New MrBeast's Lab Toy Line, YouTube's 2024 Culture & Trends Report, New Instagram Algorithm Change

MrBeast Lab: MrBeast’s New Toy Line Hitting Shelves This July

The Creator Economy is booming and MrBeast is leading the charge with a new line of children’s toys. MrBeast recently announced the launch of his new brand MrBeast Lab in partnership with Moose Toys, known for creating iconic toys like Shopkins. According to an official press release from Moose Toys, the YouTube sensation’s extensive range of toys will capture the “ferocity of the globally recognizable MrBeast logo.”

The full line of MrBeast Lab toys will consist of innovative small-scale collectibles that MrBeast will feature in his upcoming YouTube content. Items in MrBeast’s toy line will range in price from as little as $4.99 to $24.99, and will be the first Moose Toys products ever to be exhibited at San Diego Comic-Con this year. Between July 25th and 28th, MrBeast Lab Swarms and Mutators will be exclusively showcased at Comic-Con and the brand will be hosting engaging giveaways for fans of all ages to enjoy.

With so many fans eager to get their hands on MrBeast’s new toys, the brand is gearing up for an ultimate sweepstakes this fall which will span across the U.S. and several international markets. "Moose Toys is always pushing boundaries to innovate in new ways and we're going to blow up the toy industry with this line," said Jimmy Donaldson aka MrBeast. CEO of Moose Toys Paul Solomon added, “Today's launch is just the beginning of what's to come for Moose and MrBeast as we continue to develop the brand to new heights."

YouTube Reports 25% Increase in Gen-Z Creators

YouTube recently shared its annual 2024 Culture & Trends Report in partnership with renowned research company SmithGeiger. The report explores key insights on the growth and communities of fandoms on YouTube, particularly involving Gen-Z users. More than 1,000 users were surveyed for this year’s report to create a ten-page collection of must-read cultural developments online.

One of the report’s most interesting findings is that 65% of Gen-Z respondents, all between the ages of 14 and 24, reported that they consider themselves to be creators. This figure reflects a 25% increase since last year’s Culture & Trends Report, according to Tubefilter. Moreover, 8% of Gen-Z respondents reported that they consider themselves to be “professional fans” who earn money from their fandom-inspired content creation. YouTube noted in its report that accessible tools such as Gen AI empower fans and creators to share new content with their communities, resulting in trends translating from fandom culture to popular culture.

Other noteworthy findings include an increased interest in video-essay content and favorability of brands that adopt fandom trends. More than 66% of American Gen-Z respondents shared that they, “often spend more time watching content that discusses or unpacks something than the thing itself,” and 74% agreed that they enjoy viewing brands engage with content they’re a fan of on YouTube. For more insights on the latest trends at YouTube, check out the official 2024 Culture & Trends Report today.

Unspeakable Announces New FAST Streaming App at Vidcon 2024

Free ad-supported TV channels, aka FAST channels, are innovating how big-name creators and influencers are transitioning to the “bigger” screen. Viral YouTube channel Unspeakable announced their new streaming app that will support FAST content at VidCon Anaheim. The app announcement as well as its partnership with FilmRise and Future Today took place during a special panel session featuring Jonitha Keymoore, Head of Content at FilmRise, and David Di Lorenzo, SVP of Content and Partnerships at Future Today.

The Unspeakable FAST-focused streaming app will include more than 200 hours of content from the libraries of Unspeakable’s various channels. According to a report from Tubefilter, “the videos have been repackaged into a TV-friendly format that will include multiple channels,” like the main Unspeakable channel and UnspeakablePlays. An “Unspeakable for Kids” hub will also be available on the hub packed full of engaging videos suitable for viewers of all ages.?

“The demand for this app underscores the ever-growing appetite for digital-first series tailor-made for a traditional viewing experience,” Keymoore shared in a statement. With creator apps on the rise thanks to content studios and creator service platforms like FilmRise and Jellysmack, respectively, FAST streaming platforms are on the come-up in the 2024 creator economy.

Instagram Algorithm Insights: Favoring Sends Per Reach

Instagram Head Adam Mosseri is back with another insightful Reel about Instagram’s algorithm. In a recent post, Mosseri broke down how one of Instagram’s most important signals for ranking content is sends per reach, meaning the number of shares via direct messaging per view on a piece of content.?

Mosseri went on to explain how Instagram is dedicated to becoming a hub for creativity that also brings people together. Although Instagram is a platform where users may passively enjoy content, Mosseri noted the significance of discovering and sharing content with friends to create a more social experience.?

With Instagram favoring sends per reach in its algorithm, creators may want to immediately shift their strategy to producing viral or shocking content, but Mosseri advises otherwise. Instead, creators should continue to create authentic content that connects with their audience without forcing shares. Users will naturally send humorous, engaging, and inspiring content with their friends on Instagram, and Mosseri encourages creators to create such content organically and observe their reach improve over time.