From $0.00004 per view to 0% control—exploring the hidden struggles behind the booming $100 billion industry.
$ 0.00004 is the worth of a single video view on TikTok for a creator. Into Million & you have just made $40. Congrats 🙌
The global creator economy is valued at over $100 billion, with 50 million people identifying as creators worldwide.
70% of creators say their primary platform's algorithm changes have negatively impacted their reach and income.
Nearly 50% of all top creators in the universe of 200MN creators(who actually live & earn digital) Earn Less Than $10,000 in a single year.
Nearly a Quarter of creators Grind For 2 years Before seeing a single dollar. that’s 730+ days without a paycheck.
Over 50% of creators feel that they lack ownership of their audience due to platform dependence.
The rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels has increased short-form content demand, but 76% of creators say it's difficult to monetize consistently.
Youtube shares upto 45% revenue on every video view while instagram shares 0%.
0% creators own the platforms they rely on for their livelihood.
0% creators have any control over their audience
0% creators have any control over monetisation of their audience
The Takeaway:
Creator Burnout is real & happening with many leaving the game in pursuit of traditional businesses or going back to their jobs.
Viral for sure is not viable.
The Future belongs to creators who own their digital identity, have control on the platform & monetisation.
So what can creators do to build a sustainable business online?
Building a long-lasting business means creating value that keeps people coming back, not just for the content but for the community around it.
Build Relationships, Not Just Viewership: Successful creators understand the importance of engaging with their audience beyond a one-way content stream. Building a community where your audience feels connected and valued can create a more loyal following. This can be through exclusive groups, live streams, or creating spaces where fans can interact with each other.
Offer Exclusive Content: Reward your most dedicated followers with exclusive content that goes beyond what’s available to the general public. Memberships, private courses, or insider updates help deepen the relationship with your core audience and provide additional revenue opportunities.
Nurture Long-Term Connections: Short-term wins are great, but a lasting business is built on long-term relationships with your audience. Consistently offering them value and engaging with them at a deeper level ensures that they remain part of your journey for years to come.
Courtesy Greg Isenberg
Create Scalable Products
To build a business that lasts, creators should focus on creating scalable products that generate revenue without requiring constant hands-on work.
Digital Products and Courses: Once a digital product, such as an online course or eBook, is created, it can be sold repeatedly with little additional effort. This scalability allows creators to reach more people without continually trading time for money.
Automated Systems: Consider automating parts of your business. This might include email marketing sequences, affiliate marketing programs, or pre-recorded workshops. Automation helps maximize efficiency, allowing you to focus on growth and new projects without being bogged down by day-to-day tasks.
Rather than focusing solely on scaling numbers, creators should prioritize the depth of engagement with their audience.
Source: Kajabi, Statista, Gartner
