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The Source Code: China's livestreaming industry is huge, lucrative and kind of dystopian

Dec 11, 2018
In the United States, would-be internet stars turn to YouTube, Twitch or Instagram. In China, it’s a livestreaming platform called YY, where creators sing or tell jokes to an audience that pays them directly in the form of digital gifts. Top streamers can make $100,000 a month or more, and lots of people now want […]
Filmmaker Hao Wu at Future Tense in Washington, D.C., in 2017.
New America/Flickr

The creator economy is turning to the sharing economy for camera gear

Dec 4, 2018
Online video creators hope better production quality means more views.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Some of YouTube's biggest stars say their work is hurting their health

Nov 28, 2018
Is the platform's unpredictable algorithm contributing to burnout?
LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images

The EU’s proposed copyright rules could upend the internet economy

Sep 14, 2018
Could this be the beginning of the end of internet memes?
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

Meet the woman who's making millions from slime videos on YouTube

Sep 10, 2018
Karina Garcia has attracted over 8.4 million YouTube subscribers by making DIY slime.
Karina Garcia has over 7 million subscribers on YouTube.
Karina Garcia/YouTube

Can the creator economy survive if creators are all broke?

Aug 14, 2018
As platforms like YouTube and Instagram rake in money, the people who try to make a living uploading videos and pictures often struggle.
Audience engagement doesn't require tricks, just a few simple speaking strategies.
ERIC PIERMONT/AFP/Getty Images

How to be a social media star for a living

Jul 18, 2018
"As influencers, we are walking ad space," Troy Solomon says.
YouTube displayed a giant play button with the names of creators chosen to work with the company at VidCon.
(Marketplace/ Eve Troeh)

For public good, not for profit.

How Univision's talent scout finds the next social media star

Jul 17, 2018
The network focused on Latino and Hispanic audiences launched its Creator Network nearly three years ago.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

VidCon general manager: Online video is about more than just YouTube

The popular online video conference is trying to highlight other platforms, like Twitch and LinkedIn.
YouTube displayed a giant play button with the names of creators chosen to work with the company at VidCon.
(Marketplace/ Eve Troeh)

YouTube tries to make nice with its creators

Jun 22, 2018
Many are unhappy with how the site pays them.
The YouTube and Netflix app logos are seen on a television screen.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images