In this episode, Lauren and Josh break down YouTube's unprecedented move at their NewFronts presentation, where executives directly called out competitors like TikTok and Meta by name. We also explore TikTok’s brilliant new in-app integration with Cameo. Plus, we dive into Instagram’s new premium subscription and discuss whether brands funding their own web series is the next major wave of the creator economy. What you’ll learn: -- Why YouTube is urging advertisers to shift their social media budgets for an 86% higher ROI. -- How US creators can now sell and fulfill Cameo videos without ever leaving the TikTok app. -- The hidden perks of Instagram Plus, including anonymous story viewing and extended 48-hour story lifespans. -- Why major brands like Adobe and Crocs are funding the renaissance of branded web series. 00:00 Intro & Passover Recaps 01:12 YouTube's NewFronts Announcements 01:50 YouTube Calls Out TikTok Onstage 03:14 Claiming an 86% Higher ROI 03:38 Is YouTube "Social Media"? 05:43 Shorts vs. TikTok Audience Overlap 06:39 The "Bring, Build, Boost" Strategy 08:28 The Rise and Fall of Cameo 10:24 Cameo Integrates Directly Into TikTok 11:46 TikTok’s New Integration Playbook 14:21 Instagram Tests Premium Subscriptions 16:01 Anonymous Stalking vs LinkedIn Premium 17:41 The Branded Web Series Renaissance 18:28 History of Brand-Funded Content 21:39 Outro & Where to Listen 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