working as a "content creator" for an app with no customer service.
artist vs. the algorithm pt. 1
It's March. Okay, the end of March.....almost April. What can I say? I'm a Pisces. It was my duty to live my best life IRL this past season. I could not be bothered to write, let alone "create content." I was too busy taking a much-needed vacation with my partner. We took a road trip from Pheonix to Vegas. We stopped at the Desert Botanical Garden and the Grand Canyon. We finished our road trip with his performance in Las Vegas, which was a real treat! Still grinding my way through audition season and capped off the sun's time in Pisces with a cute birthday dinner and dancing.
I have spent more time off of my phone than on this month. I cannot dispute how much better I feel off of Instagram in particular. On many occasions, I have contemplated leaving the app entirely. Something always sucks me back in I guess. For the past few months, that thing has been the Reels Bonus Program. Instagram was paying me to make my least favorite format of content; short-form video. I took the bait despite Meta having almost nonexistent and wildly unreachable customer service.
You read that right. Was your account hacked?? You're screwed. Are you eligible for monetization but have yet to receive your payout?? Good luck. I do not know how full-time influencers and content creators do it. How they put all their trust into an app with unreachable customer service. Not to mention an app that could disappear for no reason without warning.
Whilst on vacation, I took photos of the Grand Canyon but not from a “for the gram” type of way. In Vegas, I took one video of the Bellagio fountain (specifically to send to my grandparents, who love Vegas) and put away my phone for the rest of the trip. There was one exception to this. I had a lukewarm idea that I felt the algorithm would eat up. I took one short clip specifically for a reel about Grand Canyon Disability Access.
Here is how that played out. I took the little clip. I did not touch it until I went back to work. I made a simple reel highlighting the two things that made seeing the Grand Canyon possible for me. I paired it with a trending (but not too trendy, still under 10k uses) piece of audio. I kept it in my drafts waiting for Instagram to renew my bonus. I waited. And waited. And I waited. How could Instagram be so random about when to renew my bonus deal? Is it because I deleted the app off my phone and re-downloaded it? It is one thing to use gambling and psychological strategies on your users but to exploit your own creators; a new low. I found out that Meta has decided to pause their Reels Bonus Program. I received no warning via email or on the app that this would be happening. I posted the two reels left in my drafts. I will not be making any money off them and I am pretty sure I missed the sweet spot for the audio trends on both reels.
I also found out they are rolling out the Meta Verified program. The Meta subscription service will include a blue check and customer service. This was a big wake-up call that I cannot be a “content creator” for this company if I want to keep my sanity intact.
After working in social media management and being a part-time content creator for a few years, I no longer wish to drink the Meta kool-aid. Something has got to give. I plan to tell you the new digital habits I envision for myself and why I believe they are possible, even as an artist. But you will have to stick around for part 2.
Love,
Meredith
P.S. I put content creator in quotes because I’ve begun to question that term. What does it mean? At what point did we all evolve from creatives to creators??
something about it feels fishy or like a half-baked version of creative/artist and I plan to unpack that in a future part to this series.
one of my favorite cookie recipes. (very easy to sub gf flour, etc.)
remember when I was on the hunt for spaces that offer support around social media usage in the way I have support around my sobriety? I never found one so instead I created one with the help of my friend Sam.
click here to join our Anti Socials Social Club discord for more info.
(If the link has expired by the time you read this, feel free to get in touch here and I’ll send you the link)
CW: Transphobia.Today’s Curiosity Corner includes information and resources regarding recent Anti-Trans Legislation.
watch my new work in development “algorithm” - a dance piece about the ever-changing landscape of social media and our autonomy on these apps. While you’re at it you should check out my choreo reel.
tell congress to fund POTS research now!
action items for community covid safety
the ACLU is tracking 430 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S.
simple scripts for contacting your representatives about anti-trans legislation.
trans-led organizations to donate to.
what theaters and arts admin can do about drag bans.
If you have made it this far THANK YOU so much. If you have enjoyed this newsletter and want to support me you can: