Fixated’s $50 Million Creator Management Masterplan (feat. Zach Katz & Jason Wilhelm)

Lauren and Josh sit down with Fixated co-founders Zach Katz and Jason Wilhelm to break down their massive $50 million raise from Eldridge. They discuss why the traditional management model is broken, how they are applying music industry tactics to creator content, and their recent acquisition of Ellify.Plus, we look at the latest earnings from Netflix and why they finally admit YouTube is their biggest competitor.What you’ll learn:-- The Netflix vs. YouTube War: Why Ted Sarandos is finally taking YouTube seriously as a "first screen" competitor.-- The Fixated Strategy: How Zach and Jason convinced Todd Boehly to invest $50 million-- Content vs. Brand Deals: Why management needs to help creators build hits, not just sell ads.-- From Creator to Exec: Jason Wilhelm’s advice on pivoting from on-camera talent to business mogul.-- Creator News: Highlights from the Slow Ventures event and Neil Mohan’s letter to creators, featuring "slop."Creator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand

Interview starts at 10:48.Check out The Ultimate 2026 YouTube Creator Marketing Playbook here.In this episode, Lauren and Josh break down the "carcinization" of media (why Disney and others are turning into TikTok) and discuss YouTube’s strict new parental controls. Then, Arthur Leopold, CEO of Agentio, joins us to reveal The Ultimate 2026 YouTube Creator Marketing Playbook. He explains how they are automating creator integrations to finally unlock massive paid media budgets.What you’ll learn:-- Why everything is evolving into vertical video-- How Agentio automates buying creator ads like Facebook ads-- Why micro creators often convert better than macro stars-- How the gap between influencer budgets and paid media budgets is closing-- Kai Cenat's "retirement"-- Fixated's acquisition of the world's largest Roblox creator rep firm00:00 Introduction00:25 The Carcinization of Media02:13 Disney & Others Copy TikTok06:38 YouTube’s New Parental Controls10:48 Arthur Leopold & Agentio12:01 Automating Creator Ad Buys15:25 The Impact of Long-Term Deals18:25 Why YouTube Ads Last Longer20:02 Micro vs. Macro Creators23:14 Unlocking Paid Media Budgets28:30 Fixated Acquires Ellify32:00 Kai Cenat "Quits" the Grind33:40 Golden Globes & Final ThoughtsCreator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand

In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Newman, Spotify’s Head of Content Partnerships, to break down the massive updates to the Spotify Partner Program. From lowered eligibility thresholds to video consumption payments that are beating advertising rates, Jordan explains how creators can stabilize their income in 2026.Plus, we dive into Adam Mosseri’s controversial take on why the "aesthetic" Instagram feed is dead and how AI is forcing a return to raw authenticity.It's 2026, so lean in and let's go.What you’ll learn:-- How to qualify for Spotify’s expanded monetization program.-- Why Spotify's "consumption-based" payouts are higher than traditional ads.-- The truth about the "AI vs. Authenticity" debate on social media.-- New tools for managing baked-in sponsorships on Spotify.00:00 Teaser00:26 It's 2026!01:44 Stranger Things Theatrical Release04:40 Is Hollywood Dying?06:33 The End of the Perfect Feed09:21 AI vs. Authenticity13:41 Jordan Newman Interview14:40 Spotify Partner Program Updates16:57 New Eligibility Thresholds18:15 How Consumption Payments Work21:05 Solving Baked-In Ads22:02 Breaking the Walled Garden24:16 Spotify’s New Video Studio25:38 Are Spotify RPMs Higher?30:04 Video vs. Audio Advertising35:06 Golden Globes Predictions39:06 MrBeast x StarbucksCreator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand

AUDIENCE SURVEY: https://bit.ly/creatoruploadsurveyThe Oscars are leaving ABC for YouTube. Here is what that means for the future of Hollywood and the creator economy.In our final episode of 2025, Lauren and Josh break down the massive news that the Academy Awards are moving to YouTube in 2029. We analyze why this shift is happening, the history of the broadcast, and whether creators will finally get their moment on the red carpet.We discuss:-- Why the Oscars left ABC for YouTube -- Instagram Reels coming to your living room TV -- Our biggest predictions for the creator economy in 2026 -- New creator programs from Home Depot and Markiplier’s movie debut00:00 Intro & 6th Anniversary Survey01:09 Hanukkah Sweatshirts & Hannah Hart02:57 Tyler Oakley & VidCon Story05:35 Breaking News: Oscars Move to YouTube08:24 The History of Oscars Distribution12:49 Will Creators Take Over the Oscars?16:15 YouTube VP’s Statement17:22 Instagram Reels on Amazon Fire TV20:40 Prediction: Brand Spend in 202622:51 Prediction: Media M&A Madness24:10 Upload: Home Depot’s "Crew of Doers"25:07 Upload: Markiplier’s Iron Lung Movie26:00 2025 Sign OffCreator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand

Take the Creator Upload Survey: https://www.research.net/r/creatoruploadsurveyCheck out Jon’s new venture: https://www.boring-stuff.com/In this episode, we break down the $82 billion battle for Warner Bros. Discovery and the controversial new law in Australia banning social media for everyone under 16. Plus, creator legend Jon Youshaei joins us to reveal his new company, "Boring Stuff," and why he’s solving the biggest headache for pro creators: taxes.What you’ll learn:Netflix vs. Paramount: Inside the hostile bidding war for Warner Bros.The Social Media Ban: Why Australia is fining platforms $33M for underage users.Jon Youshaei’s Boring Venture: Why he launched a bookkeeping service for creators.00:00 Intro & Common Tax Mistakes01:58 Mariah Carey's $3 Million Season04:07 6th Anniversary Survey05:32 Netflix vs. Paramount: The Bidding War09:10 Foreign Funding & Regulatory Hurdles12:12 Australia Bans Social Media for Under 16s16:10 Can They Actually Enforce the Ban?18:09 Impact on Marginalized Communities21:33 Interview: Jon Youshaei Joins22:42 What is "Boring Stuff"?25:36 Why Traditional Accountants Fail Creators30:20 Education vs. Execution33:01 Scaling a Service Business Slowly36:44 MrBeast Pivots to Storytelling38:50 WNBA Cards Explode on WhatnotCreator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand

AUDIENCE SURVEY: https://bit.ly/creatoruploadsurveyToday we begin with the massive success of Dancing With the Stars, specifically highlighting ABC's strategic partnership with Call Her Daddy’s Alex Cooper for the finale and the inclusion of creator talent like Whitney Leavitt. In a finding fit for "No Duh" Magazine, traditional media embracing digital creators is expanding viewership, evidenced by the finale drawing over 9 million viewers.The episode also covers the "Recap Wars," comparing Spotify Wrapped’s new Creator Wrapped features to YouTube’s. Plus, Tubefilter’s Sam Gutelle joins for an interview to discuss Twitch’s 2025 performance and the rising trend of professional athletes, such as Cam Skattebo, using streaming to build personal brands independent of their teams.Finally, our uploads and downloads cover the shutdown of MKBHD’s "Panels" app and the Rockefeller Foundation’s new partnership with Beast Philanthropy.Creator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.00:00 6 Years & The Audience Survey01:09 Intro: Party Hopping in NYC03:07 Dancing With The Stars Embraces Creators05:19 The Alex Cooper x ABC Partnership07:34 Why Broadcast Needs Creators (The Numbers)12:44 Sponsor: Viral Nation13:12 Spotify Wrapped for Creator14:40 YouTube Recap & Personality Types16:56 Sam Gutelle on Twitch's 2025 Stats18:17 Why Athletes Are Taking Over Twitch23:44 The Shift in Sports Fandom28:11 Download: MKBHD Shuts Down Panels30:14 Lessons for Creator-Founders31:48 Upload: MrBeast Partners with RockefellerThanks for Viral Nation for partnering with us for this video.Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand

AUDIENCE SURVEY: https://bit.ly/creatoruploadsurveyIs Tubi the new home for top-tier creators? In this episode, we sit down with Rich Bloom (GM of Creator Programs & EVP of Business Development at Tubi) to reveal how the streaming giant is funding creator originals and merging Hollywood with the creator economy. Plus, we break down the massive $37B ad spend projection for 2025.What you’ll learn:-- Tubi’s "Rabbit Hole" Strategy: How they keep viewers watching longer.-- The Ad Spend Boom: Why creator marketing is now a "must buy" for brands.-- Screens in Schools: The debate over EdTech and declining test scores.00:00 We need your help! (Survey)01:09 Thanksgiving Turkeys & Spatchcocking04:08 Are screens ruining education?10:06 Intro to Rich Bloom & Viral Nation11:14 $37 Billion Creator Ad Spend16:50 Interview: Rich Bloom from Tubi17:35 Creating "Rabbit Holes of Fandom"22:31 Tubi’s Deal Structures for Creators25:24 Exclusive Shows & Creative Freedom28:07 The Fox & Super Bowl Connection31:58 Is Tubi competing with YouTube?37:33 Acquiring Creator Libraries42:58 Upload: Investing in Taylor Cannon46:39 Upload: Agentio Raises $40MCreator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand

AUDIENCE SURVEY: https://bit.ly/creatoruploadsurveyIs TikTok building a new radio empire? The creator economy is buzzing about a "podcast gold rush," and the platforms are racing to stake their claim.In this episode, we break down the massive new partnership between iHeartMedia and TikTok to launch a 25-creator podcast network. We explore why this move, along with new initiatives from Netflix and Threads, signals a major shift from "scale" to "curation." Plus, we discuss how reality shows like Dancing With the Stars are now just a launchpad for talent to get a podcast deal.What you’ll learn:-- How TikTok is building an "aspirational funnel" for podcasters -- Why TikTok Shop's $19B in sales is terrifying eBay -- The new Visa & Karat AI tools that analyze brand deals for creators -- How creators like Alex Earle and Emma Chamberlain are changing media00:00 Intro & Creator Upload Survey01:09 The Rise of "Christmas Creep"04:19 Are Creators Driving Christmas Creep?05:22 Special Thanks to Viral Nation06:15 TikTok & iHeartMedia Podcast Deal08:35 Why This Deal is Smart for TikTok11:17 Strategy: Scale vs. Curation14:08 TikTok: Distribution to Production16:10 Threads & Netflix Join Podcast Push18:41 Thesis: TV is a Path to Podcasting19:42 Dancing With the Stars Podcast21:45 Upload: Visa & Karat AI Tools24:26 Upload: TikTok Shop vs. eBay25:32 OutroThanks for Viral Nation for partnering with us for this video.Creator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand

AUDIENCE SURVEY: bit.ly/creatoruploadsurveyMeta's Reels just hit a $50 BILLION annual run rate, but where is the creator's cut? Meanwhile, YouTube just revealed that Shorts now make MORE money per watch hour than long-form videos.This week, Josh and Lauren break down the massive creator economy earnings reports from Meta and YouTube and debate what it means for creator monetization. Josh also takes us inside the opening of Whaler's new "Lighthouse" creator hub in Brooklyn , and the hosts analyze Netflix's new strategy to pull video podcasts (like Jay Shetty's ) off of YouTube.In this episode:-- Meta vs. YouTube: The $50B monetization fight-- Inside Whaler's pencil factory turned creator hub-- Why Netflix is licensing iHeart podcasts-- Canon's new $100k creator initiative, and Lauren's pitch for it that was 10 years too early After six years of the pod, we want to hear from you! Please fill out our first-ever survey:Thanks for Viral Nation for partnering with us for this video.00:00 Creator Upload Audience Survey01:09 Inside the Lighthouse Brooklyn Opening03:59 Whaler's Creator Hub Model07:08 Advertising Legends: Haggerty & Droga11:29 Why This Hub Might Actually Work14:20 Thanks to Viral Nation14:41 Meta Earnings: Reels $50B Run Rate18:21 The Creator "Uprising" Over Rev Share20:28 YouTube Earnings: Shorts vs. Long-Form23:20 Netflix's Podcast Exclusivity Play26:43 Netflix and "Background Content"28:47 Upload: TikTok's New Award Show30:51 Upload: Canon's $100k Creator Contest31:31 Lauren's Selfie Stick Pitch34:08 Final ThoughtsCreator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand

We're in Los Angeles at Adobe MAX 2025 to break down the announcements that will change how creators work, including Adobe's game-changing partnership with YouTube. We're joined by a legendary lineup of guests to discuss the future of creativity. Mark Rober reveals his $55 million secret project for the first time ever, Cleo Abram (Huge If True) shares her POV on editorial freedom and advancements in tech, and Adobe's GM of Creators Mike Polner, explains the new AI tools that will save you hours of work.What you'll learn:-- Mark Rober's strategy for building a 100-person company.-- The AI audio tool that creates studio-quality sound anywhere.-- How to edit YouTube Shorts inside the new Premiere Mobile app.-- Why creative freedom is more important than ever for creators.If you want to stay ahead in the creator economy, subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss our next episode!00:00 Live From Adobe MAX!01:01 Adobe's ChatGPT Integration01:45 The New Adobe x YouTube Partnership04:09 YouTube's New TV Experience07:48 Welcome Mark Rober!08:40 Is AI Cheating for Creators?12:25 Building the Mark Rober Business16:51 Mark Rober's $55M Secret Project23:53 Welcome Cleo Abram!26:12 Why I Left Vox31:20 AI Tools Lower The Barrier37:24 Welcome Adobe's Mike Polner!39:31 Adobe's Top 3 New Tools44:27 What is "Responsible AI"?52:06 Upload: Steven Bartlett's Big RaiseCreator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand