This is Creators' Latest Secret Weapon: YouTube Shorts
Ya gotta see these numbers
Baby kangaroos sunbathing in a laundry basket. You’re welcome.
💥 What’s Trending - Latest Trends on TikTok & IG
It’s Raining Men
This trending sound has 2 parts: the first half is a clip from the original song and the second half repeats “it’s raining.” Creators are using it to show off what something is really like. Like the difference between photographers and editors when they’re listening to a song, or what it’s like to write a book vs. edit it.
Link to the audioShooting Stars
Use this fun high-energy remix over really anything you’d like. Make a skit, share a video of your pet, or show off something fun about your industry or what you do.
Link to the audioIt’s About Time
Time to show off your hobby or something that you love! Whether it’s photography, makeup, beautiful little cakes, or your pup, put this audio over something that makes you happy that you want to share w your audience!
Link to the audio
🛠 Handy Dandy Tools
Social: Curate and schedule engaging content on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X with AI. Try Quuu free for seven days.
Video: Another option for making short clips from long videos. Use Vidyo.ai for free here.
Audio: Turn your written content into audio content with AI. You can even clone your voice! Use Wondercraft free here.
Images: No more boring stock photos! Use AI-generated images for free. Find images on Lummi free here.
🏆 Curated Picks
Why I Made $250K as a Content Creator and Still Sought More Sustainable Income Streams
Raking in over $250,000 in one year might sound like the ultimate content creator's dream, but here's why it's not all it's cracked up to be.
Beyond the glitz of brand deals lies a much sturdier foundation of independence and ~diversification.~
This article takes you through the journey of a creator who mastered TikTok and reshaped their personal brand to go beyond temporary fame.
For any creator serious about laying down roots for a sustainable business, the article is packed with smart, unconventional strategies from a creator who won’t rely on her $250k/yr as reliable income.
Give it a look to see how you can build a lasting career in the bustling world of content creation.
Short and Sweet: YouTube Shorts Emerges as a Revenue Powerhouse
Have you heard the latest buzz about YouTube?
YouTube Shorts is stealing the vertical video spotlight, showing pretty impressive growth in ad revenue for the platform.
With over $8 billion in ad revenue collected in the first quarter of 2024 and a jaw-dropping $70 billion paid out to creators this year alone, Shorts is revolutionizing the way creators earn.
Discover how YouTube Shorts is reshaping the creator economy and positioning itself as a formidable contender in the short-form video arena.
🤖 AI For Creators
TechCrunch is doing a series on women who have “contributed to the AI revolution” and we love to read about cool women doing cool things! Check out this story about Catherine Breslin, the AI scientist who helps companies develop their AI strategies.
Here are some essential AI strategies for digital creators (according to Inc.).
Siri is getting an upgrade soon! And Apple is going to be adding AI to a bunch of different features. Read about it here.
🌊 It’s May which means it’s time to start thinking about laying in the sun by a large body of water.
🔍 Try this: Content Tips & Suggestions from Other Creators
Love how Alyssa, a brand builder, explains how simple it is to incorporate more personality into your content.
Save this one for the next time you’re feeling creative burn out.
Solid breakdown of how to turn 1 idea into 10 pieces of content. Check it out.
Want to post more IG/FB stories? Here are some ideas for each day of the week
🌟 Creator Spotlight
Showing off your process like this book designer
Elisha Zepeda, a self-taught design enthusiast, stumbled into the realm of book covers through a unique blend of passion and happenstance.
From tinkering with Photoshop as a teenager to securing his first design position at his school's marketing department, Elisha's path is a testament to the power of persistence and ingenuity.
It wasn't until Elisha found himself surrounded by the shelves of a bookstore that his fascination with book covers truly began.
Armed with insights gleaned from four years of retail experience, Elisha set out on a mission to revolutionize the world of book design one cover at a time.
Sharing the Process on TikTok
Enter TikTok, the digital stage where Elisha's infectious energy and unparalleled talent have captured the attention of audiences far and wide. With over 120k followers and growing, Elisha has established himself as the ultimate purveyor of behind-the-scenes book cover enchantment.
What sets Elisha apart from the rest?
