Latest news with #creators
Forbes
18 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
How You Can Own Your Audience— Future Growth Is Media Led
For today's businesses, a major shift is underway in how to gain and keep customers. For both startups and growing companies, social media has moved beyond being a 'nice to have' tool for visibility to a 'must have' to grow and prosper. It's now a strategic asset, critical to differentiation, customer connection, and long-term resilience. The companies that win in the next decade will be the ones that build and own their own social media distribution. This is not 'maybe' – this is 'definitely.' Popular creator Chris Duncan with some of his viral TikToks The successful people on social media, who used to be known as 'influencers", are now called 'creators'. They use every type of social media – YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, podcasts – and increasingly are going into mainstream media such as music and TV, using these platforms, plus Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, X, Pinterest, and WhatsApp. Most of these platforms have more than one billion active monthly users. Social Media Moving From A Side Hustle To A Serious Business A recent article about Forbes' top social media creators states that this year, the 50 top creators earned $853 million. It was likely taken from traditional media, such as newspapers, magazines, and TV. The increase in spending on social media is up 18.5% in a year, and is continuing to grow, as the creators are changing 'the way people consume entertainment and engage with brands.' Increasingly, these creators, who used to do social media as a side hustle, are now making incredible inroads into other areas. Chris Duncan, cofounder of Creator Camp A great example of how creators are starting to take over traditional businesses is Chris Duncan. A creator on TikTok, whose posts often got millions of hits, he raised funds to help other creators by producing their films. He cofounded Creator Camp, a film studio built for the internet era. They are creating a new pipeline for stories to go from the bedrooms of creators and online storytellers to the big screen. Successful Companies Won't Just Have The Best Products — They'll Have the Best Stories In addition to creators starting their own businesses, traditional startups have also become much more focused on media and the distribution around their company. Increasingly, they recognize that it's not just about creating a great product or brand. It's also about being able to tell a compelling story about that product or brand. It's more than visibility and frequency. Companies that succeed today are those that build audiences, not just products. This means that many companies will have to put as much importance on media velocity as on product velocity. This shift has powerful implications. This is what companies are doing-- or should be doing --to stay on top: Own Your Audience To Stand Out In A Crowded Market Today's market is saturated with tools, platforms, and products that often look and function similarly. Whether you're building AI software, running a local coffee shop, or launching a consumer goods brand, the big question is: Why should anyone choose you? If there are so many different startups doing the same thing, what is the best way to differentiate and get users to use your specific product? One of the best ways is posting things online, because if you bring people into your mission, and into your journey, they're much more inclined to want to use your product or service over someone else's. One of the most effective answers is storytelling. When you share your company's journey, bring your audience into your mission, and create authentic content, you give people a reason to care. One example is a restaurant in Australia that became wildly successful, not just for their food, but for the stories they tell. Each week they highlight real customers on social media – some of the most popular have been couples on first dates--and other behind-the-scenes moments. Because it's very authentic content, a real story around two actual customers, it has made the restaurant hugely popular. That human connection drives loyalty and local traffic in ways no traditional advertising campaign ever could have. Learning what makes sense for your specific brand or business and consistently putting out content around that is a major differentiator between companies that have momentum, and companies that don't. Companies need to create momentum through consistently telling their story online -- and telling it authentically. They need to tell a story around their brand and to build community. Own The Distribution Of course you could hire an outside creator to help get your message out. But it's even better if you own the distribution. There are many advantages to companies that bring someone in house to help build their audience. They are less reliant on external marketing, so they don't have as large a marketing budget. But there's something even more important than getting rid of massive ad budgets or agency retainers. If you can do everything internally, you will have direct access to your customers. By hiring someone to own content and storytelling—whether it's a full-time creator, a content strategist, or a social-first marketer—you develop your own distribution channel. This becomes a long-term asset: a way to communicate directly with your audience, to test new ideas, and to build loyalty. Creator Camp Summit, Switzerland 2024 StartUps That Build Audiences Will Win A social media presence provides a direct, real-time feedback loop. You can see instantly what content resonates, what messaging works, and what features