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

At SXSW in Austin on March 15, Creator Gold Live brought the magic of the creator economy to life. From rising TikTok stars to seasoned industry innovators, creators, founders, and operators filled the room sharing knowledge, sparking connections, and building momentum that will ripple far beyond this single day.

 It wasn’t just about panels and presentations; it was a celebration of community, collaboration, and creativity. Hallway chats were just as powerful as on-stage insights, with attendees exchanging ideas, forming partnerships, and leaving inspired to level up their own creator journeys.

This issue of our newsletter dives into what went down at the event, featuring highlights and quotes from speakers and attendees who brought the experience to life, along with the latest signals shaping the creator economy. We’re also sharing curated picks on what to watch, listen to, and where to eat including two standout conversations: Jon Youshaei’s just-dropped behind-the-scenes docuseries 45 Days with MrBeast, and a powerful SXSW talk from Emma Grede on visibility, ownership, and building real leverage plus a creator-focused podcast and a beloved Italian classic in San Francisco’s Marina District.

A huge thank you to TikTok and Later for helping make it happen, and to everyone who joined, spoke, or supported the event you are the heart of this community. If you’re curious about opportunities with TikTok, including creator growth and monetization programs, fill out this form here to get involved.

Whether you were at SXSW or following from afar, this newsletter is your front-row seat to the ideas, trends, and stories driving the creator economy forward.

💛
France & Monica
Creator Gold, Co-Founders

Creator Gold Live kicked off with one simple goal: bring the community together, share knowledge, and have a little fun. But it quickly became more than panels; it was a gathering with purpose, a space to meet, connect, learn, and celebrate creativity, collaboration, and community.

Set in a historic Austin landmark, the venue offered a stunning indoor ballroom and an outdoor poolside space where TikTok’s activation came alive. Guests were greeted by live performances from Zach Carney, known for his soulful melodies and intricate guitar work, and Aaron Gonzalez, whose solo project blends country roots with emotive storytelling. Every detail from music to venue design created a space where creativity and human connection could flourish.

A special thank you to https AJ Eckstein and Dominic Imwalle for rolling up their sleeves and jumping in to help, your support meant so much. Grateful as well to Jake Clare, Ding Zheng, Marcos Vidal Becerra, and the entire EventShark team for capturing the day so beautifully. And to our incredible team on the ground in Austin thank you for showing up, pitching in, and making it all happen.

Creator Gold Live wasn’t about follower counts, it was about people willing to share, learn, and build together. Flights were rearranged, schedules shifted, and attendees stayed late all because they believed in the power of this community. Our Creator Gold correspondents for the day, Grace Ling and Morgan Young, captured stories, insights, and magic from the room throughout the event.

Moderator: Greg Seward

Panelists: Timothy Martin, Breonna Stephens

When your content feels like you, people notice but turning that into real momentum comes from finding your niche and showing up with consistent, high-quality content. The panel made it clear that clarity matters more than virality.

Rather than chasing trends, panelists emphasized building a recognizable point of view that audiences return to.

Greg Seward reframed niche as something you earn, not choose,  it’s what people remember you for after repeated exposure.

Timothy Martin shared how his background as a former athlete shaped his content, but real growth came from making fans feel like participants, not just viewers.

Breonna Stephens highlighted that her audience doesn’t follow her for reviews alone, but for how she interprets stories turning content into conversation.

A key tension emerged:

👉 Growth on TikTok rewards viral moments, but sustainable creators optimize for clarity and repeatability.

The takeaway:

Consistency isn’t just about frequency, it's how audiences learn what to expect from you. Real growth comes from showing up with high-quality, authentic content and a niche that audiences can recognize and return to.

Moderator: Jim Louderback

Panelists: Diana Williams, Hudson Matter, RJ Larese

The panel unpacked a fundamental shift: creators are no longer trying to break into traditional media they’re building parallel systems.

An underlying tension surfaced:
👉 Traditional media still optimizes for ownership and control
👉 Creators are optimizing for ownership and direct distribution

The next generation of media companies won’t look like studios they’ll look like creator-led ecosystems. 

Moderator: Joshua Cohen

Panelists: Rishi Jethi, Max Reisinger, Sundas Khalid

This panel challenged the idea that scaling as a creator is about producing more content.

Instead, it’s about building systems that make content scala

Joshua Cohen anchored the conversation by reframing what a “studio” actually is in today’s landscape not a physical space, but a repeatable model.

