Becoming a content creator in 2026? Is it worth it?

Are you an influencer or a content creator?

I am a content creator on Instagram with a fashion and lifestyle blog. My typical content includes creating content based on brands and events. Fashion and lifestyle are my niche.

I don’t like to say I am an influencer because I am not really trying to influence anyone. I am growing my personal brand with a focus on my blog.

My content creation journey began in 2022, when I had a desire to share my love for fashion, photography and lifestyle bits. I created a new Instagram called “@diaryofchan” where I share my fashion looks, get-ready-with-me videos, fashion show recaps, favorite restaurants, and brand partnerships.

It was a passion project that has grown with God as my director. I’ve connected with brands like Hudsonville Ice Cream, OLIPOP, Poppi, Seven Sundays Cereal, MeUndies and a variety of more!

While also being former brand ambassadors for organizations such as Afro Nation, Michigan Fashion Week and The ReVamp Clothing Swap, a local fashion festival organization.

I started receiving brand partnerships in 2022, and my first paid opportunity was in 2025. It took me three years with less than 2,000 followers to finally receive paid opportunities and here’s how I did it!

Let’s Get Into It

Have an end goal

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I was a journalist, not a social media girly. In journalism school, I never saw myself becoming a content creator, because it wasn’t a goal.

However, I liked the freedom of creating videos in my own style, taking photos, adding groovy edits, and not worrying about how punctuated I had to be as a creative.

My blog grew, too. I needed a space to store my fun writings, express my love for fashion, the arts and do it my way. The groovy way, so I built a new Instagram account around it.

So what’s the end goal?

For me, it’s a personal brand, but really, it’s to have my own space to create my own art and content. Like I am doing now.

Having an end goal is key. It keeps you on track and lets you experiment with what you’re creating until you get to the point where it speaks for itself.

Be confident

Was I confident when I first started my new Instagram? Yes, I was because there was a possibility that it could fail terribly, but I took the risk.

Confident people take risks because a part of us knows – we will succeed either way.

To be a content creator, you have to be confident. You have to be strong in what you’re doing because you have to understand that you’re showcasing your life to a set of eyes that don’t know you, they don’t understand you and you have to convince people to care.

Or do you?

How do you convince people

Personally, I never tried too hard, meaning I preferred my content to speak for itself.

I just kept going, by allowing myself to be confident and create what I wanted to see and it drew people to me.

I can confidently say it brought a lot of positive people and energy into my life. And I will always have that type of love and respect, because I am one of those. (If you get my drift)

You have to understand that social media is a very big energy game. What you dish out, you will receive back, so be mindful of how you show up. You have to be secure in yourself and your work.

Be intentional and the right people will connect with you organically.

Have a unique edge

We’re in a copy-and-paste era, everyone is doing the same thing and don’t get me wrong. It’s working for some.

But see me? I am not a copy-and-paste type of woman; I build on longevity and on what my soul craves.

I am creating something that I want to be different than the rest, so I may edit using two or more software.

I add my own flair to brand partnerships with a signature Chan look.

To truly succeed as a content creator in 2026, you have to be able to create something refreshing; it’s not just a POV, it’s a story with good content, good shots, and quality editing that’s unique to you.

Give us more than vlogs

You have to understand that so many people are already showcasing their lives for free, waiting for that one viral moment. What will make you stand out?

It can be the way you edit your vlogs, your personality, or how you tell a story. Be iconic in your vlogs and never give your personal life and security away just for content. Have a goal.

Take your time

Don’t rush the process; some may grow overnight and yours may experience steady growth. It’s okay.

Steady growth is a good sign that you’re creating for longevity; fast growth can have a negative effect if you’re not ready to maintain it.

Consistency is the secret sauce

Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t post every day. Sometimes I don’t post every week, because I’ve already done that for years and I know what works. I’ve gotten my account to a steady pace, so I know what it takes to get back into the algorithm. I choose to take breaks.

However, you need to be consistent when you first start. Develop your own idea of consistency. It may be posting a video every other hour or day. It’s up to you!

A constant flow that’s doable and effective is key.

Over time, you will find what works for you and your end goal. Are you doing it to gain followers or are you creating because you have a product to share or a lifestyle to share? Know what your end goal is so that you are always working towards that!

Remember to be genuine

With so many people making content already, be genuine in what you create. Meaning create with good intention and purpose.

Becoming binge-able is important because people like it when they can recognize you as relatable. Make them feel good with high-quality fashion tips and advice. Motivate them with your creativity.

Keep it fun

Make it enjoyable for you! Remember, you are literally sharing your life with the world in some capacity.

If it feels too hard or too much, then maybe it’s not for you. Or better yet, focus on one platform at a time!

Having multiple platforms can be good for connecting with your audience. However, it can be hard to keep up with all the different platforms. Find a flow, gradually grow and expand.

If you can’t find and keep the fun in it, don’t force it.

Take it seriously, but don’t lose yourself

Remain humble while building a following for longevity because, at the end of the day, unless you have a lucrative brand or product you’re offering, you’re just another person in the real world.

That doesn’t take away from your internet success, but know that you’re not better than anybody. You may have over 10,000 followers online, but no one in real life may be impressed. In certain spaces, it may matter, but realistically, who asks about followers?

Make an impact, but a good impact.

Let success find you

Don’t beg to be invited to events, don’t beg brands to work with you. Let them come to you!

In my opinion, success in content creation is content that’s iconic to you and letting it speak for you.

There’s nothing wrong with working with creator apps and websites to help you get products in your content. That’s a bit different.

I am saying don’t beg any company or brand to see your value because while they can deny or approve, it could just mean that the opportunity isn’t for you. It’s not aligned with you.

Things that are aligned for you come naturally or in due time.

Just because you’re not there yet doesn’t mean it won’t happen

I applaud every creator I’ve come across who has grown their page and curated a space for them to succeed in this social media era. It’s motivation that my blessing is in the neighborhood.

In this journey, you will see many people blow up, be here, or there in great opportunities, but you can’t take it personally, and you can’t compare.

You never know how long someone has truly been studying or practicing behind the scenes until they get it right. While it may seem it happened overnight, you never know the full story. You never know if they may have been doing it for some years and it just now took off, five or 10 years later.

As a creator, you have to applaud and mind your own and remember- you also can’t always assume or consume.

To truly be a creator in this industry, you have to create more than consume, because if you’re just consuming, you’re not a creator.

Now create something great. Something iconic and the “total you”.