Going Broke…Or Going For Gold?

August 1, 2024

Welcome to Created, the newsletter that’s raising the bar like Simone Biles. Here’s what we got for you:

TikTok is Changing How Olympians Make Money

There’s 10,500 athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics…but how many can you name beyond Simone Biles and Lebron James?

That’s why lesser-known athletes are turning to TikTok and IG to win followers and sponsorships. Even if they don’t win a medal.

Stats:

Case in point: Alica Schmidt

Schmidt represented Germany in Tokyo 2020 as a backup. She didn’t even compete, but still gained 500,000 followers by posting behind-the-scenes videos.

Now, she has 5M followers and sponsorships with Puma and Hugo Boss.

Despite Germany paying her only $700 a month training for the Olympics, Schmidt has a career as a creator and athlete.

Other examples:

Our Take

It’s not just about the medals anymore.

Even for Simone Biles, TikTok is top of mind. Seconds after winning gold, the first thing Biles and her teammates did was plan what TikToks to make.

Fans prefer following individuals more than tuning into traditional broadcasts.

It’s also why ESPN just renewed their deal with Omar Raja and NBC hired Alex Cooper to host their Olympics coverage.

The Unexpected Surge of Reddit

Despite TikTok and Instagram grabbing headlines, Reddit is making waves of its own.

Context:

According to eMarketer, there’s been an 11% increase in Reddit’s user engagement.

Reddit’s mix of in-depth discussions and real conversations is pulling in more users, making it a bigger player among social networks.

Our take:

This shows the rise of creators as curators.

Since Reddit curates content from the rest of the internet, content usually trends on Reddit first — then trickles to IG, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

Reddit’s surge isn’t just a trend; it’s a testament to its distinct value in the social media landscape.

It’s about the depth of engagement and the strong community ties that other networks struggle to replicate.

With more people flocking to Reddit, creators now have a rare opportunity to reach new audiences and showcase their work.

🎯 Weekly Roundup: Thumbnails

Here’s why we love these YT thumbnails. Hopefully, they inspire your next one.

1. Exposed sneaker cutaway with “Too Good?” text creates instant curiosity (Cleo Abram)
2. Realistic photo with a bear eating next to a human catches attention (Max Fosh)
3. Giant skeletal turtle creates a surreal scene and builds intrigue (Bright Side)
4. Bright “Missing” text contrasts the darker background (Stromedy)

🚀 Weekly Outlier

This video by DSARM has got 1.8M views though he only has 268K subscribers. That’s 8 times higher than the channel’s average.

Here’s why it took off so you can apply to your next video:

Hook, Question, and Prize: DSARM sets the stage with an relatable challenge and a cash prize, getting me hooked in the first 20 seconds.
Tension Build-Up: The thrill of evading security and the looming risk of arrest keep me engaged, just dying to see how this all plays out.
Lighthearted Moments: The group's jokes about something as serious as ending up in a cell add humor to the story, making it way more entertaining.

Why Codie Sanchez Launched Her Newsletter On ConvertKit

“If you have any sort of business, and you don’t have an email list or a newsletter…that’s probably a mistake,” Codie Sanchez said.

Email helps Codie stay connected to her audience of over 550,000 readers — which means she doesn’t have to worry about an algorithm to connect with her fans.

“It’s really important that you can get in that email inbox, and nobody else can control your ability to touch your end client.”

Codie crafts her newsletter with ConvertKit, just like over 600,000 other creators. Discover why it’s so popular and start for free here.

🏆 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]

👋 See You Inside

Join our Discord of 5,700 creators who help each other grow and give feedback on your ideas, videos, and thumbnails. Totally free.

Nothing great is created alone.

– Jon

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