Influence Weekly

Underscore Talent is a premier creator economy management company representing diverse talent across creators, comedians, athletes, and thought leaders. The company's division, Shorthand Studios, provides editorial services, editing, digital strategy consulting, and production support to help creators build sustainable businesses across social platforms, CTV, paywalls, and original content development.Ceci chats with Nick Jacklin, Partner at Underscore Talent and President of Shorthand Studios, to hear his perspective on three critical issues: why creators must shift from posting content to building IP that works across 25-50 episodes instead of chasing one-off viral moments, how the economics of creator businesses have grown 10-100x in the past decade but the infrastructure to support multi-platform monetization still requires specialized teams most creators can't build alone, and which platforms are being seriously underestimated right now—YouTube for podcasts, CTV for premium placement, and paywalls like Substack where creators need marketing and pricing support to unlock exponential growth. Tune in for operational frameworks on what it actually takes to run a creator business like a media company.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Verbatim is a boutique marketing agency that helps SMBs and startups grow through influencer marketing and speaker sourcing, specializing in SaaS and eCommerce brands. The agency focuses on helping businesses tell compelling stories that drive measurable results rather than just creating content for visibility.Ceci chats with Brianna Doe, Head of Influencer Marketing and Founder at Verbatim, to hear her perspective on three critical issues: why SMBs and startups approach creator marketing differently than enterprise brands and what infrastructure gaps prevent smaller companies from scaling programs effectively, how the rise of B2B influencer marketing has changed what types of creators and partnerships make sense for SaaS companies versus traditional consumer brands, and what brands at the SMB level misunderstand about building sustainable creator programs when budgets are tighter and every dollar needs clear attribution. Tune in for practical frameworks on making creator marketing work at startup scale.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this May episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene unpack three stories revealing how brands are rethinking creator program structure, compensation models, and platform commerce strategies:🎯 Does "Make It Cool First, Scale Second" Actually Work?: A Net Influencer roundtable asked industry professionals whether brands need a macro creator to anchor credibility before scaling through micro creators. The consensus? The logic works in theory, but you don't always need a celebrity—just the most trusted voice in a niche, regardless of size. The real insight: treating macro and micro as separate budgets breaks the entire system. Nii argues the anchor doesn't have to be a creator at all—cultural events like the Grammys, NBA playoffs, or F1 Miami can serve as the universal touchstone that smaller creators triangulate around.💳 Target Drops Commissions for Gamification: Target is replacing its commission-based creator program with challenges, rewards, gift cards, and products—part of a broader retail shift toward gamified programs that scale creator marketing at lower cost. Nii's take: only a handful of brands have enough cache to pull this off. Target is ubiquitous enough that creators will participate without cash, but most companies still need actual financial incentives. This model works when you're a household name that looms large in American consciousness—not when you're still building brand equity.🛍️ Instagram's Shoppable Reels Rollout: Instagram launched a feature letting creators tag up to 30 shoppable products directly in Reels, including affiliate links, with in-app checkout. Facebook followed with a similar update launching Amazon first, then Temu and eBay. Meta says tagged content will appear in partnership tabs for brand discovery. Nii's verdict: too little, too late. While Meta focused on the metaverse for three years, ShopMy and LTK built giant creator commerce networks that now dominate boutique curation and creator-led shopping. Instagram's new features help creators not on those platforms, but the zeitgeist already shifted.From rethinking tier strategy beyond celebrity anchors to compensation models that only work for household brands to Instagram playing catch-up in creator commerce—this episode captures the tactical and structural shifts brands are navigating in mid-2026.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Sounds Profitable is a media property covering strategic and tactical changes in the podcasting business through newsletters, podcasts, and industry research. The company produces educational content, conducts quarterly research series, and provides advisory services to keep companies informed on the state of podcasting. Bryan Barletta also serves as President of Podcast Movement, the world's largest conference for podcasters.Ceci chats with Bryan Barletta, President of Podcast Movement and Partner at Sounds Profitable, to hear his perspective on three critical issues: how the podcasting industry's infrastructure and measurement capabilities compare to where creator marketing sits today and what brands need to understand about attribution differences, why the convergence of podcasting and the broader creator economy creates opportunities for brands to think about audio creators as part of their overall influencer strategy, and what the shift from experimental podcast budgets to core marketing spend means for how the industry must mature its tooling and standards. Tune in for strategic context on positioning podcast creators within enterprise marketing programs.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Spotter is a platform that provides creators with capital, community, and AI-powered tools to accelerate growth. The company has deployed over $940 million to YouTube creators for reinvestment and operates a premium catalog generating 88 billion monthly watch-time minutes, offering brands a scaled media solution that's transparent and brand-safe.Ceci chats with Christian Liquigan, Director of Brand Partnerships at Spotter, to hear his perspective on three critical issues: how brands can move beyond transactional influencer campaigns to build partnerships where creators and brands tell authentic stories that actually drive results, what the shift from traditional advertising to creator-led content means for how media buyers allocate budgets and measure success, and why the combination of creator capital and brand partnerships creates opportunities that neither side can unlock alone. Tune in for practical guidance on designing campaigns that leverage Spotter's unique position connecting top YouTube creators with enterprise brands.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Creator Revolution is a talent management and advisory firm that helps top creators scale businesses through strategic partnerships and long-term monetization while helping companies unlock creators as a core growth channel. Founded by Monica Khan, the firm operates at the intersection of creator management, platform strategy, and corporate advisory, including work with McKinsey & Company.Ceci chats with Monica Khan, Founder and CEO of Creator Revolution, to hear her perspective on three critical issues: why the creator economy needs to move beyond treating creators as contractors and brands as ATMs toward partnerships where both sides actually build together, how her decade at YouTube, Facebook, and Spotter shaped her understanding of what separates creators who build media empires from those stuck chasing algorithm luck, and what brands must change to design collaborations that creators actually want instead of awkward influencer campaigns. Tune in for strategic frameworks on building sustainable creator businesses and authentic brand partnerships.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

OWM is a platform building infrastructure to help creators move from brand deals into equity and ownership. The company standardized the influence-for-equity agreement, created creator stock option pools, and built systems that let founders, operators, and creators partner on attention-first businesses with real upside.Ceci chats with Jeff Frommer, Founder and CEO of OWM, to hear his perspective on three critical issues: why creators need to make ownership an "and" conversation instead of an "or" conversation when brands come knocking, how the three barriers blocking creator equity (lack of standardization, education gaps, and manager compensation models) can finally be solved, and why brands using equity as growth capital need to build creator advisory boards that activate storytellers instead of treating them like transactional megaphones. Tune in for concrete frameworks on structuring deals where creators invest social capital for long-term returns.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this Q2 kickoff episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene unpack three stories that reveal how brands are scaling creator programs—and where the industry still falls short:📱 **Samsung Goes All In**: The Galaxy S26 Ultra launch brought 140 creators from 35 countries to San Francisco for a three-day summit with structured content tracks (camera, gaming, sound), live streams hitting 17 million views, and an award ceremony recognizing top performers. This wasn't just a product launch—it was a mini-conference designed to create algorithm-spiking density. Nii breaks down what other brands can learn about using real-life events to generate authentic UGC and why creating creator ecosystems beats flying out individual influencers.📈 **Mr. Beast's 117M Subscriber Secret**: The largest single-year gain in YouTube history came from running 428 ads monthly through his company Creator Global, targeting India, Indonesia, and Vietnam with localized content. At peak, 298 unique ads ran in a single day. But Nii questions the strategy: is this growth for growth's sake, or can these markets actually deliver advertiser ROI? The bigger opportunity? Most brands aren't thinking about paid YouTube ads to grow their own channels—and they should be.🤝 **The Partnership Gap That Won't Close**: An IAB study shows 60% of buyers say creator partnerships are their top priority, yet creators still face late payments and over-scripted briefs daily. Net Influencer's roundtable with 70 industry voices surfaced the same themes: creator freedom, fair pay, stop treating them as distribution. Nii's take? The conversation won't change until someone bridges the gap between how brands think (channels, demographics) and what creators need (creative liberty, partnership respect).From creator summits as algorithm strategy to paid growth at YouTube scale to the operational gaps holding partnerships back—this episode captures both the sophistication and dysfunction of creator marketing in 2026.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Later is a leading influencer marketing and social platform that helps brands identify creators and launch campaigns backed by data-driven intelligence. The company serves both B2C and B2B companies looking to build scalable creator programs with measurable ROI.Ceci chats with Scott Sutton, CEO at Later, to hear his perspective on three critical issues: why B2B companies stayed on the sidelines of creator marketing for so long and what changed to make it relevant now, how attribution technology finally enables SaaS companies to track creator content from click to install to subscription revenue, and what separates experimental creator tactics from programs that CMOs can defend as legitimate growth channels. Tune in for concrete guidance on building creator strategies that deliver measurable business outcomes in B2B contexts.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Amaze is an integrated commerce platform that helps creators and brands turn content moments into revenue streams. The company provides tools for product launches, audience insights, and monetization infrastructure that enable creators to build businesses around their audiences rather than relying solely on brand deals.Ceci chats with Danielle Pederson, CMO at Amaze, to hear her perspective on three critical issues: why the creator economy is shifting from attention and brand deals into a third wave focused on ownership and equity, how engagement signals from fans translate into actual product opportunities that creators can capitalize on quickly, and what brands misunderstand when they over-index on reach instead of audience intent. Tune in for actionable guidance on building creator businesses with compounding value beyond one-time partnerships.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

