How Content Creators are Getting Ripped off in Social Media With Julian Sarafian

This interview with Julian Sarafian is part of the TEDxFolsom Reimagine Series, showcasing global changemakers, innovators, and thought-leaders who will speak at the upcoming TEDxFolsom event.   

Share with us a little bit about your background and what inspired you to apply to speak at TEDxFolsom? 

I’m a Harvard law grad and former corporate Biglaw lawyer turned content creator and mental health advocate. I also run my own law firm – For Creators by Creators PC – which primarily represents content creators and social media influencers. I’m from Folsom (born and raised), so when I saw that Ted had come here I felt compelled to come back to my hometown to speak! Content creators are some of the most courageous, creative, and hardworking folks out there, but they aren’t treated well by social media platforms and brands, and I want to shed light on the problems and issues they face. Community building is part of human nature, and as more of this energy turns digital it’s imperative that we pay close attention to the barriers that leaders in the space are facing. 

Without giving away too much – Can you provide a short summary of what your topic for Reimagine is about? 

My talk is focused on reimagining a more fair creator economy to content creators. A world where platforms can’t abuse creators, where brands are fair to them, and where they are protected from internet hatred and bullying. It’s also about the community and the digital space’s important role in that process.

What was your inspiration or reflection point to generate this idea worth spreading? 

When I became a content creator, I was shocked at how unequal the playing field was for creators and the rest of the world. Brands take advantage of them in contracts they sign. Platforms provide minimal transparency to creators. Bullying and harassment threaten to destroy the mental health of creators. This is even more important given that the internet has become an integral platform to advocacy, free speech, and 

Fighting for the underrepresented is why I became a lawyer, so it just felt natural when I stumbled on this group of folks who needed an advocate. 

What are you looking forward to most with your talk?

Getting people to think more critically about what content creation is, and why it’s important to protect content creators in the digital space.

How do you foresee your TEDxFolsom talk impacting viewers both locally and globally? 

At both a local and global level I think my talk will shed light on the importance of social media as a present and future force of power. It will also contextualize the money behind social media and why being a social media influencer is not a walk in the park, but instead an economy where the 1% take 99% of the wealth. Lastly, it will challenge viewers to think about the moral importance of protecting content creators, both financially and socially, and why that is important for the future of humanity.

If there is one nugget of information you want someone to walk away with that view’s your TEDx Talk, what would that be? 

Content creators need more protection and advocacy.

What’s the best way for people to reach out to you to learn more about your TEDx talk topic? 

Folks can email me anytime at julian@juliansarafian.com