EP. 73 Billion Dollar Patreon CEO Explains How to Fix the Internet [VIDEO]
Apr 2, 2024
auto_awesome
Jack Conte, Patreon CEO, discusses rebuilding a sustainable Internet, misalignment of creators & YouTube, balancing art with business, and the downsides of being a CEO. He shares personal stories, reflections on AI, and the changing landscape of the Internet.
Balancing art with business growth is emotionally taxing for creators like Jack Conte.
Navigating the impact of AI on creativity involves ethical concerns and authenticity dilemmas.
Patreon's shift towards authentic connections provides a space for sustainable communities and lasting relationships.
Deep dives
The Importance of Personal Connection in Internet Reorganization
The internet is reorganizing around algorithms instead of around people, which can be emotionally draining for creators. However, platforms like Patreon aim to provide a space for deeper connections and sustainable communities. This shift is crucial in balancing the online landscape for creators to genuinely engage and build lasting relationships with their audience.
Navigating the Challenges of Creativity and Business
Running a startup can be emotionally taxing, akin to 'swallowing glass.' Jack Conti, CEO of Patreon, describes the difficulties he faces in balancing the demands of building a billion-dollar business while pursuing artistic endeavors. The struggle to align personal creativity with business growth highlights the complex journey of prioritizing both passion and strategic vision.
The Impact of Technology on Artistic Expression
The evolution of technology, such as AI, presents a nuanced view for creators. Despite the excitement and curiosity surrounding AI's creative potential, concerns about job displacement, ethical implications, and artistic authenticity arise. Jack Conti's introspective approach to technology underscores the importance of navigating the interplay between innovation and artistic integrity.
The Search for Authentic Self-Expression
The pursuit of authentic self-expression and vulnerability in creative work is a deep-rooted journey. Jack Conti reflects on the challenges of revealing true self-identity in a polarized online space. Embracing vulnerability in artistic endeavors requires navigating personal fears, societal expectations, and the quest for genuine human connection.
Patreon's Evolution Towards Community and Creativity
Patreon's strategic shift towards fostering communities and supporting creators reflects a broader narrative of revitalizing online connections. By focusing on depth over breadth, Patreon emphasizes the value of personal engagement and sustainable relationships in contrast to mainstream platforms’ emphasis on mass engagement and algorithmic trends.
Sign up for free access to Karat Insights: https://link.trykarat.com/yt-insights
@Jackconte cofounded Patreon as a starving artist desperate to support himself - now he's trying to save the Internet from the algorithms running it.
Today he shares why top YouTubers are quitting, how to rebuild a more sustainable Internet, and how to balance pursuing art with building a billion dollar business.
----------------------
Follow Karat at
https://www.instagram.com/trykarat/
Follow Eric at
https://www.instagram.com/erictway/
Follow Jack Conte at
@Jackconte@Pomplamoose@ScaryPockets
https://www.instagram.com/jackconte/
----------------------
00:00 - intro
02:10 - Jack's humble beginnings as a musical savant
08:41 - the internet is changing and it's NOT what you think
13:19 - why the "social Internet" is indestructible
21:22 - how creators and YouTube are misaligned... and how to solve It
22:09 - why YouTube will NOT brainwash me
25:47 - Jack's purpose in life
27:13 - Jack's gift to his friend
28:09 - the 3 minute film Jack spent 4 years (!) making
30:55 - what artists & creators desire the most
33:13 - Jack's gift to his wife
38:29 - the downsides of being CEO
48:42 - find your north star
53:14 - Jack's opinions on AI
57:01 - Jack's personal life vs Patreon, which he prefers
58:16 - the internet has changed... but not for the better
1:00:41 - outro
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode