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Week of February 23, 2026
Cultivators…
Today I am beta testing a new version of the newsletter that is a little more condensed.
Based on feedback and actual newsletter performance it seems that the way I have been doing this has been a little too long for your taste. Keep in mind there is a lot of content that is created that does not get dropped into your mailbox… so I am wondering… if you will take a moment to answer this short 10 second survey so I can make sure you get what you want and keep growing.
I want to add that you are the reason I am building this in public… I truly aspire to be the best newsletter for creators that create impact.
What do you think the cadence should be for this newsletter?
How could I not write about Punch this week?
But I cut out the emotional stuff and I share what you can learn from this instead.
YOOOOOO…
The creator economy just crossed $40 billion in the U.S. — and platforms, brands, and algorithms are all scrambling for a bigger piece. This week, everything shifted: where the money is going, who's getting seen, and what's quietly breaking down. Let's get into it.
Threads Overtakes X in Daily Active Users
It finally happened. Similarweb data confirms Threads hit 141.5 million daily active mobile users as of January 7 — officially passing X's 125 million. And with Threads now running global ads, the platform is wide open for early movers before it gets crowded and expensive.
Instagram Is Now Showing What % of Your Content Appears in Search
Instagram rolled out a new metric showing creators exactly what percentage of their content is showing up in search results. Social SEO is officially not optional anymore — keywords in captions, alt text, and bios now directly affect your discoverability. If you're not optimizing, you're invisible.
📈 Marketing Trends
Brands Are Dumping TV Ads and Going All-In on Creators
New data confirms it: 60% of brand leaders are cutting print spend and 50% are pulling back from linear TV — and that money is flowing straight to creator partnerships. Partnership ads are delivering 19% lower cost-per-acquisition and 13% higher click-through rates than traditional ads. The proof is in the numbers.
Micro-Influencers Are the New Power Players in 2026
A new Linqia report reveals that 92% of marketers plan to work with micro and macro influencers this year — not just mega names. For creators in the 5K–100K follower range, the bag is very much available. Brands want engagement, not just reach.
Smart starts here.
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🧠 Mental Health
Reminder: Your Worth Is Not Your Metrics
A Harvard study and a C4MH (Creators for Mental Health) report confirmed what many of us already feel but rarely say — 62% of creators experience burnout regularly, 58% say their self-worth drops when content underperforms, and 89% have zero access to creator-specific mental health support. That last number is wild.
You are building a $200+ billion industry with no floor, no benefits, and no safety net. So this week's reminder: track your energy, not just your analytics. Enthusiasm, creative satisfaction, joy in the work — that's data too. Don't let the algorithm tell you who you are.
Need support? → Read the full creator burnout breakdown here
🛠️ Resources & Opportunities
Grants for Creators — Q1 2026 Is Loaded
The team at Grants for Creators just dropped 13 new funding opportunities with February and March deadlines — adding to a list of over 100 grants totaling more than $2.6 million available right now. Q1 is historically the biggest grant season of the year. Don't sleep on it.
Creative Capital 2026 Awards — $2.9M to 109 Artists Nationwide
Creative Capital just announced their 2026 Awards, distributing $2.9 million in grants to 109 artists across all 50 states and territories — including the inaugural State of the Art Prize. Missed this cycle? Bookmark them now for next year. One of the most artist-centered programs out there.
Community Partner
That's a wrap for this week.
Stay building, stay grounded, and remember — you don't have to do this alone.
📱 Social Media News