What Is A Digital Creator And How to Become One [5 Examples]

YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram—time wasters, right?

For years, I used these platforms to grow multiple businesses, yet a part of me still resisted seeing them as “serious business.” But if you think the same, here’s a fact that might change your mind.

Goldman Sachs Research forecasts the digital creator industry to hit a staggering $480 billion by 2027.

Digital creators are no longer just a trend; they’re a powerhouse in the economy, commanding the budgets of the world’s biggest brands and advertisers who now prefer creators over traditional media. And this shift is only gaining momentum.

So, how do you join this industry and become a digital creator? What does being a digital creator even mean?

In this guide, we’ll dive into how digital creators work, make money, and succeed—along with examples and tips to help you get started and thrive in this booming industry.

Let’s get started!

What Is A Digital Creator

A digital creator, also known as a digital content creator, is someone who produces content specifically for online platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitch, or their personal websites and email lists.

These creators use their skills to entertain, educate, inform, or inspire their audience, often building dedicated communities around their work. For many, this has evolved into a full-time career, offering endless opportunities to monetize their expertise, creativity, and influence.

Digital creators produce content in various forms such as newsletters, videos, podcasts, articles, vlogs, infographics, and even AI-generated visuals and animations.

Their work covers different niches, including travel, finance, fitness, tech, lifestyle, and much more. The format and style of content depend on the creator’s platform of choice and their audience’s preferences, but the goal is always to provide engaging, valuable content that captures attention and encourages interaction.

Take Casey Neistat, for example. He became famous for his cinematic YouTube vlogs and built a massive audience by sharing his unique storytelling style.

Then there’s Kat Norton (Miss Excel), who used short, engaging Excel tips on TikTok and Instagram to build a multi-million-dollar business.

It’s easy to believe most digital creators produce video content. But in reality, email newsletters, blogs, and written social media content still dominate the creator economy.

Justin Welsh, a creator with millions of followers across Twitter, LinkedIn, and other platforms, is the perfect example. He’s also a success story of a creator who has built his digital empire on the Kajabi platform.

So, what makes a digital creator successful? Two key things:

• A consistent theme or focus in their content.
• A loyal audience that keeps coming back.

Most creators start small, focusing on a single topic. But as their audience grows, they start exploring related topics and expanding their content without losing the community they’ve built.

At its core, being a digital creator is about producing content on digital platforms to attract a loyal audience. This audience is ultimately a creator’s gateway to monetary freedom. Because the bigger and more engaged the audience, the more ways a creator can monetize them.

However, money isn’t the only motivation for digital creators.

In fact, studies show only 13.1% of creators are primarily driven by money. The rest create content for creative freedom, following their passion, connecting with their audience, and growing their influence.

Digital Creator vs. Influencer – What’s the Difference?

Digital creators and influencers aren’t quite the same. But they’re not worlds apart either. Most influencers start as digital creators, but not all digital creators reach “influencer” status.

Let me explain.

When someone starts creating content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Facebook, they become a digital creator. They’re putting their ideas, skills, or knowledge out there, building an online presence, and engaging with an audience.

Becoming an influencer, however, is a step further.

It means reaching a point where people genuinely look up to their recommendations, trust their opinions, and maybe even change their decisions based on what that creator shares.

That level of impact doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time and dedication to build a loyal, engaged audience.

Why aim to become an influencer? Because influence drives income.

Studies show brands spend billions of dollars every year on influencer marketing.

The stronger a creator’s influence, the more revenue they can drive through sponsorships, brand partnerships, ads, digital products, and other income streams. That’s why many digital creators work toward building influence.

It’s where creativity and business start to really pay off.

What Does A Digital Creator Do?

A digital content creator creates content for digital platforms.

That’s pretty obvious, right?

But when you double-click a creator’s job description, there’s a lot on their plate depending on their content type and platform.

Content Planning, Ideation, Production

Digital creators are known for the quality of their content.

So, naturally, they spend most of their time planning new content, finding engaging ideas, and producing and polishing their work.

This includes things like keyword research, analyzing platform-specific trends, creating content, gauging feedback, making adjustments, post-production video editing, and other stuff.

Content Marketing And Platform Optimization

Creating content is a big part of a digital creator’s job.

But there’s a lot more to it.

Once the content is ready, creators have to use different strategies to get it in front of the right audience, depending on the platform.

A recent survey highlights the top platforms where creators engage their audiences most effectively.

For example, bloggers focus on SEO, email marketing, and social media. YouTube creators lean on collaborations, trending topics, and growing their subscriber base.

And for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch, creators use unique tactics tailored to each one like jumping on trends, live streaming, and sharing interactive stories.

