The Digiday Podcast Creators vs. influencers: Inside the divide
Jan 27, 2026
Sarah Jurdy, Digiday managing editor, argues language and context shape whether someone is called a creator. Seb Joseph, Digiday executive news editor, insists creators and influencers serve different marketer needs. They debate definitions, marketing value, platform effects, business intent versus content craft, and which roles blur or stand apart.
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Video Evidence And Platform Concerns
- Tim Peterson reflects on the importance of video evidence in current events after the Alex Priddy killing.
- He links that to concerns about TikTok US algorithm changes and potential suppression.
Creators And Influencers Overlap Yet Differ
- Creators and influencers overlap but are not identical in purpose and output.
- Creators focus on producing varied content while influencers center on persuading audiences for commercial aims.
Marketers Treat Talent Differently
- The marketing approach to talent often defines the terms.
- Influencers get treated like ad buys while creators are treated as longer-term partners.