Speech-to-text capability is now baked into all modern computers. But what if you didn’t have to dictate to your computer? What if you could type just by thinking?
Silicon Valley startup Sabi is emerging from stealth with that goal. The company is developing a brain wearable that decodes a person’s internal speech into words on a computer screen. CEO Rahul Chhabra says its first product, a brain-reading beanie, will be available by the end of the year. The company is also designing a baseball cap version.
The technology is known as a brain-computer interface, or BCI, a device that provides a direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device. While many companies such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink are developing surgically implanted BCIs for people with severe motor disabilities, Sabi’s device could allow anyone to become a cyborg.
It’s not exactly Musk’s vision of the future, which involves implanted brain chips to allow humans to merge with AI. But venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, who was an early investor in OpenAI, says a noninvasive, wearable device is the only path to getting lots of people to use BCI technology.
“The biggest and baddest application of BCI is if you can talk to your computer by thinking about it,” says Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, one of Sabi’s investors. “If you’re going to have a billion people use BCI for access to their computers every day, it can’t be invasive.”
Sabi’s brain-reading hat relies on EEG, or electroencephalography, which uses metal disks placed on the scalp to record the brain’s electrical activity. Decoding imagined speech from EEG is already possible, but it’s currently limited to small sets of words or commands rather than continuous, natural speech.
Photograph: Courtesy of Sabi
The drawback of a wearable system is that the sensors have to listen to the brain through a layer of skin and bone, which dampens neural signals. Surgically implanted devices pick up much stronger signals because they sit so close to neurons. Sabi thinks the way to boost accuracy with a wearable is by massively scaling up the number of sensors in its device. Most EEG devices have a dozen to a few hundred sensors. Sabi’s cap will have anywhere from 70,000 to 100,000 miniature sensors.
“Given that high-density sensing, it pinpoints exactly what and where neural activity is happening. We use that information to get much more reliable data to decode what a person is thinking,” Chhabra says.
The company is aiming for an initial typing speed of 30 or so words per minute. That’s slower than most people type, but he says the speed will improve as users spend more time with the cap.
Speech-to-text capability is now baked into all modern computers. But what if you didn’t have to dictate to your computer? What if you could type just by thinking?
Silicon Valley startup Sabi is emerging from stealth with that goal. The company is developing a brain wearable that decodes a person’s internal speech into words on a computer screen. CEO Rahul Chhabra says its first product, a brain-reading beanie, will be available by the end of the year. The company is also designing a baseball cap version.
The technology is known as a brain-computer interface, or BCI, a device that provides a direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device. While many companies such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink are developing surgically implanted BCIs for people with severe motor disabilities, Sabi’s device could allow anyone to become a cyborg.
It’s not exactly Musk’s vision of the future, which involves implanted brain chips to allow humans to merge with AI. But venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, who was an early investor in OpenAI, says a noninvasive, wearable device is the only path to getting lots of people to use BCI technology.
“The biggest and baddest application of BCI is if you can talk to your computer by thinking about it,” says Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, one of Sabi’s investors. “If you’re going to have a billion people use BCI for access to their computers every day, it can’t be invasive.”
Sabi’s brain-reading hat relies on EEG, or electroencephalography, which uses metal disks placed on the scalp to record the brain’s electrical activity. Decoding imagined speech from EEG is already possible, but it’s currently limited to small sets of words or commands rather than continuous, natural speech.
Photograph: Courtesy of Sabi
The drawback of a wearable system is that the sensors have to listen to the brain through a layer of skin and bone, which dampens neural signals. Surgically implanted devices pick up much stronger signals because they sit so close to neurons. Sabi thinks the way to boost accuracy with a wearable is by massively scaling up the number of sensors in its device. Most EEG devices have a dozen to a few hundred sensors. Sabi’s cap will have anywhere from 70,000 to 100,000 miniature sensors.
“Given that high-density sensing, it pinpoints exactly what and where neural activity is happening. We use that information to get much more reliable data to decode what a person is thinking,” Chhabra says.
The company is aiming for an initial typing speed of 30 or so words per minute. That’s slower than most people type, but he says the speed will improve as users spend more time with the cap.
Earlier this week, we learned A24 entered a research partnership with Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision.
In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them.
While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.
Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line.
Earlier this week, we learned A24 entered a research partnership with Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision.
In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them.
While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.
Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line.
#A24 #Nice #Google #DealA24,generative ai,Google DeepMind">A24 Wants You to Be Nice About Its Google AI Deal
Earlier this week, we learned A24 entered a research partnership with Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision.
In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them.
While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.
Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line.
The outdoorsy Canadian clothing brand makes highly functional classics that subtly incorporate performance elements like Tencel fabric and strategic triple-stitching. The No Sweat Relaxed Taper pants have been a weekly wear for me for years; they’re as comfy as sweatpants but look dapper enough to wear to a business meeting, while being durable enough for a weekend camping trip.
Duer rarely has sales, and prices typically hover around $100 for pants and $50 for a shirt. Those aren’t outrageous prices, but most guys I know won’t build a wardrobe primarily from $50 tees. In the run-up to July 4th, you can save around 20 percent on a few of the brand’s most popular pants and up to 35 percent on some styles of shorts and long-sleeve shirts.
