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☆ I was a tech DINK earning over $100k a year. Our double income helped me quit my 9-to-5 — but now the glory days are over.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Charissa Cheong | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

I even quit my 9-to-5 to pursue my passion for content creation. I made $40,000 in revenue from content creation in 2022 and $107,000 in 2023 before expenses. AdvertisementSince I'm not earning a stable income, we've decided to limit our spending more this year. I decided to give myself a salary of $35,000 for 2024 from my content creation business. As content creation doesn't require me to go into an office, I'm hoping to build a flexible career that I can continue around raising a kid.

Persons: —, Natalie Fischer, Keldon, now's, we've, There's, Roth, I'm, DINK, We've, He's, we're, haven't Organizations: Service, Business, UGC Locations: Washington, Seattle, pomeranian, Rome, Mexico, Finland

☆ Gen Z's Dream of Becoming Influencers Is Getting Harder Thanks to AI
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Clem De Pressigny | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Advancements in AI tech have given birth to an industry of AI influencers, and major companies are beginning to show interest in their far more cost-effective approach to marketing. AdvertisementMiquela's success didn't spark a virtual-influencer revolution, but that was largely because of cost — human influencers were still cheaper. She sees AI influencers being used to provide a deep level of information, support, and guidance on brands and products. Do AI influencers really stand a chance at building trust with an audience? A study in the European Journal of Marketing found that consumers were just as likely to follow an AI influencer as a human influencer but that they didn't trust the AI influencer as much.

Persons: Zers, Gen Z, influencers, wannabes, — they're, Nikita Baklanov, Julia Broome, Baklanov, Broome, she'd, it's, Miquela Sousa, Lil Miquela, Instagram Miquela, Calvin Klein, Imma, HypeAuditor, Euronews, who's, Jenny Dearing, Dearing, ChatGPT, chatbot, Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Haidt Organizations: Stanford, UGC, Prada, Companies, Meta, Instagram, AIs, Oxford, Advertising, Air, European, Marketing, Air Canada, Google, Alpha Locations: strategize, TikTok, Antarctica, Air Canada

☆ Creators explain how to start making money with the TikTok Creative Challenge program, including what type of content is most popular with brands
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Shriya Bhattacharya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewSome TikTok creators are earning thousands of dollars from user-generated videos. The platform introduced early last year the TikTok Creative Challenge, a program for creators to submit UGC-style ads for brands. The TikTok Creative Challenge also offers bonuses, ranging from $300 to $1,000, to motivate users to continue creating UGC content. Caitlin Jenco's TikTok Creative Challenge dashboard directly in the app Caitlin JencoCaitlin Jenco's TikTok Creative Challenge earnings in October 2023, including bonuses. AdvertisementGaming creators Cristina Johnson and Joey Barton have earned thousands of dollars a month from the TikTok Creative Challenge.

Persons: —, Caitlin Jenco, Sydney McDonald, they're, Jenco, Muaaz Shakeel, Caitlin Jenco's TikTok, Caitlin, Cristina Johnson, Joey Barton, Johnson, Barton Organizations: Service, UGC, Business, Gaming

☆ TikTok creators are earning 10s of thousands of dollars through one of the platform's 'best-kept secrets'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Shriya Bhattacharya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Creator Sydney McDonald thought the TikTok Creative Challenge was a scam when she first saw an advertisement for it while scrolling through the app last year. The Creative Challenge, launched in June, is a forum for creators to submit UGC-style ads at the request of brands. Five creators BI spoke with said they're earning thousands of dollars a month through TikTok's Creative Challenge. BI verified each of their earnings with screenshots of their TikTok Creative Challenge dashboard. McDonald said many creators she's met along the way have told her they've discovered the program through creators like her.

Persons: Sydney McDonald, McDonald, it's, TikTok, Muaaz Shakeel, Christina Johnson, Corey Barton, Johnson, Barton, they've, Caitlin Jenco, Shakeel, Jordan Erickson, she's, TTCC Organizations: Business, UGC, TikTok's Creative, Creative Locations: The Arizona

☆ Creators are growing increasingly concerned about AI as OpenAI's Sora looms and issues of inclusivity and crediting persist
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Shriya Bhattacharya | Marta Biino | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

"I'm worried about AI stunting creativity, replacing the need to use our brains," said travel creator Jessica Morrobel, who has about 168,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram. Lifestyle creator Joseph Arujo said he primarily uses ChatGPT to format his emails, since he gets a lot of brand partnership requests. AdvertisementCherie Luo, who publishes educational content, said she uses AI to transcribe and summarize her podcast episodes. And UGC creator Salha Aziz said she uses AI for a variety of tasks, including writing scripts for her videos. "It is concerning how good it's getting," said Tales, who has 2.7 million followers on TikTok and Instagram.

Persons: —, Snapchat, I'm, Jessica Morrobel, Noah Jennings, Marina Mogilko, YouTuber who's, Cassey Ho, Joseph Arujo, Cherie Luo, Salha Aziz, Sora, Tyler Perry, he'd, Martin Haerlin, Tristan, Alex Piper, Haerlin, Kahlil Greene, we'll, Nneya Richards, she'd, Richards Organizations: Service, SXSW, Business, Adobe, YouTube, Ferrari, Night Studios, it's Locations: Texas, TikTok

☆ I earn 6 figures working just 10 hours a week. Here's how I rate my 8 income streams based on difficulty and earning potential.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Aria Yang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Grace Ryu quit her tech job to pursue multiple income streams and now earns over $100,000 a year. Chasing different income streams aligns with my personality — it satisfies my desire to explore and try as much as possible. Here's a breakdown of my eight income streams, with earnings, difficulty level, and time spent each week:Advertisement1. Luxury picnic businessEasy rating: 9/10Lucrative rating: 7/10I run a luxury picnic business with my best friend and my boyfriend. AdvertisementI wish I had diversified my income soonerAlthough building my income streams took a lot of hustling upfront, I wish I had started sooner.

Persons: Grace Ryu, —, Kendra Scott, It's, you'll, isn't, I've Organizations: Service, Facebook, Texas, M University, Brands, Amazon's, UGC, Rover Locations: Houston, New York

☆ A lawyer who works with dozens of content creators shares 3 red flags to watch in brand deals and the email templates she uses to get sponsorships
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( Shriya Bhattacharya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Why You Should Work With Us:Our combined platforms have a strong social media presence, with over 85,000+ followers across all platforms. We plan to promote the event heavily on our social media channels and via email. We're open to discussing different ways to showcase your brand, such as featuring Delola on dedicated social media posts, or through email marketing campaigns. 🙂Why You Should Work With Me:We have a strong social media presence, with over 23,000+ followers across all platforms. Our engagement rates are through the roof - with email open rates averaging between 40-70%, and 15% of our social media followers regularly engaging with our account.

Persons: —, Taylor, Tieman, she's, It's, RAGGEDYTIFF, We're, Delola, ove J Lo, ould, ove, hank, tim, hou Organizations: Service, Business, UGC, Bank of America, Legalmiga, pla, acc Locations: Los Angeles, Instagram, Latina, LA

☆ A Gen Zer set out to make $100 a day for 100 days through side hustles. Here are the gigs and passive income streams she recommends.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Over the last few months, she posted videos highlighting the money she made from passive income or side hustles . "I think I've always made side hustles kind of a game of some sort for myself in order to bring in extra money." Finding side hustles and passive income streams that fit your needsMitchell said she would recommend side hustles or making passive income if you're willing to make the time commitment. Side hustles and passive income have been helpful for Mitchell outside her job at a church. This passive income method might not be an available side hustle option for all; TikTok requires participating accounts to be US-based.

Persons: Jackie Mitchell, —, Mitchell, I'm, you'll, wouldn't, hasn't, Brand, that's Organizations: Service, Focus Group, Focus, UGC, Program Beta

☆ Influencers are landing paid brand partnerships and UGC deals in an unexpected new way: Slack groups
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Marta Biino | Shriya Bhattacharya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

That Slack group? While many of the other Slack groups creators said they'd used were free, this particular one charges membership fees of $41 per month or $588 a year. Like the existing Slack group, this one will also charge users. AdvertisementCalveiro is excited about this because of the group's potential to create a safe, engaged community where all questions are welcomed. "I haven't yet seen a truly successful Slack channel just for creators, and I think it's so needed," she said.

