Creators are cashing in smart

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💡 YouTube Shopping Tips Straight from Creators

At VidCon 2025, top creators shared how YouTube Shopping isn’t just easy, it’s a serious revenue driver.

Here’s what Carter Kench, Christie Xie, and Ben Schlichter had to say:

1️⃣ Affiliate Links Actually Work :Creators tagging products directly in their videos see 43% more clicks than when using description links. Carter loves it. Christie relies on auto-tagging for speed and structure.

2️⃣ Content Comes First :Christie calls it “content first, shopping experience next.” All three agree that authenticity is everything. Promote only what you trust. It builds credibility and long-term revenue.

💡 Bonus: Even negative reviews can earn you commissions through full-basket purchases.

3️⃣ Sales Data = Pitch Power :Ben used his affiliate performance to land a brand deal with Lowe’s. Real data makes your value undeniable.

4️⃣ Let the Audience Decide :Ben says 75% of his product video ideas now come from fans. Studio insights show what people want, and that’s what drives sales.

The Takeaway

YouTube Shopping isn’t just plug-and-play; it’s a smart mix of storytelling, trust, and strategy. For creators and marketers alike, the best results come from listening to your audience and leading with real value.

💡 Marketers Are Still Burned Out

A year ago, burnout was widespread among marketers. One year later? Nothing’s changed and it’s showing.

1️⃣ The Numbers Are Still Bleak

• 58% feel overwhelmed
• 50% are emotionally exhausted
• 48% don’t enjoy their work
• Nearly half feel detached or undervalued

Low pay, nonstop demands, context switching, and global uncertainty continue to fuel this decline in well-being.

2️⃣ Marketing’s Pace Isn’t Sustainable :The “always-on” hustle culture is draining people. Expectations keep rising, but support and compensation don’t. It’s a mismatch that’s pushing professionals to the edge.

3️⃣ It’s Okay to Feel It :If you’re tired, you’re not alone. These aren’t isolated experiences; they’re industry-wide signals. And that means we can start solving them, together.

The Takeaway

Burnout isn’t just a personal problem. It’s systemic. And while the industry pace won’t change overnight, we can build better habits, boundaries, and support systems. If this resonates, check out our latest Data Story on how marketers can navigate burnout and rediscover what makes this work meaningful.

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