The Independent Creator

Josh Bailey
The Independent Creator

Uncover the hidden gems of the digital landscape for independent creators. Join us as we navigate the exciting world of alternative platforms and services, empowering you to forge your own path. Each episode reveals invaluable insights and tools to help you break free from conventional constraints and thrive as a truly independent creator. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and resources to turn your creative vision into reality.

  1. 2D AGO

    Beyond Twitch: Finding Your Perfect Live Streaming Home in 2025

    Beyond Twitch: Finding Your Perfect Live Streaming Home in 2025 Hey there, independent creators! Just released the latest episode of the Independent Creator Podcast, and I'm excited to share the juicy details about the evolving world of live streaming platforms. The Twitch Situation: What's Really Happening? Let's talk about Twitch first. CEO Dan Clancy recently dropped their 2025 roadmap, and the big headline is "Monetization for All." What does this actually mean for you? New Twitch accounts will get monetization options from day one (bits and subs)You no longer need to grind for affiliate or partner statusBUT… this doesn't solve Twitch's biggest problem: discoveryHere's the reality check I shared: most streamers on Twitch never get enough concurrent viewers to make streaming profitable. Many new creators get excited about instant monetization, only to experience that "sinking realization" a month or two later that growth is much harder than expected. YouTube Live: The Underrated Option YouTube's live streaming capabilities actually outshine Twitch in some key ways: The video player is "miles above" TwitchViewers can rewind live streams and use speed controls to catch upDiscovery is significantly betterI pointed out how clunky Twitch's interface is for viewers wanting to catch up on a stream. On YouTube, it's seamless - on Twitch, it's "convoluted" and "a mess." Owncast: Take Control of Your Streaming Destiny If you're serious about owning your content and platform, Owncast emerged as the host's top recommendation. Here's why it's worth considering: ✅ Free and open-source ✅ Self-hosted on your own hardware ✅ Works even on minimal setups like Raspberry Pi ✅ Full control over your stream ✅ Fediverse integration ✅ 10-15 minute setup with one-click installers The trade-off? It's designed as a single-channel platform rather than a multi-channel ecosystem like Twitch. But for independent creators who want autonomy, this might be perfect! The New Players in Town Beam ($3.95/month or sponsored) Multi-streaming to 30-40 different platformsFree alternative to RestreamTwo options: pay $3.95/month or get sponsored by companies like Logitech GStill evolving but shows great promiseMoonbeam (Coming Soon) Currently in alpha testingDiscord + Live streaming hybridCommunity-focused approachExpected public release: Summer/End of 2025One to watch!SharePlay (Proceed with Caution) I took a candid look at SharePlay, noting that despite being around for about two years, development has "plateaued" with very limited creator adoption. Currently, only two people are streaming on the entire platform! PeerTube: Great for Videos, "Temperamental" for Streams PeerTube got described as a "jack of all trades, master of none" with: Excellent video hosting capabilitiesFediverse/ActivityPub integrationLive streaming that works but can suffer from quality issuesPerformance heavily dependent on server hardwareThe Bottom Line I ranked the platforms: Owncast > Beam > PeerTube > SharePlay (with Moonbeam not yet ranked due to limited hands-on experience). What's your current streaming platform? Are you considering making a switch in 2025? Let me know in the comments! Live Streaming Platforms - ep25 Owncast - Free and Open Source LivestreamingBEAMWhat is PeerTube? | JoinPeerTubeAlpha MoonbeamSharePlay | Share. Play. Connect.

    25 min
  2. FEB 25

    Patience is Key

    Moving to the Fediverse? Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey! | The Independent Creator PodcastHey Fediverse friends! 🌐 This week's episode tackles something we've all seen happen - those massive waves of users flooding into Mastodon when drama hits the bird site or Meta makes another questionable decision. But is that sudden growth actually good for our beloved federated spaces? Let's dive in! What's covered in this episode:🌊 The Twitter exodus tsunami and why it overwhelmed Mastodon🤔 Why "just switch platforms!" isn't as simple as it sounds👵 The gentle art of helping your less tech-savvy relatives join the Fediverse🔄 Smart cross-posting strategies during your transition 🎮 Migrating streaming audiences from Twitch to Owncast without losing everyone My golden rule?Patience over pressure! The Fediverse isn't a race to accumulate users - it's about building better online spaces at a sustainable pace. Best advice from the episode:"Find a Mastodon server that matches their interests. If they love sci-fi, get them on a sci-fi-focused instance instead of dropping them into a general one." Need help transitioning?Check out the detailed guides on https://2tonwaffle.com or join the discussion in our community forums! 💬 Have you helped someone move to the Fediverse? Share your experience in the comments! Resources Mentioned It has been X days since a Fedi Scraper.https://cathode.church/fedi-scraper-counter.html Reddit's Latest Money Grab: Paid Subreddits Are Coming, and It's Going to Be a Spectacular Messhttps://2tonwaffle.com/reddits-latest-money-grab-paid-subreddits-are-coming-and-its-going-to-be-a-spectacular-mess/ The Great Migration: Why (and How) to Bring Your People to the Fediversehttps://2tonwaffle.com/the-great-migration-why-and-how-to-bring-your-people-to-the-fediverse/