QYOU Media is a global creator marketing and media company that helps brands design creator-led campaigns reaching audiences across social platforms. The company works with major brands, studios, and entertainment companies to execute strategies that blend creator partnerships with media amplification and distribution.Ceci chats with Glenn Ginsburg, President of QYOU Media, to hear his perspective on three critical issues: how creator marketing shifted from experimental budgets to enterprise-level infrastructure inside major corporations, why media amplification has become necessary for brands investing six and seven figures in creator programs, and what breaks when companies try to scale creator marketing from 10 creators to hundreds while maintaining brand consistency. Tune in for concrete guidance on building creator strategies that deliver measurable impact at scale.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Beacons is an all-in-one platform that helps creators manage their businesses—from link-in-bio storefronts and audience monetization to brand partnerships and creator tools. The company was built for creators first, and now focuses on connecting brands with creators who drive measurable impact.Ceci chats with Sabrina Haschak, Head of Partnerships at Beacons, to hear her perspective on three critical issues: why brands still struggle to measure creator marketing the same way they measure traditional media channels, what the most successful brand-creator partnerships have in common that others miss, and how creator pricing should reflect the reality that creators now function as full production companies. Tune in for practical guidance on treating creator marketing as a core channel, not an experimental budget line.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Net Influencer is a trade publication and intelligence platform covering the creator economy, publishing daily content and roundtable research drawn from hundreds of industry professionals and executives. Its roundtable series aggregates frontline perspectives on the strategies, tools, and challenges shaping influencer marketing.Ceci Carloni sits down with Nii Ahene, founder of Net Influencer, to hear his perspective on three critical issues: whether brands are moving beyond last-minute cultural moment activations : why measurement in creator campaigns remains structurally difficult to solve : and what it actually takes to scale whitelisting beyond a single boosted post. Tune in for a ground-level read on where the industry is putting its energy — and where the gaps remain.From cultural moment strategy to the platform incentive misalignment that makes measurement hard to the operational reality of scaling paid creator media—this episode captures what 125 industry voices say matters most right now.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In our fourth guest episode, host Ceci Carloni sits down with Greg Glenday, CEO of Acast, for an in-depth conversation about why 2026 is the year podcasting finally becomes mainstream—and what brands are still getting wrong about discovery, measurement, and showing up authentically in audio.🎙️ The Meritocracy of Podcasting: Unlike traditional media where gatekeepers decide what content reaches audiences, or social platforms where algorithms put their thumb on the scale, podcasting is a pure meritocracy—listeners decide what's good by seeking it out. Greg argues this makes it fundamentally different from every other medium, but also harder for the industry to categorize. Podcasting doesn't fit neatly into audio, video, influencer, or social teams, so agencies and brands are still trying to find where it belongs.🎯 Discovery Isn't Broken—It's Just Slow: The challenge isn't technology or algorithms—it's trust. Building a relationship with a podcast host takes time, unlike the instant judgment you make with Netflix shows. Greg shares how Acast is tackling discovery through curation, playlist experiments, cross-promotion, and transcription data that surfaces topical connections. But the real unlock? Getting brands to understand they're buying audiences, not creators—and 25 mid-sized shows with overlapping audiences can be more effective than one massive podcast.💰 Why Big Brands Haven't Arrived Yet: Most top 250 US brands still don't buy podcasting. Greg uses peer pressure to wake them up: "Are direct response advertisers like Athletic Greens and BetterHelp smarter than billion-dollar CMOs? They only buy channels that work—and they've been growing with podcasting for years." The missing pieces are trusted third-party measurement, brand safety verification (now solved with partners like Barometer), and understanding that podcast ads should feel additive, not disruptive—intimate conversations, not roadside billboards.From why podcasting is narrative influence (not just audio) to how revenue should spread beyond the top 200 shows to why sought-not-served content changes everything about brand safety—this conversation captures podcasting at its inflection point.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this infrastructure-focused episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene unpack three stories built from original Net Influencer research and platform updates that reveal where the creator economy's operational foundations need to evolve:🏗️ What 2026 Needs: Build Things That Last: Net Influencer surveyed 92 industry professionals asking what the creator economy needs more of this year. The overwhelming consensus? Long-term partnerships, performance clarity, creator freedom, and systems that treat creators like businesses—not viral machines. The alignment across voices reveals the industry knows exactly what sustainable growth requires: less guesswork, more intention, and relationships built over time to test, learn, and identify what actually drives ROI.📄 Contract Infrastructure Breakdown: In another roundtable on managing creator contracts at scale, a clear pattern emerged—contracts have evolved from paperwork to infrastructure, but the tools haven't kept up. Teams are still piecing together PDFs, emails, DocuSign, and manual processes. Contracts work fine with 10 creators but become bottlenecks at 50-100. Nii predicts the future isn't all-in-one platforms but best-of-breed solutions for specific workflow pieces, similar to how Lumeno focuses solely on payments while integrating with other systems.🔍 Google Centralizes Creator Discovery: Google launched creator search inside Google Ads for YouTube partnerships, adding keyword-based discovery and structured filters directly into their paid media platform. This isn't just a feature—it's a signal that Google understands YouTube is one of their most AI-resistant assets and that the convergence of organic, creator, and paid is accelerating. By making creator discovery live inside ads infrastructure, Google is betting that easier access to creators equals more paid amplification dollars.From industry-wide alignment on sustainable growth needs to the operational chaos of scaling contracts to platforms centralizing creator workflows—this episode captures the infrastructure gaps and platform responses defining the creator economy's next evolution.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In our third guest episode, host Ceci Carloni sits down with David Abbey, co-founder and CEO of Endlss, to explore what happens when you actually listen to what brands need—and rebuild your entire platform around those insights.