Different platforms require different strategies, but the goal remains the same:, to get their work seen by as many people as possible.

Audience Engagement & Community Building

The most important part of a creator’s job is building a loyal audience that keeps coming back for more.

On social media, creators engage by replying to comments, chatting in live sessions, and encouraging people to subscribe. But to create a truly dedicated following, driving people to an email list is key.

A study by Kit found that email lists remain a top priority for creators, as they offer a reliable, direct line to fans.

While platforms like YouTube and Instagram offer reach, they can change anytime—whether it’s a tweak in the algorithm or an account suspension.

That’s why successful creators guide their social followers to an email list, where they have control and a direct way to stay connected with their fans.

Kit is the simplest and most user-friendly tool for growing an email list. But we’ve covered several other great options in our best email marketing software list. Do check them out.

Managing Sponsors And Monetizing Content

As a digital creator’s audience grows, they start looking for ways to make money from your content.

A big part of this involves teaming up with brands, negotiating deals, and striking the right balance between making money and staying true to your style.

Managing sponsorships means finding brands that match your content and values, so your audience stays connected and engaged.

We’ll go into more ways to earn later, but know that building partnerships is one of the main ways digital creators turn their following into income.

Examples Of Successful Digital Content Creators

You’ve just got a glimpse of what a digital creator’s work looks like.

Let’s discuss a few examples of successful digital creators before we dive deeper into how you can become one.

1. Jeremy Ethier

Jeremy Ethier is among the most impressive fitness content creators on YouTube. He creates science-backed videos to help people build muscles, lose fat, and live healthier lives.

At the time of writing this article, Jeremy has close to 7 million subscribers.

Jeremy offers free checklists and resources at the end of every video to route viewers to his email list.

This has allowed him to attract thousands of subscribers and build fitness training programs that earn multiple even figures a year.

2. Jay Clouse

Jay Clouse is a great example of how quality content can help you build a multi-million-dollar business. Jay runs one of the most sought-after email newsletters in the creator industry with over 60,000 subscribers.

He shares science-backed creator strategies and experiments that have worked for him and other successful creators over the years.

He monetizes his audience by offering memberships, courses, and consultancy.

3. Ibai Llanos

Ibai is a Twitch creator and esports commentator with over 17.2 million subscribers.

He has become an internet celebrity with a massive following worldwide and has ventured into other projects like television content and gaming events.

4. Huda Kattan

Huda Kattan owns a multi-million-dollar fashion and makeup brand. But her journey started as an Instagram creator where she used to share makeup tutorials.

From those humble beginnings, Huda is one of the world’s top beauty influencers today.

5. Wisdom Kaye

Known as the best dressed guy on TikTok, Wisdom Kaye is a classic example of how digital content platforms can make you a star.

With over 12 million followers on TikTok and millions collectively on other platforms, Wisdom has become one of the most well-known TikTok creators worldwide.

How Digital Creators Make Money (And How Much)?

The lavish lifestyle of many digital content creators can make you think they’re all millionaires.

However, a survey conducted in 2023 shows a different picture.

As you can see, almost a quarter of the surveyed creators made no money at all while 30% made less than $10,000 a year.

Does that mean digital content creation isn’t as lucrative as it seems?

No, that’s not an accurate conclusion.

Remember when we discussed the difference between influencers and digital creators earlier in the article?

A person can be a digital creator even with zero followers and no income.

However, creators who make consistent money from their content are the ones with sizable followings and engaged audiences.

Once creators build a dedicated group of followers, they usually monetize their content in one of the following ways.

1.    Platform Advertising

YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and many other leading digital content platforms have dedicated advertising partnership programs (Read our Guide to YouTube Advertising for Course Creators).

By opting into these programs, creators allow platforms to run ads during their content, earning a portion of the advertising revenue.

This is the most common way digital creators earn money for their content.

However, it’s not the most profitable because advertising rates vary across regions and a creator’s earnings can fluctuate drastically depending on the views on their content.

For example, YouTube pays its creators anywhere between $2000 to $5000 for a million views depending on the viewer’s location.

This is why most creators leverage other content monetization methods as well.

2.    Brand Partnership and Sponsored Content

Brand partnerships and sponsored content are the most profitable ways to earn money as digital creators.

When a creator appeals to a specific audience, relevant brands reach out to them offering lucrative contracts for promoting their products.

A 2024 survey found that brands are increasingly preferring to work with micro influencers with a small but loyal following that’s more relevant to their target audience.

How much do creators earn from brand partnerships? It can range from a few thousand dollars to millions, depending on factors like audience size and location.

The Washington Post recently shared insights from ten digital creators who revealed their real monthly earnings. Some high-profile creators reported making over $50,000 per month from brand deals alone. [1] [2] 

Meanwhile, creators with smaller audiences earned between $500 and $5,000 from brand endorsements.

3.    Online Courses, Memberships, and eLearning Programs

Creating online courses, memberships, or exclusive learning programs is one of the top ways digital creators make money. Why? Because it lets them monetize their expertise and share it with an audience eager to learn.

What types of courses do creators offer?

Many courses are designed to help people replicate a creator’s success, while others dive deep into niche topics or specific skills.

For example, Justin Welsh, a top digital creator with over 200,000 email subscribers, offers The Creator MBA, a course that shares his methods for building and monetizing an online audience.

Outside video platforms, Nicholas Cole is a great example. As one of the top Business and Marketing writers on Quora and Medium, he used his reputation to launch a series of premium ghostwriting courses, empowering others to write and publish with impact.

Do you need a huge following to sell courses?

Not at all.

As long as people see you as an authority, they’re willing to invest in what you’re teaching. Your course doesn’t need a massive audience, just a loyal one that trusts your expertise.

To get started with courses or memberships, you need a solid platform to handle the technical side so you can focus on teaching.

Personally, I find Thinkific to be a fantastic option, but you can also check out our detailed guide on other top course platforms to find the right fit for you.

4.    Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the simplest and most scalable ways for digital creators to make money.

Here’s how it works.

You promote products or services to your audience using a unique affiliate link. When someone clicks that link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.

The key to making affiliate marketing truly profitable is promoting products that you actually use or genuinely recommend. When your audience sees you talking about products that fit naturally with your content, they’re more likely to trust your recommendations.

See our post, 7 Best Affiliate Marketing Niches For Course Creators.

Again, your trust and credibility are the key factors here.

Let’s say you’re a tech reviewer on YouTube and over the years you’ve built a solid reputation through genuine reviews.

You can review the latest gadgets, provide an affiliate link, and earn a commission on any purchases made through your link.

Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) instantly comes to mind.

Marques has made a name for himself with balanced tech reviews where he shares the pros and cons of different gadgets.

This trust drives his affiliate revenue which is a significant part of his overall income.

5.    eCommerce

With global retail e-commerce projected to hit $6.49 trillion by 2029, digital creators are in a prime position to leverage their influence and join this booming trend.

How Creators Make Money with eCommerce?

Branded Merchandise: Selling custom products like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, or accessories with catchy designs or memorable phrases allows creators to connect with fans while making a profit. For instance, a popular YouTuber might sell branded merchandise through print-on-demand services linked to their Shopify store. These services handle production and shipping, so creators can focus on creating content.

Niche Product Lines: Some creators take things further by developing niche products that align with their content. We’ve already discussed Huda Kattan’s example who launched a successful makeup and fashion brand.

Curated Collections: Creators who don’t have their own products often curate collections of items they genuinely love. Using platforms like Shopify, they can sell products from partner brands or even from dropshipping sources. This approach allows creators to build an online store without the need to hold inventory.

How To Become A Successful Digital Creator

Now that you’ve learned everything about digital creators, what they do, and how they make money, let’s quickly discuss how you can become one yourself.

Step 1: Choose A Niche

Your niche is the focused topic or area you’ll be known for like fitness, tech reviews, travel vlogging, or financial advice.

A focused niche means you’re not trying to appeal to everyone.

Instead, you’re attracting people who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer, and this dedicated audience is much more likely to engage with your content, share it, and ultimately support your monetization efforts.

Choosing a niche is important but don’t overthink this part.

Just go with your strengths and choose the topic you want to be known for.

Here are a few quick tips to find it.

• List Your Strengths: Write down skills, interests, and knowledge areas. Think about topics you could talk about for hours or ones you’re naturally curious about.
• Consider Your Background: If you have expertise in a certain area—like fitness, photography, or finance—that could be a great place to start.
• Check for Passion: Choose a niche you enjoy, as you’ll be creating content around it regularly. Passion keeps you going even when growth feels slow. Research Market Demand.
• Use Google Trends: Check if a topic has a consistent interest or is losing popularity.
• Explore Content on Platforms: Search YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms for your niche. Are there popular creators, but also room for new ones? Seeing a balance between demand and competition suggests a promising niche.
• Check Audience Needs: Look for popular forums, social media groups, and blogs. For example, if you’re considering travel vlogging, browse travel-related subreddits or Facebook groups to see what questions people have.

Step 2: Choose Your Platform

If you’re just starting, focus on establishing yourself on one platform before branching out into others.

