creator economy

Livestream app Favorited, a new TikTok alternative, gets backing from a16z

Startups /

This month, drama unfolded across mainstream social media platforms like TikTok, which briefly went dark in the U.S. before a rapid return. Instagram recently faced backlash after ending its third-party fact-checking program.  At the same time, startups like Favorited are attracting attention from investors, creators, and viewers. On Wednesday, the livestream app announced its $1.3 […]

Livestream app Favorited, a new TikTok alternative, gets backing from a16z Read More »

Spotify’s partner program for podcast hosts is now available

Apps /

Spotify announced Thursday the launch of its new “Partner Program” that lets popular podcast hosts monetize their video content. Spotify’s new program gives qualifying creators on its platform opportunities for extra income beyond just advertising revenue, such as video payouts. The program was initially announced back in November and is officially available in the U.S.,

Spotify’s partner program for podcast hosts is now available Read More »

Agentio raises $12 million from Benchmark for its YouTube ad marketplace

Startups /

Creator marketplace startup Agentio, which has built an automated platform for YouTubers to sell their ad slots to brands, has raised $12 million in Series A funding led by Benchmark with participation from returning investors Craft Ventures and AlleyCorp. With the new funding, the startup aims to scale its marketplace for YouTubers and bolster its

Agentio raises $12 million from Benchmark for its YouTube ad marketplace Read More »

Modash is flipping the influencer marketing script by connecting brands with the long tail of creators

Startups /

Estonia-based startup Modash has raised a $12 million Series A led by henQ, a Dutch VC firm that prides itself in “funding the odd ones.” And what’s odd about Modash, according to CEO Avery Schrader, is that its team “has a really strong opinion in a space that nobody really has much faith in anymore.”

Modash is flipping the influencer marketing script by connecting brands with the long tail of creators Read More »

Hummingbirds, a platform that connects local creators with brand campaigns in their area, raises $5.4M

Startups /

Hummingbirds is a female-founded startup that connects hyperlocal content creators with locally-based brands that reward them for sharing products with their small and highly engaged communities via social media.   The company announced Wednesday its latest funding round of $5.4 million, bringing the total amount raised to $10 million. The new capital will support the platform’s

Hummingbirds, a platform that connects local creators with brand campaigns in their area, raises $5.4M Read More »

YouTube brings its affilate program to India, partners with Walmart-owned Flipkart

Commerce /

YouTube is bringing its affiliate program to India so creators can tag products in their videos and earn referral money just ahead of the festive season. The company is partnering with Walmart-owned Flipkart and fashion and lifestyle e-commerce service Myntra, which is owned by Flipkart to open up their product catalogs to creators. The company

YouTube brings its affilate program to India, partners with Walmart-owned Flipkart Read More »

Humanz brings its influencer marketing platform to the U.S.

Startups /

Humanz, a marketing platform for content creators and brands, has entered the U.S. market, the company announced on Thursday.  Having launched in Israel in 2017, Humanz has gained strong traction in global markets, including Europe, Latin America, South Africa, and the Middle East. Currently, Humanz works with over 300,000 content creators and has facilitated more

Humanz brings its influencer marketing platform to the U.S. Read More »

Spotter launches AI tools to help YouTubers brainstorm video ideas, thumbnails and more

AI /

Spotter, the startup that provides financial solutions to content creators, announced Tuesday the launch of its new AI-powered creative suite. Dubbed Spotter Studio, the solution aims to support YouTubers throughout the creative process, such as helping them brainstorm video concepts, generate thumbnail and title ideas, plan projects, organize tasks, and collaborate with their team. Most notably,

Spotter launches AI tools to help YouTubers brainstorm video ideas, thumbnails and more Read More »

Mavely’s platform for everyday influencers is taking off

Commerce /

Coined as the “Everyday Influencer” platform, Mavely is a social commerce app that enables users to earn commission by sharing and recommending products from more than 1,250 brands, including Adidas, Anthropologie, Foot Locker, Lululemon, Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, and Old Navy.  The company told TechCrunch it has now reached a gross merchandise value (GMV) run rate

Mavely’s platform for everyday influencers is taking off Read More »

Travly lets travelers submit videos for a chance to earn a 5% commission from hotel bookings

Startups /

Travly is a new social-first discovery and hotel booking platform designed to cater to the growing number of travelers who rely on short-form video content for trip ideas.  The platform features user-generated content that provides authentic reviews of hotels instead of generic information and often outdated images. Creators who submit videos of hotels have the

Travly lets travelers submit videos for a chance to earn a 5% commission from hotel bookings Read More »