🔄 The Pivot That Changed Everything: David shares the story of building Trend, a social marketplace designed to solve multi-brand checkout friction, only to discover creators wouldn't adopt it. Instead of forcing the product, he spent years listening to hundreds of brands describe their real problems: gifting chaos, manual payments through PayPal spreadsheets, communication nightmares at scale. This led to rebuilding from scratch and launching Endlss—an all-in-one influencer and affiliate platform where the entire feature set is free, and brands only pay as they scale.📈 Where Creator Programs Break: Drawing from migrating brands with 1,000+ creators from competitors, David pinpoints exactly when systems fail: it's not one thing, it's the compound effect. Manual gifting works with 10 creators but breaks at 100. Email communication is fine for 25 but becomes impossible at 500. The 90-10 rule applies—90% of your results come from 10% of creators, but you can't identify them without proper infrastructure. The brands crushing it? Three-year-old digital natives who grew up in this space versus legacy companies still figuring out change management.🎯 The Alignment Problem: David argues the biggest miss in creator marketing isn't budget or tools—it's alignment. Brands think "we need influencers" instead of "we need influencers aligned with our brand values whose audiences will resonate." He contrasts spray-and-pray approaches (message 100 people, hope for results) with strategic selection (carefully choose 100, introduce yourself, build relationships). One partner agency increased client revenue 80% in a single month by focusing entirely on alignment over volume.From the hard lessons of building the wrong product to identifying exactly where scale breaks to why AI should accelerate creativity but never replace content—this conversation captures the builder's perspective on what infrastructure the creator economy actually needs.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this 2026 kickoff episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene tackle three stories, two of which were built from original Net Influencer research that reveal where the real gaps and opportunities exist in the creator economy:🤝 Trust Isn't Declining—It's Just Misunderstood: A Harvard Business Review piece challenges the narrative that influencer trust is eroding, arguing that authenticity gets co-created through interactions between creators, brands, agencies, and audiences. Nii introduces the concept of "Content-Audience Fit" (CAF)—the idea that brands can't just drop the same activation across 100 creators and expect results. The real issue isn't trust disappearing; it's brands treating influencer marketing like a media buy instead of a relationship that requires genuine alignment.📊 The CRM That Doesn't Exist: Net Influencer's roundtable with 24 industry professionals revealed zero consensus on how agencies manage creator relationships at scale. From Salesforce to Airtable to Google Sheets to custom builds—the infrastructure layer is still wide open. We debate whether this chaos reflects the beauty of a people-first industry or signals massive opportunity for innovation, and why one-size-fits-all tools may never work when workflows vary wildly across platforms, creator types, and campaign objectives.🗑️ What the Industry Needs to Ditch: In a survey of 77 creator economy professionals, four themes dominated what needs to be left behind: late payments, vanity metrics, broken measurement, and over-scripting creators. But what surprised us most? The near-universal alignment on these issues. We explore what should have made the list (hint: the AI vs. creator debate), why the organic vs. paid divide needs to die, and what excites us most about the industry's continued professionalization heading into 2026.From reframing trust as a co-creation process to exposing infrastructure gaps to identifying what's holding the industry back—this episode captures both the maturity and growing pains of an ecosystem finding its footing.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In our second guest episode, host Ceci Carloni sits down with George Mani, Chief Growth Officer at ehko.ai, for a provocative conversation about how creators are becoming the new media companies—and why traditional media's resistance to change is creating the opportunity of a generation.📺 The Death of Traditional Media: George shares his journey from finance to media, witnessing firsthand how zero-click search, walled gardens restricting traffic, and the expensive TV newsroom model are all fundamentally broken. His work with multicultural publishers revealed a harsh truth: brands showing up only for Heritage Months without year-round authenticity is bad business—and the $1.7 trillion LGBTQ purchasing power proves multicultural isn't niche anymore.🔥 Creator Burnout & The Pressure Cooker: With media budgets shifting from 10% to 70% flowing through walled gardens, creators face unprecedented pressure from brands expecting unlimited scale at unsustainable rates. George unpacks why the "more is more" advertising mentality doesn't work in the creator economy, how creators receive tens of thousands of DMs daily, and why the industry needs to shift from quantity metrics to quality influence.🤖 AI as Augmentation, Not Replacement: ehko.ai's mission is to create digital "auras" of creators—not headless avatars, but authentic extensions that handle administrative burden while preserving the human connection that makes influence work. George delivers a bold prediction: within years, AI-generated content will flood social platforms, but this will only make genuine human creators more valuable. He argues AI should automate tedious tasks so creators can focus on what matters: building community and producing content.From why creators are the new media infrastructure to how brands must fundamentally rethink measurement in the walled garden era to building sustainable economic futures for creators—this conversation captures a watershed moment where the entire media ecosystem is being rebuilt in real time.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this year-end episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene explore three stories that reveal how brands are fundamentally restructuring around creator-first strategies:🧼 Unilever Admits Defeat (And Wins): The CPG giant's home care division transformed Cleanipedia—a 20-year-old cleaning tips website—into a global creator platform working with 2,000 creators across multiple countries. Their new CEO strategy includes "Said by Others" as a core pillar, essentially admitting that creators deliver brand messages better than Unilever itself. We explore this massive power shift and whether raw, unpolished, socially-native content from regular people is now the winning formula for legacy brands.🏨 Radisson's Creator Hub Revolution: The global hospitality brand launched a platform specifically for nano influencers across 210 hotels, trading free three-night stays for content instead of cash payments. We debate whether this democratizes access for smaller creators or risks normalizing unpaid work, and if brands building their own internal creator systems signals the end of agencies and marketplaces.📊 The M&A Market Awakens: Despite a 69% drop in deals last year, 2025 saw a major rebound with blockbuster acquisitions like Publicis buying Captivate for $175M. Quartermass Advisors' new report predicts even more $100M+ deals in 2026—but here's the twist: all the value is going to companies that help brands work with creators, not companies that help creators themselves. We explore what this means for where the real power and money sits in the creator economy.From Unilever giving up brand control to Radisson building creator infrastructure to M&A revealing who actually captures value—this episode shows how 2025 reshaped the fundamental structure of the creator economy.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In our first-ever guest episode, host Ceci Carloni sits down with Alex Dahan, founder and CEO of Open Influence, to explore the complete evolution of influencer marketing from a founder's perspective who's been in the trenches since 2013.🚀 From Clothing Line to Agency Pioneer: Alex shares how selling out his own products through early Instagram promoters led to founding Open Influence at 19—before "influencer marketing" was even a term. We dive into the early days of convincing brands that social media was the future, battling misconceptions about creator effectiveness, and why execution has always been the true differentiator in this space.📊 Data, Community & What Actually Works: After 12 years working with brands like AT&T, Uber, Mercedes-Benz, and Amazon, Alex reveals what's fundamentally changed (data-driven decision making) versus what's stayed constant (content is still king, community is queen). He explains why 2017 was the industry's breakthrough moment and why he believes we're still in the infancy stage despite consolidation.🤖 The AI Revolution & What's Next: Alex delivers a bold prediction: within 3-5 years, AI-generated content will outnumber human-created content on social platforms. But rather than replacing authenticity, he argues this will make genuine human connection even more valuable. We explore how agencies must balance automation with execution, why self-serve tools have become commoditized, and what the next wave of innovation looks like.From entrepreneurial origins and leadership lessons to the future of AI-flooded social feeds—this conversation captures both the historic arc and forward trajectory of an industry that's still just getting started.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this short-form dominated episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene explore three stories that reveal how bite-sized content is creating entirely new economies:✂️ The Rise of Clipping Agencies: Meet Evan Stanfield, a 19-year-old college dropout who built Clipping Culture—an agency generating billions of views by turning long-form content into viral short clips. We explore why clipping has become the new entry point into the creator economy and how it bridges the gap between hours-long podcasts and algorithm-friendly snackable content that drives massive distribution.🎬 MrBeast's Vyro Marketplace: The world's biggest creator just launched a platform paying people $3 per thousand views to clip content—higher than most platform payouts. Vyro connects video clippers with established creators and brands, letting anyone monetize their editing skills instantly. We debate whether this creates a sustainable micro-economy or if it's just flooding algorithms with "shots on goal" until platforms push back.🍔 DoorDash's Creator Program: The food delivery giant is now paying users to post short-form videos of meals directly in-app across 20 US cities. Is this the new TikTok for food or just another platform trying to capture attention? We explore what this means for food creators and whether an affiliate model (like TikTok Shop) would make this strategy actually work.From college dropouts building clipping empires to MrBeast industrializing content distribution to DoorDash betting on in-app video—this episode captures how short-form content isn't just dominating consumption, it's creating entirely new business models and career paths.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this Q4 episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene tackle three stories that expose both the maturation and vulnerabilities of the creator economy:💰 Slow Ventures' Creator Thesis: VCs are evolving how they invest in creators, with firms like Slow Ventures treating creators themselves as the asset—not just their businesses. The thesis? Brand equity lives with the creator and their community, not on a balance sheet. We explore what signals smart investors look for and why this approach represents a fundamental shift in how institutional capital views creator power.⚠️ The Corner Agency Collapses: A UK talent agency shuts down, leaving creators unpaid and exposed. This isn't just one bad case—it highlights how vulnerable creators remain despite running legitimate businesses. We debate whether the industry needs blockchain-based payment protections, collective action from top talent, or if this is just the risk of working in an unorganized space.📱 Instagram's Repost Feature: The platform introduces a Twitter-style repost button for Reels and feed posts, promising more discovery for creators. But is this a real unlock for visibility or just another borrowed feature that won't stick? Nii drops a hot take: this feature won't survive past 2027.From sophisticated VC investment strategies to the harsh realities of creator payment vulnerabilities to Instagram's latest platform experiment—this episode shows both how far the creator economy has come and how much basic infrastructure it still needs.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this industry-shifting episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene unpack three stories that show how traditional business is reshaping the creator landscape:💼 Accenture Makes Its Move: One of the world's biggest consulting firms acquires Super Digital, the influencer agency behind campaigns for Amazon, Apple, and Pinterest. This isn't just another agency deal—it's a signal that influencer marketing has officially entered the enterprise consulting world. We explore what this means for creators when global consulting giants start treating influence as core business strategy.📺 Private Equity Buys YouTube: PE firms are acquiring entire YouTube channels, swapping out creators for new talent and pushing harder for sponsored content revenue. We debate whether this represents real growth in the creator economy or the beginning of content factory capitalism that could strip away the authenticity that made these channels valuable in the first place.