As a kid, I wanted to be an actress or a veterinarian.
But if you were to ask a classroom of children today what they dreamt of being when they were older, you’d probably get a few responses along the lines of “YouTuber”, “Tiktokker”, and “influencer”.
In other words, some form of content creator.
The global creator economy now has more than 45 million professional creators and 162 million amateur content creators – and honestly, by the time this article is live? That’s probably grown more.
But wait. Is content creation really a viable career? Does creating content just mean posting TikToks? Can anyone become a content creator?
In short: yes, no, and of course. But don’t worry, I’ll answer these questions (and more) throughout the article.
Let’s get into it.
What does a content creator actually do?
The truth is, there’s no one answer. Content creation is a huge umbrella term that covers loads of digital occupations: YouTubing, podcasting, blogging, streaming, writing newsletters, filming masterclasses, running courses; you get it.
Rather than trying to cover every possible kind of content creator, it’s simpler to understand the most popular forms of content.
Does content creator just mean social media influencer?
Sort of. Social media is essentially the bread and butter of content creation. Some creators focus solely on social media, while others use their social channels to funnel people to content hosted on other platforms.
It’s pretty hard (read: close to impossible) to gain any traction as a content creator without some kind of social media presence and strategy – but that doesn’t mean it has to be your main focus.
As I mentioned, many creators (podcasters, for example) will use social media to repurpose audio and video content and use it as a marketing funnel to gain new viewers, boost exposure, and take advantage of free algorithms.
And then you have creators who focus solely on social media, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok becoming their bread and butter.
Different platforms cater to different content types. TikTok and YouTube Shorts are great for quick, snappy, short-form video, while YouTube itself is built around long-form video content.
Instagram is a versatile space where you can share everything from photos and Reels to Stories and long captions.
X (formerly Twitter) is ideal for quick thoughts, threads, and community interaction, while platforms like Pinterest offer more niche ways to connect with audiences through imagery or quick bursts of video.
Knowing which platform best suits your content type will help you maximize your reach.
Alex Sedlak, a Whop creator and founder of Media Labs, coaches his mentees on using social media to create affiliate marketing content for brands on TikTok Shop.
If you’re thinking about creating social content, it helps to have a plan. You need to know who you’re making content for, what your content offers your audience (comfort, education, entertainment, etc.), and lastly, a consistent posting schedule.
Remember, social media algorithms reward consistency. Regular posting keeps you on your audience's radar while showing platforms like Instagram and TikTok that you’re active and engaged.
Now, let’s dive into the different kinds of content creators typically focus on. Each form can work across multiple platforms – but understanding their nuances will help you create more targeted and effective content.
Different types of content creation
Short-form video
Video content is huge – and it’s not just about being a YouTuber anymore.
Short-form video could be considered the king of content. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are designed for quick consumption, with their algorithms built to serve up engaging, bite-sized content that keeps users glued to their screens.
The reason for this shift is simple: attention spans are shorter than ever. Almost 50% of TikTok users consider videos over one minute long to be stressful.
So, short-form videos are perfect for creators who want to grab their audience’s attention quickly and create skits, product demos, challenges, or BTS content. It’s perfect for creating moments that resonate fast and hard.
The best part? It's easier to create, with fewer production requirements. You can shoot and post on the same day, experimenting with different styles and trends to see what works.
TikTok, for example, has helped creators worldwide go from zero to millions of followers in a matter of months. With consistent posting and a bit of creativity, it’s possible to gain major exposure and turn those short clips into long-term growth.
Long-form video
On the other hand, long-form video is more about depth and storytelling, usually ranging from 10 minutes to several hours.
YouTube remains the go-to platform for long-form creators, followed by paid access platforms.
Long-form video is the best option if you want to build a loyal audience that returns for more substantial content. The trade-off here is that creating, editing, and publishing takes longer, but the payoff is often higher engagement and a stronger connection with your audience.
Both short and long-form videos can be monetized through ads, sponsorships, or even by driving traffic to your own products or services.
So, really, the choice between the two often comes down to your content style and how much time you want to dedicate to creating.
Photography
Does the rise of video mean that static content (i.e. imagery and graphics) is dead? Not at all!
While videos might be the more popular content format right now, most content creators focus on a mix of video and static posts.
Instagram, for example, is still one of the top platforms for photographers, influencers, and content creators to post photos (especially in the form of carousels).
Instagram's Chief executive, Adam Mosseri, actually recommends that creators post more image carousels rather than focusing purely on video. Carousels help boost reach in the algorithm, as they often stop people in their tracks.
Plus, photography works well across multiple platforms. You can use images for Instagram posts, X posts, Pinterest boards, blogs, or even YouTube thumbnails.
Having the ability to capture the right images also opens up monetization opportunities. Popular creators often work with brands to promote products through UCG content.
