YouTube has recently called on the UK government to recognise content creators in policymaking. The social media and online video sharing platform believes that recognising content creators in policymaking would help to grow the sector, which it claims is worth over £2 billion to the economy and supports over 45,000 jobs.
YouTube recently called on the UK government to recognise content creators in policymaking. The social media and online video sharing platform believes that recognising content creators in policymaking would help to grow the sector, which it claims is worth over £2 billion to the economy and supports over 45,000 jobs.
YouTube aren’t the only ones recognising content creation as a career path, Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) announced the launch of its BA (Hons) Content Creation with Marketing degree in 2025, with its first cohorts due to start this autumn.
“As YouTube’s stats show, the content creator sector is booming which means there are fantastic opportunities for individuals with creative drive and entrepreneurial ambition," comments Jennifer Anyan, who joined AUB in June 2024 as the inaugural Director of the University's School of Arts, Media, and Creative Industries Management.
What does recognising content creators in policymaking mean exactly? Well, formal recognition would mean content creators are factored into official economic impact data reporting, represented on government creative bodies, and would receive creator-specific guidance from HMRC on taxes and finances. In essence, content creation would be recognised as a ‘real job’.
“Our new practical degree is designed to give budding content creators the edge over the competition,” says Jennifer. “With an authentic approach to learning, we’re enabling students to develop and hone their skills in developing compelling digital content for a range of online platforms.
“In tandem with content creation, students will also learn about the business and strategy of digital production, including how to work with data sets, manage finance and develop short-, medium- and long-term strategies to enable businesses to use content creation to drive engagement, sales and consumer loyalty.”
YouTube recently surveyed over 10,000 content creators, almost 9,500 of whom were based in the UK, between December 2024 and February 2025.
The survey found that over half (56%) of UK creators don’t feel they have a voice in shaping government policies that impact their work, and nearly half (43%) of UK creators think their value isn't recognised by the broader creative industry.
Only 17% of respondents feel adequately supported in essential areas like skills and training, and 7% believe they have enough support with access to capital and business loans. 13% said the same about access to studio spaces and just 9% felt they had enough support in securing filming locations and acquiring permits.
Tammy Johal, AUB graduate and now a sewing content creator, comments, “Things like the new degree in Content Creation with Marketing and YouTube’s Creator Incubator will be a huge help towards recognising the entrepreneurial, creative and technical work that goes into content creation.
“We creators aren’t just hobbyists; we run real businesses and build valuable communities. It’s time the wider creative industry and UK government gave creators the same resources and recognition as more traditional creative careers.”
After Tammy graduated from BA (Hons) Graphic Design at AUB in 2016, she followed her initial instincts and dived headfirst into as many different internships and agencies as possible. This was her way of getting a feel for the industry – and moving upwards – from junior to midweight roles, which landed her in a full-time position exploring branding which she loved before taking the leap to working for herself.
“In terms of the reality of being a content creator, it truly is a rollercoaster.” Tammy continues. “One minute you’re in your element, creating with a huge boost of energy and then next you might be battling burnout or trying to figure out ever-changing algorithms.
“It’s a career that I truly find rewarding and fulfilling because of the level of freedom I have. But it does come with this constant pressure to show up online often and perform to stay relevant. My evolution into this online career I’ve built has only been possible by mashing up different design, editing and storytelling skills I learnt throughout my career as a graphic designer.
“I know that supporting young creators and giving them a clear pathway into content creation would help them navigate all the skills they need to help get them there. My advice to new creators is to start posting consistently and don’t fret on making the perfect edit. Share what you’re truly passionate about and people will naturally find you.
"You’ll hone your content creation skills as you keep playing, iterating and evolving."
