CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER
Issue #93 | Dec. 20, 2022
This month, discourse around artificial intelligence (AI) art picked up traction once again since the technology’s emergence years ago, after viral filters and software like MyHeritage AI and Lensa blew up on TikTok.
TikTokers are infatuated with how MyHeritage showcases “you” from different historical periods using AI software. Beyond a fun and interesting trend, it seemed to resonate with many trans people and people of color, who got to see themselves and their identities affirmed. Lensa, another AI-driven app that turns users’ selfies into art, also gained traction with creators this month. And finally, this week a TikTok filter that turns users into AI-generated anime art also went viral.
However, not everyone is enjoying the rise of AI art. As Passionfruit contributor Catherine Shuttleworth reports, many artists are speaking out against art produced by artificial intelligence, accusing software of stealing and failing to credit artists’ work in order to produce images. Read more about the controversy below.
– Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor
NEW FRONTIERS
AI art is taking over social media, but creators are divided
Many creators are accusing artificial intelligence software of failing to credit artists’ work.
By Catherine Shuttleworth, Passionfruit Contributor
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ONE GREAT TIP
“Every YouTuber knew every YouTuber back in 2008. There are so many people out there in the community that have so much knowledge. That’s my biggest advice, talk to other creators, share what you know, because it helps everyone.”
—Smosh co-founder Ian Hecox on building community. Read more in our June 2022 interview.
TIPS AND TRICKS
Custom sneakers artist Keia Kodama shares how she went full-time as a micro-influencer
“The sneaker community is a different world than just regular influencer work.”
By Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor
TOOLS REVIEW
The top-earning creators on every platform—and what we can learn from them
Just how much do the top earners make, and what platforms do they use?
By Rachel Kiley, Passionfruit Contributor
IN THE BIZ
- In a controversial move, Twitter banned the promotion of social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Mastodon on its platform. However, in a bizarre twist of events, the policy was suddenly removed from Twitter’s website and social page.
- Many tech and creator economy journalists, including Taylor Lorenz, were suddenly suspended from Twitter. (via TechCrunch)
- Elon Musk made a poll for if he should resign as head of Twitter. Users voted yes.
- Instagram launched its 2022 Recap, a series of Reels templates to celebrate the year.
- Shopping startup Nate paused its creator program. (via Insider)
- A former virtual reality expert at Meta criticized the company in an exit note. (via the New York Times)
- Shoe brand Cariuma is investing in podcast sponsorships. (via Marketing Brew)
TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT
If you use this trending audio, you’re “gonna be popular.”