The right platform lets you connect with your audience in ways that fit your content style. For example, video-heavy niches do best on YouTube or TikTok, while more visual-focused topics (like fashion or art) thrive on Instagram.

Here are a few quick tips for finding the right platform.

1. Match Platform to Content Type

• YouTube: Great for longer, in-depth videos. Ideal for tutorials, vlogs, and storytelling.
• Instagram: Perfect for high-quality images and short videos. Works well for lifestyle, beauty, and behind-the-scenes content.
• TikTok: Excellent for short, engaging videos. Perfect if you can deliver value quickly and keep it entertaining.
• Twitch: best for gamers
• Blog/Website: Still powerful for written content and long-form guides. Ideal for creators in areas like personal finance, cooking, or travel.

2. Start with One or Two Platforms

• Go Where Your Audience Is: If your niche is younger and trendy, TikTok could be your main platform. For professional topics, LinkedIn or YouTube may work best.
• Master Each Platform’s Algorithm: Every platform has unique algorithms. Starting small allows you to learn what works best and then apply that knowledge as you expand.
• Cross-Promote Content: You can repurpose content across platforms to increase reach without extra work. For instance, you could turn a blog post into a YouTube video or a TikTok using Pictory or other AI content tools.

Step 3: Create High-Quality Content Consistently

Content quality and consistency are the heart of a successful digital creator’s career. Regularly publishing good content helps you stay top of mind, builds trust, and signals to algorithms that you’re an active, valuable creator.

How to Create Quality Content Regularly

• Create a Content Calendar: This helps you stay organized and plan what you’ll publish and when. Try scheduling a mix of new topics, seasonal content, and updates on popular posts.
• Offer Solutions: Your audience wants answers. Focus on providing helpful insights rather than aiming for flawless production value.
• Stay Authentic: People connect with real, authentic content. Share your journey, including challenges. 
• Analyze What Works: Use insights from each platform to see which posts get the most engagement. Create more of what resonates.
• Experiment and Adjust: Try different formats, styles, and times of posting. Over time, you’ll learn what resonates best with your audience.

Step 4: Build and Engage Your Audience

Purely from a business perspective, a digital creator’s worth is primarily determined by their audience size and engagement.

Because an engaged and sizable audience helps you attract more views, brand deals, and other monetization opportunities.

How Do You Build An Engaged Audience?

• Reply Thoughtfully: Take time to respond meaningfully to comments, especially when they ask questions. It makes your audience feel heard and appreciated.
• Offer a Freebie: To attract email subscribers, offer a simple downloadable resource, like an eBook, guide, or checklist.
• Send Regular Updates: Use emails to connect outside of social media. Share updates, exclusive tips, and personal insights to make your subscribers feel like insiders.
• Address Common Questions: Pay attention to repeated questions in comments and messages. Addressing these in your content shows you’re attentive and tuned in to their needs.

Building a dedicated audience takes effort, but focusing on engagement helps turn casual viewers into loyal supporters, increasing the longevity of your creator career.

Step 5: Learn, Evolve, and Stay Consistent With Patience

The most successful creators didn’t reach the top by chance. They put in serious time to learn, improve, and adapt to the changing landscape.

In fact, some studies suggest it takes over 400 videos just to hit 100K subscribers on YouTube. So, if you’re hoping for instant success, know that it rarely happens.

Staying consistent and patient is crucial, especially in those first 6-7 months. As you put out more content and connect with your audience, you’ll discover what really clicks and what doesn’t. This helps you tweak your approach, making each piece better than the last.

Think of this as a long-term commitment. The more you learn and adapt, the more growth you’ll see. Consistency, patience, and a willingness to evolve are what set successful creators apart.

Are You The Next Big Digital Content Creator?

If you’re passionate about your topic and want to connect with like-minded people, digital content creation is one of the most rewarding ways to do it. It lets you grow your influence, make money, and build a community around what you love.

But the creator industry is more competitive than ever, so standing out takes effort, consistency, and patience.

However, people are increasingly seeking authentic creators, those who are genuine experts in their fields.

So, if you can offer real value and knowledge through your content, even a small, loyal audience can open doors to monetization through online courses, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing. Remember, it’s not about the biggest following; it’s about a community that trusts you. With that, you’re well on your way to success.

Jeff Cobb, Founder of Learning Revolution

Jeff Cobb is an expert in online education and the business of adult lifelong learning. Over the past 20+ years he has built a thriving career based on that expertise – as an entrepreneur, a consultant, an author, and a speaker. Learning Revolution is a place where Jeff curates tips, insights, and resources to help you build a thriving expertise-based business. Learn more about Jeff Cobb here.