The creator economy is moving fast — from billion-dollar acquisitions to record-breaking payouts and new rules of the game for influencers. In this episode of The Upload, Rob Balasabas breaks down the week’s biggest stories and shares lessons every creator needs right now.
You’ll hear about:
Vimeo’s $1.38B acquisition by Bending Spoons and what it signals for creators
The surge in mergers & acquisitions reshaping the creator landscape
Why brands are demanding better influencer marketing measurement
Plus: insights from Rob’s recent LinkedIn posts on building real businesses, listening to customers, and creating systems that last
Whether you’re a full-time creator, a founder in the space, or just curious about where this industry is headed, this episode will give you the context — and the challenge — to think bigger than views and likes.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!
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+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
In this episode, I sit down with Anabel Otero — yoga, pilates, and meditation teacher turned digital entrepreneur — to break down how she went from posting free content on YouTube to building a loyal audience of 1.3 million subscribers and a thriving paid membership business.
Anabel shares her exact journey, including:
The simple promotion strategy she uses that never feels “salesy”
Her mindset around pricing, scarcity, and creating long-term value
The lessons she’s learned about building a sustainable creator business
Whether you’re a creator just getting started or a seasoned entrepreneur trying to scale, this conversation is loaded with practical, real-world insights.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
It’s a stacked episode—press play and just into it!
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
It’s a stacked episode—press play and just into it!
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
It’s a stacked episode—press play and just into it!
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
It’s a stacked episode—press play and just into it!
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
One of YouTube’s most beloved outdoor creators just walked away from 15 million subscribers — but the story isn’t as simple as it sounds. In this episode of The Upload, we dive into why Luke Nichols, creator of Outdoor Boys, is quitting YouTube to protect his kids… and why his next move might surprise you.
Plus, we’re talking Kai Cenat’s ambitious (and possibly final?) Streamer University, Joe Rogan getting knocked out of the top podcast spot on YouTube, and the Sidemen making creator history with a Netflix nod.
It’s a stacked episode—press play and just into it!
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
Austin Maddox has over 70K followers across Instagram and TikTok, a thriving online membership called Flow with Austin, and brand deals with major names like Aritzia.
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
If you’ve ever wondered “How do I actually make money from this content thing?”—this episode is for you. I’m sharing the exact framework creators use to monetize smarter (without chasing the algorithm). It’s short, packed with practical tips, and includes a free invite for a coaching session with me.
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
The Sidemen just launched their own venture capital fund — UPSIDE VC — and it’s a massive move for the creator economy. In this episode, we break down what this means not just for the Sidemen, but for you as a creator, entrepreneur, or brand in the space.
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
In today’s episode of The Upload, we’re diving into three of the biggest headlines in the creator world:
- Meta just launched Edits, a standalone video app built specifically for creators — not just Instagram users
- Bluesky is rolling out a new blue check verification system with a unique twist you won’t find on X.
- And Roblox is giving creators more control with regional pricing for global monetization.
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
In today’s episode of The Upload, we’re diving into three of the biggest headlines in the creator world:
- OpenAI might be building a ChatGPT-powered social network (yep, seriously).
- TikTok rolls out Footnotes, its version of Community Notes—but is it a fix or a Band-Aid?
- And MrBeast, Sidemen, and other creators are making major moves from YouTube to big-budget streaming TV.
