Get the Lead Out: Apple and TikTok Change Lead Gen for Creators and Brands

Crypto for Creators Startup Raises $57M: There’s even more incentive for you to invest in creators now that Rally has brought in another $57M. But this isn’t your normal venture-backed raise. Instead the coin-based creator economy startup has used its community as a part of a decentralized funding. In addition to creator-based coins, a new NFT platform is on the way. Plus, it added some strong new leadership including Bremner Morris who used to run creators for Patreon. Now if only gas weren’t so expensive, and it were easier to actually buy $RLY! Wondering who else in the creator economy has been funded? Famepick CEO Matt Zuvella built this shared Google Doc with all the details.

 Another Week, Another Digital Media Survey: This one’s from Deloitte. It’s mostly focused on traditional media and advertising but has some good social and gaming insights too. You can read/download the report here, and download the presentation here. Oddly, the presentation has more detailed gaming data than the report itself.

 IOS 14.5 Radically Changes App and Creator Economy: It’s not just another OS update. Along with new emojis and airtag support, the new IOS 14.5 eliminates IDFA which essentially kills cross-channel ad attribution. This is HUGE because it removes the way TikTok, Spotify, and other platforms built their massive installed base. It will drive user acquisition costs through the roof! But what’s bad for app creators (like Clubhouse) is likely gold for content creators. Suddenly those with REAL communities will deliver app installs — and more — way more efficiently than mobile advertising. This HBR story provides more detail on what’s actually going on and how to adjust.

This Week at VidCon Now

● Two of my favorite creators — The Merrell Twins — are stopping by for a Q&A on Thursday at 3 PM (PT) - https://super.events/home

● Get healthy! Enjoy a guided workout with Sarah Magusara Friday at 3 PM (PT) - https://live.vidcon.com

Tip of the Week: This one’s from Dana Garrison, one of my favorite livestreaming experts:

 My #1 tip for industry professionals is to take on new learning as if your life depended on it. They say that many new millionaires were created during the Great Depression. There is a lot of opportunity if you look for it and refocus your attention on learning the new skills you need to thrive in this new environment. The more rigid you are and stuck in your old ways, the more this window of opportunity is going to pass you by. And the springboard to success is both working on yourself and learning the skills that you need to take advantage of this fleeting moment in time.

QUIBIS:

● TikTok Names New CEO, Pappas to COO role.

● YouTube conquered online video — and it’s about to pass Netflix in revenue (it’s already 2.5x bigger in time spent).

● Zuckerberg teases new monetization tools in Instagram Live chat.

● Lead gen comes to TikTok.

● Awesome internet sleuthing uncovers nasty underbelly of cancel culture.

● Ning founder Gina Bianchini raises $50M for Mighty Networks — now focused on creator communities.

● Learn 20 facts about the YouTube algorithm here.

● Instagram launches Instagram Insider magazine.

● League of Legends faces a Community backlash — Riot needs to listen more.

What We’re Watching: Serial dog digging ring busted. Don’t miss the breathless update. @Home to @Everywhere —Thriving in the Post-pandemic World — our mini summit featuring Pinterest, Instagram, Theorist Media, and more. Watch it all here.

 Also, VidCon’s hiring! We need a seasoned programming manager to support production and curate panel discussions, Q&As, performances, meet & greets, and more! Apply here. 

Sorry this was a bit late - I've been holed up on an island with intermittent internet!