A weekly podcast where Rob Balasabas talks to one of his content creation friends to make jokes, share some stories, drop an advice or two, and drink a good cup of coffee. It's a ride! For business inquiries please contact robert.balasabas@gmail.com.
OpenAI just made its first ever acquisition of a media company — a daily creator-style tech show called TBPN that launched in 2025, has 58,000 YouTube subscribers, and is on track to generate $30 million in revenue this year. In Episode 9 of his 20-episode daily challenge Rob Balasabas shares his honest, unfiltered reaction to this story — which is that he's still processing it. No hot take, no neat lesson. Just genuine curiosity about what it means when one of the most powerful AI companies in the world starts buying creator media businesses, and what questions every creator should be asking right now.
Rob Balasabas just got back from SXSW in Austin where he was repping Uscreen, co-hosting a Creator Mixer with 325 attendees, and watching the creator economy show up in full force alongside legacy brands and traditional media. In Episode 8 of his 20-episode daily challenge he shares what he actually saw and felt on the ground — from creators thinking seriously about scaling their businesses, to lawyers and recruiters building specifically to serve creator companies, to the undeniable shift toward creators as the front door to discovery for modern consumers. This one is personal, grounded, and straight from the room where it happened.
Day 7/20: YouTube sponsorships jumped 54% year over year — 65,000 sponsored videos, 19 billion views, and none of it showing up in Google's official revenue numbers. This is a separate creator economy happening on top of YouTube, growing faster than almost anything else in the space. In Episode 7 of his 20-episode daily challenge, Rob Balasabas breaks down what the data actually means, why creator agencies are on the rise, and exactly how creators should be positioning themselves to capture a piece of this growing brand deal opportunity.
Day 6/20: The Cannes Film Festival just added a full creator economy summit to its 2026 program. The Clio Awards launched Clio Creators. Hollywood is showing up to creator economy conferences in numbers we haven't seen before. Legacy institutions are no longer just acknowledging the creator economy — they're reorganizing around it. In Episode 6 of his 20-episode daily challenge, Rob Balasabas breaks down what this institutional validation actually means for creators, why the window for early movers is closing, and what every creator should be doing right now to make sure they're positioned to capture the opportunity ahead.
Say 5/20: The creator economy heading to $500 billion is genuinely exciting news. This industry is real, it's growing faster than almost anything else, and the opportunity for individual creators is bigger than it's ever been.But the number on its own doesn't mean anything for your business. What matters is whether you're building something that actually captures value from that growth. And that comes down to owning your audience, owning your products, and building revenue that doesn't depend on someone else's platform or algorithm.That's episode five of twenty. I'm Rob Balasabas. See you tomorrow on The Upload.
Day 4/20: Long-term ambassador contracts are up 47% this year and brands are increasingly treating creators as media partners rather than ad placements. Sounds like good news for creators — right? In Episode 4 of his 20-episode daily challenge, Rob Balasabas breaks down why longer term brand relationships come with their own risks, shares a real cautionary tale from the tech creator space, and makes the case for why the smartest creators stay topic-first and brand-agnostic no matter how good a brand deal looks.
Day 3/20: YouTube paid out $100 billion to creators between 2021 and 2025 — more than Netflix spent on content over the same period. YouTube now tops TV viewership every month. And this week YouTube launched a brand new Creator Partnerships hub while Netflix's own co-CEO called YouTube a “straightforward direct competitor.” So who wins — and which platform should creators actually be betting on right now? In Episode 3 of his 20-episode daily challenge, Rob Balasabas breaks down the platform war, why Netflix is top of funnel and nothing more, and what Mark Rober's Crunch Labs deal reveals about the smartest way to use a streaming deal as a creator.
Day 2/20: A creator's organic reach has dropped 90% in five years. But a brand new creator today has the same algorithmic potential as MrBeast. So which is it — is the algorithm democratizing the creator economy or destroying it? In Episode 2 of his 20-episode daily challenge, Rob Balasabas breaks down the paradox, why depending on the algorithm is the real problem, and what first-party data actually looks like for creators who want to build something that lasts.