In addition to my beloved No Sweat pants, the pima cotton tee (some styles of which are on sale) is a big winner. It’s soft and still fits great after two trips through the washer and dryer. It’s getting serious consideration for being my new favorite black T-shirt. (I would suggest the brand start claiming it’s the best T-shirt in the world so as to be eligible for our tailor-judged shootout of men’s shirts.)
The pique polo is also great (the Hazy Mauve color is currently discounted), as it’s super breathable, holds an appropriately stiff collar without feeling too rigid, and also keeps its shape perfectly through two washing cycles.
If you’ve got summer travel or a camping trip coming up, this clothing could be nice to bring with you.
The outdoorsy Canadian clothing brand makes highly functional classics that subtly incorporate performance elements like Tencel fabric and strategic triple-stitching. The No Sweat Relaxed Taper pants have been a weekly wear for me for years; they’re as comfy as sweatpants but look dapper enough to wear to a business meeting, while being durable enough for a weekend camping trip.
Duer rarely has sales, and prices typically hover around $100 for pants and $50 for a shirt. Those aren’t outrageous prices, but most guys I know won’t build a wardrobe primarily from $50 tees. In the run-up to July 4th, you can save around 20 percent on a few of the brand’s most popular pants and up to 35 percent on some styles of shorts and long-sleeve shirts.
In addition to my beloved No Sweat pants, the pima cotton tee (some styles of which are on sale) is a big winner. It’s soft and still fits great after two trips through the washer and dryer. It’s getting serious consideration for being my new favorite black T-shirt. (I would suggest the brand start claiming it’s the best T-shirt in the world so as to be eligible for our tailor-judged shootout of men’s shirts.)
The pique polo is also great (the Hazy Mauve color is currently discounted), as it’s super breathable, holds an appropriately stiff collar without feeling too rigid, and also keeps its shape perfectly through two washing cycles.
If you’ve got summer travel or a camping trip coming up, this clothing could be nice to bring with you.
#Love #Duer #Pants #Theyre #Sale #Weekendclothing,deals,shopping,apparel,fourth of july">I Love These Duer Pants, and They’re on Sale This Weekend
Now that Amazon Prime Day is over, it’s time to start gearing up for Fourth of July sales. Most large retailers pivoted their summer-sale timing to compete head-on with Amazon’s accelerated schedule, but you can still snag great deals this July 4th, particularly in active and outdoorsy categories.
The outdoorsy Canadian clothing brand makes highly functional classics that subtly incorporate performance elements like Tencel fabric and strategic triple-stitching. The No Sweat Relaxed Taper pants have been a weekly wear for me for years; they’re as comfy as sweatpants but look dapper enough to wear to a business meeting, while being durable enough for a weekend camping trip.
Duer rarely has sales, and prices typically hover around $100 for pants and $50 for a shirt. Those aren’t outrageous prices, but most guys I know won’t build a wardrobe primarily from $50 tees. In the run-up to July 4th, you can save around 20 percent on a few of the brand’s most popular pants and up to 35 percent on some styles of shorts and long-sleeve shirts.
In addition to my beloved No Sweat pants, the pima cotton tee (some styles of which are on sale) is a big winner. It’s soft and still fits great after two trips through the washer and dryer. It’s getting serious consideration for being my new favorite black T-shirt. (I would suggest the brand start claiming it’s the best T-shirt in the world so as to be eligible for our tailor-judged shootout of men’s shirts.)
The pique polo is also great (the Hazy Mauve color is currently discounted), as it’s super breathable, holds an appropriately stiff collar without feeling too rigid, and also keeps its shape perfectly through two washing cycles.
If you’ve got summer travel or a camping trip coming up, this clothing could be nice to bring with you.
During the panel, he shared that he has a Google Doc filled with ideas, and also uses his phone’s Notes app to scribble down any inspirations that come to mind while on the go. “I’d say ideation is a muscle,” he mused. “The more you do it, the more your mind is constantly racing.”
To that end, Anthpo said he uses flights as a space to create, working the ideation muscle. “I’ll do [it] every plane ride I take,” he explained. “I don’t do anything other than write in my Notes app.”
How do creators pick which idea is worth doing?
Siow Wei is a Malaysian content creator who was featured on Forbes 30 under 30 last year for the massive success she’s had under the handle im_siowei. By creating an array of characters for family-friendly comedy videos, she’s become one of Asia’s biggest content creators.
However, she told the panel at VidCon she didn’t set out to make kid-friendly comedy. When evaluating the data of how her videos were doing, it was that demographic where she was most thriving. Data is what drives her decisions as she builds her library and brand.
Anthpo noted he and Siow Wei come from different schools of thought on what to prioritize. For him, it’s more about a gut feeling. “Once you have an idea, there’s like two litmus tests,” he said. “There’s, like, the data side, which is super powerful. And then there’s also, like, the emotional side.” For him, he’s excited when he comes up with something “very experimental,” or that “feels [magical] and also executable.”
He emphasized the importance of following your passion for an idea. Referencing the Rick Rubin book, The Creative Act, Anthpo paraphrased a piece of the author’s advice, saying, “If you have a really great idea and you don’t execute it, somebody else in the zeitgeist will do it. And I found that to be 100% true. If I’m like, ‘That’s a great idea,’ and I don’t do within the first six months, someone does it.”
Mashable Trend Report
How do content creators know their work is good quality before they post?
Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked panel at Vidcon 2026, featuring Anthpo, Siow Wei, and Shira LazarCredit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
Siow Wei uses WhatsApp to communicate with her team and test out jokes. Anthpo uses a group of friends whom he knows won’t lie to spare his feelings.
