Should content creators quit full-time jobs? Highlights from 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai

The largest event of its kind globally, the recently concluded 1 Billion Followers Summit in the UAE brought together more than 3,000 content creators, influencers and creatives from across the globe, including 100 expert speakers, to inspire over 1 billion people.

UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, has issued directives to allocate a fund valued at Dh150 million to support content creators and transform the digital media sector, according to the state news agency.

1 Billion Followers Summit: Making UAE a global capital for digital content

His Highness has also instructed the establishment of a permanent influencers’ headquarters that provides year-round support. The announcements are meant to solidify the country’s position as a global capital for digital content.

The Dh150 million fund seeks to support the development of creative and impactful content, help influencers hone their skills and introduce the UAE story, its achievements and cultural contributions to international markets, the news agency further reported.

During a panel discussion on the second day of the Summit on Thursday, Gurpreet Singh, co-founder of One Digital Entertainment, a company that grooms content creators and supports them on their journey, gave thoughtful information about the booming industry.

Key to flourish in the field? Let’s learn

Currently, there are more than 200 million content creators across the globe. But just 10% of the community, or roughly 2 million, make $100,000 or more per year. Then, is there a key to flourishing in the field and earning a name that lasts a lifetime?

Best time for a content creator to have a support team

Singh said: “Content creation is not just about numbers, it’s also about positioning and perception.” Creators need an editor, a businessman, a lawyer, a finance expert and a PR machine, he noted, but added that some people manage to do all of it on their own.

Did he elaborate on the best time to have a team? Yes. The expert highlighted that the answer truly depends on the individual. “It can be day zero or when creators reach a certain threshold. Creators decide if and when they need like-minded people around them.”

Like Singh, Phil Ranta, CEO of Spree, Fabienne Fourquet, CEO of 2btube, and Omar Hmaidat, entrepreneur, CEO and co-founder of Dmsgroupme, are strong advocates of building support networks and using them to accelerate growth in this competitive space.

Quitting full-time jobs for a career in content creation

Next, Naseer Al Aqil tackled one of the trickiest questions floating around in the industry during a separate panel discussion. He has 7 million followers on social media and has quit his full-time job as an engineer almost 1.5 years after posting his first story.

He elaborated on ‘a good time to quit full-time jobs for a career in content creation‘, noting: “I had responsibilities, so I wanted to be sure before I took the plunge. The decision paid off. I know make about the same as the vice president of the firm I used to work for.”