CREATOR ECONOMY SURVIVAL GUIDE How to Turn Short-Form Content into Long-Term Success

Everyone wants to be a creator, but few know how to turn it into a thriving career. From adopting a business-owner mindset to identifying “winning concepts” and monetizing them like a pro, this is your cheat sheet for turning short-form content into long-term success.

- BY ANDREA CASANOVA

Is content creation becoming the new 9-to-5? It sure seems that way. We've gone from kids dreaming of becoming astronauts to aspiring YouTubers — and as much as I love life as a full-time internet pro, staying in this game has meant learning to operate like a business. Because here's the reality: The creator economy is evolving fast, and keeping up means finding fresh ways to stay ahead and monetize. So, whether you're a creator aiming to thrive, an advertiser wondering what tools creators need or a business owner exploring an on-camera career, here's your go-to guide for navigating the creator economy.

FIRST THING'S FIRST: TREAT IT LIKE A BUSINESS

The most successful creators know they're more than just a profile — they're a business. Look at MrBeast, Alex Cooper and Marques Brownlee. What started as creative expression and community building for them has evolved into media empires. Unlike traditional creators who risk the fleeting nature of social media, these creators tapped into the right opportunities, teams and strategies to turn what they do into something far bigger. So, as you're thinking about those “silly little TikToks” or “yet another podcast,” reframe your mindset. This could be your chance to build a life you're excited about.

NEXT UP: RAISE THE STAKES

I was part of the team that produced a reality TV show on Amazon Prime, and if there's one thing reality TV taught me, it's that you have to constantly raise the stakes. Every episode has to feel a little more intense than the last one. Social media is no different.