Creators

• Vienna-based fintech Talentir has raised €4 million in a seed funding round to modernize cross-border payout infrastructure for creators, freelancers, and contractors. • The round was led by Redstone VC and supported by Inovia Capital, featuring backing from former Google CFO Patrick Pichette and eight other investors. • Talentir aims to solve inefficiencies in platform payments by utilizing AI and stablecoin rails to streamline global financial transfers.

• Netflix has cancelled the new sci-fi drama series created by the founders of *Stranger Things* after only one season. • The unnamed project joins a growing list of shows axed by the streaming platform following their initial run. • The creators previously expressed caution regarding cliffhangers, citing a similar experience with *The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance*, which was also cancelled after one season.

• A BBC investigation reveals that OnlyFans creators are being exploited by "OnlyFans Management" (OFM) agents who promise to maximize profits but often take up to 50% of their earnings. • Dozens of women reported being misled by these managers, who control their accounts and communications while stripping them of their financial independence. • The findings highlight a systemic lack of oversight, as OnlyFans has been aware of these exploitative practices through media reports and direct creator complaints.

• The New Zealand government is investigating new regulations for international streaming services to protect local broadcasters and content creators from financial devastation. • Proposed measures include implementing a levy on platforms, establishing local content quotas, or requiring direct investment into New Zealand-based productions. • Screen Producers NZ president Irene Gardiner noted that similar schemes were recently adopted in Australia, following precedents set by Canada, France, Switzerland, Spain, and Denmark.

• Forbes has released its "30 Under 30 Asia: Social Media, Marketing & Advertising" list, highlighting young content creators who blend education and entertainment for Gen-Z audiences. • Among the featured creators is Richardo from Indonesia, who has leveraged art and storytelling to amass over 18 million followers on TikTok. • Richardo's impact is further evidenced by her consistent success on the platform, having won awards for three consecutive years starting in 2022.

Africa is leading a change in news consumption habits – and transforming the lives of current affairs enthusiastsLast year Amahle-Imvelo Jaxa posted a TikTok video about South African peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She explained an argument that had erupted between the South African and Rwandan presidents, then listed roles different South African groups would play in a war with Rwanda: the Sotho strategists, the Xhosa negotiators, the Afrikaner muscle. The video went viral and she racked up 100,000 followers in three days.This breakout video enabled Jaxa to pivot from being a marketing and restaurant entrepreneur to a “professional yapper and current affairs enthusiast”, part of a group of content creators explaining the news to young South Africans who, like many of their global peers, are eschewing traditional news in favour of social media. Continue reading...

Creator card is designed for people making money through TikTok Live, some of whom have complained of delays in paymentsTikTok and Visa have launched a debit card for content creators in the UK that they say will allow people to quickly access their earnings from the platform.The creator card is designed for the growing numbers of people making money through TikTok Live, a live streaming feature where creators receive virtual gifts from viewers that are later converted into cash. Continue reading...