What is a Digital Creator?

A digital creator is a modern-day short filmmaker, photographer, and storyteller. They weave narratives, visuals, and experiences across many online platforms. They build their own audience of raving fans and then make money by selling directly to them or receiving revenue from the platforms themselves. 

If you want to know what a digital creator is, you don’t have to look further than the social media websites you frequent. Most creators are following trends to build an audience and generally speaking, although many have followers because of their content, this doesn’t mean that they can monetize their accounts.

Types of Digital Creators

Bloggers and Writers 

Those who produce written content for websites, blogs, or online publications.

The Art of Blogging: What a digital creator writes

Having blogged for many years, I didn’t understand that it was more mechanical than art until recently which makes sense, actually. Most successful digital creators are more aligned with an approach that is more keyword, trend, or news hack-based because they know there is an audience for it. 

How bloggers today transcend the traditional boundaries of writing

Once a site is indexing on YouTube with a little sprinkle of SEO, on-page SEO, and keyword hacking, then more creative ways to write will emerge. But first, the audience.

Monetizing a blog

I never understood blogging until recently. I am a decent writer for a complete idiot in my opinion. I have a voracious appetite for reading, I understand basic writing concepts, and can throw things together for a pretty good read. However, something I had to find out painfully if what I was writing about wasn’t anything 

1. Someone can find 

Or 

      2. Someone cares about

Then my blog is doomed.

Writing for an audience is a fickle thing. For instance, you could niche down and write about pickling- that’s a winner if you look it up. There aren’t as many authorities on the subject of blogging. After a certain amount of time gaining followers to your email list and generating traffic in the thousands per post, you can monetize your blog with ads, affiliate posts, and/ or selling (whatever).  

How is the definition of "what is a digital creator?" incorporated into the entrepreneurial spirit of modern-day writers

There are hundreds of people selling snake oil on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter (X), and others in the form of “make $10,000 a day by writing online”

My inner alarm goes off every time one of these ads pops up in my feed because I know that there is a path forward for this type of outcome but like anything it requires work. Most of these ads aren’t selling you the outcome you want. They are selling the eternal quest of learning how to do it and believe me, 90% of people do not finish the courses these people buy. Or become successful. 

Challenges Faced by Digital Writers

The pressures of SEO, algorithms, and maintaining a consistent online presence are everywhere..

In the constantly changing digital world, creators must wear multiple hats, and one of the most vital skills to master is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO, often seen as the backbone of online discoverability, ensures that a creator's content surfaces prominently in search engine results, connecting it to a wider, relevant audience. For digital creators, whether they're bloggers penning insightful articles, YouTubers producing engaging videos, or podcasters weaving auditory tales, understanding the intricacies of SEO isn't merely a technical requirement—it's a strategic move. It entails researching the right keywords, optimizing content structures, ensuring website speed, and staying updated with algorithm changes. In essence, SEO empowers digital creators to amplify their voice in a crowded cyberspace, ensuring their hard work doesn't get lost in the vast sea of online content. Balancing authenticity with the demands of a digital audience.

Tools and Platforms for the Modern Writer

Keyword Research

• Google Keyword Planner: A free tool provided by Google Ads, offering keyword ideas based on search volume and competition.
• SEMrush: A comprehensive SEO tool that offers keyword research, tracking, and competitor analysis.
• Ahrefs: Another powerful SEO tool that provides insights into keywords, backlinks, and competitor content.
• Ubersuggest: A free keyword tool by Neil Patel, provides keyword suggestions, search volume, and competition insights.
• AnswerThePublic: Visualizes questions and related queries people are searching for on a given topic.

Writing Assistance and AI:

• Grammarly: An AI-powered writing assistant that checks for grammar, punctuation, style, and tone.
• ProWritingAid: Offers in-depth writing reports, style suggestions, and grammar checks.
• Outwrite: An advanced proofreading tool that helps improve the clarity and strength of your writing.
• Write With Transformer: An AI-powered writing tool by OpenAI, offering content suggestions based on GPT models.
• Sapling AI: An AI extension that provides writing suggestions, especially useful for emails and professional communication.

Content Management and Writing Platforms

• WordPress: A highly customizable content management system (CMS) used for blogging and website creation.
• Medium: A platform that offers writers an immediate audience for their stories and articles.
• Blogger: Google's free blogging platform suitable for beginners.
• Ghost: A professional publishing platform focusing on modern journalism and blogging.
• Substack: A platform that allows writers to start email newsletters and monetize them.

Distraction-Free Writing Tools

• Scrivener: A powerful tool for long-form writing, which aids in organizing and structuring large writing projects.
• WriteMonkey: A minimalistic, distraction-free writing software.
• FocusWriter: Provides a simple, distraction-free writing environment with a hide-away interface.

Research and Organization:

• Evernote: A note-taking app that lets writers store research, ideas, and drafts.
• Trello: A visual organization tool using boards and cards, great for plotting articles or books.
• Zotero: A free tool that helps writers collect, organize, and cite research.
  
  

YouTubers and Vloggers: Individuals or groups that create videos for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Vimeo.

YouTubers and Vloggers: the sole dynamic fusion of visual storytelling and personal connection, YouTubers and vloggers stand at the forefront of the digital content revolution. Whether as solo creators or collective entities, they harness the audiovisual medium to captivate, educate, entertain, and engage. By producing content for platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, or Vimeo, they offer an evocative answer to the question, "What is a digital creator?

