The creator economy is experiencing a significant shift, as ad revenue alone is no longer enough to drive growth. In response, YouTubers and other creators are exploring alternative revenue streams, such as launching product lines, acquiring startups, and building business empires.

A notable example is MrBeast’s company, which recently acquired fintech startup Step, while his chocolate business is now outearning his media arm. This strategic shift is not unique to MrBeast, as many creators are adopting a similar playbook to diversify their income sources.

In a recent episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Rebecca Bellan discussed the ways creators are moving beyond ads, highlighting the evolving landscape of the creator economy.

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