“The meanest people in my life are by far my most valuable assets,” he explained, “like the people that are just like, ‘Yo, this video sucks, bro.’ Those people are so valuable to me. I’ve got probably seven of them. If I send a video or an idea to them, and all seven of them are like ‘that’s good,’ it always rips.”
What do content creators do when they’re running out of ideas?
Siow Wei has a collection of comedy characters, like Swaggy, Randy, Besty, Richy, and Billy. But she’s always happy to expand her menagerie. “Okay, we have run out of content,” she said, considering the scenario. “Okay, what’s next? Let’s create another character, there’s more possibility that we can bring it into our content.”
For Anthpo, he finds new ideas by trying something new.
“I’ve reinvented myself many times on the internet,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for like 12 years now. I used to do sketch comedy. Then I was in a TikTok house. And then I made skits. And then I made college content, and then I [worked for Mr. Beast]. Then the past two years I’ve been doing these like anonymous stunts.” He noted what he’s doing recently is being called performance art, while he’s been dubbed “dumb internet Banksy,” and he’s cool with that.
Anthpo champions not only taking risks, but also learning from your failures.
“I failed many, many, many, many, many times,” he said, noting that failure can be a great teacher, providing “data” for how to improve.
What every creator should know — according to Anthpo and Siow Wei
Both agreed you should know about the purple horse (or cow). Anthpo explained this marketing concept to the audience. Essentially, if you see a horse along the side of the road, you might notice it. But you won’t stop your trip to see it. However, if you see a purple horse, you’ll stop your car to take a closer look.
Translated to the creator economy, you want to be the purple horse, the something special in the landscape that makes people stop and pay attention.
For Anthpo, he does that by chasing what excites him. “[What] I like to chop it down to is I like to delight people,” he said. “Give them something they haven’t seen before, or give them a feeling they want to consistently feel.”
Siow Wei added: “Put that purple horse in the first three seconds [of your video].”
She explained how the unique way she drinks boba tea has hooked viewers, “so you’re catching the attention,” rather than getting lost in an endless scroll online.
Last but not least, both creators emphasized the importance of building a team you can trust. Anthpo put it succinctly, saying, “Be surrounded by people who are joyous and don’t drag you down and are going to be kind, but also aren’t afraid to be like, ‘Yo, this video is trash.'”
Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.
During the panel, he shared that he has a Google Doc filled with ideas, and also uses his phone’s Notes app to scribble down any inspirations that come to mind while on the go. “I’d say ideation is a muscle,” he mused. “The more you do it, the more your mind is constantly racing.”
To that end, Anthpo said he uses flights as a space to create, working the ideation muscle. “I’ll do [it] every plane ride I take,” he explained. “I don’t do anything other than write in my Notes app.”
How do creators pick which idea is worth doing?
Siow Wei is a Malaysian content creator who was featured on Forbes 30 under 30 last year for the massive success she’s had under the handle im_siowei. By creating an array of characters for family-friendly comedy videos, she’s become one of Asia’s biggest content creators.
However, she told the panel at VidCon she didn’t set out to make kid-friendly comedy. When evaluating the data of how her videos were doing, it was that demographic where she was most thriving. Data is what drives her decisions as she builds her library and brand.
Anthpo noted he and Siow Wei come from different schools of thought on what to prioritize. For him, it’s more about a gut feeling. “Once you have an idea, there’s like two litmus tests,” he said. “There’s, like, the data side, which is super powerful. And then there’s also, like, the emotional side.” For him, he’s excited when he comes up with something “very experimental,” or that “feels [magical] and also executable.”
He emphasized the importance of following your passion for an idea. Referencing the Rick Rubin book, The Creative Act, Anthpo paraphrased a piece of the author’s advice, saying, “If you have a really great idea and you don’t execute it, somebody else in the zeitgeist will do it. And I found that to be 100% true. If I’m like, ‘That’s a great idea,’ and I don’t do within the first six months, someone does it.”
Mashable Trend Report
How do content creators know their work is good quality before they post?
Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked panel at Vidcon 2026, featuring Anthpo, Siow Wei, and Shira LazarCredit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
Siow Wei uses WhatsApp to communicate with her team and test out jokes. Anthpo uses a group of friends whom he knows won’t lie to spare his feelings.
“The meanest people in my life are by far my most valuable assets,” he explained, “like the people that are just like, ‘Yo, this video sucks, bro.’ Those people are so valuable to me. I’ve got probably seven of them. If I send a video or an idea to them, and all seven of them are like ‘that’s good,’ it always rips.”
What do content creators do when they’re running out of ideas?
Siow Wei has a collection of comedy characters, like Swaggy, Randy, Besty, Richy, and Billy. But she’s always happy to expand her menagerie. “Okay, we have run out of content,” she said, considering the scenario. “Okay, what’s next? Let’s create another character, there’s more possibility that we can bring it into our content.”
For Anthpo, he finds new ideas by trying something new.
“I’ve reinvented myself many times on the internet,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for like 12 years now. I used to do sketch comedy. Then I was in a TikTok house. And then I made skits. And then I made college content, and then I [worked for Mr. Beast]. Then the past two years I’ve been doing these like anonymous stunts.” He noted what he’s doing recently is being called performance art, while he’s been dubbed “dumb internet Banksy,” and he’s cool with that.