🍟 McDonald's "Theory of Smalls": The fast-food giant ditches big brand messaging for micro-targeting niche communities through Minecraft, manga, and K-pop collaborations. This new strategy from Cannes suggests brands should focus on small fandoms that drive culture rather than mass appeal. But does going hyper-niche risk alienating the broader audience?From billion-dollar consulting acquisitions to the financialization of YouTube to McDonald's betting on niche culture—this episode captures how traditional business is fundamentally reshaping the creator economy landscape.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this culture-defining episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene explore three stories that capture the creator economy's mainstream breakthrough moment:⏰ TIME Finally Gets It: The iconic magazine drops its first-ever TIME 100 Creators list, featuring Dylan Mulvaney, Keith Lee, and MrBeast. But this isn't just about follower counts—TIME's editor-in-chief calls creators "entrepreneurs who shape our culture." We debate whether this recognition is overdue, who got snubbed, and why today's creators are "what musicians were in the 90s."📊 YouTube's Data Game-Changer: The platform launches optional creator data sharing, giving brands access to views, watch time, and demographics. This could revolutionize brand partnerships by moving beyond vanity metrics to real performance data. We explore whether this levels the playing field for mid-tier creators or just adds more pressure to an already complex ecosystem.🤖 AI Influencer Goes Viral: Meet Mia Zelou, the AI creator who "attended" Wimbledon with perfect photos that fooled millions. As AI models become indistinguishable from reality, we dive into whether synthetic influencers represent the future or just a novelty that can't replace authentic human connection.From mainstream media finally acknowledging creator power to the data transparency revolution to AI blurring the lines of reality—this episode captures the exact moment the creator economy crosses into the cultural mainstream.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this power-packed episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene dive into three stories that showcase how creators are reshaping business, culture, and career opportunities:💰 The $850 Million Creator List: Forbes drops its 2025 top creators earnings, revealing a 20% year-over-year jump with MrBeast leading at $82 million. But it's not just about the money—we explore how creators like Alex Cooper and Matt Rife are diversifying beyond content into true entrepreneurship, and whether Goldman Sachs is right that "the private funding environment for creators is as strong as I've ever seen."🎬 Culture Integration Revolution: Olipop's partnership with YouTube's scripted series "Shanked" shows how brands are moving beyond traditional sponsorships to earn seats at the culture table. We break down why this Vice Sports collaboration represents a new era of brand storytelling and whether this model can scale to smaller creators and platforms like TikTok.☕ The Six-Figure Dream Job: Starbucks just created the ultimate creator opportunity—two full-time Global Coffee Creator roles paying up to $136K to travel the world and document coffee culture. No degree required, just a passport and TikTok skills. We debate whether this is brilliant brand strategy or flashy PR, and if it signals a new trend of brands hiring creators as full-time employees.From billion-dollar creator empires to innovative brand partnerships to dream jobs that didn't exist five years ago—this episode captures exactly where the creator economy is heading in 2025.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this explosive episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene tackle three industry-shaking developments that have everyone talking:💸 The $150 Million Wake-Up Call: Alo Yoga faces a massive class-action lawsuit for allegedly hiding paid influencer partnerships, featuring A-list creators like Summer Rae and the West twins. We dive deep into why disclosure violations are still happening in 2025, who's really to blame, and whether this legal bomb will finally force the industry to play by the rules.💼 LinkedIn Goes Full Creator Mode: The professional platform is making serious moves to become a creator destination, with B2B influencers building entire agencies and getting "most of their inbound" from the platform. But can LinkedIn scale beyond thought leadership into a real creator economy? We explore whether this is genuine transformation or just riding the wave.🤝 The Half-Billion Dollar Shopping Spree: Publicis drops over $500 million this year on influencer acquisitions, merging Captivate with Influential to create what they're calling "the world's most powerful connected influencer platform." We break down what this means for agencies, creators, and the future of platform competition.Don't miss our candid take on why brands still think they can game the system, whether LinkedIn can truly support full-time creators, and if we're about to see a platform consolidation frenzy.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

In this episode, hosts Ceci Carloni and Nii Ahene dive into three game-changing stories reshaping the creator economy:🏈 NFL's Creator Revolution: The league is going all-in on creator marketing with a new VP position dedicated to influencer strategy. Discover why even this traditional sports giant realizes that "some of our top-performing posts ever involve creators and influencers" and what this signals for the future of sports marketing.⚠️ AI Controversy Alert: When a skincare brand used AI to generate a fake endorsement from wellness creator Arielle Lorry without permission, it sparked serious questions about ethics and rights in the AI era. We unpack what went wrong and what brands need to know about navigating these new waters.👥 Employee Creators Take Center Stage: Employee-generated content is outperforming both brand and influencer content at major companies. With 73% of organizations saying leadership involvement is key, we explore whether this trend represents the future of authentic marketing or adds undue pressure on employees.Join us for fast-paced, informed analysis on the stories that matter most in today's creator economy. New episodes monthly!The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that keeps you plugged into the pulse of the influencer and creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today’s milestone 50th episode, we're celebrating the movers and shakers of 2024 with a rundown of the 25 most influential creators—from TikTok celebrities to YouTube legends. We'll also explore an exciting development in academia as Texas University launches the first-ever degree in Digital Media Influence, aimed at grooming the next generation of digital stars. Plus, we dive into the story of Viggle AI, an AI startup whose viral memes have led to a massive $19M funding round for their ambitious expansion. Join us as we unpack these fascinating stories from the world of digital influence.