That framing set up the rest of the conversation:

A key insight emerged:
👉 The most advanced creators aren’t just scaling content they’re scaling systems and formats

And an underlying tension:
👉 Many creators want scale
👉 But few are building the repeatable structures required to achieve it

The takeaway:
The next generation of studios won’t be defined by size.

They’ll be defined by how efficiently they can turn ideas into repeatable outcomes.

Moderator: Patrick Walker

Panelists: Dylan Huey, Uptin Saiidi, Valeska Pederson Hintz, Kati Morton

This panel explored the realities of turning attention into a business and the tradeoffs that come with it.

A clear tension emerged:
👉 Being a creator rewards flexibility and experimentation
👉 Building a company requires discipline, focus, and constraint

The takeaway:
Not every creator needs to become a company but those who do must operate differently.

Moderator: AJ Eckstein

Panelists: Goldie Chan, Brian Smithwrick, Morgan Young, My Nguyen (@myhealthydish),

This panel focused on a commonly misunderstood idea: community.

Panelists challenged the assumption that audience size equals engagement.

The tension:
👉 Many creators believe they have a community
👉 In reality, most have an audience without active participation

The takeaway:
Community is not built through reach it’s built through relationships.

This was one of the most revealing conversations of the day not about strategy, but about how access actually works.

Jon Youshaei broke down how he built a relationship with MrBeast and it wasn’t luck.

It was preparation.

“I prepare for interviews before they even exist.” His standard isn’t whether he can interview someone it’s whether he understands them well enough to tell their story: “Can I write this person’s biography and would they trust me to?”

That approach turned one interview into:

The key insight:

👉 Access doesn’t come first trust does

And trust is built before the opportunity shows up.

At the same time, his execution is simple: “You’re in your own head. Just post.” Extreme preparation. Decisive action.

Scott Sutton, CEO of Later, brought the operator lens.

“How am I supposed to understand creators if I’m not creating myself?” He shared how he actively creates content and pushes his team to do the same:

“I challenge our entire team to create content.”

Not for marketing for intuition.

To understand:

It’s a model of leading from the front, not building from a distance.

The takeaway:

Preparation builds trust. Systems build scale. The best operators do both.

“It was a fantastic event kudos to Monica and France for bringing together such a thoughtful and dynamic group.” — Scott Sutton, CEO, Later

“It was incredibly inspiring to be at SXSW with TikTok at the Creator Gold event, surrounded by so many creators connecting and engaging across topics that are truly at the forefront of the creator economy. I hope our TikTok panel left creators feeling empowered to take their content to the next level and to continue producing the high-quality, impactful content that TikTok audiences want to see.” Greg Seward, Global Creator Marketing - Education, TikTok 

“What a great location and great mix of speakers and attendees!  Can't wait until the next one!” Jim Louderback, Editor & CEO of Inside the Creator Economy                       

"Creator Gold Live brought together a genuinely curated, high-quality group of people building what’s next. Thoughtful conversations, real impact, and a stunning venue as always." — Patrick Walker, Senior Advisor, Electrify

“Had an amazing time speaking at Creator Gold Live! The panels were incredibly strong and it was an all-around inspiring experience.” — Dylan Huey, CEO, REACH 

“Creator Gold Live provided the perfect space for conversations about the next era of entertainment. Being in that room and on that stage was inspiring.” — Diana Williams, Co-founder, Kinetic Energy Entertainment

 “Moderating a panel at Creator Gold was an awesome experience, especially given the caliber of speakers that we had on the panel. Everyone in the space was there, and it was definitely a highlight of SXSW. Monica and France are wonderful hosts!” — AJ Eckstein, Founder/CEO, Creator Match

“Scaling a creator business is often framed around growth, but this room highlighted that longevity comes from trust building something real enough that people don’t just follow you, they stay.” — Kati Morton, Licensed Therapist & Content Creator

"Lots of conversations outside of the panel discussions that I was on—it was all around riveting!" — Goldie Chan, Founder, Warm Robots 

“By far… the highlight of my SXSW.” — Brandon Smithwrick, B2B Creator & Founder, Content to Commas

“My first SXSW, and Creator Gold Live was easily a highlight. From red carpet photo ops to powerful conversations about entrepreneurship and the modern creator studio, it was a well-curated experience.” — Sundas Khalid, Tech & AI Creator

