Each week, we handpick a selection of stories to give you a snapshot of trends, updates, business moves, and more from around the creator industry.
This week, the biggest star in the world of influencer boxing is putting the gloves back on, Twitch is looking to atone for past security lapses, and an Oscar-winning actress is outing herself as a troll.
Creator commotion
Will Jake Paul’s fight against Anthony Joshua come together? If the rumored December 19 Netflix bout comes to fruition, Paul will face one of his toughest opponents yet. For now, Joshua’s promoter has said the negotiations are not yet done, so this could still end up as yet another cancelled Jake Paul bout.
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WhistlinDiesel has been released on a $2 million bond after tax evasion charge. The YouTube star could face jail time after being charged with a single count of tax evasion. I know creators sometimes pay too much in taxes, but the man born Cody Detwiler seems to have pushed it too far in the other direction.
TikToker Brenay Kennard to pay $1.75 million after “destroying manager’s marriage.” After Kennard allegedly shacked up with manager Tim Montague, she found herself in the midst of a court battle thanks to Montague’s ex-wife Akira. This story is the reason the phrase “don’t shit where you eat” was coined (unless you happen to have $1.75 million lying around.)
Platform headlines
Twitch pledges $100,000 to “Violence Protection Charity” to make nice with Emiru. The streaming platform failed to protect Emiru from an assailant during a meet-and-greet at this year’s TwitchCon. As part of its apology, Twitch is making a six-figure contribution — a gesture that shows it is serious about protecting the safety of its star streamers.
Meta is turning Facebook Marketplace into the hot new social network. By adding comment threads and other social features to its virtual secondhand store, Facebook is catering to the Millennial and Gen Z users who see Marketplace as a cultural touchstone. Also, this is Meta we’re talking about, so AI-powered features are coming to Marketplace, too.
Pornhub’s ‘Shorties’ are officially here. Last month, the leading porn site announced that it would launch a feed that will resemble TikTok’s For You Page. Now, that collection of so-called Shorties has arrived, serving users who want to consume their adult entertainment a few seconds at a time.
The biz
MrBeast’s Saudi Arabian theme park has opened its doors. Beast Land won’t be a permanent fixture in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, but it will be open until the end of 2025. That seems like plenty of time to attract millions of MrBeast fans who want nothing more that to put themselves into one of Jimmy Donaldson’s extreme challenge videos.
Identical twins Brigitte and Danielle Pheloung are seeing double in the fashion world. With a new brand called Phe Phe, the sisters are looking to leverage their sizable followings on platforms like Instagram. I’m sure that, for the fans who have been following them since the beginning, this annoucement landed right in the PhePhes.
Creators are getting more people invested in Dancing with the Stars. DWTS is seeing its highest same-day viewership numbers in five years, and TikTokers like Alix Earle are a big reason why. Who knew that an app original focused on dance routines could produce so many talented dancers?
Agency dealings
Matt & Abby sign with Currents Management. In addition to running one of the biggest family channels on YouTube, Matt & Abby host The Unplanned Podcast. In other words, they’re operating in some of the most lucrative corners of the creator economy, so it’s no wonder that Currents wants to build on the couple’s success.
UTA stocks up its creator division in the U.K. The Beverly Hills-based agency is levelling up across the pond by signing Jack Edwards, Madame Joyce, and Lewis Goodall. Those newcomers will join the creators who are already represented by UTA’s London-based agents — a group that includes TikTok standout Madeleine Argy.
Buchwald taps Verve, Gersh veteran to lead digital push. At Buchwald, new hire Max Nagler will serve as VP of Branding and Digital. To any agencies out there that haven’t yet upped their investment in digital media: The time is now.
The internet is a strange place
Even Jennifer Lawrence can’t get enough rage bait. When JLaw needs to kick back and relax, she logs into her secret TikTok account and stars trolling everyone in sight. You might think that she uses her internet anonymity to tackle tough topics, but no — apparently, her comment wars are usually about Real Housewives or the Kardashians.
Freddie Wong takes us on a tour of the Chinese restaurant menu. Obsessing over small details is a very Freddie Wong thing to do, so the action filmmaker took viewers on an education journey as he hunted for the perfect prop for his upcoming movie. It is great having such a fun and eclectic voice back on YouTube.
Does this politician look like MrBeast? After announcing his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly, Brady Penfield drew comparisons to another wavy-haired boy. If it turns out that Penfield is just MrBeast in disguise (as part of a video, of course), I won’t be surprised.
