How Creators Must Adapt in 2025
The Rise and Fall of the Follower Era
For over a decade, creators around the world pursued one golden metric — followers and subscribers. It meant validation, community, and most importantly, control over distribution. Creators could confidently expect that when they posted, those who followed would see it. The game was simple — grow your followers, keep them engaged, and success would follow.
But the digital winds have shifted.
In a revealing interview with Colin & Samir, the CEO of Patreon openly declared what many of us have quietly feared: we are witnessing the death of the follower. Platforms like TikTok changed the entire landscape. The simple promise of “follow to see more” has been replaced with algorithmically curated feeds that care less about who you follow and more about what will keep you scrolling.
How TikTok Broke the Feed
TikTok’s For You Page cracked the code. Instead of users relying on followings, TikTok decided to serve content based on behavior, not loyalty. Swipe, engage, linger — that became the fuel for success. Creators didn’t need 1 million followers anymore; they needed one banger that triggered the algorithm.
The industry reacted quickly. Instagram, YouTube, and even Twitter (now X) followed suit, prioritizing shareable, short-form, high-engagement content over chronological feeds or follower-based distribution.
For consumers, this was magic. For creators? Chaos.
Creators Are Left Behind
Subscribers today are mostly a vanity metric. Engagements are volatile, feeds are unpredictable, and creators must now play an endless game of algorithmic roulette.
- Creators have seen likes cut in half
- Followers don’t reliably see posts anymore
- New, random viewers make up the bulk of video views
- Predictability is dead
If you’re a creator, you’ve probably felt it. The post you poured your heart into? The algorithm said “nope.” Meanwhile, a trendy, low-effort clip with a viral sound blows up.
What This Means for Creators in 2025
Your follower count is no longer your safety net Virality is rewarded over community Long-form content is quietly making a comeback The platforms won’t go back — so you have to go forward
The upside? This chaotic landscape favors new creators more than ever. If you can hook attention and tell a compelling story — even with zero followers — you can thrive.
Survival Blueprint: How to Adapt
- Diversify Your Revenue
Don’t rely solely on ad revenue. Sell digital products, courses, merch, or freelance your skills. - Control Your Audience
Start a newsletter or private community. Email lists don’t rely on algorithms. - Balance the Content
Try the 1 for them, 1 for you method. Create some algorithm-friendly content, but also make time for passion projects. - Lean Into Long-Form Storytelling
Short-form dominates time, but long-form builds trust and emotional connection. That’s what people will pay for. - Plan, Don’t Panic
Use tools like [Milanote] or others to storyboard, script, and organize projects before you hit record. Pre-production saves time and creates clarity.
Final Thought
The death of the follower isn’t the end — it’s an opportunity. New creators, old creators, small or large — everyone is now subject to the same chaotic feed. Your edge isn’t how many followers you have, it’s how well you connect, engage, and retain.
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