Anthpo champions not only taking risks, but also learning from your failures.
“I failed many, many, many, many, many times,” he said, noting that failure can be a great teacher, providing “data” for how to improve.
What every creator should know — according to Anthpo and Siow Wei
Both agreed you should know about the purple horse (or cow). Anthpo explained this marketing concept to the audience. Essentially, if you see a horse along the side of the road, you might notice it. But you won’t stop your trip to see it. However, if you see a purple horse, you’ll stop your car to take a closer look.
Translated to the creator economy, you want to be the purple horse, the something special in the landscape that makes people stop and pay attention.
For Anthpo, he does that by chasing what excites him. “[What] I like to chop it down to is I like to delight people,” he said. “Give them something they haven’t seen before, or give them a feeling they want to consistently feel.”
Siow Wei added: “Put that purple horse in the first three seconds [of your video].”
She explained how the unique way she drinks boba tea has hooked viewers, “so you’re catching the attention,” rather than getting lost in an endless scroll online.
Last but not least, both creators emphasized the importance of building a team you can trust. Anthpo put it succinctly, saying, “Be surrounded by people who are joyous and don’t drag you down and are going to be kind, but also aren’t afraid to be like, ‘Yo, this video is trash.'”
Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.
#professional #creators #avoid #content #droughts">How professional creators avoid content droughts
Creators are expected to constantly be coming up with new content. But what to do when your well of ideas runs dry?
That was the topic at the Vidcon 2026 panel, Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked.
Moderated by television personality Shira Lazar, this panel brought together professional creators Anthpo and Siow Wei to discuss how they ideate, pick what to work on next, and whether what they’ve made is good enough to post online. (Alex Ojeda was billed, but did not ultimately attend.)
Anthpo: Ideation comes from practice
Anthpo on the VidCon 2026 panel Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked.Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
During the panel, he shared that he has a Google Doc filled with ideas, and also uses his phone’s Notes app to scribble down any inspirations that come to mind while on the go. “I’d say ideation is a muscle,” he mused. “The more you do it, the more your mind is constantly racing.”
To that end, Anthpo said he uses flights as a space to create, working the ideation muscle. “I’ll do [it] every plane ride I take,” he explained. “I don’t do anything other than write in my Notes app.”
How do creators pick which idea is worth doing?
Siow Wei is a Malaysian content creator who was featured on Forbes 30 under 30 last year for the massive success she’s had under the handle im_siowei. By creating an array of characters for family-friendly comedy videos, she’s become one of Asia’s biggest content creators.
However, she told the panel at VidCon she didn’t set out to make kid-friendly comedy. When evaluating the data of how her videos were doing, it was that demographic where she was most thriving. Data is what drives her decisions as she builds her library and brand.
Anthpo noted he and Siow Wei come from different schools of thought on what to prioritize. For him, it’s more about a gut feeling. “Once you have an idea, there’s like two litmus tests,” he said. “There’s, like, the data side, which is super powerful. And then there’s also, like, the emotional side.” For him, he’s excited when he comes up with something “very experimental,” or that “feels [magical] and also executable.”
He emphasized the importance of following your passion for an idea. Referencing the Rick Rubin book, The Creative Act, Anthpo paraphrased a piece of the author’s advice, saying, “If you have a really great idea and you don’t execute it, somebody else in the zeitgeist will do it. And I found that to be 100% true. If I’m like, ‘That’s a great idea,’ and I don’t do within the first six months, someone does it.”
Mashable Trend Report
How do content creators know their work is good quality before they post?
Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked panel at Vidcon 2026, featuring Anthpo, Siow Wei, and Shira LazarCredit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
Siow Wei uses WhatsApp to communicate with her team and test out jokes. Anthpo uses a group of friends whom he knows won’t lie to spare his feelings.
“The meanest people in my life are by far my most valuable assets,” he explained, “like the people that are just like, ‘Yo, this video sucks, bro.’ Those people are so valuable to me. I’ve got probably seven of them. If I send a video or an idea to them, and all seven of them are like ‘that’s good,’ it always rips.”
What do content creators do when they’re running out of ideas?
Siow Wei has a collection of comedy characters, like Swaggy, Randy, Besty, Richy, and Billy. But she’s always happy to expand her menagerie. “Okay, we have run out of content,” she said, considering the scenario. “Okay, what’s next? Let’s create another character, there’s more possibility that we can bring it into our content.”
For Anthpo, he finds new ideas by trying something new.
“I’ve reinvented myself many times on the internet,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for like 12 years now. I used to do sketch comedy. Then I was in a TikTok house. And then I made skits. And then I made college content, and then I [worked for Mr. Beast]. Then the past two years I’ve been doing these like anonymous stunts.” He noted what he’s doing recently is being called performance art, while he’s been dubbed “dumb internet Banksy,” and he’s cool with that.
Anthpo champions not only taking risks, but also learning from your failures.
“I failed many, many, many, many, many times,” he said, noting that failure can be a great teacher, providing “data” for how to improve.
What every creator should know — according to Anthpo and Siow Wei
Both agreed you should know about the purple horse (or cow). Anthpo explained this marketing concept to the audience. Essentially, if you see a horse along the side of the road, you might notice it. But you won’t stop your trip to see it. However, if you see a purple horse, you’ll stop your car to take a closer look.
Translated to the creator economy, you want to be the purple horse, the something special in the landscape that makes people stop and pay attention.
