The content creators who started creating long-form content (10 minutes+) back in 2015-16 and those wo are still regular with their content journey, they show up on YouTube, post videos and have managed to stay relevant have done a few things in common If you want to be a content creator and be relevant over the years, here are a few things you must consider paying attention to These are common behaviours that each of these content creators who have stood for over a decade has done, again and again: 1) Storytelling is everything: Capture interest in the first 10 seconds. Narrative arcs, hooks, and dynamic visuals keep viewers watching and YouTube notices. 2) Technical polish matters: Invest in crisp audio, quality visuals, and seamless editing. Consistent branding (thumbnails, intros, end screens) builds trust and keeps audiences coming back. 3) Thumbnails & Titles Are First Impression: Test faces, emotions, colour, fonts. Use concise, relevant titles packed with keywords. Proper metadata helps your content get seen. Less but to the point – is more when it comes or both thumbnails and titles. 4) Retention is king: Hook instantly, then vary pace and inject “pattern breakers” at likely drop-off points. Strong retention tells the algorithm your video deserves to be recommended. Healthy AVD is everything, it matters more than the number of views. 5) Build real community: Engage actively: pin comments, answer questions, host livestreams. Loyal audiences boost returning viewers and organic reach. 6) Consistency & Formats win: Stick to a reliable schedule (full-length videos + Shorts). Diversify formats to reach both core fans and new users algorithms reward this. Use all the forms and tools. 7) Obsess over analytics: Let data (CTR, retention, watch time) guide every decision, from thumbnail improvements to topic shifts. Always test, learn, iterate, and implement. 8) Be the niche authority: Go deep in your field. Prioritise evergreen content that ages well and attracts long-term views—freshen it up as trends return. 9) Collaborate strategically: Partner with peers and complementary content creators. Cross-promote on multiple platforms (Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Discord, Reddit, Telegram, WhatsApp, Newsletters) to expand your ecosystem 10) Stay adaptable: YouTube is always evolving. Embrace new features, formats, and monetisation tools quickly. Agility means survival and growth. Sustained YouTube success isn’t luck.It’s a craft: blending art, analytics, technology, and deep audience empathy, day in, day out. Comment the names of content creators who you think started back in 2015/16 and are still going strong
20 Indian Brands That Mastered Creator & UGC.
The Spiritual Point of View for Content Creators.
Spiritual Lens for Content Creator 🌱0 to 10K Followers: The Grounding Stage You’re in obscurity and that is divineThis is your sadhanaPlant deep roots 1) Create without craving– Don’t chase likes, chase truth– Let your voice mature in solitude 2) Your content is karma– Each post is a karmic action– Be mindful of intention, not just impact 3) Master the basics:– Learn editing, writing, design– This is your modern day tapasya 4) Show up daily– Consistency is greater than talent– Publish imperfectly, learn ruthlessly 5) Don’t fear invisibility– No one noticing is your chance to experiment wildly– Treat obscurity as freedom 6) Engage deeply– Every comment matters now. Build your first 100 loyal people 7) Consume consciously– Study 10x more than you create but don’t mimic, assimilate 🔥10K to 100K Followers: The Refinement Stage Now the world is watchingYou are not starting anymore, start behaving like it 1) Double down on what works– Find your lane and own it– Don’t keep pivoting 2) Build systems– Weekly calendars, templates, and rituals will set you free– Don’t just gather followers create ‘Satsang’ 3) Invest with intention– Buy only what boosts efficiency– Flashiness drains karma (and money) 4) Balance passion & profit– Say no to brands that dilute your messagel even if they pay 5) Mentor and be mentored1 Learn from those ahead– Pull those behind– It’s all seva 6) Reflect weekly– Ask: “Am I still serving, or am I chasing?”