    29 min
  3. FEB 10

    Navigating the AI Revolution in Creative Spaces

    Episode 023: Navigating the AI Revolution in Creative Spaces In this episode, I explore the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and content creation, discussing: • The current "monsoon" of AI integration across creative industries  • Analysis of recent AI controversies (Coca-Cola ad, Disney+ intro)  • The emergence of AI-resistant platforms like Cara  • DeepSeek's impact on the AI market  • Practical approaches to using AI as a creative tool  • The importance of maintaining human authenticity in creative work Chapter Markers 00:00 - Start 00:57 - The AI Invasion 06:00 - The AI Poison Pill 09:25 - Non-Supportive AI 14:12 - Could Peertube Have Come To Be With YouTube 15:32 - Rise of Cara 18:51 - Meta Scraping To Learn 21:06 - Rise of Deepseek 22:59 - Deep Six The Stock Market 25:28 - Rules For Me Not For Thee 26:21 - Grammy Award Winning AI 30:02 - AI Used As A Tool 34:13 - Art World vs AI 38:55 - Closing Thoughts Key Takeaways: AI isn't inherently good or bad - it's about thoughtful implementationContent creators need to find balance between efficiency and authenticityThe future requires adaptive strategies while preserving creative integrity Resources Mentioned: How one YouTuber is trying to poison the AI bots stealing her content - Ars Technica https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/01/how-one-youtuber-is-trying-to-poison-the-ai-bots-stealing-her-content/ OpenAI's new trademark application hints at humanoid robots, smart jewelry, and more | TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/03/openais-new-trademark-application-hints-at-humanoid-robots-smart-jewelry-and-more/ Hero's all-in-one, AI productivity app takes on Google's Calendar and others | TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/03/heros-all-in-one-ai-productivity-app-takes-on-googles-calendar-and-others/ Microsoft Paint is getting a Copilot button, too | The Verge https://www.theverge.com/news/604509/microsoft-paint-copilot-button Sam Altman’s Stargate is science fiction | The Verge https://www.theverge.com/openai/603952/sam-altman-stargate-ai-data-center-plan-hype-funding That AI-restored Beatles song won Grammy for Best Rock Performance | The Verge https://www.theverge.com/news/604970/beatles-ai-restored-song-now-and-then-grammy-win Why everyone is freaking out about DeepSeek | The Verge https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/598846/deepseek-big-tech-ai-industry-nvidia-impac Cara - platform for artists, by artists. — Cara - Artist Social & Portfolio Platform https://cara.app/about “Zero warnings”: Longtime YouTuber rails against unexplained channel removal - Ars Technica https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/02/youtube-briefly-banned-15-year-old-channel-with-no-strikes-and-wont-say-why/?utm_brand=arstechnica&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social Join the discussion at 2tonwaffle.com

