content creator news - may 13th

Author

Stack Influence
May 13, 2025

Instagram’s SECRET community, Invite-only TikTok Cash, and VIRAL edits everyone is talking about…

AI brand deals and locked Instagram reels aren’t the only thing going on this week. Hey, that rhymed! 😝 Here’s what else is up:

📰 Content Creator News

Reels have a Secret Code 😱🔒

Instagram has been quietly testing a feature that lets creators post “locked” Reels that are viewable only with a secret code. For example, you might post a Reel that says “Enter secret code” with a hint like “my dog’s name.”

Only fans who know the code can unlock the content. This could be a playful way to reward your most dedicated followers (or tease new releases). It’s just a test for now, but keep an eye out – it might become a new engagement tactic.

AI is getting you Brand Deals 🤑

At the recent NewFronts, YouTube unveiled “Insights Finder,” an AI-driven tool to help brands find the right creators to partner with. Advertisers can search for keywords (e.g. “sneakerhead”) and the tool will scan YouTube content to suggest creators whose videos match that topic. It even shows metrics like a channel’s likes, subs, and top videos to help brands vet them.

For creators, this could mean more sponsorships coming your way – even if you’re not a superstar, brands might discover you because you fit a niche they need. YouTube is basically doing match-making via AI, which is a win-win for creators (more deals) and brands (more relevant partnerships).

TikTok’s Special Creator Rewards 🤨

TikTok introduced a new invite-only “Specialized Rewards Program” to pay bonuses for high-quality content in specific niches. Unlike the regular Creator Fund, this program targets areas like film/TV, auto, education, and sports content.

TikTok is essentially rewarding creators who make standout videos in these high-traffic categories. If you’re in one of these niches and see an invite, it could mean extra $$$ for doing what you do best. (It’s TikTok’s way of keeping top creators loyal to the platform rather than drifting to Reels.)

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👋 Weekly Tips & Tricks

1. Insta Shares Over Likes 🙂‍↕️

Instagram is shifting its algorithm to prioritize content shares, especially through direct messages, over traditional likes. This change emphasizes the importance of creating highly shareable content to boost visibility.

2. You can make cash on Linkedin…💸

 According to industry insiders, some agencies have paid out $1M+ to LinkedIn creators in just the past few months, and demand for LinkedIn influencer campaigns is soaring. One creator agency grew from managing 6 LinkedIn creators last fall to 30 by April 2025, with monthly campaigns jumping from 20 to 75 in that time.

Brands are moving real budget here – campaigns that were “experimental” last year are now getting hundreds of thousands of dollars in dedicated spend. If you have an audience of professionals or operate in a niche like tech, finance, or career advice, LinkedIn might be worth your attention as a creator platform.

3. Fun edits are BACK 🥳

The last few weeks, we have highlighted new trends like “the narrator trend." We encourage you to try something new and exciting with your videos. Whether that is a new audio effect, or different camera angles, try something new because they seem to be getting A LOT of attention!
 

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🔥 Top Social Trends

 🎧️ 1. Music

Pretty Little Baby - Connie Francis 🎶

Busy Woman- Sabrina Carpenter 🎶 

Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel- Tavares 🎶 

🔹 “the girl I used to be: This sweet trend highlights who we were in 2017 using the song Who Am I by Jenna Raine. It’s just so wholesome 🥹

@brynnemarieeee

IM GONNA CRY


🔹 “a photo I hesitated to post this week…”: This trend pokes fun at our past selves using social media for the first time. back in 2015 we were just having fun on socials, and honestly… we think we need to BRING IT BACK!!


🔹 “Rock That Body Dance Trend”: If dances are your thing, there’s a new dance trend, by this creator below, sweeping the internet using the song Rock That Body by The Black Eyed Peas. It’s fun, it’s fresh, it’s funky…give it a go!

@camiorduna

mi baile #parati#fyp#2000s#blackeyedpeas#rockthatbody#2010s

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