YouTube brings side-by-side ads to livestreams: The move could help convince creators and advertisers that YouTube is the go-to livestream choice.

Creators and marketers are using AI to streamline workflows, enhance content, and improve their strategies. Despite challenges related to AI governance, accessibility, and implementation, proliferation of the tech will ultimately benefit the creator economy.

TikTok debuts AI Alive, an image-to-video generation tool: The feature is part of TikTok’s push to maintain dominance in a competitive short-form market.

TikTok brings DMs directly to livestreams: The update is part of TikTok’s broader livestream push, designed to keep brands and creators around.

YouTube introduces creator marketing updates: The changes aim to position YouTube as an influencer marketing hub amid social media uncertainty.

As retail spending slows down, consumers are increasingly using the same feeds that fuel impulse shopping to bond over the collective desire to curb their spending. This makes an influencer strategy embedded in value and relatability crucial.

Tariffs make content creation a riskier gig: If brand deals dry up, creators could seek more traditional career paths.

Netflix remains a revenue leader in the streaming space, however tariff concerns and tightening budgets for both consumers and advertisers have increased the pressure across all providers to stand out.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how ready Netflix is for a potential recession, if video podcasts and content creators fit nicely into its offering, and whether AI can help improve search for the streaming giant. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Analyst Ross Benes, and Vice President of Content Paul Verna. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

TikTok makes a bid to encourage creators, agencies to livestream: The push is part of the platform’s strategic effort to avoid a US ban.

Private label brands are set for another surge in momentum as consumers become increasingly concerned about the impact of tariffs.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss why the Trump administration extended TikTok’s sell-by date again, what deals are on the table, and how creators feel about the potential ban at this point. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Vice President and Principal Analyst Jasmine Enberg, and Analyst Marisa Jones. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

Most conversations around pay transparency center on equitable and predictable income for creators. While creators deserve to be paid fairly and on time for their work, more visibility into creator pay rates has tangible benefits for brands, too.

As the ban deadline nears, creators are diversifying fast—but juggling platforms with different audiences and monetization tools poses operational hurdles.

YouTube has more users than Facebook, Netflix, or Spotify. But its advertising revenues do not match its vast reach. This report contextualizes the opportunities and scope for growth in various media spheres.

Last month, Instagram rolled out its Testimonials feature, an ad format that allows brands to pay creators for sponsored content that includes comments.

Spotify will offer Partner Program in nine new markets: The platform hopes to attract more creators by expanding monetization opportunities—and draw attention from YouTube.

YouTube Shorts views get redefined: Starting March 31, every play counts as a view—but only “engaged views” will determine monetization and deeper insight.

Why creator monetization matters: As influencer marketing spending grows, platforms that offer consistent payouts will retain creators who provide valuable ad space.