Documentary Series Explores the Rise of Creator Economies Worldwide
Documentary Series “Creator Nations” Examines Global Explosion of Creator Economy Six-part series from Global Lens Media reveals how 207 million content creators are reshaping commerce, culture and employment worldwide
NEW YORK – November 19, 2025
Global Lens Media today announced “Creator Nations,” a documentary series investigating the unprecedented growth of the global creator economy, which reached $253.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to exceed $2 trillion by 2035. The series premieres December 15 on major streaming platforms and public television networks.
The production team traveled across five continents over 18 months, documenting how independent content creators in 23 countries transform social capital into economic opportunity. From Mumbai’s short-form video entrepreneurs to São Paulo’s educational streamers and Berlin’s independent journalists, the series captures diverse monetization strategies that now support over 207 million active creators worldwide. According to Visa’s comprehensive 2025 creator economy study, creators increasingly function as sophisticated small businesses, with 95% adopting direct-to-fan monetization models to maintain independence from platform algorithms . Only 4% of creators earn more than $100,000 annually, yet the sector’s 23.3% compound annual growth rate reflects expanding opportunities across emerging markets and specialized niches.
Market data reveals dramatic regional disparities driving global expansion. North America maintains 34.2% market share, valued at $86.6 billion in 2025, while Asia-Pacific demonstrates the fastest growth at 31.5% annually in China and 29.1% in India. The series examines how India’s rapid smartphone adoption created 45 million professional creators, and how Brazil’s improving digital infrastructure fueled a $4.36 billion market projected to reach $14.67 billion by 2030. European markets show similar momentum, with Germany’s creator economy growing at 26.8% CAGR through professional services and France leveraging cultural content strengths at 24.5% growth.
“Creators aren’t just influencers—they’re the new small business backbone of the digital economy,” said Global Lens Media CEO Sarah Chen. “Our series documents how a beauty tutorial creator in Lagos now employs five people, how a gaming streamer in Seoul built a seven-figure education platform, and why traditional employment models can’t compete with this level of individual empowerment.” The series addresses critical challenges including platform dependency, burnout, and financial instability while highlighting solutions like diversified revenue streams, creator cooperatives, and fintech innovations.
Individual content creators generate 58.7% of market revenue through advertising, subscriptions, brand partnerships, and direct tips. Video streaming platforms capture 30% of the ecosystem, while photography and videography services contribute 44.5% of creative output. The series profiles creators leveraging these channels: a Kenyan photographer who monetizes through NFTs, a Japanese musician earning through synchronized licensing, and a Mexican educator building subscription-based curriculum.
“Creator Nations” concludes with analysis from economists, platform executives, and labor experts on sustainability and regulation. The final episode investigates AI’s role, with 91% of creators now using generative tools for content production, and blockchain-based monetization systems enabling new revenue models. The series challenges viewers to reconsider traditional career pathways as the creator economy approaches 8.12x growth over the next decade.
All six episodes will be available December 15 on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and PBS. A companion podcast featuring extended interviews launches simultaneously. Educational distribution partnerships include university business schools and digital literacy programs in 40 countries.
About Global Lens Media
Founded in 2018, Global Lens Media produces documentary content examining digital transformation and emerging economic models. The company has earned five Webby Awards for its series on gig economies, cryptocurrency adoption, and remote work trends. Headquartered in New York with production hubs in London, Mumbai, and São Paulo, Global Lens Media partners with research institutions including MIT Media Lab and the Oxford Internet Institute.
Media Contact
Sarha Al-Mansoori
Director of Corporate Communications
G42
Email: media@g42.ai
Phone: +971 2555 0100
Website: www.g42.ai
