I’m finally off to shoot the first studio tour of the year today so this issue is slightly different but still full of insights that can help you take the next step as a creator.

💛 Valentin

How to make 60,000 USD in a weekend?

Many Creators often overlook Digital products as a way to make money. Yet, they offer a fantastic opportunity to earn continuously, putting in the initial effort and then enjoying the rewards repeatedly without additional costs.

To illustrate this potential, let’s look at how Jay Clouse launched a digital product to diversify his income streams. CreatorHQ, the product in question, is a comprehensive operating system for creators, designed to streamline all aspects of running a lean creator operation. It’s his Notion workspace packaged in an templated version.

To give it the best shot of standing out in a busy market for “”operating Systems” and “Notion Templates” Jay did a few things incredibly well you can look at for your own product launch.

Pre-Launch

• Testing: Jay entrusted members of his community with testing the product, gathering feedback and testimonials before the official release.

• Waitlist: Through his Newsletter and Podcast, Jay gauged interest from his audience, building anticipation and ensuring a strong start to sales.

Launch

• Exclusive Bonuses: To sweeten the deal he offered extras that incentivizes people to buy it now instead of when they need it. Including a live on-boarding session where people can ask specific questions

• Discounts: To reward loyal audience members he gave additional discounts to his podcast listeners and newsletter subscribers.

• Social Media Engagement: During the launch, Jay posted 18 tweets, 5 LinkedIn posts, 1 Instagram story, and 1 Instagram post. Continuously highlighting the use cases of this system.

Post-Launch

• Reviews: In the set up itself and in emails Jay asked people to write reviews that further strengthen the social proof of the product.

• Affiliates: Making a product for creators wouldn’t be complete without giving them a way to profit from it. So from the get go he included an affiliate program that encourages organic shares from other people with an audience.

You can listen to the full break down on his Creator Science Podcast or jump right into CreatorHQ yourself (Yes, that’s an affiliate link 😅)

Is an EU TikTok Ban Next?

This is a guest post by Luke Himmelsbach

Europe as a whole is NOT vibing with TikTok. This is to the point that TikTok literally wants to pay people to watch content. Well, things are getting worse for weary old TikTok with the EU launching yet another investigation, but this time on TikTok Lite. Something tells me that the EU is on a similar path as the US with its recent ban, but I’ll let you be the judge of that.

• Let’s start by figuring out what the hell TikTok Lite is. TikTok Lite is pretty much just like TikTok, but essentially only for viewers. There are no editing tools like regular TT, but users can watch videos while “carrying out tasks” to get paid. These “tasks” include things like inviting friends to the app or just simply watching, liking, and engaging with videos. And that money goes right back to TikTok as you use what you earn to buy creators gifts on the main app. My head is spinning, anyone else?

• So now that we know what this new app is, we have to dive into the investigation that has been launched by the EU. The investigation stems from suspected violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which are in place to prevent illegal content, ensure transparent advertising, and thwart disinformation.

• This move signals the EU's crackdown on risky product launches and non-compliance, especially from top social platforms.

• With TikTok already under scrutiny for multiple DSA compliance concerns, if found violating the DSA, TikTok could see hefty fines and even a potential ban.

• To provide even more context as to what the EU is looking for, this investigation specifically targets the "task and reward" feature that I mentioned above.

• The EU is concerned with this app’s addictive qualities and their impact on mental health. With that said, the EU is now demanding a risk assessment report from TikTok, with more details to come later.

With so many nations banning the platform, do you believe that TikTok will last the test of time? If you’re an avid reader of this newsletter, you already know that I’m a YouTube Stan, but I’m curious to hear what you readers think!

You can follow Luke on LinkedIn and read more of his insights in the
Cmd, Shift, Create Newsletter

Fun stuff to click on

Watch

Alex Antolino shares a very personal story of starting over on YouTube

Hybrid Calisthenics breaks down how he makes money without sponsors

Ben Kaluza asks 12 tough questions to become a creator

Listen

Thoroughly Considered talks about the responsibility of Product Reviews

Job

Film Booth Ed is expanding his team

Red Bull is hiring a Creator Marketing Manger

Meet Up

Orbit is hosting the next Creator Gathering in Vienna

Davinci Resolve has 3 EU events in June (I might be at the Berlin one)

Sale

MotionVFX* celebrates their 15 anniversary with a 30% discount on the best editing plugins.

_{*Affiliate link}

I Need Your Help

Come May I'll be doing a bit of traveling so keeping up with the latest Creator Stories might be a challenge. To keep the content flowing, I'd love to feature YOU in the next issues!

Share what's moving you right now in the creator and media world. Is there a channel you just discovered or a particular video that changed your perspective?
Submit your recommendations (around 200 words) and any links by replying to this email.

Hit reply and share your latest milestone to share it with the Orbit Community. Or tell me about a creator you love that is underappreciated.