On the other hand, audiences in Sri Lanka love free entertainment but hesitate to fully support local creators the way international audiences do.
More Sri Lankans should encourage, support, and even become content creators because digital influence
is the currency of the future.
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IShowSpeed
Logan Paul
Kai Cenat
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Somewhere between the rise of TikTok dances and Instagram influencers selling everything from protein powder to prayer candles, the term “content creator” became both admired and ridiculed. In Sri Lanka, the scepticism is even worse. If you tell someone you’re a content creator, you’re likely to be met with a smirk, a
raised eyebrow, or the dreaded, “but what’s your real job?”
The Underrated Skill Set of a Content Creator
A content creator is not just someone who posts pretty pictures or funny videos online. They are:
Marketers: They understand branding, audience engagement, and conversion tactics.
Videographers and Editors: Many create, shoot, and edit their own content.
Copywriters: Crafting captions, storytelling, and scripting engaging content.
Trend Analysts: Staying ahead of social media trends to remain relevant.
Entrepreneurs: Many monetize their platforms through sponsorships, ads, and merchandise.
So, tell me, does that sound like a real job to you? Because it sure does to me.
Sri Lanka’s Undervaluing of Content Creators
The biggest problem? Sri Lanka does not take content creators seriously.
Brands here still believe in billboards more than they believe in digital creators. They hesitate to pay content creators what they deserve, yet have no problem spending millions on a celebrity to hold a product for five seconds in an ad. It’s a cycle of underestimation.
On the other hand, audiences in Sri Lanka love free entertainment but hesitate to fully support local creators the way international audiences do. While creators in the US and UK build massive followings that translate into real revenue, Sri Lankan content creators struggle to get the same level of respect and financial backing from brands and fans alike.
Respect Where It’s Due
Let’s talk numbers. 5,000 followers doesn’t sound like a lot in today’s digital world. But imagine standing in a room with 5,000 people listening to you. That’s an entire auditorium of influence. Now, imagine someone with 50,000 or 500,000 followers; that is real power.
If you have an audience that listens, engages, and takes action based on what you say, you are more influential than half the traditional marketing channels still operating today.
So, here’s my message to anyone still doubting this industry:
If you’re a brand: Stop expecting free exposure from content creators and start investing in them properly.
If you’re a creator: Stop undervaluing yourself. If a brand wants to work with you, it’s because you have something they need; an audience that trusts you.
If you’re a consumer: Support your favorite creators, engage with their content, and realize that their work takes real effort.
The Global Perspective vs. Sri Lanka
Take a look at the US or UK - content creators are not just influencers; they’re brands. Logan Paul went from YouTube vlogs to being a WWE superstar. IShowSpeed, a kid streaming himself screaming at FIFA, now commands a global audience. Kai Cenat? He live-streams himself eating cereal, and millions tune in. These guys are not just entertainers; they’re entrepreneurs, marketers, and business moguls.
Yet, in Sri Lanka, if someone creates content full-time, the response is often: “Malli, nikan aththa job ekak karanna.”
But here’s the thing; being a successful content creator is NOT easy. If done correctly, it requires creativity, consistency, strategy, and an understanding of audience psychology. It’s not just about making videos; it’s about building influence.
The Future of Content Creation in Sri Lanka
Content creation isn’t just a side hustle anymore; it’s a legitimate career path. And it’s time we started treating it that way. More Sri Lankans should encourage, support, and even become content creators because digital influence is the currency of the future. No matter what industry you’re in, creating content will only help you grow.
So, the next time someone tells you they’re a content creator, don’t laugh; they might just be the next big thing.
