Follower Counts Lose Power: Algorithms Reshape Creator Economy

• Follower counts no longer guarantee visibility or income as algorithmic feeds dominate social media platforms, a significant shift noted by TechCrunch and LTK CEO Amber Venz Box.
• Despite algorithmic challenges, a Northwestern University study found a 21% increase in audience trust in creators, with consumers seeking authentic content over AI-generated material.
• Creators are adapting through strategies like paid communities, newsletters, and "content clipping" (used by Drake, Kai Cenat) to exploit algorithms where performance outweighs source.
• Many are also retreating to niche communities on platforms like Strava and Substack for deeper engagement, favoring niche creators over mass-market stars.
• The creator economy is evolving, expanding beyond entertainment, with success now driven by trust, relevance, and adaptability rather than just follower numbers.

Why It Matters: Algorithms diminish follower power; trust, niche communities, and adaptability now define creator success.