Creators Are Becoming Studios — Here’s What That Means for You. In this episode of The Business of Creators, Ian Shepherd sits down with Zach Blume — a 15-year veteran of the digital content space — to break down the shift from snackable content to premium storytelling on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Zach shares lessons from building one of the longest-running independent creator studios and why the next frontier in the creator economy isn’t about virality — it’s about ownership, brand-building, and big creative bets.

Topics Discussed:
- The rise of premium content in the creator economy
- What brands are getting right (and wrong) in creator partnerships
- Why short-form episodic content is taking over social
- How investing in creative R&D leads to breakout talent
- Lessons from navigating 15+ years in digital media

Key Takeaways:
- Learn why creators who treat their channels like studios are set to win
- Discover how to attract brand deals that go beyond simple sponsorships
- Understand how trends like "social TV" are opening new creative lanes
- Get insight into how top studios think about longevity, team culture, and staying ahead of the curve

Listen to learn actionable strategies to grow your creator business — and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more insights on the business of creators!