International Creators Day: 7 Shocking Gaps in Creator Pay

I recently attended the International Creators Day, an event that left me both inspired and challenged by the realities of the global creator economy. Hosted by Teki, the event brought together digital minds from across the world to celebrate and empower content creators. The day featured powerful insights from top panelists including Meta, Microsoft, Pulse Kenya, and other industry leaders.

One of the standout voices for me was Maureen, founder of Mollage Media, who shared valuable nuggets on digital marketing and influencer strategies. Alongside her were notable speakers like Michelle, Ahmad, and Martin Githinji (Daddie Marto)—who also happens to be the only Affiliate Partner of Meta in Kenya. His session opened my eyes to the many monetization opportunities now available through in-stream ads, including Facebook Reels, Stories, and even static photo posts.

According to Meta, over $2 billion was paid to creators globally in 2023. With continued investment and new monetization features rolling out in 2024 and beyond, this figure is expected to rise significantly. It’s not just about payouts—it’s about enabling the growing creator economy, which now consists of over 300 million creators worldwide. That’s nearly the population of the United States!

The purpose of International Creators Day is more than celebration—it’s about advocacy, innovation, and building support systems for creators to thrive. The event served as a timely reminder that while the digital space offers immense possibilities, it also exposes the shocking pay gaps and unequal access to monetization tools, especially in regions like Africa.

What stood out was how AI and emerging technologies are becoming critical in empowering creators. We had engaging conversations on how AI is shaping faster, more robust workflows—from content planning and video editing to automation in campaign tracking and analytics. Tools powered by AI are not only helping creators produce more but also optimize and scale their reach efficiently.

Still, challenges remain. Not all creators are aware of monetization routes or the platforms that support them. That’s why it’s crucial for events like International Creators Day, hosted by Teki, to exist—they offer learning, exposure, and direct access to decision-makers from global tech giants.

If you’re a brand, marketer, or creator, there’s no better time than now to invest in understanding the digital ecosystem. At Mkono Digital, we help creators and businesses unlock the power of digital strategy, influencer campaigns, and automated content workflows powered by the latest tech.

Key Takeaways from International Creators Day:

Over 300 million active creators globally
$2 billion+ paid to creators via Facebook in 2023 alone
Growing creator monetization via Reels, Stories, and Photos
AI-powered workflows enhance content production and engagement
Meta, Microsoft, and Pulse Kenya are key enablers in this shift
Massive potential for African creators to earn globally
Teki is leading the charge in Kenya with impactful events like this

By tapping into tools and insights shared during International Creators Day, creators can leapfrog traditional content barriers, scale faster, and build sustainable digital brands.

Relevant Internal Links:

Learn how to monetize your content at Mkono Digital.
Explore our AI-powered content strategy services here.
Want to grow your creator brand? Start here.

Relevant External Links:

International Creators Day