your users care about. This kind of immediate insight can dramatically shorten the distance between product development and customer need. As you get direct access to your customers, you're getting feedback much more quickly. You will know in real time if your product is aligned with their wants and needs. When you need to pivot, because a product isn't working, or the market shifts, you're not starting from zero. You've built an audience that believes in you, not just your product. That kind of community travels with you. It's an insurance policy against failure and a springboard for reinvention. And once you have developed a community that believes in you, if your product isn't working and you need to develop a completely different product, you can more easily pivot, because you will still have a loyal fan base. Therefore, it will be much better in the long run for companies to have this capability in house. And this will be even more important over the next 10 years for companies that want to thrive in this new environment. What Kind Of Talent Should You Hire? Since bringing this capability in-house is key, who should companies hire and how should they find them? Generally, you don't want someone who is just starting out, without real experience, who hasn't proven they can grow an audience. But they don't need to have millions of followers. Instead, look for middle-tier creators—those with 50,000 to 150,000 followers. These creators have demonstrated they can grow an audience and understand how various platforms work, but their income may be inconsistent and they may be looking for more stable, long-term roles. They're often in a perfect position to join a company, grow alongside it, and bring their storytelling skills to your brand. If you want a more affordable hire, and don't mind having it be a bit more of a gamble, there can also be value in hiring someone who hasn't grown their own audience but is deeply strategic and obsessed with social media. On occasion, companies have hired early-career creators or strategists without huge followings who have crushed it -- it's just riskier. Austin, TX, Camp Film Festival 2025 Where To Find These People Online, there are vibrant communities, or collectives, of creators. While they don't offer headhunting services, you can find potential talent by going on their Instagram or social pages to see what creators they are collaborating with. Start your search in spaces like: You Must Get The Essential Social Media Your Company Needs Social media is no longer optional for companies—it's critical. The ability to communicate authentically, build an audience, and control your own distribution is one of the strongest competitive advantages a company can have. Postponing it is not a wise financial decision. Build it now, and it will pay off for years to come.
Geek Girl Authority
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Tips for Making a Film
Many people dream of creating their own film one day. They could be inspired by cinematic legends or an intriguing narrative begging to be told. But making movies requires artistry, technical know-how, and some determination. Creating movies goes far beyond simply wielding a camera, it is about crafting experiences that speak directly to audiences. While the process can seem frustrating and exhausting at times, with some help and tips it can become a career worth embarking upon. Concept and Scriptwriting: The Bedrock of Your Film Every cinematic masterpiece begins with an amazing concept. A film's story, themes, and structure form its core. Therefore script writing becomes very important in creating cinematic works of art. A well-considered script serves as both its heart and blueprint, outlining narrative arc, character interactions, tone setting elements within one document. Focus on Your Vision: Knowing the tone and genre will help guide your later decisions. Characters are Important: Believable characters drive an engaging tale while keeping audiences invested in their development. Keep It Crisp: For a good script, aim for a balance of dialogue and action. Avoid long, drawn out monologues in favor of actions which speak volumes. Once the script has been written, refine and rewrite it for better results. Very rarely are scripts completely finished in their first draft stage. Editing helps transform them into something extraordinary. Assemble Your Dream Team Movie productions require teamwork. Assembling the perfect team can transform an ordinary film into something extraordinary. From cinematographers and sound designers, each team member brings something different to the table. Choose the Right Cast: Actors give life to your script. Hold auditions until you find those who embody the characters you've imagined . Find Technical Wizards: Skilled directors of photography, sound engineers, and editors can be invaluable when creating art from raw footage. Stay Organized: Assign clear roles and responsibilities among team members in order to make sure there is smooth collaboration among them. A production manager or assistant director can be invaluable in keeping everything running as smooth as oil. Plans, Budgets and Scouting Before you start with the production of your film project, careful planning is important. Devising a production plan and securing funding ensure the project stays on course. Set Your Budget: Film production can be expensive, but resourcefulness goes a long way in covering the costs. Crowdfunding , grants and sponsors are often available to indie projects who require financial backing for production costs. Scout Locations: The setting of each scene is what creates immersive and aesthetic appeal, from urban alleys to lush forests. So carefully choose the