Just like John Cena stripped down to the “essentials”…

We’re here to give you the vital info you need to know.

So you don’t end up exposed, wondering what the heck is going on. So today, we’re breaking down what TikTok’s latest announcement means for anyone creating on the platform. Because you need to know this stuff 👀

In today's newsletter:

• John Cena bares all at the Oscars (here’s how to jump on this viral moment before it disappears!)

• Filmmaker Takashi Miike releases a 20-minute film shot on an iPhone (and what this has to do with YOU)

• TikTok embraces long-form content (what you need to know about this app update)

• How to create stellar content (even when you have no money)

And if you want some free marketing advice, make sure to send me your kweschens!

- Charlotte, Editor ♡

John Cena, we can definitely see you now...

“Costumes …they are so important,” the star said, while presenting the Best Costume Design award, butt naked on stage. Talk about an attention-grabbing entrance. And we’re totally here for it.

This was a viral moment for sure. So jump in on the conversation now.

A few ideas for you:

• Use his sound bite for your brand’s fashion content

• Record your reaction to his impressive, uh, inventory

ANYWHO.

What do Takashi Miike, Olivia Rodrigo and Steven Spielberg have in common?

Early last week, Apple released a collaboration with legendary filmmaker Takashi Miike. His 20-minute film, shot entirely on the iPhone 15 pro, was released to Apple’s YouTube channel.

And this isn't Apple's first collaboration with creators to promote just how good their phone cameras are. This campaign has recently included a music video for the popular musician Olivia Rodrigo. Steven Spielberg also used an iPhone to film a music video early last year.

Whilst Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” is a creative marketing campaign, it highlights something important. When making content, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need the latest or greatest filmmaking gear.

But in reality, the best camera there is, is the one you already own.

So what does the success of the “Shot on iPhone” campaign mean for you?

• Story is king. Remember to focus on the story you’re telling. This is what your audience is buying into, not what camera you are using.

• Let your gear fade into the background. The camera and gear you use are just tools to help you create something. So don't let the type of gear you have stop you from posting.

• Get over yourself. Better gear doesn't make you a better content creator. Yes, these tools can help. But great content comes from your mind, not the click of a button.

- Sophie, Art Director & Ollie, Videographer

TikTok Embraces Long Videos (who could have seen that coming?!)

A longer stay for longer TikToks?

With TikTok’s new Creator Rewards Program, it looks like long-form videos are here to stay. In fact, they may even become the app's dominant type of content.

A year ago, TikTok began testing its Creativity Program. Creators in the programme had to post clips longer than 60 seconds to receive monetisation. Now called the Creative Rewards Program, the initiative is being rolled out across the platform.

This marks a move away from the short-form video style that defined TikTok's meteoric rise in recent years.

How does the Creative Rewards Program work?

TikTok says rewards are calculated based on an "optimised rewards formula." This formula has four key pillars: originality, search value, play duration, and audience engagement.

The app says creators complained of low rewards from the original creator fund, which ended in November. In fact, some TikTokers said they only took home a few dollars after gaining millions of views. The new fund for one-minute-minimum videos promises to change this for good.

Now TikTok says creators are earning 250% more than they were six months ago. And the number of users earning US$50,000 a month has doubled.

A short life for short-form content?

Ironically, TikTok is creating more incentives to make the kinds of videos it originally sought to challenge. Recently, the app's been testing 30-minute videos and is boosting horizontal videos. The platform appears to be moving away from Vine-like clips. Instead, it's leaning into more long-form content.

If you're a creator on the platform, you need to pay attention to these changes. If they stick, those dreams of living off 15-second clips may be short-lived.

- Devin, Copywriter

What’s Going Viral?

Got FOMO?

Listen to our YAP Podcast Tuesday - Saturday, where Stan & Jony break down the videos that are blowing up on social media. Not only will you learn why they work, but we’ll tell you how to capitalise on these trends before they disappear.

Watch the full podcast here and subscribe to the YouTube Channel so you don’t miss an episode.

Check out what's going viral RIGHT NOW before you miss it 👇

Tarte’s Bora Bora influencer trip 

Revenge for the years of picking me up from the club

Blue Collar facial

Today’s Creator Spotlight 👉 Life of Riza 

Tweets from The Intern

Ask the Editor

Q - How can I create really good TikToks if I don’t have any money to put toward content creation? - Mandy

Hi Mandy,

You might not want to hear this, but creating good TikToks has nothing to do with money. If you spend any time on social media, that’s obvious, right? Plenty of people create content that doesn’t cost them anything.

The real challenge is knowing how to make good content. And the best way to learn that is to spend more time on the platform. Figure out what good content looks like. Try stuff. And get feedback from your audience to see what you can do better.

Then just keep testing and making more content until you figure out what works for you. There’s really no secret beyond that.

- Charlotte, Editor ♡