The report delves into the regulation of the influencer economy, focusing on the monetization strategies and workforce dynamics within digital content platforms. It examines how creators generate income across multiple platforms, the evolving regulatory frameworks affecting digital labor, and the implications on employment classifications. Through case studies of platforms like TikTok and YouTube, and a review of global legislations like the EU Digital Fairness Act, it explores the economic impact and future challenges faced by creators. This comprehensive study offers insights into the regulatory landscape and its effects on the digital creator economy.
PurposeTo analyze regulations affecting creator monetization and workforce dynamics.
AudiencePolicymakers, academics, platform operators, and creators.
Report LengthComprehensive.
Focus Areas.
Industries JobsDigital content creation and influencer marketing.
Geographic AreasGlobal, with emphasis on U.S., EU, South Korea.
Special EmphasisRegulation and platform governance.
Report Layout.
Introduction to the Creator Economy as Digital Labor
Defining the creator economy in 2025 context
Evolution of creator monetisation strategies
Current market scale and economic projections
Creator Workforce Demographics and Structure
Global distribution and growth of full-time creators
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Insights.
Creators face economic fragility due to platform dependency and high fees.Regulations like the Digital Fairness Act aim to address transparency and fairness.Platforms are introducing new monetization models like the TikTok Creator Rewards.Creator legal classifications remain complex, often as independent contractors.Monetization strategies are diversifying beyond ads to include subscriptions and DTC.
Key Questions Answered.
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Platform-specific creator profiles and roles
Income tiers and the emerging creator middle class
Platform-Based Monetisation Models
Comparison of multi-layered revenue streams
Platform dependency and economic fragility
Algorithmic and AI influence on earnings and visibility
Regulatory Frameworks Affecting Digital Labor
Regional and emerging legislation
Gaps in protections for digital creators
Platform adaptations to regulatory developments
Employment Classification in Content Ecosystems
Creator legal status
Platform accountability and creator business classification
Legal precedents and evolving policy discussions
Labor Rights and Creator Protections
Creator working conditions and platform accountability
Collective action, creator unions, and caucus advocacy
Income stability mechanisms and minimum earnings models
Platform Governance and Economic Impact
Terms of service as quasi-employment contracts
Demonetisation, algorithmic decay, and 'enshittification' risks
Moderation policies and their economic consequences for creators
Case Study: TikTok Creator Fund and Social Commerce Integration
Structure and evolution of TikTok’s monetisation tools
Creator experiences and economic outcomes
Regulatory and platform strategy implications
Case Study: YouTube Partner Program and Shorts Monetisation
Updates to YouTube’s Partner Program and Shorts revenue sharing
Creator adaptation and diversification strategies
Platform responsibility and transparency developments
Case Study: EU Digital Fairness Act and Creator Protections
Impacts of the Digital Fairness Act on creator monetisation and contracts
Cross-border regulatory challenges for platforms and creators
Platform compliance strategies and creator implications
Financial Transparency in Creator-Platform Relations
Standards for revenue reporting and creator payouts
Algorithmic transparency and content recommendation clarity
Disclosure rules for sponsored and monetised content
Emerging Creator Protection and Support Initiatives
Platform-led creator support and fintech tools
Industry self-regulation and creator advocacy groups
Third-party representation and creator caucus efforts
Future of Creator Workforce Regulation
Anticipated legislative and policy developments
Platform proactive governance and monetisation innovation
Integration with broader digital labor and platform economy frameworks
Global Policy Recommendations
Creator-centric protections and labor standards
Platform accountability and transparency mandates
Harmonised monetisation and disclosure frameworks
Implications for Academic Research
Applying digital labor and platform economy theories
Identifying research gaps and emerging questions
Methodological challenges in studying creator ecosystems
Citations and References
Reference academic and industry publications
Data and statistics sources
Citations for case studies and examples
Appendices
Supplementary data tables and charts
Detailed methodological notes
Additional case study information
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What are the main monetization strategies for creators?
