Are brands making a massive mistake by overlooking YouTube?

In this episode of The Business of Creators, Ian Shepherd sits down with creator Larray and CAA talent agent Andrew Graham to unpack why Fortune 500 brands have shifted budgets to TikTok and Instagram and what they’re losing by ignoring the long-form power of YouTube.

They break down the post-pandemic budget shift, the rise of UGC and paid media, and the growing disconnect between what marketers think drives culture and where real community and real revenue are actually built.

If you're a CMO, brand marketer, creator, or operator in the creator economy, this is a must-listen conversation.

Topics Discussed:
- Why brand dollars moved from YouTube to short-form platforms
- The difference between paid media strategy and creator strategy
- How YouTube builds deeper, more loyal communities
- Why long-form content drives stronger purchase intent
- The connected TV opportunity most brands are ignoring

Key Takeaways:
- Why YouTube audiences create “superfans” who buy products, tickets, and merch
- How long-form content builds emotional connection that short-form can’t replicate
- The strategic mistake brands make when they treat YouTube like just another ad platform
- Why creators with strong YouTube businesses build real enterprise value
- How brands can integrate into “hero” content instead of relying solely on paid media

As Andrew puts it: if you want transactions, go short-form. If you want to build an empire, build on YouTube.

Watch to learn actionable strategies to grow your creator business — and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more insights on the business of creators!