TikTok is taking a page right off of 2010 YouTube | Introducing the $200M TikTok Creator Fund: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/introducing-the-200-million-tiktok-creator-fund

In 2010, Youtube acquired Next New Networks really because "they knew Youtube more than Youtube knew itself." NNN scouted creators and shared knowhow on production, building a community and monetizing content. Fast forward to 2015 and "Youtube star/creator" is a thing.

It's 2020 now and the playbook for how to make it as a content creator is (actually) written: https://www.slideshare.net/matthewnavarra/tiktok-detailed-playbook-for-creators

buuut Tiktok is topping it off with a brand marketplace

I don't know about other emerging markets, but there's tons of local agencies in MENA making a living off of being that middleman between "rising creators/influencers" and mid-level/top brands, with brand:influencer matchmaking being the value prop.

I think we're seeing passion x attention economy and maybe even a bit of social commerce...but on steroids.

TikTok wants creators "to realize additional earnings that rewards the care and dedication they put into connecting with an audience that's inspired by their ideas."

I.e