What does it really take to grow on YouTube in 2026?In this full interview, YouTube growth expert Derral Eves shares his playbook for building successful, sustainable YouTube channels in today's creator economy.Derral has advised some of the world's top creators and brands, and in this conversation we break down how YouTube actually works — beyond the surface-level tips.In this episode, we cover: (CHAPTERS)00:00 – Introduction & why YouTube growth looks different in 202602:10 – Derral Eves' background and what he's learned from top creators06:15 – The fundamentals of sustainable YouTube growth11:40 – Why most creators stall (and how to avoid it)16:10 – How the YouTube algorithm actually works20:45 – What creators misunderstand about views vs. audience25:25 – The real role of retention and watch time30:10 – Strategy vs. tactics: thinking long-term on YouTube35:05 – Building a real business on top of YouTube40:20 – Mistakes creators make when chasing growth45:00 – Where YouTube is heading next49:10 – Final advice for creators serious about 2026 and beyondWhether you're an aspiring creator, an established YouTuber, or a business using YouTube to grow an audience, this conversation will help you think more clearly and strategically about your content.
This episode breaks down how to choose your niche the right way — and how to validate your membership idea before you build content. You'll learn five practical steps to niche by problem, test demand quickly, and launch with confidence.
Most creators overbuild before launching their membership. In this episode, I share the exact structure you need on day one: how many videos, what kind of lessons, what resources to include, and the one recurring experience that increases retention. If you're thinking about launching soon, this is your blueprint.
Wondering how to start a membership or whether your audience is big enough to launch? In this episode, we walk through a simple five-step process to validate your idea, build a minimum viable membership, and attract your first paying members — even with a small following. You'll learn how top creators pre-sell their memberships, what type of content to include on day one, and the easiest way to tell if you're ready to launch.
This week on The Upload, Rob breaks down some of the most exciting creator-economy moves—from Tayla Cannon's $1.1M creator-led product raise, to Electrify Video Partners launching a physical trivia game with Veritasium, to Rachel's Fit Pilates dropping her new RFP App with Uscreen.Plus: YouTube quietly testing a new in-app sharing and chat feature… and what that means for creators.Rob also reflects on celebrating four years at Uscreen, and the bigger shift he's witnessed firsthand: creators evolving from content to companies to products people can actually touch.A quick, insight-packed episode for anyone building in the creator economy.
In this episode of The Upload, Rob sits down with Caesar Hernandez, founder of Icon Funnels, whose clients range from globally known creators to iconic real-world entrepreneurs — including the minds behind Nashville's skyline.Caesar shares the real playbook behind building a sustainable creator business in 2025 and beyond, including:• Why traditional “coaching” is declining — and what replaces it• How AI is reshaping creator teams, copywriting, and operations• The surprising trend of offline business owners wanting to become creators• Why creators and entrepreneurs each want what the other has — and how to build partnerships that benefit both• The #1 skill creators must develop: making products for the audience, not for themselves• How he helps high-level creators transition into owning IP, memberships, and digital ecosystems• The mindset shift that changed everything for him — including shutting down a seven-figure gym and reinventing his pathCaesar also breaks down the business model behind Icon Funnels, the rise of strategic partnerships with creators, and why quieting the noise is essential to building a long-term career.Whether you're a creator, a coach, or an operator looking to scale, this episode is packed with grounded insights, hard-earned wisdom, and actionable strategies you won't hear anywhere else.Follow Caesar: @therealcaesarhernandezLearn more: IconFunnels.comJoin the masterminds: IconicMasterminds.com
Creators aren't just building audiences anymore—they're building leagues.This episode breaks down how Jomboy Media partnered with MLB, hired TikTok's former agency lead Brett Joss, and built a model for multi-year, league-style sponsorships.We dive into what this means for creators, brands, and the future of sports media—and the lessons you can apply to your own creator business right now.If you've launched a membership—or plan to—this one's for you.
