Creator Cloud Cast | 2025-4

The creator economy isn’t slowing down - and neither are you. From global brand plays to local legends making waves, this month we’re spotlighting the tools, trends, and power moves shaping the future of content creation.

Whether you're chasing your next brand deal or building something bold, consider this your monthly cheat code to staying ahead.

Let’s get into it. 🔥

🏆 BROADCAST: Brands that get it

The companies leveraging creators to fuel authentic growth.

📰 Hot topic: Unilever's influencer-first strategy
Unilever is set to increase its social media investment from 30% to 50% of its total advertising spend, emphasising collaborations with influencers to enhance brand trust and engagement.

📢 Key takeaway: Brands are recognising the power of authentic creator partnerships to connect with audiences more effectively.

📰 Media spotlight: Africa’s creator economy hits $17.8 billion
This is not a drill. African creators are stepping into the spotlight with serious economic value. Check out our recent press feature as we break down how we help creators cash in on a booming market.

📢 Key takeaway: Brands that partner with creators early are set to win big.

🎭 THE CAST: Creators breaking boundaries

The innovators turning passion into success.

✨ Creator spotlight: Thato "ThatoSuperStar" Mokoena

Meet Thato Mokoena, popularly known as ThatoSuperStar, a multifaceted South African content creator whose vibrant personality has captivated audiences across platforms. As a voice-over artist, singer, comedian, and reaction creator, Thato showcases a unique combination of talents in his content. ​

With over 200,000 followers on TikTok, Thato has carved out a niche in delivering humorous and relatable reaction content. His recent posts, such as the playful commentary on cultural nuances, showcase his ability to engage audiences with wit and authenticity. ​

Thato's commitment to his craft and his audience is evident in his consistent content creation and collaborations.

Follow Thato on Instagram and TikTok:​

• Instagram: @thatosuperstar

• TikTok: @thatosuperstar

💻️ Webfluential 2.0 is LIVE!

Say hello to a smarter, sleeker platform experience. Webfluential 2.0 is here with faster payouts, seamless content tools and robust creator analytics - everything designed to help creators grow their influence and income.

🚀 Already have a legacy account?

1. Log in at app.webfluential.com

2. Click “migrate legacy account” in the top-right

3. Welcome to your upgrade!

🎙️ Join the Webfluential 2.0 webinar

Catch us live on 8 April 2025 @ 16:00 SAST as we walk you through new features and monetisation hacks:

📅 Save your seat now

🔮 FORECAST: What’s next?

Emerging trends to capitalise on NOW.

🌏 India's $1 billion boost to the creator economy
The Indian government has announced a $1 billion fund aimed at supporting digital content creators during preparations for the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. This initiative seeks to provide creators with access to capital, skill development and global market opportunities. ​

💬 Implication: Such substantial investments highlight the growing recognition of the creator economy's potential on a global scale.​

🎤 Insights from SXSW 2025
The recent SXSW conference featured an extensive Creator Economy track, focusing on monetisation strategies, platform diversification and brand partnerships. Sessions like "Creator Playbook" by Colin & Samir provided valuable insights into maximising brand collaborations. ​

🧠 Takeaway: Staying updated with industry events can offer creators innovative strategies to enhance their content and monetisation avenues.

🎥 Stream shift: Netflix bets big on the creator economy
In a bold pivot, Netflix is diving head-first into the creator economy - launching new tools and opportunities to collaborate directly with digital talent. This move marks a major shift from traditional entertainment models and signals that creator-led content is no longer niche, it’s mainstream.

🧠 Takeaway: The creator economy is becoming the content economy. Get in early, adapt quickly, and think big.

📖 Read the full feature

☁️ OVERCAST: The media revolution

Where we track how traditional media is evolving in a creator-driven world.

📉 Coors Light's advertising blunder turns into 'Mondays Light' campaign

In early 2025, Coors Light faced an unexpected challenge when a typographical error in their advertising materials transformed the phrase "Mountain Cold Refreshment" into "Mountain Cold Refershment." Rather than allowing this mistake to tarnish their brand image, they kept it authentic and embraced the misstep with a creative twist. They temporarily rebranded the product as "Mondays Light," playing on the notion that such errors are commonplace at the start of the workweek. This initiative included releasing specially branded 12-packs and integrating the theme into their Super Bowl commercial, even offering fans opportunities to win cases of the newly dubbed beer. ​

💡 Takeaway: Embracing and creatively addressing mistakes can humanise a brand, fostering stronger connections with consumers and turning potential negatives into positive engagement.

🎙 PODCASTS WORTH YOUR TIME

The best discussions on media monetisation, brand partnerships, and creator strategies.

🎧 Listen to this: Gary Vee's fireside chat with MediaLink

💥 Why it hits: From outdated agency models to new media disruption, this episode unpacks it all. Plus, it’s loaded with snippets for your next pitch deck.

▶️ Tune in here

🎧 Creator evolution: Redefining creators on LinkedIn | Earned, Ep. 166

💡 What stands out:

• LinkedIn’s pivot from job-hunting board to creator playground

• The power of vulnerability in content

• How genuine interaction can open new doors

▶️ Tune in on Spotify

🎧 Podcast feature: A creator's second salary blueprint

Pieter Groenewald, Group COO of Nfinity Influencer, outlines strategies for creators to build digital equity, secure brand deals and generate passive income. ​

💥 Why listen: Gain actionable insights into diversifying income streams as a creator.

▶️ Listen on Channel Africa

📣 CAST YOUR VOTE: Join the conversation!

✅ Share this newsletter with a friend or colleague who would love these insights.
📢 Follow us on social and tell us your thoughts. Tag #CreatorCloud so we can feature your take!

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💌 Help us grow the Creator Cloud community!

Know a fellow creator, brand manager or media professional who would benefit from this newsletter? Reply to this email or reach out to us with their details! The more minds we bring together, the stronger our network.

🚀 Until next time - keep it real, keep it creator-led.

Creator Cloud Cast is your go-to bulletin for the latest insights, trends, and tools powering the creator economy across our ecosystem. Whether you're building your brand or growing your campaign ROI, this newsletter is where strategy meets storytelling.

It all ties into our trio of brands:

Webfluential: our premium hub for top-tier creators with advanced monetisation, data-driven analytics, and brand campaigns that scale.

theSalt: empowering creators and nano-influencers through community-driven content and real-life brand advocacy.

Nfinity Influencer: bridging brands with creators through smart campaign execution and data-led media planning.