If you’re a photographer, you could use image-based content to demonstrate your photography workshops, editing services, and photo shoots for clients. Or, you can use social content to sell your own prints and photo services.
Audio content
Podcasts, voiceovers, and audio-based content have become hugely popular forms of content, with podcast listeners growing at a 7.85% year-over-year increase!
The cool thing about audio content is that it doesn’t require investing in a camera or fancy setup initially, which makes it an appealing option for creators who want to experiment without too much overhead.
There’s no need for high production value, which means you can focus on what matters: the content.
Audio is an awesome way to explore deeper topics, share stories, or interview guests without the constraints of video production. Plus, listeners can engage with your content while commuting, working out, or cooking dinner.
People who listen to podcasts tend to form a deeper connection with the host. It’s like conversing face-to-face with your audience, and that makes it easier to develop a consistent, engaged community.
And audio content can still be monetized in a bunch of ways. Podcasts, for example, can bring in sponsorships, ads, or even listener donations if you build a loyal fanbase.
Affiliate marketing works well for audio, too, especially if you're recommending products or services.
Written content
Feel anxious about showing up on camera? Totally get it. Not everyone likes recording themselves – and you don’t have to.
Writing is an easy and low-key way to build an audience.
Blogging, newsletters, and X posts are all great ways to get your voice out there. You can take your time with them, and you don’t have to worry about editing every mistake or stressing over your appearance.
Writing a blog could be a solid choice if you want to explore a subject deeply and establish yourself as someone who knows their stuff.
Maybe you’re giving tips, sharing personal stories, or breaking down a big topic – blog posts let you do that without being rushed. Plus, they’re great for SEO, so you could see your audience traffic grow from well-planned articles.
Newsletters are a good option, too. When someone subscribes to your newsletter, they’re basically raising their hand to say, “I want to hear more from you!”
‘Short-form writing’ is another option. You can grow a pretty decent following through X posts or Threads alone. Well-timed posts can get people talking and get picked up by the algorithm quickly, helping you find your people.
Once you’re writing consistently and have grown your audience, written content can become a steady revenue stream – think sponsorships, affiliate links, and even paid subscriptions.
How do content creators make money?
So you’re creating content, but how do you actually make money from it?
It’s not all about viral TikToks or sponsored Instagram posts – though I won’t lie, they definitely help.
Creators have many different ways to make money, and the best part is that these opportunities can scale with you. The more you grow your audience, the more opportunities will come your way.
Here’s a look at some of the ways creators are turning their content into cash:
Directly from platforms
Most platforms offer their creators multiple ways to earn natively, such as the YouTube Partner Program or TikTok Creator Rewards Program.
The payouts usually start small, but they give creators a way to make money just by posting content. Typically, the more views you get, the more you can earn.
Something to remember, though? These platforms can take hefty chunks of your hard-earned coin, so most creators won’t rely solely on platform rewards.
Instead, they’ll couple that with other monetization opportunities, like those listed below.
Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the simplest ways for creators to make money.
You promote a product or service through a special link, and you get a commission when someone buys through that link. Simple!
Well, maybe there’s a bit more nuance.
Affiliate marketing is all about recommending products you actually use and believe in. Your viewers trust you, so you don’t have to oversell (because, trust me, audiences can smell that from a mile away).
Instead, focus on being genuine and sharing what works for you. With transparency and soft-selling, your followers will be more willing to check out what you’re promoting.
Brand partnerships
Once you’ve built your personal brand, garnered a decent following, and are becoming more well-liked by the algorithm? You can start looking into brand partnerships.
These partnerships involve working with companies to promote their products or services, and they’ll pay you for it – sometimes, big bucks.
Brand deals can be one-off projects or long-term collaborations. It’s important to stay true to your style and values and partner with businesses that fit your content and resonate with your audience.
However, remember that to get noticed by brands in the first place? You have to create the right kind of content, have an engaged audience, and have a niche in place. If that’s you, you can even be proactive about reaching out to your favorite brands yourself.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are similar to brand partnerships but tend to be more structured.
Instead of just promoting a product in a post, sponsors may pay you for regular exposure. This might include shout-outs, dedicated videos, or featuring their products in your content. It’s another way to monetize and develop long-term relationships with companies.
Sponsorships are really popular for creators with a regular posting schedule and large audience metrics - think YouTube content and podcasts.
Ad revenue
Platforms like YouTube and TikTok also offer ways to make money through ads.
For YouTube, ads are placed before, during, or after your videos, and you earn a portion of the revenue.
TikTok offers similar ad revenue opportunities, though it typically requires a larger audience to start making a substantial income. But once your following grows, ad revenue can be a significant part of your income.
The only thing with ads? They can be annoying for viewers – so be sure to balance ad revenue with other ways to monetize.
Building a personal brand as a content creator
The thing about all the monetization opportunities I’ve mentioned up until now? They all require relying on an external third party to make money.
That’s why many creators will focus on building up their own personal brand.
When you have a personal brand, you’re not just selling content; you’re selling yourself. It’s about cultivating an audience that values what you do and then giving them more ways to engage with you.
One of the easiest ways to start monetizing your brand is through merch. If you’ve got a loyal following, chances are they’ll want to rep your brand.
Merch is a great way to boost your brand’s income. It’s a natural extension of your brand that helps your audience feel more connected to you and has the double benefit of working as a marketing strategy.
Another way to monetize your personal brand is through courses and digital products. If you have a particular skill or knowledge that people find valuable, you can package it into an online course or ebook. Platforms like Whop make it foolproof to create and sell your own products.
Digital and info products give creators a way to make passive income. Once you’ve created the content, it’s just about marketing it to the right audience.
If you want to be even more exclusive, you can offer subscriber-only content where your followers pay for access to extras. This could be anything from behind-the-scenes videos to exclusive podcasts, early access to your content, or personal one-on-one coaching.
When you build a personal brand, you open yourself up to endless possibilities.
You’re not limited to just one revenue stream. If you’ve built a strong, engaged community, you can experiment with different ways to monetize and see what works best for you and your audience.
Where are the best platforms to host my content?
Once you’ve considered your content, audience, and monetization goals, you can think about where to host your content.
Social media and free hosting platforms
Social media platforms are a no-brainer for content creators. They’re free, easy to use, and they already have a built-in audience.
Most creators get started on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X, and for good reason. You can post regularly, engage with your audience, and use algorithms to get noticed without paying for hosting.
Plus, social platforms have tons of tools to help you monetize. TikTok has its Creator Fund, YouTube has ads, and Instagram lets you link products and services.
If you’re just starting out, social media is your best bet. It’s where your audience already is, and it’s a great way to build your brand and gain followers without any upfront costs.
Subscription platforms
Subscription services might be the way if you want to offer more exclusive content to your most loyal followers.
Platforms like Whop, Patreon, and Substack allow creators to offer paid memberships where subscribers can access premium content, behind-the-scenes looks, or direct interaction.
For example, if you run a podcast? You could offer subscribers exclusive episodes and extended cuts.
If you’re a writer, you might write one free newsletter per week while writing daily content for your subscribers only.
And if you’re doing well with affiliate marketing on Instagram? You could teach your subscribers how to do it for a premium.
Subscription platforms allow creators to build a steady income stream while deepening their connection with their audience.
A personal blog or website
Having a personal website or blog is another great option, especially if you want full control over your content and how you monetize.
Unlike social media, where you’re at the mercy of algorithms, a website gives you total freedom to host your content however you want. You can blog, podcast, sell digital products, or even run an online store – all from one place.
It also adds a level of professionalism and credibility to your brand. Plus, you can integrate it with social media to boost traffic.
Hosting a blog might involve some upfront costs (like domain registration and hosting fees), but it can pay off in the long run, especially if you’re serious about building a long-term content creation business.
Hosting content on your blog or website also allows you to negotiate your own brand deals, sponsorships, and ad revenue. However, you’ll need to be able to prove consistent traffic and impressions.
Whop helps content creators refine, monetize, and grow their businesses
Whether you’re diving into TikTok affiliate marketing, creating user-generated content, or figuring out how to make viral content for YouTube or Instagram, our communities have you covered.
Join groups where top-earning creators are ready to teach you, share their strategies, give you feedback, and partner you up with brands and affiliate marketing opportunities immediately so you can streamline the process from beginner to monetizing.
Whop isn’t just about learning; it’s about being part of a community. You’ll get support from your mentor and fellow community members, helping you boost your network and reach even further.
Sign up today and learn from the best in affiliate marketing, content creation, personal branding, and more.
FAQ
What is a content creator?
Content creators are digital entrepreneurs who create online media, such as social media content, blog posts, video content, podcasts, digital products, and more. They build their personal brand through online content and use this to leverage monetization and growth opportunities.
Can anyone be a content creator?
Yes! The global creator economy recruits thousands of new content creators daily, from YouTubers to TikTokkers and more.
Are you interested in starting a podcast, creating social media content, blogging, writing a newsletter, or any other kind of content? Check out Whop for courses, mentors, communities, and hacks to easily grow your content creation business.
How do I know what kind of content to create?
Good question – there are quite a few avenues, so it pays to think about what you enjoy creating, who you’re trying to reach with your content, and what interests you.
Why do you want to create content in the first place? Who is your audience? What are their interests, and what kinds of content do they tend to consume most? Which platforms are best aligned with your audience, and also offer you monetization opportunities as you grow?
Asking yourself these questions will help you understand the kind of content you should focus on creating. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