For Anthpo, he does that by chasing what excites him. “[What] I like to chop it down to is I like to delight people,” he said. “Give them something they haven’t seen before, or give them a feeling they want to consistently feel.”
Siow Wei added: “Put that purple horse in the first three seconds [of your video].”
She explained how the unique way she drinks boba tea has hooked viewers, “so you’re catching the attention,” rather than getting lost in an endless scroll online.
Last but not least, both creators emphasized the importance of building a team you can trust. Anthpo put it succinctly, saying, “Be surrounded by people who are joyous and don’t drag you down and are going to be kind, but also aren’t afraid to be like, ‘Yo, this video is trash.'”
Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.
![A24 Wants You to Be Nice About Its Google AI Deal
Earlier this week, we learned A24 entered a research partnership with Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision. In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them. While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.
Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #A24 #Nice #Google #DealA24,generative ai,Google DeepMind](https://i0.wp.com/gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Backrooms-1280x853.jpg?ssl=1 "A24 Wants You to Be Nice About Its Google AI Deal
Earlier this week, we learned A24 entered a research partnership with Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision. In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them. While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.
Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #A24 #Nice #Google #DealA24,generative ai,Google DeepMind")
![A24 Wants You to Be Nice About Its Google AI Deal
Earlier this week, we learned A24 entered a research partnership with Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision. In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them. While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.
Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #A24 #Nice #Google #DealA24,generative ai,Google DeepMind](https://gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Backrooms-1280x853.jpg "A24 Wants You to Be Nice About Its Google AI Deal
Earlier this week, we learned A24 entered a research partnership with Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision. In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them. While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.
Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #A24 #Nice #Google #DealA24,generative ai,Google DeepMind")
![How professional creators avoid content droughts
Creators are expected to constantly be coming up with new content. But what to do when your well of ideas runs dry? That was the topic at the Vidcon 2026 panel, Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked. Moderated by television personality Shira Lazar, this panel brought together professional creators Anthpo and Siow Wei to discuss how they ideate, pick what to work on next, and whether what they’ve made is good enough to post online. (Alex Ojeda was billed, but did not ultimately attend.)
Anthpo: Ideation comes from practice
Anthpo on the VidCon 2026 panel Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked.
Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
The American influencer is best known for concocting the viral Timothee Chalamet look-a-like contest and creating characters like Cheeseball Man and Kid with Crocs. During the panel, he shared that he has a Google Doc filled with ideas, and also uses his phone’s Notes app to scribble down any inspirations that come to mind while on the go. “I’d say ideation is a muscle,” he mused. “The more you do it, the more your mind is constantly racing.” To that end, Anthpo said he uses flights as a space to create, working the ideation muscle. “I’ll do [it] every plane ride I take,” he explained. “I don’t do anything other than write in my Notes app.” How do creators pick which idea is worth doing? Siow Wei is a Malaysian content creator who was featured on Forbes 30 under 30 last year for the massive success she’s had under the handle im_siowei. By creating an array of characters for family-friendly comedy videos, she’s become one of Asia’s biggest content creators.However, she told the panel at VidCon she didn’t set out to make kid-friendly comedy. When evaluating the data of how her videos were doing, it was that demographic where she was most thriving. Data is what drives her decisions as she builds her library and brand. Anthpo noted he and Siow Wei come from different schools of thought on what to prioritize. For him, it’s more about a gut feeling. “Once you have an idea, there’s like two litmus tests,” he said. “There’s, like, the data side, which is super powerful. And then there’s also, like, the emotional side.” For him, he’s excited when he comes up with something “very experimental,” or that “feels [magical] and also executable.” He emphasized the importance of following your passion for an idea. Referencing the Rick Rubin book, The Creative Act, Anthpo paraphrased a piece of the author’s advice, saying, “If you have a really great idea and you don’t execute it, somebody else in the zeitgeist will do it. And I found that to be 100% true. If I’m like, ‘That’s a great idea,’ and I don’t do within the first six months, someone does it.”
Mashable Trend Report
How do content creators know their work is good quality before they post?
Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked panel at Vidcon 2026, featuring Anthpo, Siow Wei, and Shira Lazar
Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
Siow Wei uses WhatsApp to communicate with her team and test out jokes. Anthpo uses a group of friends whom he knows won’t lie to spare his feelings. “The meanest people in my life are by far my most valuable assets,” he explained, “like the people that are just like, ‘Yo, this video sucks, bro.’ Those people are so valuable to me. I’ve got probably seven of them. If I send a video or an idea to them, and all seven of them are like ‘that’s good,’ it always rips.” What do content creators do when they’re running out of ideas?Siow Wei has a collection of comedy characters, like Swaggy, Randy, Besty, Richy, and Billy. But she’s always happy to expand her menagerie. “Okay, we have run out of content,” she said, considering the scenario. “Okay, what’s next? Let’s create another character, there’s more possibility that we can bring it into our content.” For Anthpo, he finds new ideas by trying something new. “I’ve reinvented myself many times on the internet,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for like 12 years now. I used to do sketch comedy. Then I was in a TikTok house. And then I made skits. And then I made college content, and then I [worked for Mr. Beast]. Then the past two years I’ve been doing these like anonymous stunts.” He noted what he’s doing recently is being called performance art, while he’s been dubbed “dumb internet Banksy,” and he’s cool with that. Anthpo champions not only taking risks, but also learning from your failures.“I failed many, many, many, many, many times,” he said, noting that failure can be a great teacher, providing “data” for how to improve. What every creator should know — according to Anthpo and Siow WeiBoth agreed you should know about the purple horse (or cow). Anthpo explained this marketing concept to the audience. Essentially, if you see a horse along the side of the road, you might notice it. But you won’t stop your trip to see it. However, if you see a purple horse, you’ll stop your car to take a closer look. Translated to the creator economy, you want to be the purple horse, the something special in the landscape that makes people stop and pay attention. For Anthpo, he does that by chasing what excites him. “[What] I like to chop it down to is I like to delight people,” he said. “Give them something they haven’t seen before, or give them a feeling they want to consistently feel.” Siow Wei added: “Put that purple horse in the first three seconds [of your video].” She explained how the unique way she drinks boba tea has hooked viewers, “so you’re catching the attention,” rather than getting lost in an endless scroll online. Last but not least, both creators emphasized the importance of building a team you can trust. Anthpo put it succinctly, saying, “Be surrounded by people who are joyous and don’t drag you down and are going to be kind, but also aren’t afraid to be like, ‘Yo, this video is trash.'”Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.