locations that align with your story and always obtain all necessary permits before the filming begins. Storyboarding is Your North Star: A storyboard serves as a visual outline, outlining key shots, sequences, and movements for production purposes. It ensures your creative vision translates seamlessly during production. The Magic of Cinematography Once the production begins, cinematography takes the forefront. Cinematography goes far beyond simply recording scenes, it creates an immersive environment within each film that sets its mood and atmosphere. Lighting Sets the Tone: Lighting sets the atmosphere and enhances a scene's depth. From soft natural daylight for an ethereal atmosphere to dramatic shadows that create tension. Angles Matter: To create dynamic content, experiment with various camera angles . Overhead shots can convey distance while close-ups capture raw emotion. Keep it Smooth: To add movement and create dynamic shots, invest in stabilizers or gimbals for smooth shots. Shaky footage may exude chaos when intended but can become distracting when overdone. Using Drones to Elevate Your Filmmaking Drones have revolutionized filmmaking, providing dynamic perspectives and cinematic shots previously impossible. Creators can use drones as versatile tools for capturing sweeping landscapes, dramatic aerial views, and smooth tracking sequences effortlessly, elevating storytelling techniques while leaving an amazing impression with viewers. Shoot Breathtaking Aerial Shots: Filmmakers who use drones like the DJI M400 can capture breathtaking aerial shots that were once impossible or required costly equipment. Creating captivating aerial views for their film that convey scale, depth, and grandeur, whether filming expansive landscapes, bustling cityscapes or intricate chase scenes. Versatility in Angles: The drone's agile maneuverability makes it simple to experiment with dynamic angles and perspectives, from bird's-eye views to dramatic pull-back shots, adding cinematic flair that keeps viewers engrossed. Smooth and Stable Footage: With its advanced stabilization technology, the drone produces smooth footage free from distracting handheld shots or shake. This ensures professional-grade cinematography which seamlessly fits into your film project. Cost-Effective Innovation: Integrating a drone like the DJI M400 into your toolkit brings tremendous production value without breaking your budget. Filmmakers can achieve results comparable to helicopter shots while saving both time and money, and maintaining exceptional quality. Unleash Creativity: Drones help directors expand their creative boundaries. Thanks to their ability to quickly adapt to various environments and shoot at various altitudes and speeds, tools such as these make it possible to easily visualize and execute complex scenes with ease. Perfecting Post-Production Post-production is where all of your film's pieces come together into a narrative, through meticulous editing, visual effects, sound design and color grading processes. Seamless Editing: Arrange scenes to ensure an engaging storytelling experience. Choose an editing pace that complements the scene. For instance, quick cuts work well for high-energy scenes while longer shots may better suit reflective moments. Enhance with Sound: Dialogue clarity, ambient noise and background music can add depth and emotion to your scenes. A great soundtrack can elevate the emotional impact of any film. Color Grading: Adjusting the tones and colors of your footage for stylistic effects. Warm tones may evoke nostalgia while cooler tones create suspense or isolation. Conclusion No filmmaking experience is without its challenges, but every hiccup adds depth to both the storytelling and technical prowess. When coupled with captivating stories, collaborative teams, and determination, creating your own film becomes an exhilarating creative conquest. With credits rolling and applause erupting upon its completion making every ounce of effort worth it. Cinema has the power to inspire, connect, and entertain, an avenue through which dreams truly become realities. POKER FACE Recap: (S02E10) The Big Pump RELATED: NYCC 2025: Check Out the First Wave of Star-Studded Guests
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
3,000 Attendees Gather for First-Ever YooFinds Expo in the U.S., Celebrating TikTok Shop Growth
TikTok Shop's Largest Creator & Brand Ecosystem Event in the U.S. Draws Massive Engagement Onsite and Online Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - June 26, 2025) - The 2025 YooFinds Expo · Los Angeles officially wrapped up on June 11 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with nearly 3,000 industry participants in attendance and over 5,000 pre-registered in the month leading up to the event. This marks the largest in-person ecosystem event ever held in the U.S. for the TikTok Shop community. Powered by YooFinds and co-hosted with FastMoss, the one-day expo brought together over 1,600 creators, 300+ brands, and 40+ top speakers and platform partners under one roof. As TikTok e-commerce gains traction globally, this event served as a milestone moment-offering a real-world space for content creators, sellers, and solution providers to connect, collaborate, and co-create the future of commerce. "Our goal has always been to connect the best creators and brands-not just through screens, but face to face, in real life. That's where real partnerships start." - Jim Fields, U.S. Partner, FastMoss. "YooFinds and FastMoss are more than just tools-they're the gateway to unlocking the full potential of TikTok commerce. I genuinely believe they're the best platforms out there to help both brands and creators grow, connect, and win together." Running from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, the Expo featured a vibrant main stage, two side stages, and over 100 interactive booths. Onsite attendance was complemented by an online reach of over 200 million impressions, and attending creators boasted a combined following of 50+ million. Top U.S. TikTok creators such as Daisy Cabral, sk8bord b, Liz The Clearance, and Melodyscloset shared industry insights and content growth strategies. Leading agency executives, including Lauren A. Stevens (Orca, Co-founder) and Alex Elsea (Founder, MomentIQ), delivered keynotes on creator-brand synergy and short-form commerce playbooks. As the first and largest offline TikTok Shop ecosystem event in the U.S., the 2025 YooFinds Expo · Los Angeles marked a new chapter for content-driven commerce. From creator education to brand collaboration, data intelligence to community building, the Expo set the stage for a thriving, connected, and global TikTok e-commerce future. About YooFinds YooFinds is the ultimate personal assistant for TikTok creators-offering exclusive high-commission best-sellers, a wide range of free product samples, and more ways to earn through video placements, livestream promotions, and paid ad campaigns. Whether you're creating short videos or going live, YooFinds helps you unlock your full earning potential on TikTok. About FastMoss FastMoss is the world's leading TikTok Shop data analytics platform, trusted by over 2 million global users including creators, brands, and agencies. With the most comprehensive real-time dataset across TikTok e-commerce, FastMoss empowers users to discover top-performing products, analyze creator performance, monitor market trends, and optimize content-to-commerce strategies. Our mission is to become the most complete and trusted analytics solution for the global TikTok ecosystem.
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- Phone Arena
Nothing's camera teaser drops just as new Phone (3) renders begin making the rounds
Nothing is slowly revealing more details about its upcoming Phone 3, and the latest teaser gives us a first look at its upgraded camera system. In a post shared on X, the company confirmed that the new device will include a 50MP periscope lens. The caption was brief, stating the camera is "built for creators." While Nothing didn't mention the zoom capabilities or specs, it did share a series of photos that were reportedly taken using this lens. As usual, the images were shown in the company's signature minimalist and aesthetic style. — Nothing (@nothing) June 26, 2025 We still don't know the full camera setup, but recent leaks suggest the Phone 3 may feature three 50MP cameras: a main sensor, an ultrawide, and the new periscope lens. Meanwhile, another leak from today also supports this, revealing some of the phone's expected specs and design changes in the form of unofficial CAD renders. Leaked CAD renders of the Nothing Phone (3). | Images credit — Android Headlines Based on these renders, the Phone 3 could arrive with a redesigned camera layout. The top lens may be positioned off to the side, while the other two are placed next to each other at the bottom. The report also mentions a 6.7-inch OLED display and a large 5,150mAh battery. Charging support is rumored to include 100W wired and 15W wireless charging. Internally, the Phone 3 is expected to run on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, which is a slightly more affordable version of Qualcomm's high-end processors. The Glyph interface is also coming back, but this time in a new matrix-style layout. Nothing CEO Carl Pei recently confirmed that the Phone 3 will be priced around £800, which is approximately $1,062. That puts it in a higher price range than last year's Phone (2), pointing to more premium ambitions for this model. The company has already announced that its next event will take place on July 1 at 1 PM ET. During the event, we expect the full reveal of the Phone 3, as well as a new audio product called the Headphone 1. Overall, this teaser adds to the excitement surrounding the Phone 3, especially for users interested in mobile photography. It's always interesting when a brand experiments with design or camera hardware. Nothing has built a reputation for taking a different approach, and this periscope lens might help it stand out. Now we just have to wait and see if the final product lives up to expectations. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Android Authority
Nothing confirms the Phone 3 is getting a periscope lens, and here's a gallery of what it can do
TL;DR Nothing has confirmed that the Phone 3 will have a telephoto camera. There's no word on the optical zoom level. The company shared a few examples of what the lens is capable of. Nothing is a company that often likes to send out teasers of new products. True to form, the company has released a new teaser for the upcoming Phone 3, revealing that the Android phone will have a camera that its predecessor lacked. In a social media post, Nothing confirmed that the Phone 3 will feature a 50MP telephoto lens. The post mentions that the lens is 'Built for creators.' While there's no mention of an optical zoom, an earlier leak hinted that this lens could have 3x zoom. Although Nothing avoided getting into specifics, it did provide a handful of sample shots taken with the lens. CEO Carl Pei also joined in, sharing some photos he took. It's unclear what level of zoom is being used based on just these images. It won't be much longer now until Nothing launches the Phone 3. The event is scheduled to take place on July 1, which will also be the launch date for the company's first pair of headphones. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
