Adobe's AI overload & Threads' cash mystery

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Adobe MAX 2024 leaves creators feeling burnt out on AI

Adobe MAX 2024 just wrapped, and instead of inspiring creativity, it left many designers feeling like they were drowning in AI hype. While Adobe pushed flashy new Firefly AI tools, many attendees felt the conference wasn’t delivering what they actually came for: useful design updates.

Too much AI, not enough design: "Every session was AI this, AI that," said one frustrated attendee. Many complained that Adobe focused more on showing off AI tricks than addressing the practical needs of pro designers. "It’s not a design conference anymore—it’s just an AI show," one person said.

Pros feeling left behind: The over-the-top AI focus left many pros disappointed. Attendees were hoping for core updates to design tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, but instead, got endless demos of AI-generated content. “It’s cool for extending backgrounds, but it’s not changing how I design,” said one designer.

Adobe, are you listening? While Adobe’s obsession with AI was front and center, designers are calling for balance. It’s clear they want Adobe to listen to their needs and remember what makes their tools essential in the first place: empowering creativity, not just pumping out AI buzz.

Final take: Adobe MAX 2024 might’ve been an AI extravaganza, but creators walked away feeling more disconnected than ever.

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Creators are cashing in on Threads, but the algorithm is a mystery

Meta’s exclusive bonus program on Threads is paying creators thousands, but even they don’t fully understand how it works. Photographers, food bloggers, and artists are earning big by hitting engagement metrics, but the app’s algorithm remains a puzzle.

How are creators making bank? The Threads bonus program, launched in April, invites select Instagram creators to earn by engaging on the platform. The catch? No one really knows how they got in. Creators like Audrey Woulard, who primarily replies to other users’ posts, have found success by activating polarizing content—anything from parenting to politics—that sparks conversation.

Woulard’s strategy is simple: reply to trending threads and rack up views. By hitting 750 views on 60 replies, she bags a $500 monthly bonus. It's not glamorous, but it's paying off.

Threads’ algorithm: Still a mystery

The platform’s “for you” feed often feels slow and random, prioritizing posts with lots of replies—no matter how trivial. This has led to a sea of engagement bait and clickbait posts. Even top creators like Josh Kirkham, who’s eligible for up to $5,000 a month, are baffled. One week his mountain videos explode, the next week, they tank.

The future of Meta’s bonus program: While creators are cashing in, many are skeptical about the program's longevity. Meta has been known to offer generous payouts when launching new formats, only to scale back as the hype dies down. For now, creators are milking the opportunity, even if they don’t fully understand what makes a post take off.

Top updates 🍵

🪪 Instagram launched profile cards globally, which are like digital business cards through which users and creators can share their accounts, including their Instagram handle, profile picture, links and other information:

🛍️ Google Shopping is rolling out a personalized feed of products a user may like, similar in concept to TikTok’s For You Page.

🚀 Kajabi announced several new features for creators including the ability to create newsletters, downloadable content and invoicing tools, as well as a rebrand, including a new logo.

📁 Amazon is bringing in Viral Thacker to lead Twitch’s ad business, aiming to boost advertising revenue and solidify ties with its parent company.

👀 Adobe's new experimental tool, Project Know How, can identify and authenticate an artist’s work online or on physical items like tote bags, even if it's been altered or printed, giving creators better control over their content.

🤳 YouTube is testing “AI-enhanced” comment reply suggestions to help creators respond more easily to their audience. The feature is currently in a small test phase on the mobile app.

Creator notes 📝

Read: YouTube's new updates bring granular speed controls, a movable miniplayer, collaborative playlists, and a sleep timer (YouTube)

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