CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER
Issue #123 | April 6, 2023
Since its 2011 launch, Twitch has become one of the most lucrative platforms in the creator economy. Its top creators out-earn TikTokers, raking in millions of dollars in subscription money and sponsorship deals.
However, in October, Twitch caught fire for updating its premium revenue share policy, ending its deals with top creators for a 70-30 split, reducing it to a 50-50 split across the board. Many speculated some top live streamers would leave Twitch after their exclusivity contracts end due to its changes in revenue-sharing policies.
The streaming service is now a subject of debate again after announcing a number of divisive “sponsorship experiments” this week which, in a Twitter thread, the organization described as “new ways for brands to fuel streamer earnings.” Passionfruit contributor Charlotte Colombo spoke with multiple Twitch streamers to unpack how they are feeling about the news.
– Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor
THE HIGHLIGHT
‘Please read the room’: Streaming community rallies against Twitch’s proposed ‘sponsorship experiments’
‘I don’t know what worries me more, the fact you came up with this idea or the fact that you think you’re doing this to help streamers.’
By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor
SPONSORED
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ONE GREAT TIP
“These days I would recommend investing time into building an audience through short-form content, as it’s easier to create a viral piece on these platforms.”
—Gamer Lachlan Power shares advice for young creators. Read more in our January 2023 interview.
TOOLS REVIEW
From 0 to 10,000 followers: Creators share actionable tips to help grow your audience
Having a strategy to rely on will help creators just starting out reach goals that seem stagnant or even impossible.
By Jen Glantz, Passionfruit Contributor
TIPS AND TRICKS
Videographer Niyi Fagbemi discusses his niche, how he monetizes, and his advice for Nigerian creators
‘One thing I’m really passionate about is being able to change the mindsets of people when it comes to how they view Nigeria.’
By Edikan Umoh, Passionfruit Contributor
IN THE BIZ
- SnoopDogg left the FaZe Clan board.
- Substack is adding a Twitter-like ‘Notes’ feature.
- Pinterest is expanding its creator fund for underrepresented communities.
- Internet legend Ziwe’s show was canceled on Showtime. (via the Hollywood Reporter)
- Civil rights groups are pushing Capitol Hill to pass data privacy laws. (via the Daily Dot)
- ByteDance is facing a $15 million fine in the U.K. for failing to remove underage children from its platform. (via Tubefilter)
- After Twitter published a blog post on its algorithm, some people are doubting if the company is providing true transparency. (via the Atlantic)
- Pico, a company building CRM tools for creators, is changing its name to Hype and adding a new suite of tools. (via TechCrunch)
TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT
The Succession theme song is back, and it’s a banger.