#professional #creators #avoid #content #droughts](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/01gMFiz9dxiW1C5lcELVKTR/images-1.fill.size_2000x1125.v1782531326.jpg "How professional creators avoid content droughts
Creators are expected to constantly be coming up with new content. But what to do when your well of ideas runs dry? That was the topic at the Vidcon 2026 panel, Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked. Moderated by television personality Shira Lazar, this panel brought together professional creators Anthpo and Siow Wei to discuss how they ideate, pick what to work on next, and whether what they’ve made is good enough to post online. (Alex Ojeda was billed, but did not ultimately attend.)
Anthpo: Ideation comes from practice
Anthpo on the VidCon 2026 panel Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked.
Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
The American influencer is best known for concocting the viral Timothee Chalamet look-a-like contest and creating characters like Cheeseball Man and Kid with Crocs. During the panel, he shared that he has a Google Doc filled with ideas, and also uses his phone’s Notes app to scribble down any inspirations that come to mind while on the go. “I’d say ideation is a muscle,” he mused. “The more you do it, the more your mind is constantly racing.” To that end, Anthpo said he uses flights as a space to create, working the ideation muscle. “I’ll do [it] every plane ride I take,” he explained. “I don’t do anything other than write in my Notes app.” How do creators pick which idea is worth doing? Siow Wei is a Malaysian content creator who was featured on Forbes 30 under 30 last year for the massive success she’s had under the handle im_siowei. By creating an array of characters for family-friendly comedy videos, she’s become one of Asia’s biggest content creators.However, she told the panel at VidCon she didn’t set out to make kid-friendly comedy. When evaluating the data of how her videos were doing, it was that demographic where she was most thriving. Data is what drives her decisions as she builds her library and brand. Anthpo noted he and Siow Wei come from different schools of thought on what to prioritize. For him, it’s more about a gut feeling. “Once you have an idea, there’s like two litmus tests,” he said. “There’s, like, the data side, which is super powerful. And then there’s also, like, the emotional side.” For him, he’s excited when he comes up with something “very experimental,” or that “feels [magical] and also executable.” He emphasized the importance of following your passion for an idea. Referencing the Rick Rubin book, The Creative Act, Anthpo paraphrased a piece of the author’s advice, saying, “If you have a really great idea and you don’t execute it, somebody else in the zeitgeist will do it. And I found that to be 100% true. If I’m like, ‘That’s a great idea,’ and I don’t do within the first six months, someone does it.”
Mashable Trend Report
How do content creators know their work is good quality before they post?
Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked panel at Vidcon 2026, featuring Anthpo, Siow Wei, and Shira Lazar
Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
Siow Wei uses WhatsApp to communicate with her team and test out jokes. Anthpo uses a group of friends whom he knows won’t lie to spare his feelings. “The meanest people in my life are by far my most valuable assets,” he explained, “like the people that are just like, ‘Yo, this video sucks, bro.’ Those people are so valuable to me. I’ve got probably seven of them. If I send a video or an idea to them, and all seven of them are like ‘that’s good,’ it always rips.” What do content creators do when they’re running out of ideas?Siow Wei has a collection of comedy characters, like Swaggy, Randy, Besty, Richy, and Billy. But she’s always happy to expand her menagerie. “Okay, we have run out of content,” she said, considering the scenario. “Okay, what’s next? Let’s create another character, there’s more possibility that we can bring it into our content.” For Anthpo, he finds new ideas by trying something new. “I’ve reinvented myself many times on the internet,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for like 12 years now. I used to do sketch comedy. Then I was in a TikTok house. And then I made skits. And then I made college content, and then I [worked for Mr. Beast]. Then the past two years I’ve been doing these like anonymous stunts.” He noted what he’s doing recently is being called performance art, while he’s been dubbed “dumb internet Banksy,” and he’s cool with that. Anthpo champions not only taking risks, but also learning from your failures.“I failed many, many, many, many, many times,” he said, noting that failure can be a great teacher, providing “data” for how to improve. What every creator should know — according to Anthpo and Siow WeiBoth agreed you should know about the purple horse (or cow). Anthpo explained this marketing concept to the audience. Essentially, if you see a horse along the side of the road, you might notice it. But you won’t stop your trip to see it. However, if you see a purple horse, you’ll stop your car to take a closer look. Translated to the creator economy, you want to be the purple horse, the something special in the landscape that makes people stop and pay attention. For Anthpo, he does that by chasing what excites him. “[What] I like to chop it down to is I like to delight people,” he said. “Give them something they haven’t seen before, or give them a feeling they want to consistently feel.” Siow Wei added: “Put that purple horse in the first three seconds [of your video].” She explained how the unique way she drinks boba tea has hooked viewers, “so you’re catching the attention,” rather than getting lost in an endless scroll online. Last but not least, both creators emphasized the importance of building a team you can trust. Anthpo put it succinctly, saying, “Be surrounded by people who are joyous and don’t drag you down and are going to be kind, but also aren’t afraid to be like, ‘Yo, this video is trash.'”Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.
#professional #creators #avoid #content #droughts")
![How professional creators avoid content droughts
Creators are expected to constantly be coming up with new content. But what to do when your well of ideas runs dry? That was the topic at the Vidcon 2026 panel, Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked. Moderated by television personality Shira Lazar, this panel brought together professional creators Anthpo and Siow Wei to discuss how they ideate, pick what to work on next, and whether what they’ve made is good enough to post online. (Alex Ojeda was billed, but did not ultimately attend.)
Anthpo: Ideation comes from practice
Anthpo on the VidCon 2026 panel Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked.
Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
The American influencer is best known for concocting the viral Timothee Chalamet look-a-like contest and creating characters like Cheeseball Man and Kid with Crocs. During the panel, he shared that he has a Google Doc filled with ideas, and also uses his phone’s Notes app to scribble down any inspirations that come to mind while on the go. “I’d say ideation is a muscle,” he mused. “The more you do it, the more your mind is constantly racing.” To that end, Anthpo said he uses flights as a space to create, working the ideation muscle. “I’ll do [it] every plane ride I take,” he explained. “I don’t do anything other than write in my Notes app.” How do creators pick which idea is worth doing? Siow Wei is a Malaysian content creator who was featured on Forbes 30 under 30 last year for the massive success she’s had under the handle im_siowei. By creating an array of characters for family-friendly comedy videos, she’s become one of Asia’s biggest content creators.However, she told the panel at VidCon she didn’t set out to make kid-friendly comedy. When evaluating the data of how her videos were doing, it was that demographic where she was most thriving. Data is what drives her decisions as she builds her library and brand. Anthpo noted he and Siow Wei come from different schools of thought on what to prioritize. For him, it’s more about a gut feeling. “Once you have an idea, there’s like two litmus tests,” he said. “There’s, like, the data side, which is super powerful. And then there’s also, like, the emotional side.” For him, he’s excited when he comes up with something “very experimental,” or that “feels [magical] and also executable.” He emphasized the importance of following your passion for an idea. Referencing the Rick Rubin book, The Creative Act, Anthpo paraphrased a piece of the author’s advice, saying, “If you have a really great idea and you don’t execute it, somebody else in the zeitgeist will do it. And I found that to be 100% true. If I’m like, ‘That’s a great idea,’ and I don’t do within the first six months, someone does it.”
Mashable Trend Report
How do content creators know their work is good quality before they post?
Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked panel at Vidcon 2026, featuring Anthpo, Siow Wei, and Shira Lazar
Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
Siow Wei uses WhatsApp to communicate with her team and test out jokes. Anthpo uses a group of friends whom he knows won’t lie to spare his feelings. “The meanest people in my life are by far my most valuable assets,” he explained, “like the people that are just like, ‘Yo, this video sucks, bro.’ Those people are so valuable to me. I’ve got probably seven of them. If I send a video or an idea to them, and all seven of them are like ‘that’s good,’ it always rips.” What do content creators do when they’re running out of ideas?Siow Wei has a collection of comedy characters, like Swaggy, Randy, Besty, Richy, and Billy. But she’s always happy to expand her menagerie. “Okay, we have run out of content,” she said, considering the scenario. “Okay, what’s next? Let’s create another character, there’s more possibility that we can bring it into our content.” For Anthpo, he finds new ideas by trying something new. “I’ve reinvented myself many times on the internet,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for like 12 years now. I used to do sketch comedy. Then I was in a TikTok house. And then I made skits. And then I made college content, and then I [worked for Mr. Beast]. Then the past two years I’ve been doing these like anonymous stunts.” He noted what he’s doing recently is being called performance art, while he’s been dubbed “dumb internet Banksy,” and he’s cool with that. Anthpo champions not only taking risks, but also learning from your failures.“I failed many, many, many, many, many times,” he said, noting that failure can be a great teacher, providing “data” for how to improve. What every creator should know — according to Anthpo and Siow WeiBoth agreed you should know about the purple horse (or cow). Anthpo explained this marketing concept to the audience. Essentially, if you see a horse along the side of the road, you might notice it. But you won’t stop your trip to see it. However, if you see a purple horse, you’ll stop your car to take a closer look. Translated to the creator economy, you want to be the purple horse, the something special in the landscape that makes people stop and pay attention. For Anthpo, he does that by chasing what excites him. “[What] I like to chop it down to is I like to delight people,” he said. “Give them something they haven’t seen before, or give them a feeling they want to consistently feel.” Siow Wei added: “Put that purple horse in the first three seconds [of your video].” She explained how the unique way she drinks boba tea has hooked viewers, “so you’re catching the attention,” rather than getting lost in an endless scroll online. Last but not least, both creators emphasized the importance of building a team you can trust. Anthpo put it succinctly, saying, “Be surrounded by people who are joyous and don’t drag you down and are going to be kind, but also aren’t afraid to be like, ‘Yo, this video is trash.'”Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.
#professional #creators #avoid #content #droughts](https://i0.wp.com/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/01gMFiz9dxiW1C5lcELVKTR/images-1.fill.size_2000x1125.v1782531326.jpg?ssl=1 "How professional creators avoid content droughts
Creators are expected to constantly be coming up with new content. But what to do when your well of ideas runs dry? That was the topic at the Vidcon 2026 panel, Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked. Moderated by television personality Shira Lazar, this panel brought together professional creators Anthpo and Siow Wei to discuss how they ideate, pick what to work on next, and whether what they’ve made is good enough to post online. (Alex Ojeda was billed, but did not ultimately attend.)
Anthpo: Ideation comes from practice
Anthpo on the VidCon 2026 panel Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked.
Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
The American influencer is best known for concocting the viral Timothee Chalamet look-a-like contest and creating characters like Cheeseball Man and Kid with Crocs. During the panel, he shared that he has a Google Doc filled with ideas, and also uses his phone’s Notes app to scribble down any inspirations that come to mind while on the go. “I’d say ideation is a muscle,” he mused. “The more you do it, the more your mind is constantly racing.” To that end, Anthpo said he uses flights as a space to create, working the ideation muscle. “I’ll do [it] every plane ride I take,” he explained. “I don’t do anything other than write in my Notes app.” How do creators pick which idea is worth doing? Siow Wei is a Malaysian content creator who was featured on Forbes 30 under 30 last year for the massive success she’s had under the handle im_siowei. By creating an array of characters for family-friendly comedy videos, she’s become one of Asia’s biggest content creators.However, she told the panel at VidCon she didn’t set out to make kid-friendly comedy. When evaluating the data of how her videos were doing, it was that demographic where she was most thriving. Data is what drives her decisions as she builds her library and brand. Anthpo noted he and Siow Wei come from different schools of thought on what to prioritize. For him, it’s more about a gut feeling. “Once you have an idea, there’s like two litmus tests,” he said. “There’s, like, the data side, which is super powerful. And then there’s also, like, the emotional side.” For him, he’s excited when he comes up with something “very experimental,” or that “feels [magical] and also executable.” He emphasized the importance of following your passion for an idea. Referencing the Rick Rubin book, The Creative Act, Anthpo paraphrased a piece of the author’s advice, saying, “If you have a really great idea and you don’t execute it, somebody else in the zeitgeist will do it. And I found that to be 100% true. If I’m like, ‘That’s a great idea,’ and I don’t do within the first six months, someone does it.”
Mashable Trend Report
How do content creators know their work is good quality before they post?
Never Running Out of Ideas: How to Build a Content Strategy That Keeps Your Audience Hooked panel at Vidcon 2026, featuring Anthpo, Siow Wei, and Shira Lazar
Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable
Siow Wei uses WhatsApp to communicate with her team and test out jokes. Anthpo uses a group of friends whom he knows won’t lie to spare his feelings. “The meanest people in my life are by far my most valuable assets,” he explained, “like the people that are just like, ‘Yo, this video sucks, bro.’ Those people are so valuable to me. I’ve got probably seven of them. If I send a video or an idea to them, and all seven of them are like ‘that’s good,’ it always rips.” What do content creators do when they’re running out of ideas?Siow Wei has a collection of comedy characters, like Swaggy, Randy, Besty, Richy, and Billy. But she’s always happy to expand her menagerie. “Okay, we have run out of content,” she said, considering the scenario. “Okay, what’s next? Let’s create another character, there’s more possibility that we can bring it into our content.” For Anthpo, he finds new ideas by trying something new. “I’ve reinvented myself many times on the internet,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for like 12 years now. I used to do sketch comedy. Then I was in a TikTok house. And then I made skits. And then I made college content, and then I [worked for Mr. Beast]. Then the past two years I’ve been doing these like anonymous stunts.” He noted what he’s doing recently is being called performance art, while he’s been dubbed “dumb internet Banksy,” and he’s cool with that. Anthpo champions not only taking risks, but also learning from your failures.“I failed many, many, many, many, many times,” he said, noting that failure can be a great teacher, providing “data” for how to improve. What every creator should know — according to Anthpo and Siow WeiBoth agreed you should know about the purple horse (or cow). Anthpo explained this marketing concept to the audience. Essentially, if you see a horse along the side of the road, you might notice it. But you won’t stop your trip to see it. However, if you see a purple horse, you’ll stop your car to take a closer look. Translated to the creator economy, you want to be the purple horse, the something special in the landscape that makes people stop and pay attention. For Anthpo, he does that by chasing what excites him. “[What] I like to chop it down to is I like to delight people,” he said. “Give them something they haven’t seen before, or give them a feeling they want to consistently feel.” Siow Wei added: “Put that purple horse in the first three seconds [of your video].” She explained how the unique way she drinks boba tea has hooked viewers, “so you’re catching the attention,” rather than getting lost in an endless scroll online. Last but not least, both creators emphasized the importance of building a team you can trust. Anthpo put it succinctly, saying, “Be surrounded by people who are joyous and don’t drag you down and are going to be kind, but also aren’t afraid to be like, ‘Yo, this video is trash.'”Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.
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