Most creators think content is the product. But in memberships, content is just the start.In this episode of The Upload, Rob breaks down a conversation with a former platform exec turned membership builder—and shares the “Ladder of Deliverables” framework: the 5 key layers that turn casual subscribers into loyal members.Why ad-free content isn't enough (except when it is)How exclusivity creates perceived valueThe overlooked power of smart content filteringWhat “access” really means—and how to do it without burnoutWhy community is your stickiest growth leverIf you've launched a membership—or plan to—this one's for you.
What do layoffs at Amazon Studios and Paramount have to do with YouTubers and membership platforms? A lot more than you might think.In this episode, Rob Balasabas explores the unexpected but growing trend of TV and film pros pivoting into the creator economy — not as influencers, but as producers, editors, and creative talent behind the scenes. What does this mean for creators, brands, and the future of content production?Rob shares insights from almost a decade in the space, patterns he's seeing across Uscreen creators, and what this shift could mean for budgets, expectations, and the kinds of businesses creators are building next.
I just got back from Adobe MAX 2025, and it's clear — we're entering a new era for creators.In this episode, I break down 8 powerful takeaways that will reshape how you create, grow, and monetize your content in 2025 and beyond. We'll talk about:How AI is changing the creative process (for real this time)Why speed and consistency now matter more than perfectionThe rise of the creator-as-brand mindsetHow to turn your content workflow into a scalable businessWhether you're a YouTuber, educator, or digital entrepreneur — this episode will help you think bigger, create smarter, and stay ahead of the curve.
The creator economy is moving fast — from billion-dollar acquisitions to record-breaking payouts and new rules of the game for influencers. In this episode of The Upload, Rob Balasabas breaks down the week's biggest stories and shares lessons every creator needs right now.You'll hear about:Vimeo's $1.38B acquisition by Bending Spoons and what it signals for creatorsThe surge in mergers & acquisitions reshaping the creator landscapeWhy brands are demanding better influencer marketing measurementPlus: insights from Rob's recent LinkedIn posts on building real businesses, listening to customers, and creating systems that lastWhether you're a full-time creator, a founder in the space, or just curious about where this industry is headed, this episode will give you the context — and the challenge — to think bigger than views and likes.
In this episode, I sit down with Anabel Otero — yoga, pilates, and meditation teacher turned digital entrepreneur — to break down how she went from posting free content on YouTube to building a loyal audience of 1.3 million subscribers and a thriving paid membership business.Anabel shares her exact journey, including:How she used free challenges to convert viewers into paying membersWhy she left Patreon and migrated her community to her own appThe simple promotion strategy she uses that never feels “salesy”Her mindset around pricing, scarcity, and creating long-term valueThe lessons she's learned about building a sustainable creator businessWhether you're a creator just getting started or a seasoned entrepreneur trying to scale, this conversation is loaded with practical, real-world insights.
It's a stacked episode—press play and just into it!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
It's a stacked episode—press play and just into it!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
It's a stacked episode—press play and just into it!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
It's a stacked episode—press play and just into it!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
One of YouTube's most beloved outdoor creators just walked away from 15 million subscribers — but the story isn't as simple as it sounds. In this episode of The Upload, we dive into why Luke Nichols, creator of Outdoor Boys, is quitting YouTube to protect his kids… and why his next move might surprise you.Plus, we're talking Kai Cenat's ambitious (and possibly final?) Streamer University, Joe Rogan getting knocked out of the top podcast spot on YouTube, and the Sidemen making creator history with a Netflix nod.It's a stacked episode—press play and just into it!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
Austin Maddox has over 70K followers across Instagram and TikTok, a thriving online membership called Flow with Austin, and brand deals with major names like Aritzia.Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
If you've ever wondered “How do I actually make money from this content thing?”—this episode is for you. I'm sharing the exact framework creators use to monetize smarter (without chasing the algorithm). It's short, packed with practical tips, and includes a free invite for a coaching session with me.Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
The Sidemen just launched their own venture capital fund — UPSIDE VC — and it's a massive move for the creator economy. In this episode, we break down what this means not just for the Sidemen, but for you as a creator, entrepreneur, or brand in the space.Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
In today's episode of The Upload, we're diving into three of the biggest headlines in the creator world:- Meta just launched Edits, a standalone video app built specifically for creators — not just Instagram users- Bluesky is rolling out a new blue check verification system with a unique twist you won't find on X.- And Roblox is giving creators more control with regional pricing for global monetization.Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
In today's episode of The Upload, we're diving into three of the biggest headlines in the creator world:- OpenAI might be building a ChatGPT-powered social network (yep, seriously).- TikTok rolls out Footnotes, its version of Community Notes—but is it a fix or a Band-Aid?- And MrBeast, Sidemen, and other creators are making major moves from YouTube to big-budget streaming TV.Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com
Coffee with Content Creators is now The Upload! In this kickoff ep, I'm sharing why the name change, what to expect, and how this daily pod will keep you in the loop on all things creator economy. Let's go!