"Creator Gold brought together so many heavy hitters in the space. The vibes all around were just awesome." — Uptin Saiidi, Creator & Founder, UP10Media

“I was shocked this was the first Creator Gold at SXSW! Super fun and well put together, bringing together the top minds and people in the creator space. Much needed!” — Max Reisinger, Co-Founder & CEO, Creator Camp

"I had a wonderful time! France and Monica brought together amazing creators and experts. I came away with actionable takeaways to grow my career." — Grace Ling, Creator & Founder, Design Buddies

"France and Monica's ability to bring people together is unmatched. From conversations to panel insights, it was truly an awesome day in Austin excited for what’s next!" — Dominic Imwalle, Founder, DX Consulting

From hallway chats to on-stage insights, the energy in the room was contagious. Flights may have returned, panels may have ended, but the connections, ideas, and momentum from this day will ripple across the creator world. Whether you were in Austin or following from afar, Creator Gold Live showed the magic that happens when creators, innovators, and operators come together. We can’t wait to see you in the next room, building the future of creativity together!

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

Landmark Verdict: Social Platforms Found Negligent in Youth Addiction Case

⚖️ In a first-of-its-kind decision, a Los Angeles jury found Meta (Instagram) and Google (YouTube) liable for negligent platform design, concluding their products contributed to addictive use and harm among young users. The case seen as a bellwether for thousands of similar lawsuits centers on how features like algorithms, autoplay, and infinite scroll may drive compulsive engagement.  (NBC News)

TikTok Expands Beyond Short-Form →

🎙️Podcast power, radio vibes, and long-form storytelling TikTok is leveling up into a full media playground. At SXSW, TikTok and iHeartMedia launched TikTok Radio and a new creator-led podcast network, signaling that TikTok is evolving into a full media ecosystem. Creators can now extend their reach into radio and podcasts, opening the door to deeper storytelling and sustained audience engagement. (People)

Brand + Creator Partnerships Surge →

💸 Creators Are the New CEOs. Creator marketing budgets are up ~171% YoY, reflecting a shift from experimental campaigns to core strategic investment. Brands are putting serious resources toward creators over traditional channels. Alix Earle teased a new venture launching March 24, showing how creators are moving beyond sponsorships into audience-driven businesses. (LA Times, Sports Illustrated Lifestyle)

The Era of “One Alix Earle” Is Evolving →

🌟 Creators today are winning with multi-platform strategies, long-form content, and media ecosystems not just viral fame. Experts at SXSW note that breakout moments like Alix Earle’s are less common. Success now favors sustainable engagement and diversified audience-driven IP. (Mashable)

🍷 Creators, Napa’s Stealing the Spotlight →

The Bay Area isn’t just tech and startups it’s a full-on creator playground. Netflix is developing a Napa-set series, “Uncorked”, showing how the region inspires storytelling across platforms. From scenic vineyards to immersive experiences, Napa is emerging as a hub where creators can capture lifestyle, entertainment, and visually rich content proving the Bay Area is more than just Silicon Valley. (San Francisco, Chronicle)

Creator Content Becomes Entertainment Media →

📺 Uproxx is bringing YouTube music content to connected TV as premium inventory, showing that creators are now competing with legacy networks. Creator audiences are being valued like traditional media, and creator-led companies are building their own entertainment ecosystems. (Axios)

Creators Move Into Streaming →

🎬 Netflix is partnering with YouTube creators Salish Matter and Jordan Matter for original scripted, unscripted, and animated content, plus product and experiential collaborations. Creator-built audiences are being leveraged for broader media opportunities, showing that creators are shaping the future of streaming entertainment. (Netflix)

Gaming IP Moves Into Real-World Experiences →

🎮 From Pixels to Parks - Minecraft is expanding into physical theme parks, demonstrating how digital creator-driven IP is transitioning into experiential entertainment. Digital engagement is now translating into real-world, revenue-generating ecosystems. (Mashable)

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

🌸Easter Egg Hunts & Spring Festivities  | April 4-5
Celebrate From panoramic egg hunts to family-friendly celebrations across parks in SF, Berkeley, and Napa (including brunch and egg hunts), these seasonal events offer great lifestyle content and community storytelling. (San Francisco, East Bay, Napa, & Peninsula)

