This week, there has been a significant amount of wrongdoing in the creator economy, specifically with MrBeast’s AI thumbnail generator tool and Google’s admission to using people’s YouTube videos to train Veo 3.
The common denominator here is, obviously, AI. As powerful as the tool is, it seems like that power is heading towards corruption. On that jolly note, here’s the weekend round-up!
Australian Lawmakers Debate Including YouTube in Social Media Ban
Australia’s landmark social media ban restricts under-18-year-olds’ access to all the major social media platforms, like X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. However, YouTube was initially excluded from this law due to its so-called educational value. However, certain Australian lawmakers are having a rethink — and it could be bad news for YouTube.
Find out more here.
FunnyMike’s Streamer Prom Breaks Viewership Record
Hot on the heels of Streamer University, creator FunnyMike held his own event: Streamer Prom. Over 50 of the biggest streamers in the biz were in attendance, from Sketch and Wendy Ortiz to members of the FaZe Clan. Over 1,000 separate Twitch channels broadcast the event — so, needless to say, it broke more than a few records.
To learn more, click here.
Roblox Introduces Expanded Creator Rewards Program
The Roblox creator system is set to pay out more than $1 billion this year to creators in 2025. With its latest update, that figure may well rise exponentially. This is because Roblox is replacing its Engagement-Based Payouts system with two financial awards: the Daily Engagement Award and the Audience Expansion Award,
But how exactly do these Awards work in practice? To find out, check out the full article here.
TikTok Is Shutting Down Its Book Publisher
After just two years, 8th Note Press, the TikTok-led publisher, is closing its doors. It has represented a number of authors over the years, although not all of them have been satisfied with their service. This is because, for the most part, TikTok didn’t promote their books organically. And now, one book deal later, they’re left in limbo.
For the full breakdown, click here.
Google Is Using YouTube Videos To Train Veo 3 Without Telling Creators
Google’s Veo 3, an AI-powered text-to-video generator, is already wowing netizens. However, this might have come at a price. The platform giant confirmed to CNBC that it was using YouTube’s illustrious video library to train up the tool. The worst part? It was without the video owners’ knowledge or consent.
Dive into the implications with us here.
