Startups Test Crowdfunding as Venture Dollars Dry Up, TikTok’s $1 Billion Creator Fund is Shutting Down and YouTube vs Ad Blockers
Calling all creator economy folks?? I’ll be in Lisbon for WebSummit ! Join me and Jim Louderback for a meetup on Nov 16th. Hit me up if any of you would like to attend!
Substack and Gigmor are seeking funds through crowdfunding as venture capital becomes limited. Substack's "community round" pulled in $7.8 million, and Gigmor has gathered $170,000 via WeFunder . These moves showcase how startups are creatively adapting by engaging their user communities for financial support in a tightened market.
TikTok announced the closure of its $1 billion creator fund, affecting users in the US, UK, Germany, and France after December 16th. A new scheme, the Creativity Program , replaces the fund, promising higher earnings for creators through engagement metrics and extended video requirements.
Google's YouTube is enforcing its policy against ad blockers, causing a drop in ad blocker usage as users seek uninterrupted video access. Ad blocking companies report a surge in uninstalls and searches for workarounds, while YouTube suggests its ad-free subscription service, YouTube Premium, as an alternative.
100 Thieves is narrowing its focus, detaching its energy drink and game development divisions to reinforce its core offerings in esports, entertainment, and apparel. This strategic move, affecting roughly 20% of their staff, aims to fortify their foundational commitments and maximize their brand's impact in the competitive gaming and lifestyle sectors.
Fourthwall is revolutionizing creator content distribution with its new feature that lets creators offer personalized mobile apps, sidestepping app store fees. This direct-to-consumer model, spearheaded by co-founders Will Baumann and Walker Williams , promises enhanced fan engagement while boosting creator revenue.
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