Why everyone wants to be a content creator

Most people nowadays aim to become content creators. It's not just about sharing ideas; it's about shaping culture, connecting with others, and turning passion into purpose in a digital world! Read below to find out why.

The rise of content creators has become a significant phenomenon in today's digital age. It's evident that more and more people are aspiring to become content creators, and this trend is not limited to a specific age group or demographic.

With the advent of social media platforms, blogging, and video-sharing sites, the barriers to content creation have been significantly lowered.

In the past, content creation was limited to traditional media outlets, but now, anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection can create and share content. This democratisation of content creation has led to a proliferation of diverse voices, perspectives, and ideas.

Many people are drawn to content creation as a means of self-expression and a way to break free from the constraints of traditional 9-to-5 jobs.

Content creation offers the flexibility to work on one's own terms and pursue passions and interests. The rise of influencer marketing and sponsored content has created new opportunities for content creators to earn a living from their craft.

This has attracted many people who are looking for alternative sources of income or want to turn their passion into a career.

Content creators are not just limited to YouTube and Medium; they can be found on various platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and blogs. They create a wide range of content, including videos, blog posts, social media posts, podcasts, and more.

The rise of content creators has also led to new opportunities for monetisation, including affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products.

We spoke to a couple of social media influencers to help us understand why everyone is creating content online and share tips for those who want to start off as a content creator:

TIPS TO BECOME A CONTENT CREATOR

1. Engage with your audience

"I engage with my audience by posting consistently, sharing relatable fashion content, and interacting through comments, Q&As, and polls. Building a loyal following comes from being authentic, transparent with product recommendations, and collaborating with brands that reflect my personal style," says Sameer Mark, a fashion influencer with six million followers on Instagram.

He also adds that his creative process starts with observing trends and thinking about how he can add his unique twist.

2. Draw inspiration from life

Mark also adds that he drew inspiration from everyday life, travel, and feedback from his audience.

To stay inspired and avoid burnout, he balances work with breaks, focuses on what excites him, and stays connected to his passion for fashion.

3. Have a plan B

"One piece of advice I'd strongly offer to the younger generation of aspiring creators is to prioritise their education and always have a plan B. While social media offers immense opportunities, and many do achieve great success, the journey can be filled with challenges, especially for those starting out," says Mark.

"It's wise to have a backup plan to avoid feeling discouraged when things aren’t going as expected," he adds.

"Whether it's your main focus or a side hustle, having something else to fall back on ensures you're never stuck in one place. And secondly, another important aspect is having the right team to support you and help you land the platforms that truly showcase your talent," says Vishal Pandey, actor and fashion influencer, with 10 million followers on Instagram, who has also worked in a number of TV series and made an appearance on Bigg Boss OTT 3.

4. Your company matters

Pandey explains that surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision and can guide you through the process is invaluable. Also, the company you keep has a huge impact on your growth.

Who you sit and hang out with can shape your mindset and open doors to opportunities you may not have considered.

WHY CHOOSE CONTENT CREATION OVER 9-TO-5 JOB

Choosing to become a content creator instead of getting a traditional job has many positives.

"Creating content has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace my creativity, and develop better communication skills. It has taught me discipline, resilience, and how to adapt to trends, all of which have contributed to both my personal growth and professional development," says Sameer Mark.

"For me, it's all about staying authentic and true to myself rather than chasing fleeting industry trends. I've come to realise that the key to gaining traction lies in creating raw, original content that resonates with people on a personal level," says Vishal Pandey.

"There's also an incredible thrill when something you've created sparks a new trend, and watching others jump on board—well, that's something truly special," he adds.

Not only that, content creation is now a lucrative opportunity because the way people consume information has changed dramatically in recent years.

With the rise of social media, people are now more likely to consume content from individuals rather than traditional media outlets.

This shift has created new opportunities for content creators to build audiences and monetise their content.

But if you want to be a successful content creator, you need to upskill yourself.

In today's digital economy, having digital skills such as content creation, video production, and social media management is becoming increasingly important. Many people are recognising the value of developing these skills to stay competitive in the job market or to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

The rise of content creators can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the democratisation of content creation, the desire for self-expression and freedom, the potential for monetisation, the shift in consumer behaviour, and the growing importance of digital skills.

As the creator economy continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how this trend evolves and what new opportunities and challenges arise for content creators.

- Written by Chaitanya Dhawan