05-31-2022: Here’s what’s new and what caught my eye this week:
- Calling the Top of the Crypto Hype Cycle: A16z state of crypto report feels dated just two weeks after release. It’s worth downloading the full report though, as directionally there’s good stuff inside. But also read Night Media’s Ezra Cooperstein’s critique focusing on how misusing data can “prove” anything – expanded upon by Jared Naylor.
- Paid TikTok Subscriptions Now Live: Yay! More ways for creators to make money. Double T just launched “Live Subscription” to a select, invite only group. Paid subscribers get access to private chats, custom emotes, badges and more. For now the program is limited, and we don’t know Double T’s rake or how the program will expand. It’s (more than) a bit Twitch-like, but anything that puts more money in creators’ pockets is a good thing.
- Awkward Crypto Manifestos, TikTok Launches Subs, friends and maybe games, Mr. Beast Goes to VidCon, When AI Researchers Battle, You Win!TikTok Adds Friends Tab: Social networks need more selectable algorithms. Like the choose your own adventure games, these let you direct your path through the avalanche of content. I like TikTok’s new “Friends” tab, as it helps me keep up with the creators I really care about. For example, I discovered one old friend got Botox (looking good VB) and discovered two VidCon employees mad midnight dash to Coachella – both of which I missed back when they posted. Also liking Instagram’s “Following” vs. “Favorites” option and Twitter’s latest vs. top tweets too. But we need more – let a hundred algorithms bloom! In more Double-T news, they’re adding gaming to the mix. Could “TikVille” and “TokCrush” be coming soon?
- And Then There Were Two: Google announced its new AI-based text to image generator “Imagen” and promptly claimed superiority to last month’s sensation Dall-E 2. Feel free to geek out on the research paper behind Imagen, but good luck trying to use it – we’re still waiting for a miracle. According to Google Brain product manager Tris Warkentin, the only way to test Imagen is to “Come work with me at Google 😁At least real people are playing with Dall-E 2 (I know one personally). ”. I can’t wait to try it out – but t’s all just vaporware until real people can poke the bear. How come the future has to take such a long, long time?
- VidCon Spotlight: Learn from MrBeast (AKA Jimmy Donaldson)! He’s coming to VidCon and will share secrets about how he built a huge content empire while changing the nature of entertainment itself. He’ll also explore how to turn content into side hustles that can grow bigger than the programs and channels themselves! Don’t miss this talk; buy tickets today! He’s also doing a bunch of very “Mr. Beast” stuff while he’s there. So fun and insight too!
QUIBIS:
- The messed-up culture of plagiarism on the internet.
- Battling the intractable 90-9-1 participation inequality ratio to boost your community.
- Ex Brit politician and now Meta top exec shares why the metaverse matters.
- Media expert Brad Berens explores how Web3/creator economy intersects with other trends.
- Hate the word, but “genuinfluencers” seem to be a thing.
- Instagram “refreshes” its brand featuring a homegrown “Instagram Sans” font. Who else thinks it was partly designed by a ten-year old?
- Thanks TikTok! Music is now even more of a participatory medium.
- SiriusXM buys TeamCoco. Let’s get Conan to VidCon!
- Props to FB for auditing their moderation statements.
- Puff piece feature on YouTube Shorts lacks balance.
- TikTok partners with Hootsuite, Sprinklr, Emplifi, and more to make it easier for brands to reach users.
- Twitter leans into creators with new Twitter Create hub.
- Emma Chamberlain’s coffee empire adds matcha lemonade via a partnership with Swoon.
- Diversion time – here are the most used emojis in every country.
CRYPTIS:
- Seth Green’s Bored Ape got snatched. It’s complicated.
- Ebay’s awkward launch – timing really is everything.
- More awkward – crypto crashes the Davos party.
Tip of the Week: My tip of the week is for YOU to attend VidCon in Anaheim in late June. Here’s yet another reason – we’re bringing 12 under the radar creator economy startups to demo what they’re building and share with you their vision directly. Our Innovation Showcase spotlights the platforms, social networks, tools and services that will define the industry over the next ten years. And as a bonus you get to see me and the top virtual Twitch streamer – Code Miko – talk about how new technologies are poised to revolutionize the future of virtual / avatar based creators. Tickets. Now. Buy.
What We’re Watching:
- ExcelTok, where have you been all my life?
- And now I know what electrolytes are. Thanks Hank & Rhett & Link
- Featured Creator Nathan Zed thinks that artists need to switch it up.
- Watch @stickyaustralia create a rose candy inspired by Beauty and the Beast.
- Have you seen @benedictpolizzi respectfully catcall people?
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