Summary

In 2023, content creators must adapt to multimedia platforms, integrating audio and video into their writing to stay relevant and reach broader audiences.

Abstract

The landscape of content creation is rapidly evolving, with platforms like Substack and Medium integrating multimedia features such as podcasts and videos. This shift is compelling writers to expand their skill sets beyond traditional writing to include audio and video production. The author, with a background in Hollywood and media production, emphasizes the importance of embracing these changes to enhance discoverability and engage audiences across diverse platforms. The future of blogging is seen as a synergy between written content and visual media, necessitating creators to learn the basics of recording and editing to maintain visibility and appeal in an increasingly competitive digital space.

Opinions

Substack is recognized as a pioneering platform for its email and podcast services, setting a precedent for multimedia content creation.
The author is optimistic about the acquisition of Knowable by Medium, suggesting a positive outlook for content platforms that diversify their services.
There is a critical view of the average person's ability to produce high-quality video content, likening self-edited projects to amateurish efforts.
TikTok is acknowledged for its low barrier to entry in content creation, making it an attractive platform for reaching potential customers.
The author admits a personal preference for writing due to its simplicity compared to video production, highlighting the self-critical nature of being on camera.
A pragmatic approach to adopting new media skills is recommended, with an emphasis on celebrating incremental progress.
The author promotes an AI service as a cost-effective alternative to ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4), suggesting it as a tool for content creators.

This Trend Will Take Writing by Storm in 2023

Content creators are being forced to do more in order to be seen

My background is in Hollywood.

That’s right. I tried to break into the movie trailer game when I was fresh out of college. Although I’m a writer by trade, I was more interested in media production.

When that didn’t work out, I started writing as a hobby, and it’s turned into a weekly habit that I’m confident will lead somewhere.

In 2022, I see where the road is heading, and it’s merging into a lane I thought I was off of. Media production and writing go hand in hand now.

Let’s talk about how you can get up your game.

These platforms are leveling up

Substack is the future of email.

It’s also the present. It’s because they're not just an email service. Substack is a social media platform.

I know this because more people open my letters than the number of subscribers I have. Substack discoverability is one highlight (it’s also free), but there’s something else unique.

They recently added podcast support.

On Substack, you can record a podcast directly on the website or upload a previously recorded one. I haven’t tested it out myself, but new features like this excite me because it forces other platforms to develop.

For example, Medium recently acquired Knowable, a company I’m bullish on.

Maybe I’m biased because I’m a Knowable creator, but the fact remains: as content platforms become multi-dimensional, their creators should learn to adapt.

What does that mean?

It means you better learn the basics of audio and video recording

I bet most people could figure out how to record a video on their phone and edit a couple of clips on iMovie.

The problem: the finished project will look like a middle school class project gone wrong. Most people don’t know how to edit audio or video, and that’s why TikTok is so appealing.

While I think the editor is clunky, there’s a lot less activation energy required. You can film, slap a filter, type captions, and post to your 34 followers all from your phone.

Imagine making it a habit, learning to catch trends when they’re hot, and amassing an audience you can transfer to your newsletter?

Think of the possibilities that other platforms can do for you. Now think about what you can accomplish when your current platform adds similar media features.

The future of blogging is synergy with visual media.

How do we know?

If you’re an entrepreneur in 2022, you have to make content.

You don’t have to dance on the internet for likes, but your business needs some mass appeal.

What a can of whoop-ass. Most people just want to run their business and let the sales team do the work. That doesn’t fly in today’s world.

You’re leaving valuable, potential customers on the table if you’re not making TikToks or posting your articles on LinkedIn.

Organic reach isn't dead; you just have to pivot to the platforms doing well. Let me repeat: TikTok and Youtube Shorts.

Here’s the tricky part

I like writing because it’s a low effort activity.

I don’t have to blowdry my hair or ask a friend to hold my phone while filming me doing the latest TikTok dance.

I sit down with an idea, and I type some words. I edit those words a couple of days later, and boom, I’ve made a piece of content! Yay, queue the fireworks.

Getting on camera sucks, in my opinion, because you’re your biggest critic. Everything you say and every tiny eye twitch is poison.

But, like anything, if you want to try, it’s about slow steps. Don’t expect yourself to jump right into it, making three videos a day. Start small with one a week and go from there.

Learning the nuances of speaking on camera and editing footage is a part of the game, and there are unlimited levels.

Take it one at a time and celebrate yourself for the little wins.

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