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
Coffee with Content Creators is now The Upload! In this kickoff ep, I’m sharing why the name change, what to expect, and how this daily pod will keep you in the loop on all things creator economy. Let’s go! 🎙️💥
Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter
+ https://balasabas.substack.com
Thank you to our partners:
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv
+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6
Connect with me on LinkedIn
+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow me on Instagram
+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas
Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
+ Get the FREE "Creator Business Success Map" https://open.substack.com/pub/balasabas/p/the-creator-success-map
Connect with our Guest: Keenya Kelly
+ Website https://www.keenyakelly.com
+ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/keenyakelly
+ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@keenyakelly
Thank you to our partners:
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6
+ Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com
+ Tools that I use
🔗 uscreen, build your video-based membership: https://www.uscreen.tv/
🔗 superhuman, this will save you hours from your emails: http://try.sprh.mn/robbalasabas
🔗 adobe express, design awesome graphics: https://prf.hn/l/XvPmWVQ
🔗 ecamm, your own broadcast studio (mac-only): http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Follow me
instagram: https://instagram.com/robsotheraccount
linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
+ Business, sponsorship, and media kit inquiries
email robert.balasabas@gmail.com
#creatoreconomy #memberships
------------------------------
The Coffee with Creators podcast is a show that talks all about the Creator Economy, Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, and about all the ways that Content Creators can build successful Revenue Streams using their own Content. This show is hosted by Rob Balasabas, the Head of Partnerships & Community at Uscreen.tv who also happens to be a Content Creator himself, sharing all that he knows and is currently learning inside the Creator Economy.
+ Get the FREE "Creator Business Success Map" https://open.substack.com/pub/balasabas/p/the-creator-success-map
Connect with our Guest: Liz Kohler Brown
+ Website https://www.lizkohlerbrown.com
+ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lizkohlerbrown
Thank you to our partners:
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6
+ Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com
+ Tools that I use
🔗 uscreen, build your video-based membership: https://www.uscreen.tv/
🔗 superhuman, this will save you hours from your emails: http://try.sprh.mn/robbalasabas
🔗 adobe express, design awesome graphics: https://prf.hn/l/XvPmWVQ
🔗 ecamm, your own broadcast studio (mac-only): http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Follow me
instagram: https://instagram.com/robsotheraccount
linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
+ Business, sponsorship, and media kit inquiries
email robert.balasabas@gmail.com
#creatoreconomy #memberships
------------------------------
The Coffee with Creators podcast is a show that talks all about the Creator Economy, Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, and about all the ways that Content Creators can build successful Revenue Streams using their own Content. This show is hosted by Rob Balasabas, the Head of Partnerships & Community at Uscreen.tv who also happens to be a Content Creator himself, sharing all that he knows and is currently learning inside the Creator Economy.
+ Get the FREE "Creator Business Success Map" https://open.substack.com/pub/balasabas/p/the-creator-success-map
Connect with our Guest: James Hicks
+ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhicks
+ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jhicks
Thank you to our partners:
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6
+ Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com
+ Tools that I use
🔗 uscreen, build your video-based membership: https://www.uscreen.tv/
🔗 superhuman, this will save you hours from your emails: http://try.sprh.mn/robbalasabas
🔗 adobe express, design awesome graphics: https://prf.hn/l/XvPmWVQ
🔗 ecamm, your own broadcast studio (mac-only): http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Follow me
instagram: https://instagram.com/robsotheraccount
linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
+ Business, sponsorship, and media kit inquiries
email robert.balasabas@gmail.com
#creatoreconomy #memberships
------------------------------
The Coffee with Creators podcast is a show that talks all about the Creator Economy, Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, and about all the ways that Content Creators can build successful Revenue Streams using their own Content. This show is hosted by Rob Balasabas, the Head of Partnerships & Community at Uscreen.tv who also happens to be a Content Creator himself, sharing all that he knows and is currently learning inside the Creator Economy.
+ Get the FREE "Creator Business Success Map" https://open.substack.com/pub/balasabas/p/the-creator-success-map
Connect with our Guest: Victoria Taylor + LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-alana-taylor/
Thank you to our partners:
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6
+ Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com
+ Tools that I use
🔗 uscreen, build your video-based membership: https://www.uscreen.tv/
🔗 superhuman, this will save you hours from your emails: http://try.sprh.mn/robbalasabas
🔗 adobe express, design awesome graphics: https://prf.hn/l/XvPmWVQ
🔗 ecamm, your own broadcast studio (mac-only): http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Follow me
instagram: https://instagram.com/robsotheraccount
linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
+ Business, sponsorship, and media kit inquiries
email robert.balasabas@gmail.com
#creatoreconomy #memberships
------------------------------
The Coffee with Creators podcast is a show that talks all about the Creator Economy, Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, and about all the ways that Content Creators can build successful Revenue Streams using their own Content. This show is hosted by Rob Balasabas, the Head of Partnerships & Community at Uscreen.tv who also happens to be a Content Creator himself, sharing all that he knows and is currently learning inside the Creator Economy.
+ Get the FREE "Creator Business Success Map" https://open.substack.com/pub/balasabas/p/the-creator-success-map + Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:34 Go to the Creator Success Map (link in description) 06:10 Stage 1 of Creator Success 11:09 Stage 2 of Creator Success 14:27 Stage 3 of Creator Success 16:51 Stage 4 of Creator Success 21:09 Stage 5 of Creator Success Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com + Tools that I use 🔗 vidpros, best video editing service: https://www.uscreen.tv/ 🔗 uscreen, build your video-based membership: https://www.uscreen.tv/ 🔗 superhuman, this will save you hours from your emails: http://try.sprh.mn/robbalasabas 🔗 adobe express, design awesome graphics: https://prf.hn/l/XvPmWVQ 🔗 ecamm, your own broadcast studio (mac-only): http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Follow me instagram: https://instagram.com/robsotheraccount linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas + Business, sponsorship, and media kit inquiries email robert.balasabas@gmail.com #creatoreconomy #memberships ------------------------------ The Coffee with Creators podcast is a show that talks all about the Creator Economy, Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, and about all the ways that Content Creators can build successful Revenue Streams using their own Content. This show is hosted by Rob Balasabas, the Head of Partnerships & Community at Uscreen.tv who also happens to be a Content Creator himself, sharing all that he knows and is currently learning inside the Creator Economy.
Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com + Tools that I use 🔗 vidpros, best video editing service: https://www.uscreen.tv/ 🔗 uscreen, build your video-based membership: https://www.uscreen.tv/ 🔗 superhuman, this will save you hours from your emails: http://try.sprh.mn/robbalasabas 🔗 adobe express, design awesome graphics: https://prf.hn/l/XvPmWVQ 🔗 ecamm, your own broadcast studio (mac-only): http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Follow me instagram: https://instagram.com/robsotheraccount linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas + Business, sponsorship, and media kit inquiries email robert.balasabas@gmail.com #creatoreconomy #memberships ------------------------------ The Coffee with Creators podcast is a show that talks all about the Creator Economy, Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, and about all the ways that Content Creators can build successful Revenue Streams using their own Content. This show is hosted by Rob Balasabas, the Head of Partnerships & Community at Uscreen.tv who also happens to be a Content Creator himself, sharing all that he knows and is currently learning inside the Creator Economy.
Thank you to our partners:
+ Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob
+ Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive
+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6
+ Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://rbalasabas.ck.page
+ Tools that I use
🔗 vidpros, best video editing service: https://www.uscreen.tv/
🔗 uscreen, build your video-based membership: https://www.uscreen.tv/
🔗 superhuman, this will save you hours from your emails: http://try.sprh.mn/robbalasabas
🔗 adobe express, design awesome graphics: https://prf.hn/l/XvPmWVQ
🔗 ecamm, your own broadcast studio (mac-only): http://ecamm.balasabas.live
+ Follow me
instagram: https://instagram.com/robsotheraccount
linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
+ Business, sponsorship, and media kit inquiries
email robert.balasabas@gmail.com
#creatoreconomy #memberships
------------------------------
The Coffee with Creators podcast is a show that talks all about the Creator Economy, Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, and about all the ways that Content Creators can build successful Revenue Streams using their own Content. This show is hosted by Rob Balasabas, the Head of Partnerships & Community at Uscreen.tv who also happens to be a Content Creator himself, sharing all that he knows and is currently learning inside the Creator Economy.