– Truth keeps you clean 🌳100K to 500K Followers: The Expansion Stage You’re not small anymoreThis stage amplifies everything, strengths and weaknesses 1) Ego will knock – don’t open– Stay humble– Talk less– Serve more 2) Watch your money– Spend consciously– Save aggressively– Don’t chase creator lifestyle traps 3) Give before you ask– Your audience owes you nothing– Keep serving– Keep giving 4) Watch your inputs– Avoid mindless scrolling– Curate your information diet like a monk’s meal 🏔️500K to 1M Followers: The Legacy Stage You are now a voice of influenceThe question is: influence for what? 1) Choose leadership over control– Uplift your team, don’t manage them– Be the sun, not the spotlight 2) Detach from praise AND criticism– Neither defines you– The work does 3) Don’t become a prisoner of persona– Reinvent if needed– Don’t sell your soul to an old version of yourself 4) Create from stillness– Let your next evolution come from silence, not pressure 5) Give back daily– Sponsor education– Run impact projects– Teach openly– Use your spotlight to illuminate others 6) Ask yourself one question weekly– If I lost it all today, would I still be proud of how I showed up? Create like a RishiServe like a SikhDetach like a JainBe mindful like a Buddha If you want to connect with me to discuss starting/scaling content, strategy, growth, feel free to block my time using topmate.io/join2manish, book your slot
The Evolution Of The Indian Creator Economy.
The EvolutionOf The Indian Creator Economy (2016–2025) The Indian creator economy has moved from content-first to company-first approach in last ten years. It’s no longer about chasing attention, it’s about owning it & monetizing This isn’t just a trend or a fad anymore. It’s India’s next big industry – creating opportunities, jobs & more From side hustles to socio-economic powerhouses here’s a crisp breakdown of how the Indian creator ecosystem has evolved: 1) Mid-size content creators are on a rise: – Creators with 10K–500K followers now earn ₹50K–₹5L/month.– This segment drives 65–70% of brand campaigns. 2) Creators = Businesses No longer just influencers, today’s creators launch products, courses, communities, and full-stack digital companies creating job opportunities 3) Regional wins: 70%+ of YouTube viewership is non-English. Vernacular creators dominate engagement metrics. 4) Multi-platform strategy is non-negotiable: Each platform plays a different role: – YouTube (depth)– Instagram (reach)– LinkedIn (credibility)– WhatsApp, Telegram (community) 5) Indian creator SaaS is booming: DIY tools now let creators monetize faster through courses, stores, & memberships 6) Live Commerce Still Early: Unlike China, India hasn’t scaled live commerce yet however infra is catching up 7) Influencer Marketing is Mainstream: – Brands now allocate 10–25% of digital budgets here– Market size: ₹2,800–₹3,000 Cr. growing at 25–30% CAGR 8. Performance > Popularity: – Clicks, conversions, & retention > likes & views– ROI is the new currency 9) Education goes creator-led: Niche knowledge in finance, AI, fitness, & content creation is being taught directly by content creators and their teams 10) Podcasts are trust engines: – Long-form content drives deep relationships– Repurposing into Shorts = bonus reach 11) Creator Economy = Jobs: – Every full-time creator generates 4–6 indirect jobs– Over 10L+ employed across roles 12. Micro-agencies on the rise: – Mid-size creators (50K+) now need managers– The ecosystem has exploded with agencies & reps 13) Real engagement win: – Saves, comments, shares, & CTRs are what brands care about not vanity metrics. 14) Legal, financial maturity: Contracts, GST invoices, ASCI compliance creators are now run like startups 15) Burnout is REAL: With algorithm pressure, many creators now actively manage mental health & breaks 16) AI = 10x content output: – One creator can now do the work of ten– AI is the new teammate 17) UGC Creators → Better ROI: – Everyday creators (2K–10K followers) drive authentic content & cheaper performance wins 18) Collabs > Competition: – Crossovers between creators unlock network effects and audience sharing. 19) Global Playbook, Indian Roots: – Indian creators are gaining global traction in tech, finance, & culture with Hinglish-led formats 20) Creator-Investors: – Top creators are now funding and launching startups bringing capital and attention