Persons: —, Ogilvy, Slack, I've, Kristen Bousquet, Bousquet, she's, Patricia Redulla, Redulla, She's, Calveiro, they'd, Jessy Grossman Organizations: Service, Influencer, Business, Messaging, workspaces, UGC, Adolescent

☆ Russian companies' scaled-down IPOs in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A customer walks in a store of Russian clothing retailer Henderson in Moscow, Russia October 31, 2023. IPO/DPO- Biotech startup Genetico (GECO.MM) raised 179 million roubles in an IPO in April. - CarMoney, a fintech service owned by SmartTechGroup (STG) raised 978 million roubles in a direct public offering (DPO) in July. - Technology company Astra (ASTR.MM) raised 3.5 billion roubles in an October IPO. - Men's clothing chain Henderson (HNFG.MM) attracted 3.8 billion roubles through its IPO in early November.

Persons: Maxim Shemetov, Uzhuralzoloto, Vladimir Putin's, Softline, Alexander Marrow, Kevin Liffey Organizations: Henderson, REUTERS, Biotech, SmartTechGroup, Technology, Astra, SPO, State, VTB Bank, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Moscow, Russia, Ukraine, IPOs

☆ A millennial who tests out side hustles explains why he recommends making user-generated content and other flexible options to earn some extra money quickly
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

He wants to cut through the noise to help people understand which side hustles actually work, are relatively easy to start, and can make money. Below are a few of the side hustles Ryan told Insider about in the new interview. iVueitIf you want a side hustle to work around your employment schedule, Ryan recommends trying property inspection app iVueit . AdvertisementAdvertisementUser-generated contentRyan previously told Insider about his success making user-generated content or UGC, using a platform called JoinBrands. Sells said JoinBrands can be a good side hustle because brands are interested in all different kinds of people to make user-generated content.

Persons: Ryan, —, Ryan doesn't, he's, hustles Ryan, I've, Ian Sells, Sells Organizations: Service, Walmart, Amazon, UGC

☆ Russian gold miner Uzhuralzoloto announces IPO despite UK sanctions on owner
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Anastasia Lyrchikova | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Alfa Bank analysts valued UGC's share capital at 140.5-170.8 billion roubles ($1.53-1.86 billion). Britain imposed sanctions on 29 individuals and entities in Russia's gold and oil sectors on Wednesday, including Strukov and two of Russia's largest gold producers, Nord Gold and Highland Gold Mining, but not UGC itself. Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) also issued an alert to financial institutions, warning them about Russian attempts to use gold to evade sanctions. Strukov said the IPO would allow UGC to reach more investors, diversify the shareholder structure and lower its debt burden. A string of small offerings has breathed some life into Russia's equity capital markets in recent months.

Persons: Uzhuralzoloto, Konstantin Strukov, Strukov, Anastasia Lyrchikova, Felix Light, Alexander Marrow, Mark Potter Organizations: UGC, Alfa Bank, Reuters, Nord, Highland Gold Mining, Crime Agency, Astra, Thomson Locations: Russia, Ukraine MOSCOW, Moscow, Britain, Ukraine, Nord Gold

☆ ‘Video games are in for quite a trip’: How generative AI could radically reshape gaming
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Rebecca Cairns | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

“You can tell there is something off about what you’re seeing or hearing.”Enter generative AI. That offers another opportunity for generative AI to reshape the gaming experience. While the developers retain control over procedurally generated content, generative AI has the potential to develop unplayable levels, or deviate in unintended ways from the game’s narrative. An additional toolWhile gamers are excited about the potential for gameplay, generative AI is likely to impact development before it alters the user experience. “I think with generative AI, it’s essentially the same thing – or at least, we’re approaching it with the exact same mindset here at Ubisoft.” However, there are still a lot of unanswered “legal and ethical aspects” to using generative AI, including artists’ copyright, he adds.

Persons: Jitao Zhou, Alexis Rolland, ”, Rolland, Ubisoft's, Zhou, Julian Togelius, “, Togelius, Takehiko Hoshino, It’s, Hoshino, “ Fortnite, Creatives, We’ve, it’s Organizations: Rikkyo University CNN —, La, La Forge, Ubisoft, Rikkyo University, New York University, Rokkyo University, Maxis, EA, UGC, CNN, Forge Locations: La Forge China, Tokyo, La

☆ Black Sea Fleet: Ukraine has Russian targets in Crimea in its sights. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Tim Lister | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The seizure earlier this month of oil platforms in the Black Sea by Ukrainian commandos has given them another jumping-off point and affected the Russian Black Sea fleet’s freedom of navigation. The Russian Black Sea Fleet has been involved in hundreds of cruise missile attacks against Ukraine and threatens merchant shipping using Ukrainian ports. This image taken from UGC video, uploaded to Telegram with a watermark, shows smoke rising from the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The Black Sea Fleet is still a powerful element of Russia’s offensive capability, but becoming less so by the week. “The Black Sea Fleet is more than its naval assets, and the Ukrainian attacks on the Black Sea Fleet will likely achieve effects beyond the degradation of Russian naval capabilities,” concludes the ISW.

