Bro-casters, lawsuits & TikTok's next move 🎙️

It’s Wednesday,

Unesco is calling out influencers for skipping the basics: fact-checking. With six in 10 creators admitting they don’t verify info before posting, misinformation is spreading fast. Their fix? A free course to teach creators how not to fumble the truth—but many don’t even see themselves as journalists.

Quick updates…

🤌 Instagram launched a collage feature for Stories and added nicknames for DMs, enhancing creativity and personalization.

🌶️ Kamala Harris’ campaign wanted her on Hot Ones, but the show declined to stay non-political, as politicians increasingly eye new media platforms to reach younger voters.

🔍 Threads is testing AI-powered summaries and individual account search, with 35M new users since Nov. 1, as Bluesky buzz grows.

🎙️ Spotify launched a creator platform for audiobook publishers, offering audience insights similar to its tools for artists and podcasters.

👀 TikTok is restricting certain beauty filter effects for teens, aiming to address well-being concerns.

🎙️ MrBeast addressed allegations around his upcoming Beast Games show, calling many claims “false” while not disavowing all criticisms.

1: The rise of bro-casters

Why it matters: Podcasts are ditching audio-first roots and going full video, thanks to young male creators turning YouTube into their playground. From crypto tips to conspiracy theories, these so-called "bro-casters" are shaping what podcasting means—and raking in millions while they’re at it.

YouTube's takeover:

• Video-first rules: YouTube just became the top podcast platform, beating Spotify and Apple. Why? Creators like Joe Rogan and Sean Kelly realized video podcasts keep viewers hooked—and YouTube’s algorithm rewards their marathon episodes.

• Big money moves: Ad revenue, merch sales, and e-commerce are baked into their shows. Logan Paul’s Impaulsive casually plugs Prime, while the Nelk Boys’ Full Send is practically a commercial for their Happy Dad seltzer.

Why guys are tuning in:

• Community vibes: Young men, tired of clickbait media, are finding bros with mics who “get it.” Podcasts are becoming digital barstools for learning, laughing, and debating everything from alien sightings to self-help hacks.

• Algorithm hacks: Long episodes mean more ads, more money, and more reach. It’s a feedback loop podcasters can’t resist—and YouTube loves to push.

The political shift: Once the niche stuff (crypto, AI, hustle culture) plateaus, bro-casters pivot to politics for views. Whether right-leaning or “just asking questions,” it’s all about keeping the clicks coming.

The bottom line: Bro-casters are the new podcast royalty, reshaping the medium with video, merch, and big personalities. For creators, the lesson is clear: think bigger, go visual, and let YouTube’s algorithm do the heavy lifting. The real flex? Making your audience feel like they’re in the room with you.

2: Can you copyright a vibe?

The story: Alyssa Sheil and Sydney Nicole Gifford, two Amazon influencers known for their beige, minimalist aesthetics, are locked in a legal showdown. Gifford claims Sheil copied her posts, style, and even tattoos, resulting in financial losses. It’s a first-of-its-kind lawsuit that questions if you can truly own a “look” in the influencer economy.

The setup: Sheil and Gifford both make their living as Amazon affiliates, showcasing products in perfectly curated, neutral-toned homes. Think white walls, cream couches, and gold jewelry—all optimized for TikTok and Instagram feeds. Their content is eerily similar, but that’s partly the nature of influencing. Amazon itself often pushes the same trending products to creators.

The clash: Gifford alleges Sheil’s videos mimic her aesthetic, down to identical product recommendations and poses. She even accuses Sheil of altering her hair and tattoos to look more like her. Sheil, a Black Latina woman, denies the claims, calling them a “gatekeep-y” attempt to monopolize a widely shared aesthetic.

The stakes: This lawsuit could set a precedent for copyright law in the creator economy. If Gifford wins, it could mean influencers have legal grounds to claim ownership over their personal brand—potentially turning every similar post into a lawsuit waiting to happen. But experts warn copyright protections for this kind of content are notoriously thin.

The vibe: Sheil and Gifford’s case isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a clash of identities, algorithms, and a system that rewards sameness. In an industry where trends and Amazon’s algorithms dictate what creators promote, how much is intentional copying, and how much is just the nature of the job?

The bottom line: With influencer culture growing more competitive by the day, the Sheil vs. Gifford case highlights a broader tension: where does individuality end and the algorithm begin?

Read the full story on The Verge.

3: TikTok’s Creator Summit hyped long-form content, ignored the ban

Last week in Hollywood, TikTok rallied creators to embrace high-quality, long-form video while sidestepping its looming U.S. ban. Execs pushed storytelling, fandoms, and monetization, urging creators to think like directors and hook audiences fast.

Key tips:

• Nail the first 5 seconds—ask a question or tease the outcome.

• Prioritize visuals with slick edits, lighting, and transitions.

• Build paywalled subscriber communities for steady income.

Despite the buzz, the platform’s January 19 ban deadline cast a shadow over the event. TikTok is banking on long-form videos to rival YouTube—but creators might need a backup plan.

Creator notes 📝

📚 Extra read: Drake-Kendrick beef highlights murkiness of influencer marketing (The Information)

👀 Pop: What, exactly, is a ‘Khia’? (The Cut)

🚀 Insights: Where is the creator economy headed in 2025? (Forbes)

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