The creator economy is booming. Millions of creators, billions of users, and trillions of impressions generate staggering numbers every day. But behind those dashboards of views, likes, and clicks lies an uncomfortable truth: most of what we’re measuring doesn’t really matter in the creator economy.
We count downloads, but not the depth of connection. We track engagement, but not transformation. We celebrate impressions, but rarely ask whether someone felt seen, valued, or changed by what they consumed.
Mattering in the creator economy is emerging as the next big metric—and for good reason. While the creator economy has been built on views, clicks, and impressions, those numbers fail to capture the depth of impact that truly defines success.
That’s why the next big creator economy metric won’t be views, followers, or even engagement. It will be mattering.
Why Metrics in the Creator Economy Fall Short
Traditional metrics were designed for an advertising-driven internet. They tell us how many people scrolled by, tapped a like button, or sat through a 30-second pre-roll ad. Useful, maybe—but shallow.
For creators, this means constantly feeding the algorithm at the expense of creativity. For audiences, it means being overwhelmed by content that rarely leaves a lasting impact. For brands, it means investing heavily in numbers that don’t guarantee trust or loyalty.
Simply put: the way we measure success in the creator economy is outdated. Mattering in the creator economy presents a viable path forward.
What Does Mattering in the Creator Economy Mean?
Mattering is the sense that what you do has significance—that your voice counts, your presence is valued, and your story resonates. In the creator economy, mattering is about more than entertainment; it’s about making an impact.
When a podcast leaves someone thinking differently about their life, that’s mattering.
When a creator sparks a movement within their community, that’s mattering.
When an audience member says, “This made me feel understood,” that’s mattering in the creator economy.
It’s not about the size of the audience—it’s about the depth of the relationship.
How to Measure Mattering in the Creator Economy
If views and clicks don’t tell the whole story, what does? Mattering can be measured through three lenses:
Resonance: Did It Stick?
Did the content spark ideas, inspire action, or stay with the audience long after they consumed it? Resonance is when someone recalls a message weeks later or shares it because it touched them deeply.
Recognition: Did They Feel Seen?
Does the audience feel represented and validated? Recognition happens when someone thinks, “That’s me. They’re telling my story.” In the creator economy, mattering is measured by how many people feel acknowledged.
Relationships: Did It Build Connection?
Mattering grows when content moves beyond transactions and fosters genuine community. It’s when creators and audiences engage in ongoing dialogue, and when fans connect with each other around shared values.
Together, resonance, recognition, and relationships provide a richer way to measure mattering in the creator economy than raw numbers ever could.
How Creators Can Cultivate Mattering
Creators who want to thrive in this new era should shift from chasing algorithms to cultivating mattering. Here’s how:
- Tell stories rooted in authenticity. Lived experience always resonates more deeply than polished perfection.
- Invite dialogue, not just consumption. Treat audiences as participants, not passive viewers.
- Build belonging. Create spaces where people feel part of something larger than themselves.
When creators focus on mattering in the creator economy, they build not just followings, but communities.
Why Brands Should Care About Mattering in the Creator Economy
For brands, partnering with creators who prioritize mattering is a game-changer. Traditional campaigns may drive awareness, but relevance matters more in driving affinity.
- A brand ad might be forgotten in a week.
- A collaboration rooted in mattering can earn loyalty for years.
Brands that align with creators who cultivate mattering in the creator economy won’t just buy impressions—they’ll earn trust, belonging, and advocacy.
Passion Struck Network’s Commitment to Mattering
At Passion Struck Network, we believe the future of media lies in voices that matter. We don’t just count downloads or impressions. We measure the impact of stories, the resonance of voices, and the strength of communities built around them.
Our mission is simple: amplify creators who inspire transformation, not just consumption. For us, mattering in the creator economy isn’t a side metric—it’s the north star.
It’s why we are so committed to the mattering revolution.
The Future Is Mattering in the Creator Economy
The creator economy doesn’t need more noise; it needs more meaning. The next generation of creators and brands won’t be judged by how loudly they speak, but by how deeply they matter.
In the end, impressions track attention—but mattering measures significance. And in the creator economy, significance is the metric that will shape the future.
Mattering is the next big metric. Are you ready to measure it?
Join the Mattering Revolution by sharing intentional acts of belonging in your own life. For weekly inspiration, subscribe to The Ignited Life on Substack. And explore the Start Mattering collection to wear a message that reminds the world: You matter.
