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LinkedIn Gains Ground, Apple’s Hit Is a Win for Creators, & Fintech Powers the Creator Economy

In our 56th edition, we explore LinkedIn’s rise in the creator space, how Apple’s legal loss could be a win for creators, and why fintech is powering the next wave.

Author

Brian Freeman
May 07, 2025

💼 LinkedIn Gains Ground in the Creator Economy

The creator economy isn’t just for YouTube and TikTok anymore — LinkedIn is quickly becoming a real player. Once seen as just a place for résumés and corporate updates, it’s now where creators are cashing in on professional content, and brands are lining up to spend. B2B influencer marketing on LinkedIn is going mainstream — and fast.

Why This Matters to Digital Creators

  • LinkedIn creators are earning serious revenue (up to $150K+ in brand deals)

  • Brands like Notion and Hubspot are shifting large chunks of budget to the platform

  • The rise of video and LinkedIn Shows opens new paid formats and visibility

  • BrandLink's new rev-share model could mean more passive income opportunities

  • Execs and thought leaders are now legit influencers — and brands are buying in

Whether you're a corporate content pro or just building your presence, LinkedIn is no longer optional — it's a growth channel with serious monetization upside.

For the full article from Alexander Lee at Digiday, click here.

🍎 Apple’s Hit Is a Win for Creators

Patreon is a platform where creators can build subscription businesses and charge fans for paywalled content, such as podcasts or videos, and other perks.

A federal judge ruled that Apple violated a 2021 injunction by failing to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment options and by continuing to charge a 27% fee on off-app purchases. The decision could disrupt Apple’s $26.6 billion services business, which heavily depends on App Store revenue, and signals growing legal scrutiny over its in-app purchase policies.

Subscription platforms like Patreon, Passes, Kajabi, and Mighty Networks welcomed the ruling as a financial win. Patreon, which relies heavily on iOS for fan engagement, announced an app update to enable external payments, potentially saving creators up to 30% in fees. Last year, Patreon removed other billing options from its app, urging users to switch to its website to avoid charges.

While Apple plans to appeal, creator-focused companies say the ruling accelerates a shift toward platform independence. Kajabi CEO Ahad Khan called it a step toward more equitable monetization, as creators move away from reliance on tech giants that cut into earnings and limit audience engagement.

For the full article fromGeoff Weiss and Sydney Bradley at Business Insider, click here.

🤑 Fintech Powers the Creator Economy

All-new Adobe Express mobile app in beta, puts on-the-go content creation into the hands of global creators

From viral Instagram Reels to monetized YouTube tutorials, the digital creator economy is no longer a niche: it’s a powerhouse reshaping business, culture, and commerce. As creators continue to influence how audiences consume content and make purchases, platforms and fintech companies alike are racing to provide the tools and infrastructure that support this evolving ecosystem.

Key Facts

  • Adobe Express Mobile App: Now powered by AI (Adobe Firefly), the app helps creators easily produce content for TikTok, Instagram, and more.

  • PayFacs (Payment Facilitators): Companies like Visa are empowering creators to monetize directly through secure, seamless payment processing.

  • TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program: Offers financial incentives for original content, encouraging innovation and engagement.

Platform Comparison

  • YouTube: Strong ad revenue system with reliable payments.

  • TikTok/Instagram: Actively developing creator-focused monetization models.

  • X (formerly Twitter): Struggles with advertiser trust and inconsistent creator payments, making it less competitive.

As the lines blur between influencer and entrepreneur, the platforms and payment systems that make content creation viable will determine who wins the battle for creator loyalty.

For the full article from PYMNTS, click here.

🔥 Hot Opportunities

📣 Calling Talent Managers: We’re Hiring Creators!

We’re actively sourcing creators on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram in the following verticals for a paid campaign: finance, entrepreneurship, news & commentary, hustle and productivity, tech and future-facing content.

If you manage creators in these categories and want to learn more, reply to this email — we’ll send over a brief + rates. Campaigns are already in motion, and we’re hiring 5-10 new creators daily!

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👋 Happy Networking!

~ Brian F.

Content We Referenced Today

  1. LinkedIn emerges as a serious player in the creator economy - Digiday

  2. Apple's legal setback could be a big win for the creator economy: 'We are celebrating' - Business Insider

  3. Social Platforms and PayFacs Now Power the Creator Economy - PYMNTS