The creator economy is moving faster than ever. New AI tools are reshaping workflows, creators are becoming entrepreneurs, and the line between content and commerce is thinner by the day. Forbes recently noted that AI is now “the co-pilot of creation,” streamlining everything from editing to analytics. The global creator economy has surpassed $250 billion, according to Exploding Topics, and while more people than ever are creating content, the majority of revenue still flows to those who treat it like a business.
That reality hit me head-on during what I’m calling my Remarkable 45 — a 45-day consistency challenge where I post daily content with the goal of reaching 10,000 Instagram followers. But it’s more than a numbers game. It’s a test of discipline, creativity, and adaptability for me.
I’m on a mission to build an audience. I’m using Instagram as the primary platform, but I’m also distributing every piece of content to Threads, YouTube, and Facebook to see how it performs across different channels. The lesson so far? Every platform rewards something different. Instagram loves storytelling and short video. Threads, I’m not sure yet. I’m up to 500+ followers and yet to crack 10 likes. I wonder if it’s because my audience is people who know me rather than follow based on affinity. Who knows? I know just as little about YouTube, but some creators I follow are noting that you have to play the recommendations game to win big after the recent algorithm update. And Facebook — still runs decent numbers for me, clearly valuing community and shareability.
But across all of them, one principle stands tall: showing up daily is much more beneficial that posting sporadically when I am inspired or have the “perfect” post.
The 1% Rule
The biggest mindset shift I’ve experienced is what I call the 1% Rule — the idea that you don’t have to master it all at once. You just have to improve by 1% each day.
Some days that 1% is getting better at hooks. Other days it’s refining lighting, sharpening captions, or studying analytics. The point isn’t perfection; it’s progress. As James Clear says in Atomic Habits, “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.” I’ve realized that’s just as true in content creation as it is in life.
That’s why Remarkable 45 isn’t about chasing virality — it’s about building muscle memory. I’m learning how to create faster without rushing, how to publish without overthinking, and how to detach my self-worth from how a post performs.
And that lesson mirrors the data: creators who adopt a disciplined schedule — even just three times per week — outperform sporadic posters by nearly 40% in engagement and conversion, according to the MBO Partners 2025 Creator Economy Report. Frequency builds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust.
What the News Means for Creators Like Us
So what’s actually happening out there in the creator economy?
For starters, Axios recently reported that digital creator jobs have grown 7.5× since the pandemic, signaling that this isn’t just a trend — it’s a career path. Major brands are doubling down on partnerships, but they’re also looking for creators who understand storytelling and business. The modern creator is part marketer, part strategist, part data analyst.
Meanwhile, The Guardian wrote about how creators like MrBeast and the Sidemen have “taken over television,” turning YouTube into the new global broadcast network. That’s proof that we don’t need permission anymore. The gatekeepers are gone. You can build a brand, tell your story, and own your audience from your living room.
But here’s the catch: you have to own your platform.
As The Publish Press pointed out, the most successful creators funnel social traffic into something they control — whether that’s an email list, community, or paid product. That’s exactly why my Remarkable 45 feeds into my newsletter — my owned-media channel — where I can speak directly to my community without worrying about algorithms or ad spend.
If you’re building something of your own, that’s a non-negotiable:
Don’t build your future on borrowed land.
Experiment, Don’t Chase
I’ve also learned that not every piece of content has to “win.” Some of my favorite posts have flopped on one platform while the same piece of content garners decent engagement on another platform. Other times, a quick thought I almost didn’t post became one of my most engaging pieces of content.
I’ve noticed something about the top creators in the niches I follow: they experiment relentlessly but stay consistent in message and mission. They’re students of the game. They watch trends without becoming them. And most importantly, they create from joy, not pressure.
That’s something I’ve had to relearn. Creating should still be fun. The Epidemic Sound Future of the Creator Economy Report 2025 predicted a major “return to joy” among creators recovering from burnout. I can confirm that joy produces better content than pressure ever will.
What’s Working (and What’s Not)
So far, my biggest wins have come from short-form storytelling, personal moments tied to universal lessons. Whether it’s a clip about balancing faith and ambition or reflections on showing up when motivation fades, those are the posts that connect.
Equally important are the systems behind the content. My workflow starts with one long idea — say, a Remarkable Monday (my newsleter) theme — and then I repurpose it across platforms. That single message becomes an Instagram reel, a Threads post, a YouTube Short, and a Facebook caption. It’s not duplication; it’s amplification.
The beauty of this system is that it turns one idea into four opportunities. It’s efficient and strategic because each platform feeds the others. Someone might discover me on Threads but subscribe to my newsletter. Another might follow me on Instagram but connect deeper on YouTube. It’s all connected.
Still, I’m learning to pace myself. Burnout is real, especially when you’re building alone. MBO Partners found that 41% of independent creators struggle with burnout from constant posting. My antidote? Systems, sabbath, and celebrating small wins.
From Creator to Brand
The other big realization is that the creator economy is evolving into what eMarketer calls “creator commerce.” We’re no longer just posting content; we’re building brands. Every post, caption, and email is an asset that compounds over time.
For me, that’s where the newsletter comes in. Each week, it’s nurturing relationships, sharing lessons, and creating a bridge between inspiration and execution. It’s also where I can test ideas, preview digital products, and eventually launch community programs.
The creator economy of tomorrow belongs to those who combine authenticity with infrastructure.
What’s Next
As I near the halfway mark of this challenge, I can feel the momentum shifting. I’m getting faster, sharper, and more comfortable on camera. More than that, I’m building rhythm — and rhythm leads to results.
If there’s one message I’d leave for every fellow creator reading this, it’s this: Keep showing up.
Study what’s working. Learn from those ahead of you. But above all, have fun while you do it.
Sources: Forbes, Exploding Topics, MBO Partners 2025 Creator Economy Report, Axios, The Guardian, The Publish Press, Epidemic Sound 2025 Report, eMarketer.