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast where we delve into the latest in influencer marketing and the creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today's packed episode, we're unraveling the secrets behind MrBeast's 36-page guide to YouTube success and the controversies it's stirring up. We'll also discuss how TikTok has edged out YouTube, becoming the preferred platform for nearly 70% of brands in video marketing. And, we're taking a closer look at the recent Democratic National Convention, where 200 TikTokers and Instagrammers made headlines, highlighting the growing political engagement with influencers. Join us as we break down these pivotal moments shaping the digital and political landscapes.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that keeps you at the forefront of influencer marketing and the creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we're dissecting the strategic moves by TikTok and Snap as they aim to outpace Meta's stronghold on influencer agencies. We'll also dive into the highlights from President Biden's first-ever Creator Economy Conference, where influencers gathered to discuss hot topics like AI and privacy. Plus, we uncover the inspiring journey of Zoé Mahfouz, who transformed from a shy student into a TikTok sensation celebrated for her 'likable strangeness.' Tune in as we explore these dynamic developments that are shaping the future of digital content creation.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast where we delve into the heart of influencer marketing and the creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we're unpacking the ongoing controversy surrounding 'trad wives' and the backlash faced by TikTok star Nara Smith. We'll also explore how influencers are revolutionizing the travel industry, inspiring a new wave of adventurous travelers. Plus, we dive into a recent report showing a 66% surge in job listings within the creator economy—find out which skills are in highest demand right now. Join us as we analyze these trends and their impact across various sectors.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast where we dissect the latest trends in influencer marketing and the creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we're turning up the heat with the rise of influencer chefs—exploring how these culinary stars are changing the way we cook and eat. We'll also dive into a new YouTube report revealing just how powerful fandom has become in shaping today's pop culture. Plus, we'll examine the recent legal battle faced by Cameo and what it means for influencers engaged in paid endorsements. Stay tuned as we unpack these stories that are shaping the digital landscape.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of influencer marketing and the creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today’s episode, we’re delving into the rising costs of partnering with micro-influencers, as industry rates see significant annual increases. We'll also uncover the details of TikTok’s aggressive push into European e-commerce, sparked by their strategic hiring spree. Plus, we explore the growing "de-influencing" movement, which is persuading a staggering 69% of U.S. social media users to rethink their purchasing decisions. Join us as we break down these pivotal trends that are reshaping how brands and consumers interact online.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that dives deep into the pulse of influencer marketing and the creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we're exploring the intense battle between Instagram and TikTok as they vie for user attention with their new 60-minute content strategies. We'll also investigate why daily usage on TikTok has slipped to just 51 minutes and what this might mean for the platform's future. Plus, don't miss our look at Southwest Airlines' innovative approach, launching a 14-week program that teams up with 10 TikTok creators to offer endless travel possibilities. Tune in as we unpack these dynamic developments in the world of social media and travel.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, im your host Mia, filling in for Kailani this week. In today's episode, we have some truly captivating stories lined up for you. We'll explore how NATO is turning to social media influencers to engage younger generations at their Washington summit. Then, we'll delve into how children's brands are targeting millennial and Gen Z parents through unique collaborations and influencer campaigns. And finally, we'll look at Away's latest soft-shell suitcase campaign featuring celebrities and influencers to capture a new market segment. So, stay tuned as we unpack these exciting developments in the world of influencer marketing.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that dives deep into influencer marketing and the creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today’s episode, we're unpacking new research that reveals emotion as the key driver behind brand memory and influencer marketing success. We’ll also hear from Smosh CEO Alessandra Catanese on how this iconic comedy brand continues to captivate audiences in 2024. Plus, we'll explore how Panel CEO Andrew Franz is innovating the landscape of influencer-brand deals. Stay tuned as we delve into these transformative insights and strategies in the world of digital influence.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast where we delve into the latest in influencer marketing and the creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today’s episode, we're exploring how Lenovo leveraged over 50 ASMR creators to organically showcase their tablets, adding a whisper of innovation to their marketing strategy. We'll also discuss a notable slot influencer who's hitting the jackpot with a new partnership with BetMGM. Plus, we'll dive into how James Creech has revolutionized the job market for creator professionals after a decade in the creator economy. Join us as we uncover the strategies and stories behind these intriguing developments.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast where we dive deep into the trends shaping influencer marketing and the creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we're exploring Meta's new 'Creator Insights' feature—could it really make finding the perfect influencer partnership easier? We'll also look at how Cetaphil is breaking new ground by targeting men through 'Dadfluencers.' And, we'll cover the brewing battle in the beverage industry as YouTuber MrBeast sets his sights on dethroning Prime Hydration. Join us as we unpack these stories and their impact on the marketing landscape.