🧭 Navigating the creator economy this week.

Good morning. Feeling sort of blah online these days? You’re not the only one. Competition and copycat updates among apps have created a sense of ennui for many people. And with more and more restrictions around TikTok, one can’t help but wonder if this is the end of the social media age as we know it. 

Don’t hang up your hat yet – change can be a good thing. For example, YouTube is going through a renaissance, and it could provide some much-needed new inspo for creators who have been focused elsewhere. Need tips on getting started on the OG video platform? Find some below. 

Here’s to a bold new era online.

– The Leap

9 Tips for Hitting 1K Subscribers on YouTube

So, you’re starting a YouTube channel? Welcome to the team. YouTube is simply smashing it right now, and there’s no better way to grow your audience, business, brand, etc. than utilizing this video (and soon-to-be podcast) super-platform. Your first goal is reaching 1,000 subscribers, which will allow you to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program and start earning ad revenue. Out on this playing field, there’s a lot of strategic moves you can make. Here are 9 effectives ways to start hitting high numbers when it comes to both subscribers and earnings.

Little Extras

🎞️ Paywalls are coming to a TikTok near you. The app just introduced a new way for creators to monetize their content with “Series.” 

💵 Creators are hoping for a huge payday via social media, but unfortunately the numbers aren’t matching up on Instagram and TikTok. However, there is one platform promising big money opportunities.

✉️ Meet YouTube’s new lead, Neal Mohan, who published a letter this month articulating where YouTube’s priorities lay in 2023.

✍️ For writers, Substack remains a place of opportunity for community-building and monetization, as it now boasts 2 million paid subscriptions.

🔬 Meta took a close look at the trends of 2023. The key takeaways? People are exploring niche identities, being transparent about relationships, and taking holistic wellness seriously.

😓 If it feels impossibly difficult to grow your Instagram account right now, you’re not alone. Will low engagement rates push people to pay for verification?

🧾 Creators going viral and earning big $$ online are figuring out what to do with the 1099 tax form. Here’s your reminder to save your receipts. 

⏱️ Instagram adds “watch time” analytics for Reels. Hmm, sounds familiar.

Career Forecast: The Year of the Part-Time Creator

How do you plan for the future when the economic forecast is cloudy with a chance of recession? Bringing an umbrella isn’t going to cut it – it’s time to weather-proof your income. If you’ve been mulling over the options, it could be time to join a growing number of individuals in becoming a part-time creator. If you’re looking for a sign to start a side hustle that lets you do work that you love and also brings you extra revenue, this is it.

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