Digital Creators Take Over The White House And DNC!

5 Key Takeaways from the White House Creator Conference

Author

Shira Lazar
August 19, 2024

Hey, Alpha fam! This week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the White House Creator Conference—an event that brought together 100 of the most influential voices in the Creator economy. The goal? To shape the future of content creation and discuss the challenges and opportunities we face.

Here are the five key takeaways you need to know:

  1. Creators Are the Future of Communication: President Biden highlighted that creators have become the primary source of news and information for younger generations, including his own grandchildren. 

He noted, “You are the future. You break through in ways that are going to change the entire dynamic of how we communicate.” 

This underscores our responsibility to shape public discourse and convey truth in a rapidly changing media landscape.

  1. Mental Health is a National Concern: Mental health was a central theme, with the discussion focusing on the impact of social media and the pandemic on our well-being. Led by Neera Tanden, Domestic Policy Advisor, with creators Lexi Hidalgo, Kate MacKz, and Joel Bervell. The need for open conversations about mental health was emphasized, reminding us that sharing our struggles can help build stronger, more supportive communities.

  1. The Power and Potential of AI: AI presents both opportunities and challenges for creators. The panel was hosted by content creator Gohar Khan in conversation with Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. While it can boost creativity and efficiency, there’s a need to stay vigilant against misinformation. The conference reinforced the importance of using AI responsibly, ensuring that our content remains trustworthy and authentic.

  1. Fairness and Support for Creators: The importance of fairness in the creator economy was a key topic, especially regarding fair pay, algorithm transparency, and access to healthcare. The panel was hosted by Hannah Williams and Wally Adeyemo, Deputy of Digital Strategy.

    "One thing that they raise with me all the time is just basic things like health care. It's more expensive to get health care for creators,” stated Adeyemo. “Health care should be a right for each person."

  2. Building Trust in a Distrustful World: Trust is more important than ever in today’s world. The conference emphasized that, as creators, we have a unique position to build and maintain trust with our audiences. In a time when trust in traditional institutions is declining, our authenticity and integrity are crucial in fostering genuine connections and providing reliable information. Keynote speaker Jackie Aina emphasized the power of community and resilience. Algorithms might change, but the connection you build with your audience is timeless. Your community is your greatest asset, so nurture it.

It’s clear that the Obama era, which many of us remember as the beginning of the social media presidency, set the stage for what we’re seeing now. The Biden Administration is clearly making significant strides to engage with digital creators in meaningful ways. This conference was proof that our voices are powerful, and together, we’re shaping the future.

Separately, it has also become clear how crucial digital creators will be in shaping the upcoming election and the current presidential campaign. 

We're already seeing both candidates actively collaborate with creators to connect with their communities and spread their messages more effectively. 

I'll explore how this trend is evolving and what it means for the future of political engagement in next week's newsletter.

Also…

Check out my latest article at Inc. for more of my insights from the conference:

My Hot take 🔥: Imagine a future Creator Briefing Room where the questions aren't led by an editor or executive producer, but by the public and community. I believe this is where we're headed!

Shira Lazar

Keeping my eye on…

The Democratic National Convention is doing something pretty cool this year—they’re giving media credentials to influencers for the first time ever. From August 19-22, 200 content creators will have the same access as traditional press, with opportunities to interview political figures and get behind-the-scenes coverage. 

There is a big shift toward reaching younger voters through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. I’ll be keeping an eye on creators like Liz Plank, Blair Imani, Kiera Spann, Famous Blonde, News with Suz, as well as those rallying behind Kamala Harris, who has sparked genuine enthusiasm among Gen Z with her candidacy. It’s exciting to see how these creators are using their platforms to engage young voters and bring fresh energy to the campaign.

Other headlines to check out:

Web3

Creator Economy 

AI

Bullish on LATASHÁ

Latashá is a musician, DJ, and entrepreneur who uses Web3 to fund her music and connect with her community. She has sold out multiple NFT collections, showcasing her ability to merge art and technology in groundbreaking ways. Her latest music video, "A Ten," has been an absolute hit, with over 16k tracks minted on her website. 

Additionally, she has an exciting collaboration with KIKIWORLD, which is an interactive co-creation process where the community helps decide what beauty product Latashá will launch first. By swiping right on their favorite options, participants vote daily on potential products like peelable nail polish or lip balm, earning points and influencing the final creation based on the most popular votes. This partnership emphasizes community-driven innovation, allowing fans to have a direct impact on the product's development.

KikiWorld is a digital lifestyle brand that celebrates Gen Z creativity and self-expression through vibrant, playful designs and community-driven content.

You can support her work and listen to her music here.

 Gentle reminder 🤲 

 “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott.

Remember, I'm Bullish on you!

With gratitude,