+ Get the FREE "Creator Business Success Map" https://open.substack.com/pub/balasabas/p/the-creator-success-mapConnect with our Guest: Keenya Kelly+ Website https://www.keenyakelly.com+ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/keenyakelly+ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@keenyakellyThank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com + Tools that I use
+ Get the FREE "Creator Business Success Map" https://open.substack.com/pub/balasabas/p/the-creator-success-mapConnect with our Guest: Liz Kohler Brown+ Website https://www.lizkohlerbrown.com+ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lizkohlerbrownThank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com + Tools that I use
+ Get the FREE "Creator Business Success Map" https://open.substack.com/pub/balasabas/p/the-creator-success-mapConnect with our Guest: James Hicks+ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhicks+ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jhicksThank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com + Tools that I use
+ Get the FREE "Creator Business Success Map" https://open.substack.com/pub/balasabas/p/the-creator-success-map Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com + Tools that I use
+ Get the FREE "Creator Business Success Map" https://open.substack.com/pub/balasabas/p/the-creator-success-map + Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:34 Go to the Creator Success Map (link in description) 06:10 Stage 1 of Creator Success 11:09 Stage 2 of Creator Success 14:27 Stage 3 of Creator Success 16:51 Stage 4 of Creator Success 21:09 Stage 5 of Creator Success Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com + Tools that I use
Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://balasabas.substack.com + Tools that I use
Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://rbalasabas.ck.page + Tools that I use
Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://rbalasabas.ck.page + Tools that I use
Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://rbalasabas.ck.page + Tools that I use
Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://rbalasabas.ck.page + Tools that I use
Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://rbalasabas.ck.page + Tools that I use
We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to fill out our survey and share your input on the Creator Dads community we're building: h thanksttps://forms.gle/pZ19cD2Ef1mYbSTV8 + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletterhttps://rbalasabas.ck.page + Tools that I use
We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to fill out our survey and share your input on the Creator Dads community we're building: h thanksttps://forms.gle/pZ19cD2Ef1mYbSTV8 + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletterhttps://rbalasabas.ck.page + Tools that I use
Fill out this form with any questions you have for me, and I'll answer them in a future podcast episode. You're welcome to ask any questions about work, career, creator journey, strategies, and even family/dad/married life! https://forms.gle/5kjWrDkgKGg6b3Us5 + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletterhttps://rbalasabas.ck.page + Tools that I use
Fill out this form with any questions you have for me, and I'll answer them in a future podcast episode. You're welcome to ask any questions about work, career, creator journey, strategies, and even family/dad/married life! https://forms.gle/5kjWrDkgKGg6b3Us5 + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + VidPros https://app.vidpros.io/r/MYOLL6 + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletterhttps://rbalasabas.ck.page + Tools that I use
Fill out this form with any questions you have for me, and I'll answer them in a future podcast episode. You're welcome to ask any questions about work, career, creator journey, strategies, and even family/dad/married life! https://forms.gle/5kjWrDkgKGg6b3Us5 + Streamyard
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Welcome to Coffee with Creators, hosted by Rob Balasabas! + Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with your friends, and subscribe to the podcast. Your support helps us grow and reach more creators like you. + Join my Instagram Broadcast Channel https://www.instagram.com/channel/Abb75fSLR_BHWYGY + Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter https://rbalasabas.ck.page + Convertkit https://partners.convertkit.com/rob + Streamyard
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