    44 min
  4. AI and Content Creation - Embracing the Future

    03/20/2024

    AI and Content Creation - Embracing the Future

    Welcome to the Independent Creator Podcast. In this episode, Josh dives into a topic that's been on everyone's lips: Artificial Intelligence (AI). He demystifies AI, explaining how it can be an asset rather than a threat to our jobs, especially for content creators. Key Points Discussed: Understanding AI: Josh breaks down what AI is and its relevance in today's digital landscape.AI in Video Editing: Tools like Descript are highlighted for their ability to streamline video editing, making it as easy as editing a text document.AI in Live Streaming: Services like CapCut and Rivr.stream use AI to create engaging clips from live streams.The Cost of Convenience: While AI services save time, they come at a financial cost. Josh discusses the pricing of various AI tools and weighs them against the value of time saved.AI in Podcasting: The use of AI for generating transcripts, summaries, and even blog posts from podcast episodes is explored.Riverside.fm: A browser-based service that integrates AI for recording and live streaming, offering transcription and editing features.Writing with AI: Josh talks about using AI for writing assistance, including title generation and content ideas.The Human Touch: Despite the efficiency of AI, Josh emphasizes the importance of human oversight to ensure quality control.Memorable Quote: "AI is not to be feared. Just use it to help yourself make better content than you normally would do and to not overburden, burn out, and to make better content." - JoshResources Mentioned: DescriptCapCutRivr.streamPodiumRiverside.fmMagi AI00:00 - Introduction 05:07 - Talks about how Descript uses AI to copy voice mannerisms. 06:13 - Discuss DaVinci Resolve's one-time payment for video editing. 07:07 - Mentions CapCut and others that use AI to make highlight clips from live streams. 08:45 - Reflects on AthenaScope's shutdown, an AI service for streamers. 10:03 - Stresses that AI is a tool, not a threat or a replacement for human creativity. 11:15 - Suggests smartly using AI, like CapCut for short videos. 12:25 - Explains AI's help in podcasting, like making transcripts and chapter markers. 14:03 - Describes Podium's podcast features, such as summaries and keyword lists. 16:33 - Compares AI service costs to the time they save in making content. 18:44 - Highlights how AI processes podcast episodes fast. 19:45 - Advises that creators still need to edit and ensure quality, even with AI. 21:24 - Recommends Riverside.fm for those with limited computer power for podcasting. 25:31 - Talks about Riverside.fm's affordable plans and features. 28:40 - Introduces Magi AI for writing help and content ideas. 33:00 - Encourages using AI to better workflows and content creation. 36:07 - Warns against letting fear of AI control how we create and interact. 39:16 - Shares how AI helps him with tasks like summarizing and finding keywords. 41:03 - Asks listeners to subscribe to the Weekly Waffle newsletter and review on Apple Podcasts. Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to embrace AI as a tool to improve their content creation process. They're also invited to subscribe to the Weekly Waffle newsletter for insights on content creation, alternative platforms, and indie gaming. Remember to leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share your thoughts on the episode using #IndependentCreatorPodcast. Thank you for tuning in, and catch us next time on the Independent Creator Podcast. Later, taters! ★ Support this podcast ★

    42 min
  5. Elevating Your Creative Brand with Personalized Merch and Exclusive Content

    02/21/2024

    Elevating Your Creative Brand with Personalized Merch and Exclusive Content

    Ever felt like the digital tides are changing for content creators? Get ready to navigate the vast ocean of possibilities with FourthWall, your new beacon of monetization! Our latest episode is a treasure map for creators and live streamers looking to craft a distinctive brand that stands out from the sea of first-party services like Twitch. We're spilling the secrets of customizing your website with ease, diving into print-on-demand merchandise to keep your inventory as fluid as your content, and sharing how to integrate platforms like LiveSpace and Owncast into your strategy. Plus, we've got the scoop on personalizing those special touches that make your fans feel like part of the crew. Ahoy, mateys of merch and membership! Set sail with us as we explore the uncharted waters of creating a unique product line without the anchor of minimum orders—well, except for those exclusive treasures like lapel pins and plushies. We're charting a course through the creation of tiered membership systems, complete with Discord integration and subscriber perks, that will have your community hoisting the sails of engagement. Ready your spyglass, because we're also spotting how fellow creators are using these strategies to connect with their audience on a whole new level. Finally, it's all hands on deck as we steer into the business horizon with innovative strategies to maximize your earnings. We're navigating the currents of catchy discount codes, email campaigns, and the vital logistics of shipping, ensuring not a single piece of Eight is left unclaimed. With a sprinkle of AI magic for product descriptions and a dose of personalization, learn how to balance the art of automation with the human touch. Join us, and let's set forth on this thrilling voyage to turn your content into gold! 00:00 Monetize Content With FourthWall11:58 Exploring Merchandise and Membership Options20:31 Membership Strategies for Content Creators32:42 Maximizing Business Opportunities Through Fourth Wall ★ Support this podcast ★

    44 min

About

Uncover the hidden gems of the digital landscape for independent creators. Join us as we navigate the exciting world of alternative platforms and services, empowering you to forge your own path. Each episode reveals invaluable insights and tools to help you break free from conventional constraints and thrive as a truly independent creator. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and resources to turn your creative vision into reality.

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