🌸SF Cherry Blossom Festival  | April 11-12 & 18-19
Celebrate spring and Japanese culture at one of San Francisco’s most visually stunning events. With traditional performances, food, and a colorful parade, the Cherry Blossom Festival is a goldmine for high-quality visual content, lifestyle, storytelling and cultural engagement. (Japantown, SF)

🎨 San Francisco Art Fair  Fort Mason Festival Pavilion | April 16–19
The Bay Area’s longest-running contemporary art showcase returns with galleries from around the world, public programming, and cultural collaborations a rich backdrop for visual content and creator meetups. (San Francisco)

🎬 San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF) | April 23 – May 3, 2026
The 69th edition brings international cinema, filmmaker talks, and industry panels to theaters across San Francisco and the Bay Area, offering plenty of opportunities for creative storytelling and inspiration. (SF & Various events in Bay Area)

📣 2026 Electronic Dance Music Awards (EDM Awards) | March 27, 2026,
The Electronic Dance Music Awards (EDMAs) take place March 27, 2026, in South Beach during Miami Music Week  celebrating the biggest artists in electronic music with performances, networking, and recognition from across the dance music world. (EDM Awards) Miami Beach, FL

🎪 ^{Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival | April 10- 12 $ April 17–19, 2026} 
One of the biggest music and culture festivals in the world returns with headliners like Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. Beyond performances, Coachella is a content gold mine for fashion, lifestyle, music culture, and creator meetups. (Indio, CA)

📡 NAB Show 2026 | April 18–22
NAB Show is a major gathering for the content economy, featuring a Creator Lab and Start-Up Pavilion. The event highlights the latest in AI, streaming, and creator monetization, offering insights into emerging trends shaping digital media (Las Vegas, NV)

✍️ Pikes Peak Writers Conference | April 17–19
A great pick for storytelling creators, as the conference brings authors, agents, and editors together for workshops, pitch sessions, and panels perfect if you’re growing your narrative craft or launching a book project. (Colorado Springs, CO)

Carefully chosen content that moves the creator world forward, from platform updates to standout storytelling and Bay Area discoveries.

🎬 To Watch
Jon Youshaei who joined us on stage at Creator Gold Live at SXSW just dropped a new docuseries: 45 Days with MrBeast.

After filming alongside MrBeast for 45 days, this series goes deeper into how one of the biggest creators in the world actually operates —from massive shoots to the moments in between.

Watch → https://youtu.be/K6EzHtWgtCs

▶️ WATCH
Emma Grede on Why Being in the Room Still Matters
At SXSW’s Founders House, Emma Grede took on one of the biggest debates right now: visibility.

In conversation with Lauryn and Michael Bosstick, she made the case that being in the room still matters. Proximity drives access. Access drives opportunity. And remote work doesn’t replace that.

But the moment everyone kept talking about after wasn’t visibility. It was money.

Emma pushed female founders to stop treating wealth like a taboo and start treating profit like a priority. Her point was simple: if you’re not willing to talk about money, you’re not positioned to build it.

In a landscape obsessed with flexibility and optics, she reframed the conversation around something more fundamental: power.

Visibility gets you in the room.
Ownership and profit determine what happens once you’re there.

One of the most talked-about conversations of the week and for good reason.

Watch → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDQ5sItt_sU

🎧 LISTEN
Creators, Brands & the Future of Product Launches (Variety’s Strictly Business)
A recent episode of Strictly Business by Variety features Dolphin Entertainment CEO Bill O’Dowd breaking down how the creator economy is reshaping marketing, product launches, and brand-building. The conversation highlights how creators are no longer just distribution they’re central to how products are built, launched, and scaled today.

It’s a sharp, insider look at where brand + creator partnerships are heading next and why creators are becoming the new media companies.

Listen → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-strictly-business-30950719/episode/how-the-creator-economy-has-changed-325110760/

🍽 EAT
Little Original Joe’s | France’s Recommendation (San Francisco)
Little Original Joe’s is always a go-to that perfect Marina spot that’s lively, nostalgic, and effortlessly fun. A true San Francisco classic, it’s the kind of place where the energy is social, the room is always buzzing, and every table feels like it’s in on a good time.

What to order: Go for a few pizzas to share and skip the pastas classic, comforting, and always a hit.

Why it stands out: Timeless, vibrant, and consistently buzzing, this is SF at its best.

📍 Marina District, San Francisco, CA 

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

Creator Gold creates elevated spaces where creators, founders, brands, and platform leaders connect with intention turning conversation into collaboration.

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