Welcome to Created, the newsletter that’s always a hole-in-one. Here’s what we got today:
- How The Masters entered its creator era
- How Trump's tariffs are impacting creators
- Best thumbnails on YouTube
Closer Look: How Trump's Tariffs Affect Creators
You’ve probably heard about President Trump’s new tariffs, which include up to 145% on imports from China.
But how will it impact creators and their businesses? Especially those who make products and merch overseas.
Let’s take a closer look.
Alarming Case Study: $293 Hoodies
Popular streamer Ludwig said his $40 T-shirts could jump to $74 thanks to tariffs.
Oh, and his $65 sweatshirts? Those could now be a whopping $293. Ouch.
Other Creators Impacted:
- QTCinderella said her accessory brand Deco Deco is struggling as suppliers pull out of U.S. and others quadruple their prices.
- Hila Klein said her brand Teddy Fresh will raise prices on a swimwear line already purchased and shipped from China.
- Matt Steffanina delayed his MadChill apparel brand launch to find a new supplier outside of China.
- Biggles, a Vtuber who runs merch store VTHorizons, says the new tariffs are “crashing something I worked so hard for.”
Why It's So Drastic
The U.S. only produces ~3% of its apparel domestically.
For creators selling custom goods, there haven’t been as many “made-in-America” options (though that will likely change now).
And even then, creators often have to ship in smaller parts from overseas.
For example, LordDraconical, a YouTuber who makes toys like foam blasters, says the cost of importing raw materials (like springs and screws) means he has to raise prices.
Our Take
Two things are about to happen:
- More creators will prioritize digital products (I see you, education creators)
- Fewer creators will do merch drops since so many of them source from China
That is, unless they’re willing to absorb costs so their fans don’t pay ridiculous prices.
Can I Get Personal?
For months, we’ve been designing and sourcing materials for our new Created apparel line.
We found an amazing partner overseas who works with designer brands…and now, our costs are way higher.
But we’re planning to absorb a lot of it so it won’t affect you. After all, merch has always been more of brand move than a money maker.
Now even more so.
How The Masters Went All-In on Creators
The Masters is known for many things: world-class golf, green jackets, $1.50 sandwiches…and now, creators?
This year, the tournament flipped the script, inviting creators and doubling-down on its own social pages.
Let’s just say their new strategy was a hole-in-one.
But Wait...Aren't Phones Banned?
Yes, The Masters doesn’t allow phones during the event.
That’s why creators had to film before and afterwards, including outfit hauls, food reviews, GRWM videos, and more.
Alison Kuch’s Masters outfit video alone hit 1.5M views, without even showing the course.
Who Else Was There:
- Katie Feeney (13M+ followers)
- Bryson DeChambeau (2M+ followers) who also competed
- Corporate Natalie (1M+ followers)
But It Wasn't Just Creators...
The Masters also leveled up its own social presence:
- 100+ highlights, BTS clips, and interviews posted to its TikTok
- Expanded livestreams on The Masters app and website
- Four extra hours of weekend coverage
Our Take
The Masters knew they had a choice: embrace creators like the NBA or restrict them like Formula 1.
The NBA lets creators freely share highlights and use logos online.
Then there’s Formula 1, which forced creators to drop ‘F1’ from their usernames and even prevented Lewis Hamilton from posting his own race clips.
Augusta chose wisely — preserving tradition with policies like their no phone rule while opening doors to creators who made the tournament more accessible than ever.
It worked: the Masters trended on TikTok all weekend long.
🎯 Weekly Roundup: Thumbnails
Here’s why we love these YT thumbnails. Hopefully, they inspire your next one.
- Wall of logos closing in on his face catches your attention (elliotisacoolguy)
- Red backdrop + “COLOUR IS EVERYTHING” statement draws your eye (Ultra Sahrp Films)
- Man digging through mountains of sand makes you ask, why? (Practical Engineering)
- Knife pressed to the new iPhone teases a teardown you need to see (JerryRigEverything)
🚀 Weekly Outlier
This video by Jack Gordon has 2.3M views, which is 7.4 times higher than the channel’s average. Here’s why it took off:
- Moon Landing vs. Conspiracies: Pits a real astronaut against moon landing deniers, making for a compelling clash of fact vs. fiction.
- First-Hand Experience: Features rare insights from someone who actually walked on the moon.
- High Stakes & Humor: Balances serious debunking with lighthearted moments, like the failed "Moon Olympics."
💰 Job Board
- Jake Verda is looking for an ideation creative
- John Rusanov is looking for a graphic designer
- Caleb Hammer is looking for a video editor
🏆 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
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Nothing great is created alone.
– Jon
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