Persons: “, Joseph Richter, Andrii Yusov, It’s, it’s, ” Organizations: CNN, Crimea –, Ukraine’s Security, The, 744th Communications Center, Command, Black, Russia’s Ministry of Defense, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, Ukrainian, Initiative, Ukrainian Neptune, UGC, Fleet, 810th Naval Infantry Brigade, Fleet’s, Army Corps Locations: Ukrainian, Russian, Ukraine, Crimea, Saky, Sevastopol, Verkhniosadove, “, Russia, Ukrainian Crimea, ”, Crimean, Moscow, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk, –, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Kherson Oblast

☆ Here's how to make money and get paid for user-generated content and UGC ads on platforms like TikTok
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Marta Biino | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

TikTok has led to a surge in UGC, or user-generated content, ads. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe content feels native to TikTok and appears authentic, helping brands establish trust with consumers, agencies said. In fact, some brands prefer creators with small followings because their content is usually cheaper and feels more authentic. Read more about the frustration TikTok creators experience with building stable careers on the platformAnd it's not only a frustration with TikTok that's causing UGC to boom. AdvertisementAdvertisementRead the pitch deck Insense used to raise $2.5 million to help e-commerce brands find UGC creators

Persons: TikTok, Read, TikTok that's, Erin Confortini, Salha Aziz, @sociallyaziz, Aziz, Joseph Arujo, Danil Saliukov Organizations: UGC, Brands, SAG, Ford, Walmart Locations: TikTok, Delta

☆ Brands want 'fewer, bigger, better' creator relationships as the appeal of micro influencers dips, according to a new marketer survey. Here were 4 other key takeaways.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Marta Biino | Sydney Bradley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The last time Linqia published this report, in 2021, "micro" influencers (those with fewer than 100,000 followers) were the most in-demand partners for brands. "Brands want fewer, bigger, better — they're really investing in deeper relationships with influencers," he told Insider. In 2021, 90% of marketers said they planned to leverage micro influencers in their campaigns, according to Linqia. But micro influencers haven't lost their appeal completely, and there's still a high demand from brands for their work, he added. According to the survey, 69% of marketers said that engagement rates are the most important KPI.

Persons: Cherie Luo, Linqia, Keith Bendes, Bendes, haven't, there's Organizations: Brands

☆ Roblox is letting game creators sell 3D virtual goods as it looks for ways to boost revenue
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Jonathan Vanian | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Roblox, the popular kids gaming platform, is looking to bolster revenue by giving a wider swath of users the ability to create and sell more types of digital goods. The company said on Friday that subscribers to the Roblox app's upper-tier premium plans, which give users a monthly allowance of the Robux digital currency, will be able to hawk their 3D goods to other users. Previously, Roblox gamers could only create and sell 2D goods like virtual clothing and were required to apply and win approval to be part of the company's user-generated content (UGC) program in order to do the same with 3D assets. When customers use the currency to buy virtual items within games, Roblox shares 30% of the revenue with the game developer. By allowing Roblox users to create and sell 3D goods, the company could gain more paid subscribers who are willing to spend money for that feature.

Persons: Manuel Bronstein, Roblox's, Roblox, Bronstein Organizations: CNBC Locations: San Francisco

☆ If Elon Musk removes the block feature from X it wouldn't be the first time the billionaire skirted App Store rules
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | by ( Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Elon Musk on Friday announced plans to remove the block feature on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Apple App Store requires apps with user-generated content to have a block feature. Elon Musk on Friday announced plans to remove the block feature on X, the microblogging social media platform formerly known as Twitter. And it wouldn't be the first time the billionaire has gotten what he wanted despite existing rules on the App Store. The Google Play Store and Apple App Store have rules for apps that host user-generated content like text posts, photos, and videos.