It's his distinctive approach to content creation – a delightful blend of humor, authenticity, and industry acumen.
Through a series of TikTok videos, Elisha unveils the intricacies of his creative process, offering viewers a glimpse into the delicate interplay of design and feedback.
I came across Elisha when I saw this TikTok of him where he showed how he came up with 4 different design ideas for one book. I just love seeing how someone does what they do.
Yet, Elisha doesn't just showcase his triumphs – he isn't afraid to share his setbacks and rejections, humanizing the design process along the way.
From advocating for genre-fluid covers to challenging tired tropes (we're looking at you, "woman facing away"), Elisha champions innovation and embraces creativity.
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Why More Creators Should Share their Process
Let's explore the value in creators, like Elisha Zepeda, offering insights into their creative process. Elisha, often seen on TikTok, generously shares glimpses into his book cover design journey. It's like getting a backstage pass to the creative world.
So, why should more creators jump on this bandwagon and show us how the magic happens? Well, let's break it down, taking cues from Elisha's playbook.
Demystifying the Creative Workflow
Ever felt like making the “perfect” piece of content (that entertains, gets you in front of more people, etc.) is like cracking a secret code?
Elisha doesn't just acknowledge this struggle; he confronts it head-on.
With each TikTok video, he pulls back the curtain on the creative process, exposing the gritty reality beneath the glossy surface.
He doesn't shy away from showcasing the messy, behind-the-scenes journey—the countless iterations, the discarded drafts, the moments of self-doubt, and the exhilarating breakthroughs.
It's a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the creative struggle, devoid of sugar-coating or pretense.
What sets Elisha apart is his willingness to share not just the highlights but also the messy, imperfect reality of creative work.
By offering a glimpse into his own journey filled with trials, errors, and occasional triumphs, he demystifies the creative process.
In doing so, he not only inspires others but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among creators.
It's this authenticity that resonates with his audience, making them feel seen and understood in their own creative endeavors.
And you know what? It's refreshing.
Fostering Community and Collaboration
Elisha's TikTok isn't just a place where he shows off his design skills; it's more like a community where everyone's invited to join in the conversation.
Creators and fans meet up to chat, swap stories, and boost each other's spirits.
Elisha isn't just a content creator; he's the ultimate host, keeping the party going and making sure everyone feels included.
He sets the stage for cool conversations that go beyond borders and labels. Whether folks are sharing design tricks, talking about their favorite books, or just giving props, it's all about coming together over a shared love for creativity.
And here's the cool part: Elisha's platform isn't just a one-way street. It's a place where everyone's voice matters.
People can jump into the mix with comments, duets, and collabs, adding their own flavor to the mix. It's like a big, digital potluck where everyone brings something to the table.
Elisha's TikTok isn't just another social media account; it's a vibrant community where connections are made, ideas are exchanged, and creativity thrives.
It's proof that the internet isn't just a bunch of strangers; it's a place where people come together to inspire and uplift each other.
Find Elisha on his website, TikTok, or Instagram.
Have a Creator Spotlight idea or request?
♥️ Do Some Good
Call for a Cease Fire
“With every passing day, hour, and minute, the Israeli military is making good on its promise to ‘open the gates of hell’ on the 2 million Palestinians trapped under Israeli siege in Gaza.
The loss of life over the last month has been staggering — almost too big to hold. But we must act now, because the Israeli government is plowing forward toward a fully genocidal attack on Palestinians in Gaza. We must demand a ceasefire now.”
Call your member of Congress now and ask them to join these strong anti-war voices calling for a ceasefire.
Click the button below for more info from Jewish Voices for Peace.
Calling will only take a few moments and it can make a difference.
💭 Final thoughts
“Go touch grass” is a common expression thrown around online when it’s clear someone has been spending too much time on the internet.
But there’s really something to it.
It’s wild how a little bit of time in the sun really does make everything better.
Hope you spend some time outside this week.
See ya next week,
Brittany
 | A guest post by
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Elisha has some amazing book covers, I'm publishing 12 books in 12 months right now, but will design my own covers on 11, but on the 12th (my flagship book) I think I'll outsource to him, incredible stuff!