CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER
Issue #103 | Jan. 26, 2023
This week for Passionfruit, writer Rebekah Harding explores the case of a TikToker known as “Scar Girl” who sparked a viral debate this month. Gaining notoriety for her viral lip-syncing videos, the TikToker, Annie Bonelli (@wtmab), garnered praise from viewers for proudly flaunting a thin scar across her cheek.
However, others voiced suspicions about whether her scar was real or just a ploy to set herself apart from the oversaturated community of lip-syncing accounts on the app. Users cited dramatic changes in the size, color, and placement of the scar, with criticisms picking up traction in January.
While “Scar Girl” denies these allegations, she seems to be cashing in on the views, comments, and responses generated from the controversy she sparked regardless. Read more about her story below.
– Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor
THE DARK SIDE
‘It never fully went away, and neither did my insecurities’: People think influencer known for facial scar is faking it for clout
“Not trying to be a bully, but it’s just hard to believe.”
By Rebekah Harding, Passionfruit Contributor
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ONE GREAT TIP
“People don’t care if you mess up something, misspell a word, etc. They have their own lives to worry about. No one is churning through your content with a fine-toothed comb. If you made something entertaining, then you’ve done well, and being a perfectionist ends up working against you.”
—YouTuber Ice Cream Sandwich on avoiding perfectionism. Read more in our March 2022 interview.
TIPS AND TRICKS
YouTube icon Lachlan Power shares business tips for creators
“Flexibility and speed were crucial for me in my early days.”
By Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor
TOKWATCH
‘Why aren’t influencers honest anymore?’ Mikayla Nogueira accused of misleading viewers with false lashes in sponsored mascara TikTok
“The tendency of the beauty industry is emotionally driven consumption.”
By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor
IN THE BIZ
- Twitch released a letter about its 2023 plans, including new tools and analytics features.
- Creator boxing tournament “Creator Clash” is returning in April. (via Tubefilter)
- Meta is paying BuzzFeed millions to attract creators to its platform. (via the Wall Street Journal)
- Gaming creators Ludwig, Quarter Jade, and NorthernLion are helping to develop a racing game for Twitch and YouTube. (via Tubefilter)
- Metaverse land developer LandVault signed to Creative Artists Agency. (via the Block)
- The internet is enraptured with a Tarte-sponsored influencer trip to Dubai. (via Time)
- YouTube legends Hank and John Green are promoting lower-cost higher education through YouTube courses. (via BuzzFeed News)
- A menswear Twitter influencer appears to be on everyone’s feeds. (via the Daily Dot)
- TikTok is expanding its direct messaging tools. (via the Information)
TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT
The Office nostalgia audio is fueling our TikTok feeds.
