CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER
Issue #115 | Mar. 9, 2023
In this week’s highlighted story, we’re exploring viral protests which began in February 2023 against Dhar Mann Studios, a YouTube empire with over 17 million subscribers.
In interviews with Passionfruit, four actors and creators who worked for the YouTube channel accused the company of not providing what they deem a fair wage; inadequate food and water on set; having 10-hour work days for child actors; conducting a “smear campaign” against them in the wake of their protests; and of perpetuating a “culture of fear” in the workplace that led to actors feeling silenced. A representative for Dhar Mann Studios also spoke with Passionfruit, vehemently denying all of these claims.
What unfolded illuminates what can happen when a YouTuber transforms into a full-blown media company and the potential perils that follow.
– Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor
THE DARK SIDE
Dhar Mann actors allege ‘culture of fear’ underpinning YouTube empire
Four actors spoke with Passionfruit about their protests against the YouTube empire Dhar Mann Studios.
By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor
SPONSORED
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ONE GREAT TIP
“Batch filming saves you so much stress. We started 2023 with two episodes already filmed and spent January/February filming 9 more. We essentially have hours of content already in the can and don’t have to scramble for interviews anymore.”
—The creators behind The Editing Podcast on the biggest lesson they’ve learned in 2023.
THE HIGHLIGHT
5 Women’s History TikTokers to follow this International Women’s Day
With hundreds of thousands of years worth of ground to cover, here are just a few of the creators bringing untold women’s histories to light.
By Eve Upton-Clark, Passionfruit Contributor
TIPS AND TRICKS
How a hobby turned into a career: TikTok chef Alejandra Tapia on her rapid rise as a food creator
Alejandra Tapia, also known as @nanajoe19, discusses how she gained and monetized her following on TikTok.
By Adrienne Hunter, Passionfruit Contributor
IN THE BIZ
- SXSW kicks off on Mar. 10 in Austin, Texas.
- The Streamer Awards take place on Mar. 11 in Los Angeles.
- Discord introduced new AI features.
- Spotify’s CEO teased a TikTok-like visual feed.
- Patreon announced two new executive hires.
- YouTube is dialing back its controversial profanity policy. (via Tubefilter)
- Facebook and Instagram are pausing Reels bonus payouts. (via Insider)
- Reddit is separating its feeds for “reading” and “watching.” (via Tubefilter)
- TikTokers are discussing what they might charge for paywalled content on the platform. (via Insider)
TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT
By popular creator demand, you can now use the green screen filter with other filters!
