šŸ›ļø TikTokā€™s Looming Congressional Battle

CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER

Issue #118 | March 21, 2023

This Thursday, TikTok’s CEO will be testifying in front of Congress amid a battle with the U.S. government over the platform’s privacy and security. Meanwhile, TikTokers are debating the future of a potential ban, and some are even being sent by TikTok to Washington D.C. to lobby on its behalf.

But as Passionfruit contributor Jacob Seitz explores this week, some creators are turning to a surprising culprit for TikTok’s woes. They aren’t blaming Biden, Congress, or China for a potential banā€”theyā€™re mad at Mark Zuckerberg for Meta’s lobbying efforts.

Also, SXSW wrapped up on Sunday. While last year’s SXSW was dominated by NFTs and the metaverse, this year’s was driven by talks of artificial intelligence. Passionfruit contributor Adrienne Hunter provided a helpful recap on all things AI and creators at the conference.

We still have more SXSW coverage to come on Thursday spotlighting some innovative, mold-breaking creators who shared their art at the conference. Stay tuned for more.

– Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor

TOK WATCH

TikTokers donā€™t blame Biden, Congress, or China for a potential banā€”theyā€™re mad at Mark Zuckerberg

Creators on the app speculated that Metaā€™s lobbying efforts contributed to a proposed TikTok ban.

By Jacob Seitz, Passionfruit Contributor

ā†’ READ THE FULL STORY

Self-publish your first book

BookBaby is the all-in-one self-publishing platform you need to publish your first book. At a reasonable cost, you will get everything you need to go from writer to published author.

GET STARTED

ONE GREAT TIP

ā€œJust make stuff, and donā€™t stop making stuff. Even with writing, just get a first draft on page. Even if you donā€™t think itā€™s any good, it can always improve. ā€¦ Start making stuff, and youā€™ll get better with everything you make.ā€

ā€”The Philippou twins, creators of the popular YouTube channel RackaRacka, share advice for hopeful creators at SXSW.

NEW FRONTIERS

From accessibility efforts to ethical concerns, here are our AI takeaways from SXSW content creators should consider

ā€˜Not only is it dangerous for power and privacy purposes, but also this represents a shift in economic power.ā€™

By Adrienne Hunter, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY ā†’

TIPS AND TRICKS

Alisha Marie is still on social mediaā€”and sheā€™s not going anywhere

‘YouTube will always be my heart and soul.’

By Carrie Berk, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY ā†’

TOOLS REVIEW

man livestreaming with phone and ring light

How to request to join someoneā€™s TikTok Live: A guide

Joining someone else’s TikTok Live is only a few steps away.

By Rachel Kiley, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY ā†’

IN THE BIZ

  • TikTok’s CEO will face Congress on Thursday amid a battle with the US government over the platformā€™s privacy and security. (via Gizmodo)
  • TikTok also announced it now has more than 150 million users in the US, overhauled its community guidelines, and added new policies on AI and misinformation. (via TechCrunch)
  • Twitch announced it is laying off 400 employees. (via TechCrunch)
  • Meta is being sued in Kenya by content moderators. (via Wired)
  • Twitter is testing government ID-based verification for Twitter Blue subscribers. (via TechCrunch)
  • Streamers Sacriel and Shroud are making their own video game. (via Tubefilter)
  • TikToker Dylan Mulvaney celebrated her 365th day in her Days of Girlhood series with her first live show. (via Rolling Stone)

TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

I might be hanging out at the airport more often after seeing this video.

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