Content creation is regarded as the fastest-growing business for individuals. As a matter of fact, more children want to become a YouTube star than an astronaut (29% vs. 11%).

​

Creators earn money in several ways. This is by far the most significant trend in the creator economy – creators and influencers being funded by their communities (of fans, followers, subscribers, etc.).

​

Beyond ads, though, content creators favor multiple revenue streams.

​

• Revenue-generating activities
   

1. In-content advertising
   Ad revenue shares are the most basic way to earn through the content one produces. Platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, which both have well-built advertising programs, allow creators to make on a cost-per-mille basis. Some pay creators through the extent of engagement on a particular post or upload.
   
   Lately, though, creators are veering away from the platforms more so because excessive dependence on them is unsatisfactory in the long run profit-wise. For one, changes in features and tools are beyond the control of the creators. So they look for other ways to earn.
    

2. Live streaming
   Live streaming is the most flexible of all income-generating aspects of creating content. While it is mainly used in live shopping, where they can sell their own merchandise or from sponsor brands, streamers may also accept payments, tips, and donations while the stream is ongoing. In addition, some creators feature products they buy for review and post links to the shop where they got the item for affiliate commissions. 
    

3. Podcasting
   Monetizing podcasts is an opportunity that not all creators or influencers have explored. Podcasters earn in various ways: through sponsorships, subscriptions to premium content, merchandise sales, affiliate sales, consultations, coaching, crowdfunding, and events. Podcasters typically combine these earning tactics.
    

4. Merchandising
   Selling merchandise or merch is a lucrative business for creators who constantly churn out new designs for a shirt. However, this can be limiting for merchandise that requires no repeat purchase. So if pursuing this direction, you need to have a few pieces in your collection and launch new ones from time to time.
    

5. Sponsored content
   Content that is paid by advertisers and intended to promote the brand or company’s products and services to the creator’s target market. Sponsorships are among the most lucrative ways for creators. However, the pay will depend on the chosen content creator or influencer’s reach (or influence). Macro influencers demand higher compensation than micro-influencers. Some brands pay commissions depending on the engagement and conversion rates on top of the upfront payment.
    

6. Product placement
   Product placement is a merchandising strategy that started with television. As the name suggests, the product is strategically positioned as organically in the scene or script as possible. Product placement was also seen in music videos and, today, on branded content. Video content creators mostly interact with brands where the actual product can be shown to viewers directly or indiscreetly. As with other strategies on this list, pay generally varies.
    

7. Fan engagement
   Fan engagement is different from the typical revenue-generating route. However, some creators and influencers amass a fanbase that allows them to monetize further. For example, a paid video shoutout, a curated wedding playlist, or a birthday greeting. This will enable creators to showcase their talents and capabilities without shortchanging what they can do for their fans.
    

8. Affiliate marketing
   Affiliate marketing is evolving. The basic premise of affiliate marketing is recommending a product or service to fans, followers, or subscribers and providing a unique link from which they can purchase it. Commissions are paid based on the number and amount of sales. Nowadays, creators and influencers are given unique hashtags or codes that can be used to track sales.
    

9. Direct selling
   Another way to earn is to directly sell content such as newsletters, ebooks, webinars, and online courses. Aside from apparel, accessories, and novelty items, content creators can sell virtually anything possible. As noted above, they can do live selling to raise earnings through engagement and actual sales of the products.
    

Content creators substantially adapt their content based on audience expectations. Thus, they also constantly adapt their monetization strategies. In the creator economy, what works will depend on extensive research, analysis, and experimentation. Otherwise, it will be a waste of precious time and resources.

​