Welcome to Created, the newsletter that’s trendier than Zuckerberg’s new wardrobe. Here’s what we got today:
- How a VTuber dethroned Kai Cenat as Twitch's most subscribed streamer
- Marques Brownlee responds to controversy facing his new app
- Roundup of top YouTube thumbnails
Kai Cenat Dethroned As Twitch's Top Streamer
Ironmouse just became Twitch’s most subscribed streamer ever, overtaking Kai Cenat.
It’s groundbreaking because Ironmouse is a VTuber (Virtual YouTuber) who only appears through an animated avatar.
So…what’s this mean for us regular ol’ human creators? Will this open the flood gates to more AI creators taking over?
Backstory
- Ironmouse, a Puerto Rican-American VTuber, has been on Twitch since 2020.
- She has a loyal fanbase of 2.1M followers and is also a founding member of the VTuber group VShojo.
- Last week, she surpassed Kai Cenat’s historic record of 306K subscribers during a 30-day "subathon," reaching over 321K subs.
Perfect Timing:
Ironmouse timed her “subathon” with Twitch’s SUBtember, where subscriptions are discounted but streamers still receive full payouts.
She also had a charity aspect, donating 50% of her subathon earnings (estimated to be over $500,000) to the Immune Deficiency Foundation.
Our Take:
Buckle up. We knew VTubers were popular (oh hey, Miquela) but overtaking Kai Cenant? Damn. Now that’s a statement.
Remember, Cenant just topped Rolling Stone’s list of the Most Influential Creators of 2024.
This proves fans can connect with cartoon avatars as much as real people (Yes, I can’t believe I just wrote that sentence either).
From the business side, it’s also way easier to scale a VTuber or AI Creator vs human creators because:
- Always Camera Ready: VTubers don't need to worry about wardrobe, makeup, or...even aging for that matter.
- Instantly International: VTubers are much easier to dub and can be in multiple places at once.
- Less Drama: Fewer chances for burnout, drama or cancellation.
Expect this trend to continue especially in this era where so many creators are getting cancelled.
Ironmouse just broke the virtual glass ceiling.
MKBHD Launches New App; Responds To Controversy
Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) isn’t just reviewing tech anymore. He’s creating it.
His new project, Panels, is a wallpaper app offering curated digital art.
But the launch didn’t go as smoothly as planned.
Backstory:
For years, fans have asked Marques, “Where do you get your wallpapers?”
Panels is his answer. The app offers a free, ad-supported version or $50-per-year version where you get higher res images.
Brownlee splits profits 50/50 with the artists to support them in a world flooded by AI-generated art.
The Response:
High subscription costs and concerns about excessive ads and data tracking raised eyebrows.
Currently, the app has 1.5 stars on Google Play and 2 stars on the Apple Store. Comments included:
- “2 stars because I appreciate the goal of supporting artists, but this app doesn't work.”
- “There are websites with more content which are free.”
Marques responded quickly, promising to fix “excessive data disclosures” and reduce ads.
Quote: “You can call it a sloppy launch from us, but definitely a lot of learnings for what we want to create and make really good for all the artists down the road,” Marques said.
Credibility on the Line
Some fans think this could permanently damage his brand, which has always been built on trust and authenticity.
- “I can't get over it. I'm legitimately stunned. Bro oneshotted his entire career,” tweeted Ali Taylor.
- “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone’s reputation get vaporized like this in a single day. I think he nets out negative in the medium term,” tweeted Nikita Bier.
Others, though, are brushing it off as just a small bump in the road.
- “Marques, you've got my respect. Trying new things is hard, I get it. Keep doing your thing man,” tweeted creator Sam Sheffer.
🎯 Weekly Roundup: Thumbnails
Here’s why we love these YT thumbnails. Hopefully, they inspire your next one.
- Weird shoes make you ask ‘Is he walking on water?’ (Trending Machine)
- Simple comparison format executed perfectly (Ethan Chlebowski)
- Map + text sets expectation for best breakfast in the country (Joshua Weissman)
- Dramatic lighting with red target + text sells concept (Veritasium)
🚀 Weekly Outlier
This video by Nicholas Rehm has got 1.4M views which is 9 times higher than the channel’s average. Here’s why it took off:
- Unexpected Challenges: RC planes might feel low-stakes, but battling a giant ceiling fan creates non-stop tension.
- Unexpected Setbacks: Constant motor and control issues add drama, making the final success feel even more satisfying.
- Epic Payoff: After all the troubleshooting, seeing the helicopter fly in combat delivers an exciting and rewarding moment for viewers.
🏆 The Created Referral Program
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Trust me, these books are packed with more tips than most paid courses.
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– Jon
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