🎙️✨Brainstorming with Gemini and Podcasting: On the Rise

Welcome to TIL - Creator Edition! Each week, I discuss things that matter the most to you as a YouTuber, Podcaster, or content creator.

YouTube's AI Brainstorming Buddy: A Game-Changer for Creators?

YouTube is rolling out a new AI-powered feature called "Brainstorm with Gemini", and it could be a game-changer for content creators. This tool aims to help YouTubers generate video ideas, titles, and thumbnails using Google's advanced AI technology. But what does this mean for you as a creator?

• Streamlined Ideation: No more staring at a blank screen! Gemini can kickstart your creative process with tailored suggestions.

• Trend-Savvy Content: Tap into what your audience is searching for, increasing your chances of hitting that viral sweet spot.

• Time-Saving Potential: Spend less time brainstorming and more time creating high-quality content.

While some creators might worry about AI taking over their creative process, it's important to remember that Gemini is a tool, not a replacement. Your unique voice and perspective are still what will set your content apart. This feature could level the playing field for newer creators, giving them access to insights that were once the domain of larger channels with dedicated research teams.

Podcasting: The Unsung Hero of the Creator Economy's Explosive Growth

The creator economy is on fire, and podcasting is fanning the flames. With the industry set to double in just three years, savvy video creators should take note of the unique power of podcasts:

• Intimate Connections: A staggering 88% of podcast listeners describe their time with podcasts as meaningful. This deep engagement is gold for creators looking to build loyal audiences.

• Influence Powerhouse: Forget Instagram influencers – 75% of podcast audiences consider podcasters more influential than social media stars. Video creators can leverage this trust by expanding into audio formats.

• YouTube's Podcast Push: As the lines between video and audio blur, YouTube is becoming a podcast powerhouse. Creators already on the platform have a head start in tapping into this growing market.

The future of content creation is multi-format. Video creators who embrace podcasting alongside their visual content will be best positioned to ride the wave of the creator economy's explosive growth. Don't let your channel get left behind in the audio revolution!

Creator Spotlight: Ryan Trahan

Ryan Trahan's YouTube channel is a masterclass in engaging content and strategic growth. With over 11 million subscribers, Ryan has perfected the art of creating videos that not only captivate viewers but also encourage them to click and watch.

At the heart of Ryan's success lies his exceptional thumbnail strategy. His thumbnails are a perfect blend of simplicity and eye-catching design, often featuring:

• Bright colors that pop

• Raw, unedited photos of himself in the moment

• Simple graphics like review boxes or icons

• Exaggerated expressions to grab attention

Ryan's thumbnails provide context and match the video's title, slightly exaggerating without crossing into clickbait territory. This approach has been crucial in boosting his click-through rates and overall channel growth.

But Ryan's strategy goes beyond just creating great thumbnails. He consistently posts high-quality content, focusing on cramming what used to be 15-minute videos into 4-minute segments, repeating this formula in different locations. This approach keeps viewers engaged and coming back for more. Recently, he's experimented with longer videos (22-23 minutes on average), allowing for a new audience to enjoy sitting down and watching.

What sets Ryan apart is his willingness to evolve and connect with his audience. He started acknowledging viewer wants and his own weaknesses, making his videos more human and relatable. This authenticity has resonated strongly with his audience, fueling his rapid growth.

For creators looking to emulate Ryan's success, consider these key takeaways:

1. Invest time in creating eye-catching, context-rich thumbnails

2. Experiment with video length and pacing to find what works best for your audience

3. Be authentic and relatable in your content

4. Consistently post high-quality videos

5. Don't be afraid to update old thumbnails to breathe new life into underperforming videos

While Ryan's team invests significant time in editing and thumbnail creation, tools like Rizzle can help smaller creators achieve similar results more efficiently. Using AI to create teasers, highlights, clips, and thumbnails, you can focus on what matters most – creating great content that resonates with your audience.

In other news…

• The Future of the Creator Economy Report 2024: Epidemic Sound's report highlights the evolving landscape of the creator economy, noting that 54.9% of creators now identify as full-time. This is a significant step forward for the creator economy!

• Burnout is a serious concern for creators: The MBO Partners report reveals that nearly half of independent creators find it challenging to succeed against the competition, and burnout is a significant concern.

• YouTube just took a big victory lap: YouTube is asserting its dominance in the creator economy, especially as TikTok faces challenges. The platform captured the highest share of total U.S. TV time in June, surpassing competitors.

• Big bucks are being spent on creators: The article discusses the increasing significance of creators in the U.S., with Goldman Sachs estimating their worth at $250 billion globally. U.S. advertisers spent over $7 billion on such marketing in 2024 alone. However, the question arises if spending such massive amounts of money on the creator economy is actually worth it.