are these guys actually making money?

So, the other day, I’m scrolling through the chaos that’s my YouTube feed, when I spot a title asking how much these short-form content creators in India earn. It features @Mrwhosetheboss, and I’m like, ‘Huh, that’s a rabbit hole I’m willing to fall into.’ Although the original video is lost in the void of the internet (because why not throw in some mystery?), the intrigue remains.

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Here’s the deal: short-form content is kind of like, this monster that’s been unleashed. Everyone’s doing it. Your neighbor’s dog probably has his own TikTok (and yes, he’s earning more treats than you can afford). But what are these creators actually pocketing? Some folks say it’s like finding treasure chests, but I can’t help but think of it more as gathering crumbs – except these crumbs are sometimes sprinkled with gold.

I found this random article that talks about how some top-tier folks earn absurd amounts, like an influencer’s version of winning the lottery, if you’re lucky enough to have the algorithm gods smiling upon you. There’s something strangely fascinating about these little 15-second to minute-long spots that just zap to the top of trends.

Anyway, let’s be real: it feels like a domain not judged by talent alone. You could have the most brilliant skit ever, interwoven with humor so sharp it could cut glass, and still, a video of someone’s grandma napping might perform better. But somehow, these creators keep at it. Grinding. Editing their lives away. Battling to crack the code of virality.

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Even though specifics on earnings are sketchy, some ‘insiders’ (you know, those internet whispers) suggest it varies like crazy—a few hundred to a couple of grand a month. I mean, you could be racking in measly amounts one month, and the next, getting enough to pay off that insanely overpriced coffee habit. Who knows?

But here’s the kicker: it’s not just all about the dough. Some folks go into this thinking they’re making art, or maybe they’re just in it for the chaos of internet fame. So yeah, it’s all about juggling fame, money, and maybe a sprinkle of aspiration.

My eyes still hurt thinking about all the time spent chasing trends, and who knows how many trends have just flowed through the abyss of forgetfulness. Pass the coffee. Ugh.