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A lot of work can go into creating a sticky presence on new media platforms like YouTube, Vine and Pinterest. So is it possible to make a living off of six-second video clips?
These Internet stars say yes. Four content creators joined Re/code’s Peter Kafka onstage today at the Code/Media conference at The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, Calif., to discuss how they’ve turned their part-time Internet addictions into full-time, well-paying gigs.
Jethro Ames uses Vine to create six-second stop-motion-video ads for brands like HP. David Lopez is also big on Vine, but is more focused on comedic skits (the samples we saw at Code/Media are worthy of the hashtag #veryfunny).
Katherine Accettura is a Pinterest* influencer — or “Pinfluencer,” as they’re called — who turned her degree in graphic design into a full-time job making Internet stuff for companies like J.C. Penney and BetaBrand.
And Spankie Valentine is a former runway model who now runs a fashion-and-music-focused channel on YouTube.
The four stars talked about their transitions from new media dabblers to full-time Vinetrepreneurs (I can’t believe I just used that word), and how companies like HelloSociety, FameBit and Niche connect them with big brands to help them make big bucks.
“So, is this a career, or is this just a stop for you guys?” Kafka asked near the end of the panel.
“I consider it a career,” Ames said firmly. The others nodded. “Maybe a step to something else, like longer format stop-motion videos.”
Take a look at the video below for more on their stories.
* Pinterest executive Joanne Bradford is an independent board member of Re/code’s parent company Revere Digital, but has no involvement in our editorial process.
This article originally appeared on Recode.net.
