Last week, the Uppbeat team touched down in Anaheim, California, for three full days of creator-fuelled brilliance. VidCon had lots to teach us, but what were our favorite bits? In this bumper issue of The Uppload we’re sharing our highlights, from growth hacks and data-driven insights, to inspiring talks on the importance of authenticity.
3 Takeaways from VidCon 2025
VidCon is the annual creator event, bringing together industry giants, creators from every niche, and fans. The result? Expert insight you wouldn’t get anywhere else. Here’s just a snapshot of what our team learnt:
1. Authenticity always wins.
Viewers don’t follow videos, they follow people. If you want to grow as a creator, focus on becoming the most authentic version of yourself.
Don’t get hung up on the algorithm → Create quality content and trust that YouTube or TikTok will follow your audience signals.
Get clear on your niche → The more specific and personal your content is, the easier you’ll find an audience. If you’re struggling to pin down your niche, Goldie Chan said to re-watch your last five posts and determine a common theme between them. Don’t identify with this theme? It might be time to switch up your content.
2. Understand your audience.
From Derral Eves to Sambucha, all the VidCon creators we saw emphasised the importance of audience insight. Gather information on your typical viewership using YouTube analytics and use it to craft a detailed ‘audience avatar.’ Each time you pick up a camera, keep this audience in mind and create content you think will keep them engaged.
But remember → The biggest creators aren’t chasing views, they’re building community. Prioritize returning viewers (over views) and use micro-engagements to foster this loyalty.
3. Be efficient.
Most of us are creating alongside a full-time job or school. Fortunately, Vidcon had lots of tips on making the most of limited time.
Use ChatGPT for research tasks → Try uploading your retention graph and transcript for a speedy analysis of your content’s performance.
Use short-form content strategically →Test ideas before investing time in long-form, or try re-purposing footage within Shorts (for example, as a movie trailer to your next video).
Protect your mental health → Burn out is real. Give yourself space, carve out ‘no social’ days, and never let negative feedback define your worth.
AI can't replace you
AI-generated content is on the rise, and with that comes concerns about how it'll impact the creator space. But at VidCon there was nothing but positivity - why? Because AI lacks one thing: it can never be you.
The proof is in the podcast →
524.1 million people will tune into podcasts in 2025, up 75% from 2020. This boom correlates with AI’s growth in the creator-space, and points towards a wider trend in the content that people are actively looking for. (Hint, it’s not AI-generated.)
In a talk led by Spotify, video podcasts were hailed as the most authentic medium. Their success is less about performing for the camera, and all about connecting through conversation.
People are seeking human content →
They want shared experience and emotive storytelling. Or as our social media manager, Jo, puts it: AI can’t replace your story, your experience, your identity, your life’s messiness and brilliance. Being human is your edge, so use it.
What are we watching?
We caught up with Graphic Designer Sian Campbell to ask her a couple of questions about a creator she met at VidCon, and why she loves their content.
What's your favorite channel right now? "@AdamMcIntyre is a go to channel to catch up on all the goss with that high school bestie you never had."
3 words to describe? “Ookayy. Allegedly. Turr.”
Why do you love it? “I can just tune in and get debriefed on everything Chronically Online in a silly but grounded way. Gossip Girl could never.”
Elsewhere on the web
Safe for now. TikTok avoids a US ban a third time.
Moodle Social Media breaks down this week’s viral TikTok trends.
A trend-approved blend. Emma Chamberlain and Pinterest collab over coffee.
Cannes film festival is ‘Gen-Z’ approved as creators document its behind the scenes.
An odd pair? Critics say Converse’s collab with Amelia Dimoldenberg fell flat.
Latest updates
Lucky enough to attend Vidcon this year? We’ve got the perfect line-up of assets for your B-roll. Check out Uppbeat’s most popular transitions, or explore some of our freshest beats ready to click and download. And if you’re looking for some inspo, we’re excited to announce that Uppbeat is now on TikTok! Drop us a follow for skits, music deep dives and creator tips.