Faceless YouTube Videos

Faceless YouTube videos refer to a genre of content on the platform where creators produce and share videos without ever revealing their faces. This style allows creators to maintain personal privacy while still engaging with a wide audience. The content can span a multitude of topics including gaming commentaries, voiceover tutorials, animation, ASMR, and more. By relying on voice, on-screen activities, or animations, these creators build their online persona solely through their content, tone, and presentation, rather than personal appearance. This approach not only provides a veil of anonymity but also allows the content itself to take center stage, often resulting in a unique and immersive viewer experience.

How YouTubers and vloggers have reshaped our understanding of questions like "What is a digital creator?"

Previously, digital creation was largely associated with behind-the-scenes roles: writers, developers, designers, and the like. Well, back in the “before time” anyway. 

However, YouTubers and vloggers, with their potent blend of personal charisma and visual storytelling, have brought a more public, intimate face to digital content. Their direct on-screen presence, combined with the immediacy of video, creates a unique bridge between the creator and the audience. This shift has democratized content creation, emphasizing authenticity, personal brand, and direct audience engagement. It's not just about creating; it's about being present, sharing experiences, and fostering communities. In doing so, YouTubers and vloggers have expanded the very definition of a digital creator, blurring the lines between content and creator, while highlighting the immense power of personal connection in the digital age.

Monetizing Visual Content

The art of monetizing visual content, especially on platforms like YouTube, has evolved into a complex tapestry interwoven with strategy, creativity, and a keen understanding of audience behavior. At its core, ad revenues serve as the primary income stream for many creators. With platforms using algorithms to place advertisements based on viewer habits and content relevance, understanding these algorithms is crucial. The Cost Per Mille (CPM) rates, which determine earnings per thousand views, can vary widely based on factors like content type, viewer demographics, and video length.

Beyond passive ad revenues, proactive brand collaborations have emerged as lucrative avenues for monetization. These collaborations aren't mere product placements; they've matured into genuine partnerships where creators blend their unique style with brand messaging. The most successful collaborations respect the creator's voice and audience, ensuring that sponsored content feels authentic and engaging.

Merchandise, too, is no longer an afterthought. For many vloggers, especially those with a robust fanbase, merchandise sales can eclipse traditional ad revenues. Whether it's branded apparel, accessories, or digital products, merchandise offers a tangible connection between creators and their audience. It's a testament to a creator's brand strength when viewers willingly sport or use products bearing a creator's insignia or catchphrase.

Yet, with these monetization avenues come challenges. Navigating the business side of "a digital creator" requires understanding contracts, managing finances, and often grappling with the unpredictability of platforms that can change their monetization policies on a whim. Moreover, as the line between content and commerce blurs, creators must strike a balance, ensuring that monetization efforts don't alienate their audience or dilute their authentic voice.

Podcasters: Creators who produce audio content for streaming.

Podcasters: Navigators of the auditory realm, podcasters craft immersive experiences that engage the mind and stir the soul. Through the power of voice, ambient sound, and intricate narratives, these creators carve out intimate spaces in the bustling world of digital media. Offering content for on-demand streaming, podcasters provide an auditory answer to the question, "What is a digital creator?"

The Renaissance of Audio Content

There are many tools and resources for podcasters to create their content. 

Planning & Scripting

• Trello: A visual card-based tool that helps in organizing episode topics, guest details, and production timelines.
• Google Docs: Collaborative writing tool used to script episodes or structure interviews.
  
  

Microphones:

• Audio-Technica AT2020: A popular choice for its clarity and affordability.
• Shure SM7B: A high-end microphone loved by many professional podcasters.
• Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or Sony MDR7506 are frequently used for their clear sound profile.

Digital Recorders (for on-the-go recording):

• Zoom H5 or H6: Portable recorders that offer multiple input options.
• Pop Filter: Helps reduce plosive sounds, improving audio clarity.
• Acoustic Panels: For soundproofing and improving recording quality.

Recording & Software:

• Audacity: A free, open-source, cross-platform audio software that's great for beginners.
• Adobe Audition: A more advanced audio editing software with a plethora of features.
• Zencastr or SquadCast: Online tools for high-quality remote podcast recording.

Editing:

• Hindenburg Journalist: Designed specifically for podcasters and radio journalists, offering audio editing and automation.
• GarageBand: Apple's audio workstation, suitable for basic podcast editing.
• Descript: Allows for editing audio using the transcribed text, making the process intuitive.

Hosting & Distribution:

• Libsyn: One of the oldest and most trusted podcast hosting platforms.
• Anchor: A free platform that offers podcast hosting and distribution, with monetization options.
• Podbean: Provides podcast hosting, monetization, and detailed analytics.
• Transistor: Known for hosting, analytics, and its ability to create branded websites for podcasts.

Promotion & Monetization:

• Headliner: Helps create promotional audiograms (visual snippets of your podcast) for social media.
• Patreon: Allows podcasters to set up a membership model for their listeners, offering exclusive content for paying subscribers.

Analytics:

• Chartable: Tracks podcast rankings and reviews, and offers insights on listener growth.
• Podtrac: Provides measurement and demographic data for podcasters and advertisers.

To find out what a digital creator does, it’s helpful to see behind-the-scenes footage or interviews with really successful ones like Mr Beast. They all discuss the amount of work it takes to get to the top of their fields and it’s not for everyone. However, a strategic approach to being a digital creator could help your business become successful. Take time to digest all the input from various creators to find your niche and start now!

Author: Daniel Powers Jr, the founder of Real Brave™, serves as the chief inspiration to thousands of students in the Real Brave music instruction program. He's also the visionary behind PracticePad™, an online platform for live one-on-one online music lessons, lesson tracking, and scheduling. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Daniel leads a non-profit organization that provides formerly homeless children with access to music education, making a profound impact on their lives. His unwavering dedication to music, innovation, and education continues to inspire individuals to reach their fullest potential while creating positive change in communities.