• Creatorland
  • Posts
  • Big News from Creatorland, Shorty Awards in NYC, & AI Avatar Companies Reshaping the Creator Economy

Big News from Creatorland, Shorty Awards in NYC, & AI Avatar Companies Reshaping the Creator Economy

In our 60th edition (yes, 60!), we’re diving into Creatorland’s VIP service, highlights from the Shorty Awards in NYC, and the AI Avatar startups reshaping the creator economy.

🏆 It’s Time to Unlock Your Hidden Network of VIP Connections

How many hidden opportunities are sitting in your inbox? Past brands, agencies, and creators could be your next big connection…don’t let them go to waste.

Be among the first to experience how VIP Connections is about to change the game for your creator career.

Whether you're looking for your next gig, seeking to hire amazing talent, or helping connect others with opportunities, VIP Connections will supercharge your Creatorland experience.

P.S. Not sure if this is for you? Check out how creator Rose Jordan tripled her monthly income after connecting with her VIP contacts on Creatorland and beyond! Read her story here!

P.P.S. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to turn your VIP Connections into income here, or click the banner below 👇

🐳 The Shorty Awards Turn 17

Digital star King Bach at the 2016 Shorty Awards at the Times Center in New York City. Image credit: Shorty Awards

Now in its 17th year, the Shorty Awards have grown from a Twitter-centric celebration into a barometer of the global creator economy. This year’s theme, “Break the Rules,” reflects the maturing sophistication of digital creators and the platforms that power them. Winners include V Spehar (News Creator of the Year) for their work on “Under the Desk News,” Grace Wells (Commercial Creator of the Year) for viral product storytelling, and Dhar Mann Studios (Studio of the Year) for emotionally resonant short films.

Beyond recognition, the Shorty Awards are increasingly viewed as strategic infrastructure for the creator economy. Leaders like Jeff Barrett and Junmian Sun emphasize the need for systems that support long-term creator growth, including mentorship, mental health resources, and fair contracts.

With a growing NYC-based ecosystem of investors, agency founders, and platform strategists, the Shortys are evolving into a platform that doesn’t just honor viral talent.

For the full article from Village Voice, click here.

🙍‍♂️ 5 AI Avatars Transforming How Creators Scale Content

AI avatars are transforming the creator economy by enabling content production without traditional filming. These tools offer creators more flexibility, efficiency, and scalability.

Here are five companies leading this shift:

  • HeyGen: Easy-to-use video avatar generator with strong multilingual support and customizable presenters. Ideal for social content, tutorials, and brand storytelling.

  • Synthesia: The professional standard for corporate-style avatar videos. Great for creators expanding into training, course content, or branded explainers.

  • Vidnoz: Offers more expressive, animated avatars. Appeals to creators seeking motion-rich videos and more visual flair.

  • Colossyan: Focuses on internal communications and training. Not creator-first, but useful for creators building B2B content arms or working with enterprise clients.

  • AvatarOS: Builds hyper-realistic 3D avatars for virtual influencers. Emerging space, but compelling for creators entering fashion, gaming, or AI-native storytelling.

These companies are at the forefront of integrating AI avatars into content creation, offering innovative solutions that redefine how creators engage with their audiences.

For the full article from Market Realist, click here.

🔥 Hot Opportunities

🤵 Mensuits.com is Seeking Influencers/Content Creators for the Summer Style Campaign (ASAP!)

Mensuits.com is seeking male influencers and content creators in the United States for a promotional collaboration involving their premium suit collection. Creators will receive $250 and a gifted custom suit valued up to $300 in exchange for engaging content. Applicants should have experience in fashion, strong videography skills, and a professional approach to brand collaborations. The application deadline is June 30, 2025, with no minimum follower count required.

😊 Earn $1,900 Per Submission: Create Positive, Empowering Content for 1Starr Enterprises

1Starr Enterprises is seeking diverse content creators to produce positive and empowering content including self-help, stress relief, and body positivity materials. This paid opportunity offers $500 per photo and $1,400 per video submission for use across their multimedia platforms. No follower requirements - we welcome creators of all backgrounds, cultures, body types, and abilities.

📣 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!

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Subscribe Here

Not on Creatorland yet? Join Here.

👋 Happy Networking!

~ Brian F.

Content We Referenced Today

  1. The Shorty Awards at 17: New York’s Homegrown Celebration of the Creator Economy Comes of Age - Village Voice

  2. These 5 AI Avatar Companies Are Quietly Reshaping the Creator Economy - Market Realist