Creator ad spend is hitting thirty-nine billion dollars in 2026, and traditional video reads are no longer the standard. In this episode, we break down our new partnership with Lexus and we outline the four ways creators are making money with brands today: As distribution for brand reach. As talent for native likeness. As directors and creatives using platform expertise. As consultants bridging the gap between major corporations and internet culture. Lastly we review some of our favorite creator ads on YouTube with our story produce Conor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Ways Creators are Making Money in 2026

The Colin and Samir Show

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[SPEAKER_05] Hey, what's up everyone? Welcome back to The Colin and Samir Show. On today's episode, we're talking about ads.

[SPEAKER_04] Mainly because we made one. We made a bunch, actually. But not how you would think. Not historically what you'd think of when we say ads.

[SPEAKER_05] So in this episode, we're going to talk about four ways that creators and brands are working together and talk a lot about the future of advertising in the creator economy. If you're in the greater economy, you gotta love ads. It's kind of the thing.

[SPEAKER_04] The future of the creator economy and its growth, in my opinion, hinges on the ability of brands and creators to work better together. Why are you yelling? Because I really mean it. Yeah, you feel very passionate about it. I feel very passionate. Yeah.

[SPEAKER_05] All right. If you're into ads, you're going to like this episode. All right. Let's talk about ads. Honestly, one of my favorite things. Yeah, actually. Like not even kidding. Yeah. It's something I deeply love and something that is the economic engine of the internet. It's really interesting to go back in time and go like advertising is what enabled the internet to be free.

4 Ways Creators are Making Money in 2026

Read the full transcript

The candid version is on a podcast,
not the earnings call.

4 Ways Creators are Making Money in 2026

Read the full transcript

The candid version is on a podcast, not the earnings call.

The candid version is on a podcast,
not the earnings call.