Episode 31: Crafting the Creator Legacy
Join us this week on the Creator Economy Live Podcast as Keith and Brendan sit down with Ben Relles, a true titan of digital innovation. From his early days of comedy at YouTube to his groundbreaking innovations in content strategy at Reid Hoffman, Ben's journey is one of unparalleled influence.
We explore the latest in the TikTok saga, from legislative maneuvers to ByteDance's looming deadline. Plus, dive into AirChat, the hot new app blending Twitter and Clubhouse dynamics.
We also get into Ben’s current work with Reid Hoffman and what the future of the creator economy looks like with the influence of AI.
đ Creators of the Week (COW):
Olayemi (lie) Olurin (@msolurin) - Lawyer, activist, and YouTube creator Olayemi Olurin recently joined New York City Mayor Eric Adams on The Breakfast Club to discuss contentious issues like homelessness and incarceration in NYC, deemed by some as a pivotal interview. On her channel "Olurinatti," she offers analysis and hosts discussions spanning topics from affirmative action to the 2024 election.
Reid Hoffman (@reidhoffman) - Ben Relles worked with Reid Hoffman to recently unveil an AI iteration of Reid, utilizing a custom GPT model trained on his extensive body of work to generate lifelike responses. This innovative technology, crafted by Hour One and ElevenLabs, impresses with its human-like gestures and intonation, marking a significant step in bridging the Uncanny Valley gap.
Almost Friday - (@ almostfriday.tv) - Almost Friday is a media company known for managing popular social media accounts. Originating as a set of Instagram profiles, it rapidly gained traction for its relatable content in weekend culture, sports, music, and character-driven comedy. With a network of over 3.5 million followers, their brands like Friday Beers, Almost Friday, and others collectively garner hundreds of millions of monthly impressions.
đ Brand of the Week (BOW):
John Deere (@johndeere) - They are hiring a “Chief Tractor Officer” for $200k to launch their TikTok channel (Jen Hartmann - PR & Enterprise Social))
Dude Wipes (@dudewipes) – They recently trended globally on Twitter, sponsored F1, made it to Bain’s insurgent brands list, and are gearing up for their inaugural national campaign – their momentum is undeniable. A special nod to Greg Baroth, their social media guru, credited for much of their success; their witty sponsorships and playful jabs at brands like Taco Bell and Chipotle are garnering attention and yielding results.