation who has amassed over 10 million subscribers. Jordan takes us on a fascinating journey through his career, from his early days as a young content creator balancing school and YouTube, to building a thriving media company with multiple channels and nearly 100 team members.Jordan shares insights on:Diversifying content across multiple YouTube channelsBuilding and training a team for the creator economyUsing data analytics and audience psychology to drive content strategyThe future of the creator economy and the impact of AIWhether you're an aspiring creator or a seasoned entrepreneur, Jordan's story offers valuable lessons on turning passion into a sustainable business in the digital age.The Business of Creators is a podcast for content creators and everyone interested in the Creator Economy. On this show Ian Shepherd speaks with the pioneers shaping the industry and digs deeper to get the scoop on new ways to create, distribute and monetize content.Ian is co-founder of Electrify Video Partners, a company investing $m in established creators to accelerate their growth. Visit the new website at electrify.video.Subscribe to this show for more interviews from industry leaders shaping the Creator Economy.

In this episode, we sit down with Lucy Guo, the innovative founder of Passes, a platform revolutionizing the creator economy. Lucy shares her insights on how Passes is empowering content creators to build sustainable businesses and forge deeper connections with their audiences. From the platform's unique focus on direct messaging to its expansion into college sports, Lucy offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of content monetization.Three Key Takeaways:Direct Fan Engagement is King: Lucy reveals that the majority of creator revenue on Passes comes from direct messages and subscriptions tied to DMs. This highlights the importance of personal interaction in building a loyal, paying fanbase.Diversification is Crucial: Passes is helping creators move beyond traditional brand deals to more reliable income streams. Lucy emphasizes that many creators now derive 80-100% of their income from the platform, underlining the importance of diversified revenue sources.Consistency Drives Success: For aspiring creators, Lucy's advice is clear - consistency is key. Daily content creation, especially on platforms with high discoverability like Instagram Reels and TikTok, is crucial for growth and success.Listen in as Lucy discusses Passes' partnerships with top athletes, upcoming features like their marketplace, and her vision for creating "unicorn creators" in the evolving digital landscape. Whether you're a content creator looking to monetize your passion or simply interested in the future of digital entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insights into the changing face of the creator economy.The Business of Creators is a podcast for content creators and everyone interested in the Creator Economy. On this show Ian Shepherd speaks with the pioneers shaping the industry and digs deeper to get the scoop on new ways to create, distribute and monetize content.Ian is co-founder of Electrify Video Partners, a company investing $m in established creators to accelerate their growth. Visit the new website at electrify.video.Subscribe to this show for more interviews from industry leaders shaping the Creator Economy.

In this episode, we're joined by Josh Reader, CEO of CreatorCut, a company helping creators finance and produce bigger projects through fan investment. Josh shares his journey from traditional media at AMC Networks to the creator economy, and discusses how CreatorCut is empowering creators to own their intellectual property while unlocking the financial power of their fan communities.Key takeaways from this episode:CreatorCut helps creators finance projects by selling equity to their fans, aligning fan passion with creator success and providing a new funding model for larger-scale content.Josh is currently focused on comedy, food, and travel genres, working with creators to develop series concepts that can translate to connected TV platforms.The creator-fan relationship is paramount - creators are extremely protective of their fan communities, prioritizing fan impact even above monetization when considering new opportunities.Listen in as Josh shares insights on bridging traditional media and the creator economy, and his vision for empowering creators to take their content and careers to the next level.The Business of Creators is a podcast for content creators and everyone interested in the Creator Economy. On this show Ian Shepherd speaks with the pioneers shaping the industry and digs deeper to get the scoop on new ways to create, distribute and monetize content.Ian is co-founder of Electrify Video Partners, a company investing $m in established creators to accelerate their growth. Visit the new website at electrify.video.Subscribe to this show for more interviews from industry leaders shaping the Creator Economy.