If you want to dip your toes into the waters of content creation but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place! Today we’ll look at a few different types of content creators, including bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, streamers, and social media influencers, and discuss them in detail. Learn which skills are recommended for each path and decide which content creation gig is right for you.

Afterwards, we’ll look at creator paths with good overlap, such as streaming and podcasting. While some content creators manage to do it all, there’s no denying that each path takes a ton of time and energy (time a lot of us may not have). However, if you want to become a full-time content creator, it’s certainly worth trying to check more than one box to maximize your revenue opportunities.

Blogger

If you enjoy lots of writing with a dash of photography, blogging could be a good choice for you. Ideally, your blog would focus on a specific niche and consistent style of writing to really stand out. Blogging is a great choice for those who don’t enjoy being in front of the camera and requires the least amount of social skills out of all the careers.

With a blog, it’s a good idea so run a weekly or monthly newsletter so you can keep readers coming back regularly. When you use Link Space as your link in bio tool, you can collect information such as names and email addresses from anyone who stops by. Download that info to a spreadsheet and from there you can upload it to your mailing list provider of choice. A mailing list is vital to staying connected with your community and we highly recommend you start one.

Recommended Skills to Build for Bloggers:

• Writing
• Photography
• SEO (search engine optimization)
• Light web design
• Light marketing (specifically email and social media)

YouTuber

If you’re a fan of taking videos on your phone and want to experiment with your creativity further, why not try your hand at YouTubing? It’s been said that YouTube is one of the easiest platforms to grow on, especially if the content you’re providing is educational in some way (tutorials, how-to guides, etc.). Whether behind the camera or in front of it, a career as a YouTuber will require camera operation knowledge and video editing skills.

For a simple yet powerful video editor, we recommend Video Editor. Not only is Video Editor browser-based (no pesky software to download), it allows you to export your videos straight to YouTube. Since video editing programs are notoriously difficult to get the hang of, especially for beginners, we think you’ll love how easy and intuitive Video Editor is to use.

Recommended Skills to Build for YouTubers:

• Videography
• Video editing
• On-camera presence
• SEO (search engine optimization)

Podcaster

If you’ve got the gift of gab, the podcaster career could be right for you. Do you have a group of friends who are knowledgeable about a certain topic? Or if you’re going solo, do you have plenty of guests you could invite to join you for a chat? While it’s certainly possible to run your own podcast as a solo presenter, the majority of podcasts have more than one member and/or host guests regularly.

You have to check out Talk Studio if you’re interested in starting a podcast. Talk Studio is another browser-based tool and a powerful Zoom alternative. Invite up to 12 guests with the Pro version, or keep things simple with just you and one guest or co-host for free. You can record, stream, or do both simultaneously, which is perfect for podcasters who want to have a YouTube channel as well. A standout feature of Talk Studio is the teleprompter tool which will allow you to read your script like a pro!

Recommended Skills to Build for Podcasters:

• Interpersonal skills (small talk, interviewing, etc.)
• Light script writing
• Light production management
• Networking

Streamer

Do you like talking with people in real-time? Do you enjoy gaming, crafting, performing, or even just chatting in front of a live audience who can respond? If so, consider joining the ranks of thousands of streamers worldwide who excel at entertaining online. Streaming is one of the more fast-paced careers on the list as you need to be able to improvise, keep the chat entertained, and play a game (or other activity) at the same time.

It goes without saying that we use Streamlabs Desktop, a free software that allows you to go live on Twitch or any other live streaming platform. We have thousands of overlays to choose from (both free and premium, depending on your preference) so you can create professional-looking streams quickly and easily. While a lot of streamers know a fair bit about computers and technology, you don’t need to be a PC expert or gaming pro to go live with Streamlabs.

Recommended Skills to Build for Streamers:

• Interpersonal skills (small talk, storytelling, making people feel welcome, etc.)
• On-camera presence
• Branding (persona, color scheme, etc.)
• Light computer skills

Social Media Influencer

Perhaps more than any other path, social media influencers are on top of trends, whether it be a TikTok dance that’s making the rounds or a sound clip that’s showing up on everyone’s Instagram. If you enjoy making short form content (and lots of it), consider making a name for yourself across social media sites like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. You don’t have to be a fashionista, beauty guru, or model: your social media can focus on any niche, including bento box lunches, pets, keyboard collecting, and just about anything else you can dream up.

Recommended Skills to Build for Social Media Influencers:

• Photography
• Branding (to maintain cohesion across all social media)
• Marketing
• Multitasking (requires lots of posts across multiple sites)
• Networking

Crossover Careers

Many of these careers (or hobbies, side hustles, etc.) work well together. Lots of content creators choose multiple paths so they can diversify and increase their streams of income. Though any creator will tell you that it’s not easy, with a little planning, you can make multiple gigs happen with minimal effort.

Podcaster, Streamer, and YouTuber

If you’re cool with being on camera and hosting your podcast live, all you need to do is record it and upload it to YouTube when you’re finished. For those who don’t mind being on camera but would rather record, edit, and upload later, take the streaming element out of the picture but still upload your podcast to YouTube. The only reason you should record audio-only podcasts is if you strongly dislike being on camera. Otherwise, take advantage of the booming industry that is streaming and the steadiness of YouTube to really capitalize on your career as a podcaster.

Blogger and Social Media Influencer

While you’re busy posting beautiful images to enhance your blog, consider uploading them to Instagram or Twitter in the process. Use social media to drive traffic to your blog and help you network. Growing a blog can be challenging but it doesn’t have to be. With free social media tools at your disposal, repurpose your blog posts into short-form content for maximum exposure.

Streamer, YouTuber, and Social Media Influencer

Before you start your stream, imagine how you would title it as a YouTube video. While you’re streaming, keep in mind that you’ll be uploading to YouTube later, so Include elements like an intro and outro. Once your stream is finished, you can edit out anything irrelevant (replying to someone’s chat comment, the time you left the stream for a bathroom break, etc.).

While you’re editing the video for YouTube, take note of the best moments from the stream. Maybe you kicked butt in your co-op gaming session or had a hilarious blooper while playing an instrument. Either way, choose a few funny or interesting moments to turn into Twitch clips to display on your profile. Then, take those Twitch clips and turn them into short form video content with the help of Cross Clip. Upload your clips to Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok and presto: You’re a social media influencer!

The triple combo that is a streamer, YouTuber, and social media influencer is one of the most lucrative career paths on this list. Drive traffic to both your streams and your YouTube channel with your socials, use your socials to help you get brand deals, maintain a steady stream of income with your YouTube channel, and receive tips and subscriber revenue from your streams. If you follow a large, successful streamer, odds are they have a YouTube channel and active socials as well.

We know we’ve painted a pretty picture for starting a successful career as a content creator. In reality, creating content is not an easy job, which is why we recommend tools like Link Space, Video Editor, Talk Studio, Streamlabs, and Cross Clip to do some of the work for you. If you’re passionate about one (or more) of the careers we discussed today, start making content steadily using tools you already own, like your phone. Hone your skills as a creator and with a little persistence, you’ll be growing your business in no time.