Creator Upload

This week, Josh welcomes special guest cohost Billy Parks. Billy is a Venture Partner at Slow Ventures, which recently announced a $60 million fund for creators. On the show, we discuss the landscape of creator brands through the investor lens -- and also take a look at some headlines for the week, including the NikeSKIMS announcement and a peculiar case of true crime, fake content.Here's more detail on what we covered this week:Follow Billy Parks on LinkedIn.Slow Ventures announces $60 million fund to back creator businesses in "high value verticals" - TubefilterYouTube shuts down "true crime" channel that was all AI lies - TubefilterNIKE, Inc. and SKIMS Introduce New B  rand for Women: NikeSKIMSHow a computer that 'drunk dials' videos is exposing YouTube's secrets Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK

This week, Lauren is joined by special cohost Jamie Gutfreund (Forbes; Creator Vision) to look back at 20 years of YouTube through the lens of their 2025 letter from CEO Neal Mohan. Then: Netflix pursues podcasters, Poppi tarte-d at the Super Bowl, and Buzzfeed invests in hopecore via a new social media platform.Here's more detail on what we covered this week:Follow Jamie Gutfreund on LinkedIn!Jamie covers the creator economy on Forbes -- more here.More on Creator Vision here.From the YouTube CEO: Our big bets for 2025Neal Mohan says YouTube is the new TV--and creators are the new Hollywood - TubefilterDespite YouTube's investment in Shorts, viewers are gravitating toward long-form video - TubefilterFebruary 14 marks the 20th anniversary of YouTube's founding - TubefilterYouTube and Spotify want to be video podcast kings. But they might have a new challenger: Netflix. - TubefilterNetflix is eyeing video podcasts and once courted 'Call Her Daddy' star Alex CooperBuzzFeed to launch new social media platform called BF IslandDuolingo Owl Dies—But ‘The Dead Internet Theory’ Lives OnPoppi sent vending machines to influencers — and it majorly backfiredCelebrities Protest Kanye West in Fake AI Video; Scarlett Johansson Makes Statement Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK

It’s a rare occurrence that Josh and Lauren are in the same place — BUT, they come together today during SoCom 2025 to hit us with all the hot creator economy goss. Headlines include: YouTube’s Community push and creators at the Super Bowl.Hike!Here are the main headlines for the week:YouTube wants creators and fans closer than ever with its new Communities update - TubefilterCreators are ruling Super Bowl advertising. Doritos brought back a classic contest to get in on the fun. - TubefilterKhaby Lame vows to "see all the world and its problems" as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador - Tubefilter Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK

Josh and Lauren are back in the studio! Major news for today: Meta is balling out on creators (again), the NFL is giving more content access to its legends, and Trump-favoring creators will now have a path to gain White House credentials.This episode is sponsored by Memberful. Memberful is a best-in-class membership software that empowers creators to build customized membership businesses. Creators can generate reliable recurring revenue, all while fostering meaningful connections with their audiences. Get started for free; no credit card required. Link: https://tbfltr.co/tfmf25Here are links to more detail about what we discussed this week:Leaked Instagram Contracts Reveal What It's Paying Creators for Reels - Business InsiderInstagram gives creators more insight into their reels' performance | TechCrunchCreators are getting thousands of new followers by posting Trial Reels. Was that Instagram's plan all along? - TubefilterThe NFL is turning ex-players into "media moguls" on YouTube - TubefilterNFL Lets Former Players Tap Its Video Archive for YouTube PostsTrump administration to creators: "You will be allowed to apply for press credentials to this White House." - TubefilterThe Second Trump Presidency, Brought to You by YouTubersYouTube cozies closer to the NFL, replacing TikTok as Super Bowl tailgate sponsor - Tubefilter Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK

This week, Josh is joined by special cohost Kaya Yurieff. Kaya is Team Leader for the Creator Economy beat at The Information, and originally scooped the news that TikTok would be shutting down ahead of its supposed ban. Now that the ban has been delayed for 75 days, Kaya joins the show to talk about what happens now.Here's what we discussed:Follow Kaya Yurieff on LinkedIn!Kaya's profile on The Information.Inauguration Day’s Trump-Tech ExtravaganzaThese Influencers Helped Get Trump Elected. Now They're Ready to PartyLet’s Make a Deal—for TikTok — The InformationU.S. TikTok Employees Flee to Meta, Google — The InformationInstagram Courts TikTok Creators With Big Cash Bonuses — The Information‘The vibes were off’: How half a day without TikTok changed everythingTrump signs order delaying TikTok ban: What happens now? Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK

We welcome Lauren back to the studio for the closing days of social media's most impactful app of the last 10 years. TikTok is set to shut down on Sunday January 19, and we're here to discuss it. Plus: the tech elite are cozying to Trump's ways, and Ms. Rachel's empire grows.Here's what we covered today:TikTok reportedly plans ‘immediate’ Sunday shutdown in the US if it’s banned - The VergeSenators who passed the TikTok ban are realizing a lot of people won't like it - TubefilterTikTok ban: Sen. Markey tries to give a 270 day extension - The VergeThe TikTok ban might give "Chinese Instagram" the opening it needs to break into the U.S. - TubefilterWhy TikTok Users Are Downloading ‘Red Note,’ the Chinese App - The New York TimesWill YouTube be the new TikTok? It's pushing longer Shorts and more creation tools - TubefilterTech advocates and celebs are mad at Mark Zuckerberg, so they're raising $30 million to build a social network he can't control - TubefilterInside Mark Zuckerberg’s Sprint to Remake Meta for the Trump Era - The New York TimesNetflix wants to keep pace with YouTube among toddlers, so it struck a deal with Ms. Rachel - Tubefilter Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK

Today Josh is joined by temporary co-host Adam Conner (long-time producer of Creator Upload). We kick off 2025 with a few major headlines about ad networks rising to compete with YouTube and big fact check changes at Meta...oh, and by the way, a huge YouTube star has returned.New year, same us!Here's what we covered today:There are many ways to contribute to victims of the LA Fires. One mentioned on today's show is via Airbnb. More on that here.Comcast just made a platform to "steal" ad dollars from YouTube - TubefilterHoney's business model is "an adpocalypse all day every day" for creators. LegalEagle just filed a class action suit to get them paid. - TubefilterIs the Honey influencer marketing scam an isolated incident or a sign of a bigger problem? - TubefilterMeta axes fact-checking program, is working with Trump administration to "promote free expression" - TubefilterMeta’s Fact-Checking Reversal Ups Ante for YouTube — The InformationDavid Dobrik is vlogging on YouTube again - TubefilterNick DiGiovanni is trying a new recipe for YouTube content - TubefilterCaleb Pressley and Glenny Balls leave Barstool and take Sundae Conversation with them - DexertoTikTok Shop Rival Whatnot Raises Funds at $5 Billion Valuation - Bloomberg If you liked producer Adam on the show, follow him here. Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK

In our 2024 finale episode, Josh and Lauren give us some long shots on what's likely to arise in the creator economy for 2025. Also, we chat about TikTok's case getting picked up by the Supreme Court, monetization on Twitch vs YouTube, and creators now having the ability to consent to AI usage of their content.Happy birthday to our co-hosts!!Here's more detail on what we covered today:TikTok finally scores a win: the Supreme Court will hear its caseTikTok CEO meets with Trump as the platform tries to avoid a ban - The VergeThe Twitch VOD situation is crazy - TubefilterYouTube will let creators consent to AI training (and opt them out by default) - TubefilterYouTube Teams With CAA to Let Talent Identify — and Pull Down — AI Deepfakes of ThemselvesJosh's key prediction is around TikTok Shop. The momentum is headed their way: TikTok Shop is outperforming Shein and Sephora among US shoppers onlineLauren's key prediction is around niche communities and their infrastructure. More there: Who's hiring in the creator economy? 3 key takeaways on the state of jobs in the industry and what to expect in 2025 Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK

Josh and Lauren chat about the TikTok ban which is now likely headed to the Supreme Court, Instagram's new "Trial Reel" feature (dark posts, anyone?), and Alex Cooper's newly-launched Unwell Hydration.Drink up!Here's what we covered this week:Trisha Paytas is following up her 'SNL' cameo with a one-night-only Broadway show - TubefilterD.C. Court of Appeals upholds U.S. TikTok ban, setting up likely Supreme Court case - TubefilterU.S. TikTokers are preparing for a ban by promoting their YouTube and Instagram channels - TubefilterInstagram gives creators a trial run for their Reels - TubefilterCall Her Daddy Star Alex Cooper Launches Unwell Hydration With Nestlé - Business Insider Unwell Hydration (@drinkunwell) • Instagram photos and videosPodcasters influenced the 2024 election, so Spotify is setting up shop in D.C. - Tubefilter Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK

Josh and Lauren are back to regale us with tales of Thanksgiving and Black Friday (including one creator who made serious bank!) before diving into the headlines du jour. Up first: judging from TikTok Shop and a new beta on Facebook... are we about to enter the "monetize everything" era of content? Then, Cameo cozying up to creators and the Beast Games PR push begins.Here are the main topics we covered this week:A creator earned $2 million during one single Black Friday livestream on TikTok - TubefilterHas "micro-creator monetization" come to Facebook? - TubefilterCameo welcomes over 31,000 self-enrolled creators with CameoX | Marketing DiveAmazon's 'Beast Games' PR sweep brings Jimmy Donaldson to Roblox, chart-topping podcasts - TubefilterAlso, platforms are beginning to unleash their year-end reviews. Have you checked out your Spotify Wrapped? Well, now they have one for creators.Our Wrapped for Creators Experience Toasts 2024 Podcast ListeningAnd YouTube, of course, has its own wrap-up. (Pour one out for Rewind.)The Year on YouTube: Takeaways from Trends Around the World Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK