Jim Louderback is a tech media veteran with generations of experience. He has been a leader at the intersection of publishing, media, and technology for years.
In the 1990s, Louderback wrote and edited tech magazines. From 1998 to 2000, he was the TV host of TechTV’s Fresh Gear show. He also served as the editor-in-chief of Ziff Davis’ media internet properties and ran PC magazine and other properties. Additionally, he built and sold multiple creator economy startups to media companies like WB Discovery and Paramount, and led editorial and ops at cable networks, event companies, magazines, and digital publishers.
One of Louderback’s notable roles was running the media firm Revision3, and then in 2017, he was named CEO of VidCon, replacing cofounder Hank Green. He has also served as the editorial director of VidCon’s industry programming track. His extensive experience in the tech and media industries has allowed him to stay informed and at the forefront of industry trends.
Louderback currently writes the popular weekly newsletter “Inside the Creator Economy” on LinkedIn, speaks and moderates at global events, and works with several startups within the creator space.
During my recent conversation with Louderback at the Web Summit in Lisbon Portugal, he shared insights into the evolution of the creator economy and the potential impact of artificial intelligence. We discussed the rise of YouTubers, the possible disruption by AI VTubers, and the idea of universal basic income for creators in light of AI advancements.
Louderback raised thought-provoking questions around the future of the creator economy, particularly as it relates to fame, fortune, and the accessibility of the market. While fame and money often go hand in hand for creators, he suggested that it is possible to find success and financial gain in the creator economy without necessarily achieving widespread fame.