Welcome to From the Gold Room, our dispatch shaped by the people, ideas, and moments moving the creator economy forward.

It's been one of the biggest, wildest two weeks the creator economy has ever seen and we've got all of it for you.

Cannes Lions and VidCon back-to-back delivered the same unmistakable message from two totally different stages: creators aren't just part of the conversation anymore they are the conversation. Meanwhile, everything else kept moving fast. Xbox just announced the biggest shakeup in its history. Hollywood keeps mining the internet for hits (and controversy, courtesy of an AI "actress"). And TikTok, Meta, and FIFA all made big moves signaling exactly where creators fit into what's next.

Plus, we're bringing you closer to the rooms where the industry connects because we love our Creator Gold community, we've got something special in this issue: Exclusive discounts just for you. Heading to Open Sauce in San Mateo? We secured 25% off. Making the trip to Creator Economy Live in NYC? We've got 20% off waiting as well. Two of the biggest creator gatherings this summer with a little something extra, just for you.

And we close with our Gold Room Recommends: carefully selected content, conversations, and experiences that are moving culture and the creator economy forward.

 Let's get to the gold.

💛
France & Monica
Creator Gold, Co-Founders

If there was one defining story this summer, it wasn't a product launch, a platform announcement, or even the rapid pace of AI innovation.

It was the creator economy.

Over the past two weeks, the industry's attention centered on two of its biggest global gatherings: Cannes Lions on the French Riviera and VidCon in Anaheim.

While each event serves a different purpose, together they revealed something much bigger about where the creator economy is headed.

At Cannes Lions, creators weren't simply invited to participate, they were at the center of conversations with brands, agencies, AI companies, platforms, investors, and media leaders shaping the future of marketing, entertainment, and commerce.

At VidCon, the focus shifted to community, education, entrepreneurship, and connection. Creators, founders, platforms, and fans came together to share ideas, build relationships, and explore what's next for creator-led businesses.

Different events. Different audiences. One unmistakable message. 

The creator economy has entered a new chapter.

The conversation is no longer centered on followers, views, or going viral. Today's creators are building companies, launching products, owning intellectual property, leveraging AI, developing recurring revenue, and creating businesses designed to last.

To capture this moment, Creator Gold invited respected leaders from across the creator economy to share what stood out most from Cannes Lions, VidCon or both. Their reflections reveal not only what happened over the past two weeks, but where our industry is headed next.

“Going from Cannes Lions to VidCon in the same week is one of the clearest ways to see where the creator economy is headed. Cannes has become where business gets done, while VidCon remains one of the strongest connections to fans and the next generation of creators. You really need to experience both to understand the creator economy today.”

“Cannes Lions and VidCon back-to-back told one story. At Cannes, creators were front and center alongside brands, AI companies, founders, and tech leaders. Then VidCon reminded me who it's all for thousands of fans showing up for the creators they love. The dollars and the technology keep evolving, but one thing hasn't changed: relationships still win.”

"Cannes and VidCon back-to-back felt like two completely different chapters of the same story. Cannes was an absolute whirlwind speaking at Meltwater's event, meeting Priyanka Chopra and Paris Hilton in person, and connecting with brands I'd love to work with down the line. It was a total pinch-me trip.

Then VidCon hit differently. It was my first time as a featured creator, and getting to meet so many kids at my booth  making bracelets together, creating content with fans on the spot, and premiering my film, Baby Shu: Thanksgiving Episode, in front of a huge crowd was surreal in a completely different way. Cannes showed me the business side of this industry, but VidCon reminded me why I do this in the first place. It genuinely feels like the start of a new chapter for me."

“The energy at Cannes this year was unreal, but the celebration is only half the story. Everyone now wants access to creators. Brands, streamers, studios all competing for the same talent. But attention was never the hard part. The creators who win the next decade won't be the ones who got the most attention on the Croisette. They'll be the ones who turned that attention into something they own, audiences, data, and IP that compounds long after the campaign ends.”

The nuance Whalar knows and got paid well for is this: Creators ARE the most powerful brands in marketing, each Creator individually, with their specific, devoted community. 1% will have hundreds of millions of followers. The other 2 million will have far fewer. However, those 'smaller' Creators are just as valuable per devoted fan  as the mega stars. That's entirely different math than the OG Creator economy of views and clicks.

Most of the BIG parties and BIG HYPE on the Croisette talked past this nuance. Does Song get it, or are they just knee-jerk buying? Does the rest of the industry get this? I'm still waiting to find out." 

Heather Moosnick, Co-Founder Create On Purpose

"My first Cannes Lions and the industry message was clear: this is the creators' world now, and brands are living in it. The smartest brands leaned in  taking a back-seat to creator-led ideas, letting creators do what they do best for their audiences. But there was one moment stuck with me most: 30 creators who travelled around the world to be in Cannes - many on their own dime- stepped away from the biggest brand-deal week of the year during prime time to talk with each other about their “why”. Every creator I met lit up about how much they care about their audiences learning and growing. And one story kept repeating: the more they created on purpose, the more success and less burnout they experienced. Attention and trust gets you to Cannes. Purpose keeps you creating."

“Being a creator has basically become a soft skill. Everybody creates now from Oprah to CEOs to everyday people. Meanwhile, the biggest creators are becoming media companies, building IP, selling inventory, and negotiating entertainment deals. Watching those two worlds collide at Cannes was one of the most fascinating shifts of the week.”

“My biggest takeaway from Cannes Lions this year was the sheer number of creators who bet on themselves to secure a seat at the table best evidenced when our Sprout Creator Network drew over 260 participants instead of the expected 50 to 70, signaling that creators are no longer waiting for an invitation to shape the future of marketing. Even while managing activations from thousands of miles away, I watched a distinct industry shift unfold as brands and agencies intentionally designed their experiences around this presence, moving past superficial networking to facilitate real B2B deals on the ground. The moment that truly drove this home for me was seeing how our community self-mobilized; via a WhatsApp group, creators organically shared housing, coordinated meetups, and dynamically rallied 15 to 20 people to shoot content at our Wednesday studio operation. Ultimately, this experience proved to me that the future of the creator economy isn't just about individual influence, but about the collective power of a community to amplify a brand's presence far beyond the physical event.”

 “VidCon has always been about bringing creators and their communities together with the industry, but this year the conversations were as important as the content on stage. From leadership summits and roundtables to hallway discussions, creators, founders, platforms, and investors openly tackled AI, audience ownership, M&A, and sustainable business models. That's a sign of a healthy ecosystem. I'm also thrilled that beginning next year, VidCon and Cannes will no longer overlap, allowing both events to fully serve their unique role in the creator economy.”

“VidCon has been part of my creator journey since I first attended at 14 years old, and I've been fortunate to return nearly every year since. Coming back this year as both a speaker and an official VidCon partner through REACH was a true full-circle moment. It reminded me that while the creator economy is powered online, its greatest opportunities are still created when people come together in person. That's what REACH has always been about bringing creators together, building meaningful relationships, and creating the kinds of opportunities that simply can't happen through a screen alone.”

“VidCon still has a lot of life in it. What stood out most this year was how entrepreneurial creators have become. Brand deals alone aren't enough anymore. The creators who thrive over the next decade will be the ones who diversify revenue, build businesses, and turn their audiences into lasting companies.”

“The biggest shift at VidCon this year wasn't AI. It was creators thinking beyond the platforms. The conversation has moved from audience growth and brand deals to ownership, IP, recurring revenue, and building businesses that can stand the test of time.”

“I've attended VidCon the last few years, both as a speaker and an invited guest. Although this year felt different, I still see so much value in showing up. I got to network with incredible people, landed a high-profile partnership, and strengthened relationships with creators and brands. Moments like these remind me why community matters so much in this industry. You never know which conversation will change everything. I'm honored to speak at VidCon, and I'm already looking forward to next year.”

 ✨ Creator Gold Takeaway

If this summer proved anything, it's that the creator economy is no longer an emerging industry, it's an essential one.

From the boardrooms of Cannes Lions to the halls of VidCon, one message echoed throughout every conversation: the future belongs to creators who build lasting businesses, cultivate authentic communities, embrace innovation, and own more of what they create.

As brands, platforms, AI companies, investors, and creators continue to converge, the creator economy is becoming one of the most influential forces shaping the future of media, marketing, technology, entertainment, and commerce.

And if these industry voices are any indication, we're only getting started.

Signals that matter this week (all from the last 1–2 weeks):

Xbox Layoffs Rock the Gaming Industry

Microsoft cut 4,800 jobs this week, with Xbox hit hardest losing roughly 20% of its workforce (about 3,200 people) over the next year. New CEO Asha Sharma called it the most significant restructure in Xbox's history, with several studios, including Double Fine and Ninja Theory, being sold or spun off to go independent.

Why it matters for creators: As studios go independent, expect more direct creator partnerships and earlier access deals, since these teams no longer have Xbox's built-in marketing muscle. It's also a reminder of how fast platform dependence can shift worth watching if you cover gaming or platform strategy. (Bloomberg, CNBC)

 TikTok Launches AI-Powered Ad Tool for Microdramas

TikTok officially rolled out Growth Max for Mini Dramas, a new automated advertising tool that helps brands promote serialized, soap opera-style short-form content on the platform. TikTok says the tool uses onsite engagement signals to target high-intent viewers, and reports a 52% increase in incremental audience reach in early testing.

Why it matters for creators: Microdramas already generated over $1 billion in the U.S. last year, and this move signals TikTok is building real monetization infrastructure around the format, a growing opportunity for creators and writers working in short-form serialized storytelling.  (Social Media Today)

 🕶️ Meta's New AI Glasses Spark Fresh Privacy Debate

 Meta has unveiled a new line of AI-powered smart glasses starting at $299, making wearable AI more accessible while introducing stylish new frame options, including a design collab with Kylie Jenner. As the glasses become more like everyday sunglasses, it will be harder for people to know when they're being recorded, raising new questions about privacy and consent for creators filming in public.

Why it matters for creators: The glasses offer exciting new ways to capture content, but creators and brands will need to navigate evolving expectations around transparency and responsible use, especially when recording others.  (Mashable)

Warner Bros. Turns Internet Horror Icon "Siren Head" Into a Movie

Warner Bros. has acquired film rights to Siren Head, the internet-born horror creation by artist Trevor Henderson, after winning a five-studio bidding war. "Weapons" director Zach Cregger is co-writing the script with Brian Duffield ("No One Will Save You") attached to direct, and Henderson himself will executive produce.

Why it matters for creators: Henderson created Siren Head independently in 2018 and, rare for viral internet characters, kept full creative control as it grew into a global phenomenon and now, an executive producer credit on a major studio film. This continues a growing pipeline of internet-born, creator-driven concepts (like Backrooms and Obsession) landing major studio deals a real pathway for independent creators and artists to see original ideas turned into theatrical releases while keeping ownership of what they built. (Source: Net Influencer)

Fox One's World Cup Playbook: Let the Creators Do the Scoring

Fox One partnered with Indeed to hire two "Chief World Cup Watchers" TikTok creators Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto to watch every match from a glass cube in Times Square. A video of fans engaging with the cube went viral, and Fox One saw a significant surge in new subscribers since the tournament began. The platform also partnered with livestreamer IShowSpeed for game watchalongs.

Why it matters for creators: "We feel like we've landed on a gold mine," said Fox's CMO Brian Borkowski a telling admission from a legacy media brand about just how much value creators are driving. This is one of the clearest examples yet of a major brand building its entire campaign strategy around creators instead of traditional celebrity endorsements. (Business Insider)

 IShowSpeed to Headline First-Ever YouTube FIFA Creator Cup

 YouTube and FIFA are teaming up for an exhibition match at Central Park's Wollman Rink on July 12, led by IShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.), featuring a combined roster of top YouTube creators and FIFA legends with over 270 million subscribers between them. Dove Men+Care and Lay's are signed on as livestream sponsors, and the event will stream live on both FIFA's and IShowSpeed's YouTube channels.

 Why it matters for creators: This is a strong signal of how major sports brands are now building entire events around creators rather than just sponsoring content blurring the line between "athlete" and "creator" entertainment. Worth watching as a new activation model for brands looking to reach younger, platform-native audiences. (Net Influencer) 

Creators Are Becoming the New Educators

A new Meta-commissioned survey found that audiences now value expert knowledge from creators more than fame or relatability, with education-focused content topping what people want to watch across every generation surveyed. The study, which polled nearly 10,000 people across eight countries, found that Gen Z and millennials increasingly favor "lived experience, shared honestly" over polished, aspirational content.

 Why it matters for creators: Follower count is becoming less important than relevance and trust. If your content strategy still centers on reach alone, this is a signal to lean into expertise and authenticity instead brands are taking note too. (Adweek)

A curated look at the rooms shaping what’s next in the creator world

Ferry Fest  Sunday, July 12 · SF Ferry Building (Free)

A free, all-ages celebration with live music from Bay Area artists, DJs, vintage shopping, and wine tasting right on the waterfront.

Open Sauce July 17–19, 2026 · San Mateo County Event Center

We've secured an exclusive discount for the Creator Gold community 25% off Industry tickets to Open Sauce, the Bay Area's premier creator-and-maker festival. This year's lineup includes Mark Rober, Hank Green, Vsauce, JerryRigEverything, and more, plus a dedicated Creator Industry Day on July 17 focused on influencer marketing strategies for science and tech brands.

 👉 Use code CreatorGold25 at checkout, or to claim the discount link: www.eventbrite.com/e/1508206870349/?discount=CreatorGold25

Mosswood Meltdown  July 18–19 (pre-party July 17) · Mosswood Park, Oakland ($99–$129/day)

A punk and indie festival hosted by John Waters, featuring Iggy Pop, Bikini Kill, and a pre-party with Pavement and Vivian Girls.

Stern Grove Festival  Sundays through mid-August · San Francisco (Free, lottery for tickets)

Free outdoor concerts in a gorgeous eucalyptus grove, now in its 89th year.

Social Commerce Summit  July 16, 2026 · Sony Hall, Times Square, New York

A one-day summit bringing together founders, brand leaders, and platform executives shaping the future of social commerce  covering creator commerce, affiliate, live shopping, and AI. Confirmed speakers include leadership from Shopify, Alibaba, VaynerX, and Dr. Kellyann Petrucci.

Creator Economy Live East  July 28–29, 2026 New York Marriott Marquis, Times Square, New York

A two-day gathering built for brands and creators navigating influencer marketing and eCommerce strategy, with sessions on community building, audience ownership, and AI. Past attendees include Nespresso, United Airlines, Twitch, and Ticketmaster.

We've secured an exclusive discount for the Creator Gold community  20% off All Access, VIP, and Ultimate VIP passes.

 👉 Use code CreatorGold20 at checkout on creatoreconomylive.com/east. This can be applied at checkout on the website

Minnesota Yacht Club Festival July 17–19 · St. Paul, MN

A growing multi-genre music festival that's become a summer highlight in the Midwest.

Osheaga Festival July 31–August 2 · Montreal

One of the biggest North American festivals just across the border, headlined by Gunna, Kehlani, Clipse, and JID this year.

FIFA World Cup Final  July 19 · MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

The World Cup wraps up mid-July tying in nicely with the FIFA Creator Cup story elsewhere in this issue.

Carefully chosen content that moves the creator world forward  from standout storytelling to conversations shaping media, culture, and IRL discovery.

Scott Galloway Says "Creators Now Run Cannes"

Creator economy takeover: 500 "craters" now run Cannes (up from 250), out-earning traditional media by 24%  and half that spend goes to micro/nano influencers, not just the mega names. Scott Galloway breaks down why AI is becoming invisible infrastructure, and the under-the-radar company (Vending Spoons) that could out-IPO SpaceX.

 ▶️ WATCH —Scott Galloway

The Town with Matthew Belloni "The Biggest Winners and Losers of 2026 So Far"

Published July 7, this episode has Belloni and Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw running through the entertainment industry's winners and losers year-to-date surprise hits, embarrassing flops, and the bets that paid off. A sharp, fast listen that connects directly to where Hollywood and the creator economy keep colliding.

Listen → puck.news/podcasts/the-town

Cotogna  (San Francisco | France’s Recommendation)

 If there's one reservation I'd recommend making this summer, it's Cotogna. Just steps from Jackson Square, Cotogna has become one of San Francisco's most beloved restaurants thanks to its seasonal California-Italian menu, handmade pastas, wood-fired dishes, and warm neighborhood atmosphere.

The dish everyone's talking about: the raviolo di ricotta one giant, plate-sized pasta pocket stuffed with ricotta, sitting in a pool of brown butter with a poached egg yolk hidden inside. Cut into it and the yolk spills out like lava through the butter. It's become the restaurant's signature, and for good reason simple, rich, and unforgettable. Whether you're hosting clients, catching up with friends, or celebrating a special occasion, it never disappoints. 📍 490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Creator Gold is a curated community and experience series founded by France Tantiado and Monica Khan in the San Francisco Bay Area.

We create intentional, elevated spaces where creators, founders, brands, and platform leaders connect, collaborate, and build what's next:  turning conversations into collaborations, and collaborations into what comes next.

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💛France & Monica

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