Welcome to Created, the newsletter that’s better than a lifetime supply of Feastables. Here’s what we got today:
- TikToker sues fellow creator for copying her...and how it'll impact you
- Hot Ones & Good Mythical Morning snubbed by Emmys
- How a 3D printed chair trended on YouTube
TikToker Sues Fellow Creator, May Change Copyright Law
Can creators own their aesthetic or color palette?
Those questions are part of Sydney Nicole Gifford‘s first-of-its-kind lawsuit against fellow creator Alyssa Sheil.
Gifford alleges Sheil copied her “neutral, beige, and cream aesthetic” and style:
Backstory:
- After meeting in 2023, Sheil blocked Gifford and allegedly uploaded nearly identical posts.
- But Gifford found out. She sued, claiming Sheil infringed on her IP rights on 39 posts on IG and TikTok.
- Gifford claimed Sheil's copycat posts ate into her engagement and sales from her Amazon store
Why It Matters:
If Gifford wins, it’ll have massive implications for creators.
It’s not like Sheil copied a movie script Gifford wrote. She’s just using similar products, colors, and camera angles.
None of which Gifford actually owns.
Quote: “It’s almost like saying because I have this well-known color scheme…I’m the only person in the world who can use them,” said lawyer James Sammataro.
Our Take
Remix culture is part of social media. But this sets a dangerous precedent.
While experts say Gifford’s claims are flimsy, even a partial win in court means more creators may sue when copied.
So how far is too far? And where do the courts draw the line?
In my interview with MrBeast, we talked about copy and paste vs copy with taste.
Ryan Trahan creating his 1-star hotel series after seeing MrBeast’s $1 vs $1M Hotel video? That’s taste. It’s creative elevation.
But the creators who copy MrBeast word-for-word? That’s imitation.
“Be more like Ryan,” Donaldson said, “Invent your own style. We need more people like that and less people [who] just literally copy and paste.”
Plus, it’s about trust. Ultimately, audiences see who’s copying who — and gravitate towards the original.
But part of finding your voice is finding that balance. If courts decide even color schemes can’t be copied, it limits the next generation of creators.
Grab your popcorn. We’ll update you as this story develops.
Emmy Awards Snub Hot Ones & Good Mythical Morning
Despite the big push for YouTubers to eligible for the Emmys, neither Hot Ones, Good Mythical Morning, nor Chicken Shop Date earned a nomination.
Backstory:
In May, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called for the Emmys to embrace creators.
“The Emmys are a celebration of the best of TV, and they should reflect what viewers are actually watching,” said Mohan. “Today when we come home and turn on the TV…we pull up YouTube.”
Our take:
this was genius marketing from YouTube. Despite the nominations not happening.
Look. As someone who helped YouTube execs write their speeches when I worked there, I’ll say one thing…this is about a little thing called “positioning.”
Should YouTubers win Emmys? Yes.
Is it disappointing they didn’t this year? Of course.
But was this really about the Emmys? No.
As we reported back in May, this campaign was more about YT trumping TV in the eyes of advertisers. Not only as the place with more eyeballs — but now, the best content.
Stats vs Story:
We’re numb to numbers.
Yes, YouTube leads the U.S. in streaming watchtime.
But YouTubers being positioned in the conversation for Emmys alongside Fallon and Kimmel? That hits different. Especially for ad execs.
When a YouTuber finally wins one, it’ll cement it even more.
🎯 Weekly Roundup: Thumbnails
Here’s why we love these YT thumbnails. Hopefully, they inspire your next one.
- Non-painted face contrasts rest of the Blue Man Group (Andrew Huang)
- Drastically different look at an everyday item (Ethan Chlebowski)
- Stunning photograph pulls you in, simple text earns the click (acooknamedMatt)
- Moment of tension before explosion builds intrigue (Corridor Crew)
🚀 Weekly Outlier
This video by Morley Kert got 1M views — that’s 40 times the channel’s average.
Here’s why it took off so you can apply to your next video:
- Mind Bending Concept: While 3D printing has become somewhat normalized, 3D printing a designer chair with a $1K price tag earns my click.
- Instant Hook: Right away, we get a blurred teaser of the chair. By 0:30, the problem is introduced. Before 1:00, the 3D printing process begins.
- Journey & Destination: What could be a boring journey of 3D printing jargon is understandable, comedic, and edited native to YT. The successful print is just a cherry on top.
Sponsored by Fiverr
Fiverr Wants To Be Your Next Sponsor
Fiverr was one of my first brand deals and now they want to sponsor you too.
Background:
The Fiverr Creator Network is a community of creators that pays you for every upload.
After all, there’s no one better to tell the story of freelancers than creators.
- Post on any platform: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and even LinkedIn creators are all eligible to join.
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- Earn with every upload: Fiverr pays you for every video and even provides Fiverr credits, so you can experience the platform and connect with the best freelance talent for your team.
Fiverr has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to its 500+ creator network members. Plus, you’ll get perks like the chance to be featured on Fiverr’s socials, speak at events, and take part in brand campaigns.
Click to learn more and join Fiverr Creator Network. Your next brand deal awaits.
🏆 The Created Referral Program
Know someone who’d also love this newsletter? Refer them and get gifts.
Refer 1 friend: you’ll get my Infinite Ideas book. It’s my 8 best tips to find viral ideas for your next upload.
Refer 5 friends: you’ll get my Top 50 Thumbnails book. It includes a detailed breakdown of why they work so you improve your packaging.
Trust me, these books are packed with more tips than most paid courses.
Copy this unique link and email, text, or post it: [RH_REFLINK GOES HERE]
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– Jon
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