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

YouTube Takes the Gloves Off | The Renaissance of Branded Web Series

Creator Upload

YouTube Takes the Gloves Off | The Renaissance of Branded Web Series