Persons: Elon Musk, It's, Apple, X, Musk, Tim Cook, Tim, Cook Organizations: Twitter, Apple, Google, SpaceX, Tesla Locations: Musk's

☆ Amazon is offering influencers $25 a video to promote it's new TikTok-like shopping feed, but the low rate is being mocked on social media
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Sawdah Bhaimiya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Amazon is offering $25 a video to influencers to help promote its new shopping feed called Inspire. Inspire is part of Amazon's vision to build a social feed of shoppable content like TikTok or Instagram. Amazon is offering to pay influencers $25 a video to promote its new TikTok-inspired shopping feed called Inspire, but some creators are balking at the low rate. Amazon launched its new shopping feed called Inspire in December 2022 which enabled users to scroll through a social feed of shoppable content. Another user commented: "SOOOOO Up To $25 / video.

Persons: Oliver Messenger, Messenger Organizations: Morning, Bloomberg, Amazon Shopping, UGC, Brands, Twitter Locations: influencers

☆ An influencer who got paid to promote TV and movies is pivoting to music content and more UGC on TikTok and Snapchat to earn money as the Hollywood strikes continue
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Shriya Bhattacharya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Creators who were paid to attend TV and movie premieres are trying to make money in other ways. One influencer is now posting sponsored content for music artists and festivals instead. He also said he wouldn't attend any other premieres or post TV or movie-related content until the strike was resolved. "It was at that point I decided it might just be better to completely shift away from that kind of content," Arujo said. Snap stories, TikTok challenges, and music festivals have been his new go-tosThe 19-year-old has shifted his content focus from TV and film to music amid the strikes.

Persons: Joseph Arujo, didn't, Arujo, he's, DMing, Omar Apollo, I've, it's, He's, Hollywood, I'm Organizations: Hollywood, SAG, Writers Guild of America, influencers, Disney, Netflix, Recording Academy, Creative Locations: Los Angeles

☆ Amazon is offering influencers $25 a video to promote its new TikTok-like shopping feed, but the low rate is being mocked on social media
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Sawdah Bhaimiya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Persons: Oliver Messenger, Messenger Organizations: Morning, Bloomberg, Amazon Shopping, UGC, Brands, Twitter Locations: influencers

☆ I'm a user-generated-content creator who gets paid to stay in Airbnbs. Here's how I got started and pitched myself to Airbnb hosts.
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( Ella Hopkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Hope's clients have included hosts of Airbnb properties where she's been paid to stay. I left a $16-an-hour retail job that was making me unhappy and job-hopped until I started working at another retail brand. The client wanted organic content, which included videos of me showing off my phone case and videos showing me using the brand in my day-to-day life. As soon as I'd created the content, I'd send it to them with a watermark, and then they'd send me the other half. I pitched my content services to Airbnb hostsI wanted to travel more but I didn't want to pay to travel.

Persons: Chelsea Hope, she's, Hope, I'd, I've, I'm Organizations: UGC, Twitter Locations: Las Vegas, Las, Sedona , Arizona, Airbnbs, Airbnb

☆ In Montana, Creators Await — and Dread — a TikTok Ban
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Madison Malone Kircher | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

For Nicole O’Shea, losing TikTok would almost certainly mean losing work. (Ms. O’Shea does not post these videos on her own feeds.) “I had to rebuild everything from scratch,” said Ms. O’Shea, who lives in Red Lodge, Mont. Ms. O’Shea said she believed the ban would ultimately fail, citing potential legal challenges. “It takes away my ability to provide for my kids.”For other Montana creators, losing TikTok is about more than just profits.

☆ Thailand's Thaksin lauds 'disruptors' Move Forward for election triumph
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Chayut Setboonsarng | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Before Sunday's vote, Thaksin's populist political juggernaut had won every election since 2001, despite being ousted from office three times. Move Forward had strong appeal and organisation in university towns, Thaksin said, adding many young people convinced their parents to vote for Move Forward. "Pheu Thai got hammered because we did not disrupt ourselves enough. Move Forward's trend overcame Pheu Thai and the other parties that had money," he said. Thaksin also pledged loyalty to the palace and stressed Pheu Thai would not back any actions by Move Forward that would impact the monarchy.

☆ A millennial who tests out side hustles explains what actually makes money quickly and which ones you should skip
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-07 | by ( Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

He doesn't recommend trying to start a YouTube channel or voice work if you're looking to make money quickly. Under his handle @sidehustlereview, he tells 100,000 TikTok followers what he learns, including what makes money, and the time involved. My For You page is just side hustle after side hustle," Ryan told Insider. In addition to UGC, the other top side hustles Ryan recommends are hauling junk and being a virtual assistant. "I get so many personal messages saying they are so thankful that I'm trying these things and letting them know the truth and that really makes me feel good," Ryan said.

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