The VIDCON Experience: Embracing the Changing Content Creation Landscape

Photo credit: VidCon 2023 

VidCon 2023 was a spectacular event for the digital content creator space. I along with Jennifer Park, Manager of STORYHIVE and Community Content were excited to attend VidCon and learn about the evolving digital landscape. Our passion for storytelling brought us to this event, and we were thrilled to be in the company of like-minded content creators who share our commitment to amplifying diverse voices. 

Throughout the conference, we had the privilege of participating in numerous speaker panels that covered an array of topics, from the ever-evolving landscape of short-form content to how the creator economy is reshaping media. We had the opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry experts and digital content veterans.

Here were our 8 big takeaways:

1. Embracing Online Platforms: Content creators and viewers are moving away from traditional TV and leaning towards online platforms to stream and consume content. The power of online streaming has reshaped how audiences engage with digital content.

2. Monetization and Brand Partnerships: Content creators are becoming more savvy, focusing on content monetization and partnering with brands that align with their values. This approach fosters meaningful collaborations and strengthens creator-brand relationships.

3. Short-Form Content Challenges and Appeal: Viewers prefer short-form content in consumable bites, but this form of content poses challenges for creators in terms of editing, storytelling and visually compelling elements.

4. YouTube's Influence: Half the time spent watching television is now spent watching YouTube, underlining the platform's influence and dominance in the digital content space.

5. Audience Engagement: Building an audience requires early engagement with viewers in the content creation process, creating a loyal and invested community.

6. The AI Evolution: AI is rapidly evolving and is poised to significantly change the content creation landscape.

7. Coming-of-Age Stories: A new wave of content creation on YouTube focuses on coming-of-age stories through films and series, resonating with a broad and diverse audience.

8. Digital and Linear Convergence: Digital platforms are incentivizing longer-form content, bringing digital and linear content closer together, offering creators a broader canvas to tell their stories.

As the film and TV industry continues its thrilling transformation, VidCon stands as a testament to the power of digital content creators. It is here, in the heart of creativity and innovation, that we celebrate the boundless potential of storytelling.

We are inspired by the energy of VidCon and are fueled by our commitment to amplifying diverse voices. Together, we will embrace the changing landscape, leveraging the convergence of linear and digital content to captivate audiences and make a lasting impact.

The stage is set, and the spotlight is on you. Let's continue this exhilarating journey of storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the world, one powerful narrative at a time. Lights, camera, and let the magic unfold at TELUS STORYHIVE and beyond!

Stay tuned for our upcoming program intake windows coming at the end of 2023. More to come!