Today’s internet is a great way for people to express their talents and interests easily. Platforms like Youtube, Tiktok, and Instagram have fostered communities based off of common interests, and influenced many around the world. June Coady (10) and Kalice Woods (11) are both students that have followed that influence, creating their own accounts.
Coady first started making content around 2020. Now, she has 462 followers on her TikTok account.
“My friends were doing it, and I was seeing it because of TikTok’s for you page,” Coady said. “I was like, ‘This is so cool.’ And I didn’t really have anything else going on, because of the pandemic.”
“I do cosplay, so it allows me to express myself through my makeup, my clothes, my hair, and my body movements because a lot of cosplay is lip syncing when you make videos,” Coady said. “And it allows me to explore different fandoms and storylines, like Fruits Basket, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Bungou Stray Dogs.”
Coady has faced many adversities as a content creator. Her problems are seen by many people online as the internet allows people to say things without consequence.
“I get a couple weird comments every once in a while,” Coady said. “They’re nothing hateful or, like objectifying, they’re just make you feel like saying ‘What are you saying?’. And usually most of the time I’ll just delete the comment.”
Monetization is a feature available on most social media platforms. With a certain amount of followers and engagement, creators can receive a cut of the revenue from the things they share online. However, Coady doesn’t monetize her content.
“I don’t have enough followers,” Coady said. “I also don’t think I would enjoy creating content as much if it was a money thing.”
Every content creator also has a specific routine for setting up their content. Each method helps creators perfect their craft and present a polished product for their audience.
“First I’ll find audios or inspiration, then I’ll put on makeup, put the costume and the shoes on, and then I just set up my camera or my phone and then my lighting,” Coady said. “Makeup usually takes an hour, an hour and a half, depending on how complicated it is. Like, my makeup for Tohru from Fruits Basket takes an hour and a half. But, a simpler character would only take me 45 minutes to an hour.”
Coady has some advice for content creators who are just starting out. She says to be mindful of who’s looking at your platform.
“Don’t let negative comments get you down,” Coady said. “When you’re just starting out, things are going to be difficult, and not a lot of people are going to see your things. Just have fun with it.”
Woods creates fashion and lifestyle content on Instagram and Youtube. She started her Youtube channel in the fifth grade, and since then she’s been creating content.
“It just allows me to be myself and try to get a message out.” Woods said.
Woods has also faced adversity throughout her content creation journey. Her problem is relatable for many people that post online.
“I think it’s just trying to get my videos out there,” Woods said. “It’s trying to find ways for people to actually want to stay and not just watch my videos.”
Many content creators also struggle with balancing school, work, and home life while also being consistent on uploads. Woods has her own strategy on dealing with these hardships.
“It does get tough, but I think planning it and then actually doing it helps,” Woods said. “Knowing like what you’re going to do, how you’re going to do it, when you’re going to do it is how I try to incorporate content creation with my life.”
Despite these challenges, Woods still plans on doing content creation outside of high school. Her experience can help many others who are thinking about starting their own channels.
“I don’t know for how long, but as long as it takes me, I plan doing it,” Woods said. “Just believe in yourself and don’t get discouraged when things aren’t going your way, because it’s gonna come out to be something good in the end.”