Each year, everyday thousands of students wake up and decide they will become content creators. Few, however, know what kind of content creator they want to be.
Some wish to be YouTubers, others love to write articles, make Instagram Reels or host podcasts. Many people start off with great enthusiasm but then are misdirected and don't know what they are supposed to be doing, because they think that content creation is just posting on social media.
There's one thing behind every successful creator and it's a developed skill, acquired over the years. Knowing what you are good at is the first step to a successful career.
Content Creation is Not One Job
Over the past decade, the creator economy has undergone swift transformation. Now, creators are being called upon to inform, educate and engage audiences for businesses, media, education and startups.
This means the influencers are not the only ones that create content. Today, creators are journalists, video makers, digital marketers, teachers, podcast hosts, writers, photographers and media entrepreneurs.
Most successful creators focus on one format and then move onto other formats.
5 Types of Content Creators
1. Video Creator
Video creators are the ones who create videos. There are two categories of such creators: long-form and short-form video creators.
Long-form creators make videos for sites like YouTube and educational sites. Their work includes documentaries, interviews, explainers, reviews and educational videos. In contrast to short-form videos, long-form videos keep retaining users after the initial viewing period due to their ability to be found in search results.
Short-form videos are for YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and other applications. Their videos are scrolling videos which either have a dance, song, motivational talk, relatable experience, or anything else.
Skills needed for being a video creator:
- Storytelling
- Video production
- Script writing
- Research
- Editing
- Presentation skills
Courses to consider
This area of interest tends to lead to the following degrees in college:
- BA Journalism and Mass Communication (BAJMC)
- Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)
- Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC)
- Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM)
- BA Media and Communication
- Film and Television Production
2. Short-Form Content Creator
Short-form creators are experts in vertical video formats like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and more.
Knowing how people act in the audience is key to success in this category. According to communication and psychology research, people generally judge a video in a matter of seconds to decide whether to finish watching it. Storytelling, timing and clarity are key to grow as a short-form content creator.
Skills needed
- Mobile videography
- Editing
- Copywriting
- Audience engagement
- Trend analysis
Courses to consider
- Digital Media
- Advertising
- Journalism
- Visual Communication
- Social Media Management
3. Writer and Digital Publisher
Not all creators are shown in the video, others pursue careers by creating articles, blogs, newsletters and online magazines that provide answers to people's questions or descriptions of complex issues in simple terms. One of the most enduring types of content are articles, which can continue to attract readers to your search engine for years after they're published.
Skills needed
- Research
- Writing
- Editing
- SEO
- Critical thinking
Courses to consider
- BA English
- BA Journalism
- Mass Communication
- Digital Publishing
- Content Writing
4. Educational Creator
Educational creators break down complex topics into online tutorials, study material, workshops and courses. Their audiences are likely to believe them because they always explain things which are hard to understand in an understandable way.
With the growing penetration of online education, the creators are relying on the collaboration of schools, universities, edtech firms and professional training platforms more and more.
Skills needed
- Subject expertise
- Teaching
- Public speaking
- Curriculum planning
- Communication
Courses to consider
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Instructional Design
- Educational Technology
- Subject-specific undergraduate programmes
5. UGC and Brand Creator
Brands can hire User Generated Content (UGC) creators who don't necessarily need to be a social media influencer and create photographs and videos for them. Audiences are more likely to engage with a product demonstration from a real user than with traditional advertising.
Skills needed
- Photography
- Product storytelling
- Branding
- Video editing
- Communication
Courses to consider
- Advertising
- Graphic Design
- Visual Communication
- Journalism
- Digital Marketing
Which one is the best course for a content creator?
The degree of "Content creation" does not exist. The majority of professionals make their start with communication, storytelling and media production/digital skills courses in the creator economy.
The most popular ones include:
- BA Journalism and Mass Communication (BAJMC)
- Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (B. J. M. C.)
- Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM)
- Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC)
- BA Media and Communication
- BSc Media Technologies
- BSc Animation and Graphics
Students are introduced to reporting, digital publishing, audio-visual production, social media strategy, content writing, photography, video editing and media ethics in these programmes, skills that are current and applicable in a variety of creator careers.
Which entrance exam is it best for students to take?
There are different university entry requirements. Some institutes take admission by the students' class XII mark while many media and communication institutes hold entrance tests to evaluate communication skills, analytical thinking & creativity skills.
One of such exams is the Global Media Common Entrance Test (GMCET), a common entrance test for undergraduate media courses in the participating universities of India and some South Asian nations.
This examination is designed for the students who have opted for journalism and mass communication courses like BA Journalism and Mass Communication, BJMC, Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM), Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC), BA Media and Communication, BSc Animation and Graphics, and BSc Media Technologies. It assesses communication ability, logical thinking and analytical skills, attributes which are highly sought after in contemporary careers in the media.
Note: It is always good for students to check the procedure and requirements of the university to which they are applying.
How can one become a successful content creator?
With technology making publishing so easy, consistency is still a must for building trust. Psychologists have known for years that we get better at things by practicing them over and over, instead of changing our priorities all the time. It's the same with content creation:
- Choose one format
- Build one audience
- Work on just one skill at a time
Many creators don't succeed because they attempt to be all things to all people. The future is yours for the taking if you can tell a story through a creative means. Artificial Intelligence is transforming the creation of content, but it isn't changing the consumption of it. So, be smart and use it to your advantage.
People still remember stories that teach them something, solve a problem or make them feel understood. No matter which path you choose for your career, whether being a journalist, teacher, film maker, writer or digital creator, being able to communicate clearly is the most important skill you can acquire.
The real creators are not who talk louder than the rest, but who help people to understand the world a little better than they did the day before. If you think you can be one of them, choose the right course and build a full-fledged career in it.
Note: For career clarity, knowing top universities, and support, feel free to call at 08035018499 for FREE consultation.
