Here’s the thing about content creators — everyone is one, but few are at the same time. For instance, I create content as part of my job, but I’m no content creator — at least not in the sense you’re here to learn about. But I do understand them.

Content creators are members of the creator economy, committed to building and monetizing their audience and the content they create for their personal niche and brand.

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With promises of flexibility, creative freedom, and low cost to entry, “content creator” sounds like a cushy job, but it’s far from easy. And those who succeed deserve their flowers.

Want to know how to become a content creator? With over a decade in content marketing and social media, I’ve learned the tricks of the trade along with some harsh truths about the industry. Here’s the scoop.

Table of Contents

• • 10 Tips for Aspiring Content Creators
  • What is a content creator?
  • What types of content can a creator make?
  • How to Become a Content Creator (with No Experience)

What is a content creator?

Truth #1: The creator economy is crowded.

According to our 2024 Consumer Trends Report, one in five consumers consider themselves content creators or influencers in some form. That number jumps to 45% when we zero in on Gen Z and Millennials. But what do they do exactly?

A content creator is someone who consistently creates content on a specific topic or for a particular audience. This content can be entertaining, helpful, or educational; written, visual, or auditory.

Now, I know — this is a vague definition. Under it, you could say “content creators” have existed for centuries. But we’re not talking about traditional performers, artists, or media folks (i.e., journalists, comedians, photographers, videographers) here.

When we say “content creators” in 2025, we mean:

• Podcasters: Individuals who host podcasts on niche topics.
• Vloggers: Individuals who post videos of their daily lives or unique perspectives online. This could be general or niche.
• Bloggers/Writers: Creators who publish long-form written content on a specific niche or industry.
• User-Generated Content (UGC) Creators: Creators who create a variety of content focused on showcasing products or offerings from brands.
• Social Media Influencers: Individuals with large, engaged audiences on social media, usually related to a particular niche or industry, but they could be general.

Sure, media personalities can create content, too. Just look at The Dancing Weatherman, Nick Kosir.

But the title “content creator” is really reserved for individuals who focus on creating content for their digital audience and generating income through sponsorships, affiliations, and collaborations. People like Mr. Beast.

Source

Influencers vs Content Creators

Like Mr. Beast, content creators can be “influencers” — individuals with large, engaged audiences who value their opinions on social media — but they don’t have to be.

Today, we frequently use the words interchangeably, but not all influencers are content creators, and vice versa. I mean, Search Engine Journal lists soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo as the top influencer on social media, but that’s certainly not what he’s known for.

In modern marketing, influencers are brazil telegram data simply people who can impact the beliefs and buying decisions of your target audience. They could be influential because they are content creators, but it could also be for other reasons.

“Content creator” also doesn’t refer to content marketers like me.

Content Marketers vs Content Creators

Yes, both content marketers and creators produce content to reach audiences, but there are key differences.

Most content creators create content for themselves. (There are exceptions, which we’ll discuss in the next section.) Their efforts go toward building their own brands and public personas and creating content primarily on social media.

Content marketers tend to create the emblem remains black and white content for others. They are professionals who implement various content marketing tactics to promote other products, brands, or offerings.

This may entail creating social media content, but it could also include articles, videos, slide decks, infographics, podcasts, website pages, emails, ad copy, and white papers.

That said, depending on your job, there is some grey area between the two worlds.

Interested in learning more about content marketing? Check out our free Content Marketing Certification in HubSpot Academy.

Types of Content Creator Jobs

While many of the most prominent content creators create content for their own brands, as we discussed, some create for others. This usually takes one of three forms.

Freelance Content Creators

Freelance content creators are entrepreneurs. They create social media content for brands and businesses who don’t necessarily want the flash of an influencer but something that feels authentically user-generated.

Pros: Autonomy, schedule flexibility, content variety, and you determine your “salary.”

Cons: Limited resources, no employee benefits, no guaranteed income, no team, have to wear multiple hats (e.g. sales, contracts, taxes)

In-House Content Creators

In-house content creators work for text services one company and create content for it and its brand, products, or services.

Pros: Resources, financial stability, focused solely on content

Cons: Less content variety, less creative control, Income is set

Agency Content Creators

Agency content creators are kind of the best of both worlds. They work for one company and enjoy the financial stability that comes with it, but also get the excitement of creating for a variety of different brands and businesses.

Pros: Resources, financial stability,

Cons: Less content variety, less creative control

Looking for more on influencer marketing strategy? Check this out.