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that dives deep into influencer marketing and the creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today’s episode, we're zooming in on TikTok's ambitious push to outshine Amazon and Google in the online shopping arena with their new image search feature. We'll also reveal how Gatorade and Coffee Meets Bagel are achieving remarkable success through partnerships with an under-the-radar agency. Plus, we'll discuss mobile gaming giant Voodoo's massive €500 million acquisition of the Gen Z-favorite app, BeReal. Stay tuned as we explore these groundbreaking moves and their implications in the digital marketplace.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast where we dive into the latest trends in influencer marketing and the creator economy. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we're exploring how Plannin is revolutionizing travel recommendations with influencers earning lifetime commissions, uncovering the risks of payment models based on engagement, and breaking down Amazon's new toolkits designed to catapult influencer success. Join us as we unpack these developments and their impact on the dynamic world of digital marketing.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, your go-to podcast for the latest and most engaging news in the world of social media and influencer culture. I'm your host Kailani and today, we’ll be diving into some significant news stories impacting the industry. From Sony Music's hefty lawsuit against Marriott International to Chris Alexander’s innovative new agency model with PSRCNT, and Instagram's latest feature to keep user engagement high, we've got a lot to cover. So, let's get started!The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, your go-to podcast for the latest and most engaging news in the world of social media and influencer culture. I'm your host Kailani, and today, we'll dive into some exciting updates from LinkedIn, TikTok, and an intriguing new trend reshaping influencer dynamics on social media. Whether you're a creator, a brand, or simply fascinated by the ever-evolving digital landscape, this episode has something for everyone. Let's get started!The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that dives deep into influencer marketing and the creator economy. Explore news, trends, hear stories, and get behind-the-scenes with industry leaders. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we'll delve into a new Deloitte report revealing the vast, untapped potential within the $250 billion creator economy. We’ll also discuss a daring travel marketing strategy that sent mega-influencers on a journey they couldn't share online, and we'll cover the drama of eight TikTok stars taking on the U.S. government in a high-stakes First Amendment battle.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that dives deep into influencer marketing and the creator economy. Explore news, trends, hear stories, and get behind-the-scenes with industry leaders. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we’re uncovering the secrets to going viral with insights from a creator who’s amassed 50 billion views. Plus, we’ll explore why Wall Street is swooning over influencers like MrBeast and Logan Paul, and how top brands like Coca-Cola, E.L.F., and Benefit are leveraging TikTok Shop to boost their sales.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that dives deep into influencer marketing and the creator economy. Explore news, trends, hear stories, and get behind-the-scenes with industry leaders. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we're tackling the potential TikTok ban in the U.S., Revolve’s afterparty madness at Stagecoach and delving into some of the complexities of influencer payments.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that dives deep into influencer marketing and the creator economy. Explore news, trends, hear stories, and get behind-the-scenes with industry leaders. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we're peeling back the layers of a new report where seasoned influencers disclose their top concerns for 2024. Plus, we'll delve into the meteoric rise of SMITH&SAINT, the dynamic female-led agency that's shaking up talent representation and brand-building. And we won't miss a chance to explore how Poppi's fizzy drink turned its influencer marketing strategy into a fashion-forward phenomenon. The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that dives deep into influencer marketing and the creator economy. Explore news, trends, hear stories, and get behind-the-scenes with industry leaders. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we're taking a closer look at some fascinating intersections between culture, technology, and marketing strategies. From fine arts organizations recruiting influencers to capture young audiences, to the latest shifts in how brands are optimizing their influencer collaborations, and how TikTok is unlocking the potential of bilingual content for marketers.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that dives deep into influencer marketing and the creator economy. Explore news, trends, hear stories, and get behind-the-scenes with industry leaders. I'm Kailani, and in this episode, we will explore Mad Rabbit's massive brand ambassador push, GRIN's latest data-driven tool for boosting influencer programs, and unveil top earning secrets from 2,000 creators in Kajabi's "State of Creators ‘24" report.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that dives deep into influencer marketing and the creator economy. Explore news, trends, hear stories, and get behind-the-scenes with industry leaders. I'm Kailani, and i'm very excited because this is our thirtieth episode! All thanks to you and your support! In today's episode, we'll explore Meta's new Instagram ad feature boosting sales, Pinterest's Coachella partnership, and the potential disruption of creator-owned mobile networks.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.

Welcome to Influence Weekly, the podcast that dives deep into influencer marketing and the creator economy. Explore news, trends, hear stories, and get behind-the-scenes with industry leaders. I'm Kailani, and in today's episode, we're unraveling the twists of promises made and broken, both by brands and within the bustling world of finfluencers. From BMW's social media misstep to the tightening grip of regulations on financial influencers, and a brokerage firm's record-setting penalty for unchecked influencer campaigns.The Big Three by Influence Weekly: 3 Biggest Stories. 1 Essential Conversation.