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Top stories for bloggers, newsletter writers, and content creators.
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If there is an article you think should be included in this roundup, please reply with a link. |
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No. 1: Is YouTube's AI Opt-In a Farce?
YouTube's new "Third Party Training" setting feels less like empowerment and more like a shrug from the platform, according to Lon Harris in a recent Passionfruit article.
The promise? Creators can now "opt-in" to allow their videos to train AI models. The reality? Your content has likely already been used without permission.
Reports from earlier this year revealed YouTube videos were quietly fed into AI datasets—including by Google itself—violating even YouTube's own rules. And here's the kicker...opting in offers creators exactly $0 in compensation.
No opt-out option exists, and the damage is done. YouTube's gesture isn't about control or value—it's about placating outrage with a hollow button.
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No. 2: Snapchat Boosts Creator Earnings Potential
Snapchat is raising the stakes for creators with a new monetization program launching in February 2025.
The platform will now let creators earn ad revenue from Spotlight videos over one minute long, tapping into a format that's up 25% in viewership year-over-year. But this isn't for casual posters. With strict eligibility—like 50,000 followers and hitting major view metrics—it's clear Snapchat is targeting serious creators.
This move follows TikTok and YouTube's recent pushes to attract creators with revenue-sharing perks. For content producers looking to diversify income, Snapchat's program could be a solid lane—if you can meet the numbers.
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No. 3: Supreme Court Weighs TikTok Ban
The Supreme Court has stepped into the debate over TikTok, agreeing to hear a case that pits national security concerns against First Amendment rights.
The central question is whether banning TikTok under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act infringes on free speech.
Arguments are set for January 10, 2025, with implications that could ripple through the creator economy.
If TikTok goes dark, where do creators pivot? YouTube? Substack? This looming decision could redefine the platforms content creators rely on to connect with their audiences—and their paychecks. Stay alert, folks. The stakes couldn't be higher.
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No. 4: Teens Fuel the Digital Ecosystem
Teens are tethered to screens like never before. Nearly half report being online "almost constantly," with YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat dominating their digital hours.
YouTube is king—90% of teens use it—but TikTok is catching up, especially among girls and minority teens. Platforms like Facebook are fading, particularly with younger users.
Access to tech is nearly universal, with 95% of teens owning a smartphone, though income still shapes what devices they have at home.
For content creators, the takeaway is that platforms aren't just trends. They're ecosystems, and teens are the lifeblood fueling them all.
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No. 5: Whatever Happened to Blogging for Fun?
Thirty years in, blogging has evolved from a heartfelt release to a full-fledged business venture. Sure, folks wax nostalgic about the days when publishing a blog was as simple as pouring out your thoughts and hitting "post."
But let's be real about this. While the fun hasn't vanished, the stakes have risen.
Today, success demands more than witty prose or compelling stories—it requires mastering SEO, algorithms, video editing, and email campaigns.
The creator economy is no longer just about writing but building a brand. The good news? Fun and profit can still coexist. The trick is learning to balance both.
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