Content Creation: The Ultimate Mix
- lmb523
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Introduction
The idea for this post came to me while speaking with Beverly, a postal worker who is just under a year older than me. I gave her one of my blog cards and she was curious how to even get to my blog. That conversation reminded me of how far things have come since I took computer class in high school, where I learned to code using punch cards. I have often felt like I belong to the dividing generation. The one before mine had fewer opportunities, or little desire, to become computer savvy, while the generations that follow were at a prime learning age or grew up immersed in modern technology.
This post is for anyone who has ever looked at a screen and thought, 'Where do I even start?' If you feel unsure or overwhelmed by the variety of online platforms available today, this breakdown is for you. Whether you are curious about streaming, blogging, or content creation in general, you will find a short summary of each below—what it is, who it reaches, and how people use it. Included towards the end of this article will be links to each of these platforms! Maybe this post will give you an idea or two.
An Overview of Online Platforms
Twitch
Twitch is a live streaming platform. It is most well-known for gaming, but you can also find people chatting, cooking, making art, or sharing hobbies in real time.
Demographic: Mostly younger audiences (teens to 40s), but older viewers and creators are growing in number.
Monetization: Streamers can earn through subscriptions, donations, sponsorships, and ad revenue.
Best for: Real-time interaction. You will build an audience that shows up live and engages through chat.
YouTube
YouTube hosts video content. You can upload tutorials, vlogs, music, reviews, or almost anything else.
Demographic: Broad age range. Everyone from young kids to older adults uses YouTube.
Monetization: Earnings come from ads, memberships, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Best for: Evergreen content—content that stays relevant over time. It doesn’t go out of date quickly and continues to be useful or interesting to people long after it is published. Once posted, your video can be found and watched at any time.
Vlogs (Video Blogs)
Vlogs are personal video journals. These can be uploaded to YouTube or other video sites.
Demographic: Depends on the creator’s style and content.
Monetization: Similar to YouTube if hosted there.
Best for: Sharing your life, thoughts, experiences, or travels in a more casual or personal way.
Blogs (Web Logs)
Blogs are written articles or entries on a website. Topics can include anything—lifestyle, travel, health, opinion, or education.
Demographic: Depends on the topic, but blogs are widely read by adults of all ages.
Monetization: Ad revenue, affiliate links, product sales, and sponsored posts.
Best for: Writers or those who prefer a slower pace and long-form content.
Podcasts
Podcasts are audio recordings, often released as a series. They can be interviews, discussions, stories, or educational content.
Demographic: Adults aged 25–45 are the most common listeners, but that is expanding.
Monetization: Sponsors, listener support, and ads.
Best for: People who enjoy talking, storytelling, or in-depth conversations without needing to appear on camera.
Kick
Kick is a newer live streaming platform, similar to Twitch. It aims to be creator-friendly with better revenue splits.
Demographic: Young adult audience, mostly gamers and creators moving from Twitch.
Monetization: Subscriptions, tips, and ad revenue.
Best for: Streamers looking for an alternative to Twitch with less strict moderation.
X / Twitter
X, formerly Twitter, is a real-time social media platform known for 140 character text posts called “tweets”, trending topics, and live discussions. It now allows longer posts, videos, and even subscriber content.
Demographic: Wide age range (mostly 25–45). Popular with journalists, influencers, businesses, and politicians.
Monetization:
Subscriptions (formerly called “Super Follows”): You can charge people for exclusive content.
Ad Revenue Sharing: Eligible users who meet follower and engagement thresholds can earn from ads shown in replies.
Tips: Users can send money via connected platforms like Cash App or PayPal.
Best for:
Timely updates, opinions, announcements
Networking or thought leadership
Driving traffic to other platforms (blogs, YouTube, etc.)
Engaging with hashtags, trending events, or public conversations
Truth Social
Truth Social is a social media platform created to provide an alternative to mainstream platforms, focusing on what it claims is "free speech." It resembles Twitter/X in format—users post short messages, follow others, and engage in trending topics.
Demographic: Primarily U.S.-based users, with a concentration of conservative-leaning individuals. The majority of active users are over 40.
Monetization:
Currently, there is no built-in monetization like ad revenue sharing, tips, or subscriptions. Users may promote outside links or content, but the platform itself is limited in creator earning tools.
Best for:
Reaching politically conservative audiences
Sharing opinions, links, news, or commentary
Building an audience that may have been removed or restricted on other platforms
Facebook is a social media platform used for connecting with friends, family, groups, and businesses. You can share text posts, images, videos, and links.
Demographic: Mostly adults 35 and up, but still widely used across age groups.
Monetization: Ad revenue (via in-stream ads), fan subscriptions, stars (virtual gifts from fans), and affiliate marketing.
Best for: Building a community, sharing updates, joining interest-based groups, and reaching older demographics.
Facebook Live
Facebook Live is a live streaming feature within Facebook that allows real-time video broadcasts.
Demographic: Same as Facebook—primarily older adults.
Monetization: Fans can send stars (a form of tipping), and some streamers get access to ads during the broadcast.
Best for: Hosting live Q&As, announcements, casual hangouts, or interactive events with people who already follow you on Facebook.
Instagram is a visual platform focused on images and short videos. It includes feed posts, Stories (short temporary clips), and Reels (short-form videos like TikTok).
Demographic: Popular with people 18–35.
Monetization: Brand deals, affiliate links, badges during live streams, and product sales via shops.
Best for: Photo-focused content, short creative videos, and building a lifestyle brand or personal image.
Instagram Live
Instagram Live lets you broadcast live to your followers. You can also go live with other people in split screen.
Demographic: Same as Instagram—mostly young adults.
Monetization: Viewers can send badges (tips) during the stream. Some influencers use live shopping or Q&As to connect more deeply.
Best for: Casual chats, behind-the-scenes content, announcements, or community engagement in real time.
TikTok
TikTok is a short-form video platform, originally focused on dance trends and lip-syncing, but now including everything from education to humor to storytelling.
Demographic: Ages 13–30 primarily, but older creators are growing in numbers.
Monetization: Creator Fund (limited), brand partnerships, affiliate links, and promoting personal products or services.
Best for: Quick, entertaining, or creative videos that catch attention fast.
TikTok Live
TikTok Live allows creators to stream to their followers in real time.
Demographic: Same as TikTok—mostly younger viewers.
Monetization: Viewers can send gifts (virtual items that translate into real earnings).
Best for: Live chats, tutorials, music, or quick interactive content with younger fans.
Reddit is a large network of user-created communities called “subreddits,” where people post content and comment on a wide range of topics.
Demographic: Primarily 18–40, with a strong tech-savvy user base.
Monetization: Reddit does not directly offer monetization, but people often link to products, websites, or YouTube channels to drive traffic. Some use Reddit to build authority or followings elsewhere.
Best for: Text-based content, advice, discussions, niche topics, promoting your knowledge in specific areas without being overly self-promotional.
Threads
Threads is Meta’s alternative to Twitter (now called X). It is text-focused, simple, and tied to Instagram accounts.
Demographic: Mostly Instagram users, so younger adults (18–35). Still growing, and adoption depends on your existing Instagram presence.
Monetization: No built-in monetization yet. It’s mainly used to boost visibility and connect with audiences in real-time using short text posts.
Best for: Short updates, thoughts, behind-the-scenes moments, or driving interest to longer content on other platforms.
Substack
Substack is a platform for creating and distributing email newsletters. Writers can build subscriber lists and offer free or paid subscriptions.
Demographic: Readers looking for in-depth writing, journalism, essays, commentary, or personal newsletters. Ages 25 and up.
Monetization: Paid subscriptions. You set your own price, and Substack takes a small percentage.
Best for: Long-form writing, personal insights, opinion pieces, serialized stories, or educational newsletters.
Medium
Medium is a blogging platform that emphasizes thoughtful, high-quality writing. Articles are shared with a built-in reader base.
Demographic: Professionals, creatives, and learners, mostly ages 25–50.
Monetization: Partner Program pays writers based on how much time paying Medium members spend reading your content.
Best for: Essays, storytelling, tutorials, deep-dives, and helpful content. It helps if you already write well and want an audience interested in reading longer material.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to share your voice or content online, whether you prefer writing, video, live interaction, or audio. You do not need to use all of them. Choose what fits your comfort level and your goals.
Technology changes quickly, but the core purpose remains the same: communication, connection, and expression. Whether you are teaching, entertaining, sharing your life, offering support, or building something of your own—these platforms are simply tools. You do not have to be young. You are never too old to learn something new. You do not have to be an expert. You only need a reason to try.
If you have something to say or something to give, there is a space for it. You may not have grown up with smartphones and social media, but that does not mean you are too late to join the conversation. The internet is not just for other generations—it is for anyone willing to take a step forward. You are never too far behind to start.
Resources
Streaming & Video Platforms
TikTok Live
Video & Photo Content
Social Media Platforms
Blogging Tools
Podcast Platforms & Tools
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