2021 Creator Economy Report (Sample of 2,700+ Creators)
If you’re thinking about becoming a creator, this report is worth a look:
2,704 creators participated, with a combined 2021 revenue of 66 million yuan.
1. Multimedia approach—most cover text, images, and video.
2. 67% of respondents went full-time three years ago, and over 25% started creating ten years ago. Longer creation tenure correlates with higher income.
3. 22% earn 50,000–150,000 yuan annually—already the mid-tier backbone.
4. The biggest income drivers are services and digital courses, meaning your own digital products and offerings.
5. Men earning over 100,000 yuan a year are twice as common as women.
6. Creators find happiness in interactions with their audience.
7. Most creators believe weekly email newsletters remain an essential touchpoint.
8. The majority have no plans to hire staff, preferring one-person companies.
9. 60% of creators experience burnout.
10. 70% spend more than 30 hours per week on creation.