ShortTake is your weekly FYP from The Shorty Awards for quick, new and thought-challenging takes on culture, creativity and TLDR. Things that need a closer look and things that need a completely different perspective.
LinkedIn's Upfronts: Where B2B Meets Binge-Watching
LinkedIn is stepping into the spotlight with its own version of Upfronts, unveiling five new original video series featuring business luminaries like Steven Bartlett and Rebecca Minkoff. These shows delve into topics from AI to female entrepreneurship, aiming to transform LinkedIn from a networking site into a content powerhouse.
With a 36% year-over-year increase in video viewership, LinkedIn is positioning itself as the go-to platform for professional-grade content. Advertisers, take note: this isn't your dad's LinkedIn anymore.
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Tariffs Throw Cold Water on TV's Ad-Selling Season
The annual TV upfronts are feeling the heat—not from the spotlight, but from the chill of economic uncertainty. President Trump's shifting tariff policies have advertisers tightening their belts, leading to a projected $4 billion drop in TV ad spend from last year.
While media giants like NBCUniversal and Fox News Media are rolling out the red carpet, brands are cautiously stepping back, wary of committing big bucks amid the fiscal fog.
Read more:
- The Wall Street Journal – Ad Buyers Scale Back Amid Tariff Tensions
- LinkedIn News coverage
- Reuters industry impact recap
Influencer Burnout: When Going Viral Goes Awry
The creator economy's glittering facade hides a growing issue: burnout. Influencers are grappling with the relentless pressure to produce content, leading to mental health struggles.
Enter CreatorCare, a new telehealth initiative offering therapy tailored for creators, with sessions addressing burnout, anxiety, and the unique stresses of internet fame. Because sometimes, the algorithm’s demands are just too much.
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Creator Jobs Multiply Like Rabbits
In a testament to the digital age, full-time digital creator jobs in the U.S. have skyrocketed from 200,000 in 2020 to 1.5 million in 2024—a 7.5-fold increase. This surge positions creators as the fastest-growing segment among internet-dependent jobs. As consumers crave more personalized content, creators are stepping up, turning passions into paychecks and redefining the modern workforce.
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Social Media Week 2025: Trend-Filled and TikTok-Approved
This week marks the kickoff of Social Media Week in NYC—a mashup of marketing insights, creative energy, and industry therapy. From panels on “Commerce Unleashed” to AI-generated campaigns and community building IRL, this year’s lineup is built to inspire and provoke. Bonus: There’s a Puppy Lounge. You’re welcome.
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