TikTok’s coming for your TV

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🌀 Creator economy updates

Instagram’s grid is finally customizable
You can now rearrange your profile grid — move photos and videos into any order you like. Previously, only pinned posts could be placed at the top.

Facebook is going full Reels
All videos are now Reels — no more separate formats. That means one upload flow, one analytics dashboard, and less friction. (Live videos are the only exception.)

Social platforms just passed TV for news
According to Pew, more Americans now get their news from social platforms than TV. And younger users trust creators more than anchors. Influencers aren’t just selling products — they’re shaping narratives.

YouTube’s “Open Call” is a big win for creators
The new BrandConnect feature lets brands post campaign briefs and invite creators to pitch. It’s a streamlined way for small and mid-tier creators to land deals — no talent agency required.

Pinterest x Emma Chamberlain = coffee drop
Pinterest just launched its first co-branded product: a limited-edition Chamberlain Coffee blend inspired by Pinterest trends. Sold directly via her Pinterest profile. Shoppable vibes only.

LTK + Pinterest are teaming up on affiliate content
Top-performing LTK influencer posts will now auto-sync to Pinterest. The goal? More authentic, styled content in-feed — and less AI spam. Win for creators, win for conversions.

TikTok ban pushed (again)
Trump granted another 90-day extension, delaying the U.S. TikTok ban. Legal experts say this opens risk for platforms like Apple and Oracle, which are stuck in the crossfire.

Patreon’s raising fees — but you can lock in now
Starting August 5, new creators will pay 10% (up from 8%). But anyone who signs up before the deadline keeps the lower rate for life. Existing users? You’re good.

Creators are the new media empires

Forbes just dropped its Top Creators of 2025 list — and the numbers are wild: → $853M in earnings (up 18.5%) → 3.4B total followers (up 24%) → MrBeast still #1, four years running

Breakout names this year? Alex Cooper, Ms. Rachel, Alix Earle, Jake Shane, and Adam W. Even home renovation got its own spotlight — Forbes debuted a Home Improvement 50 list with Lowe’s backing the move.

The shift is clear: These aren’t influencers. They’re media companies — owning IP, launching brands, striking equity deals, and going global with it. From billboards in Times Square to stages at Cannes, creators are everywhere.

Goldman Sachs summed it up: “Creators are the new media channels.” Now, every brand and investor is playing catch-up.

📖 See the full list here →

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TikTok wants your TV screen, not just your phone

YouTube may own the living room, but TikTok’s coming for couch time. At Cannes Lions, TikTok execs made it clear: connected TVs are the next big push.

“The living room is definitely a new frontier,” said David Kaufman, TikTok’s global head of business marketing.

Here’s what’s driving the move:
→ TikTok’s evolving from short-form app to full video platform
→ TV = fresh ad inventory + new eyeballs
→ AI-generated ads are coming, and CTV gives them space to play
→ 1 in 4 TikTok users start searching within 30 seconds of opening the app

To make the pitch stick, TikTok flew in 20+ creators from 10 countries to charm advertisers in person.

As for the U.S. ban? Not a single meeting at Cannes was canceled. It's business as usual — for now.

YouTube’s making Shorts pay off (finally)

YouTube is doubling down on creator monetization for Shorts — and this time, it’s not just ad rev.

The platform is expanding its partnerships with third-party platforms like Agentio and StreamElements, which help creators land brand deals without jumping through the usual hoops. Think easier creative briefs, built-in editing logistics, and fewer barriers for small creators.

Here’s what’s happening:
→ Agentio + StreamElements now support Shorts-based brand campaigns
→ YouTube’s BrandConnect is still around — but invite-only and hard to scale
→ Third-party tools mean creators outside the top 1% can actually earn
→ Big brands like DoorDash, Bombas, and Tecovas are joining the mix

The upside: Creators can smooth out Shorts’ inconsistent ad revenue with repeatable brand deals. That matters — because Shorts RPMs are notoriously low, and virality is hit-or-miss.

The catch: Some creators worry it’ll lead to “slop content” as people chase low-effort deals. But for most, the chance to actually get paid outweighs the risk.

As one YouTuber put it: “Guaranteed payment for a short? That’s the dream.”

📈 75% of Dentsu’s creator campaigns now include Shorts
🎯 Influencer agencies say demand is up — and YouTube’s helping them scale it

YouTube wants Shorts to compete with TikTok not just on views, but on money. And this latest move is a big step toward making that happen.