Category: Uncategorized

On any given day at People First, I’ll find myself reviewing anywhere between 20-50 applications, so I feel qualified to get really real with you guys and share what I consider one of my biggest “icks” when it comes to selecting participants for our People First campaigns.

First, everyone can agree how you define yourself online matters, and I mean this in both the traditional and literal sense. 

Think about hook-up culture for a moment. In a world of endless swipes and casual connections, who truly captures your attention? 

It’s certainly not the person who touts that they’re available to everyone. It’s the one who feels a little out of reach—someone who’s selective, mysterious, and intentional about who they let into their life.

Brands feel the same way.

Although it might feel counter-intuitive at first, they don’t want to partner with someone who’s shouting, “I’m open to anyone and everyone!”
They want to collaborate with someone who feels exclusive—someone whose endorsement actually means something because partnering with you is rare, thoughtful, and aligned.

When you label yourself as a “content creator” or “UGC influencer,” you risk presenting yourself like someone who’s fair game for anyone.

But when you present yourself as someone with a clear identity, a strong point of view, and selective partnerships, you instantly become more desirable.

You become the one brand managers are hoping they’re lucky enough to work with. So do yourself a BIG favor, and take these markers out of your bio. 

Instead, describe where you live, what you love, and be SURE to provide your contact info in your bio. I guarantee that more partnerships will be on their way in no time.

Instagram just dropped something fresh for creators! Meet “Creator Testimonials”—a short, snappy way for creators to partner with brands and endorse their products or services.

What makes it so great? This option is a relatively easy way for brands to partner with influencers and gather their 125-character opinion or endorsement on a given item. The Creator Testimonials are all text-based, and displayed as a “sponsored comment” within the brand’s post (In-Feed or Reel). 

Consumers now get to see which of their favorite creators are endorsing the brand — which makes sense seeing that 40% of the internet is looking to influencers for recommendations while shopping. On the other hand, influencers benefit from having a simple way to monetize their expert opinions. It’s a win-win!

Other Instagram news to be on watch for?

Word on the street is that Instagram is also testing a new feature that will allow us users the ability to dislike comments! Based on the amount of upvotes or downvotes the comment receives, it will be ranked differently in the line-up. Have you seen this feature come to life yet?

Until next time,

People First

Happy April! This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Jessica Mosley, a dynamic content creator from Metro Detroit who seamlessly blends fashion, beauty, food, social causes, and travel into her content.

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By day, Jessica works as a People Operations (HR) Manager at a digital marketing agency, where she thrives on helping people and solving problems. But her passion doesn’t stop at the office—she’s a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and uses her platform to uplift important conversations. On top of all that, she’s also a competitive adult figure skater and recently secured 3rd place in her first competition! Talk about a GIRL BOSS!

Content Creation: Dream Partnerships & Advice for Newbies

Like most creators, Jessica has dream partnerships in mind. She’d love to collaborate with Fenty Beauty or Rare Beauty—two brands she deeply admires, not just for their amazing products but for the powerful women behind them.

And when it comes to advice for new content creators, she keeps it simple: “Always make sure you are having fun.” Content creation should be enjoyable, and if it ever stops feeling that way, taking a break to reset can be invaluable—just as Jessica has! Most importantly, she encourages creators to “never compromise their personal beliefs or morals for a collaboration”. Wise words, especially in these trying times. 

Jessica on Creating Content that Makes an Impact: 

With her HR background along with her deep passion and sense of empathy, she finds inspiration in sharing stories and raising awareness for social causes that matter. 

Jessica’s advice for creators looking to make a difference? Share stories and create content that will help make an impact.

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We’re so grateful to have Jessica as part of our community and can’t wait to see what she does next! Follow her journey (@fabcocktail) and get inspired by her incredible work.

People First was treated to an epic webinar on Wednesday, March 26th. Couldn’t make it? No worries, we’re here to recap some of the most profound moments:

Shaun Southworth (@shaun_southworth) Civil Rights Lawyer

“Shaun, can you speak to some recent actions Trump has taken to dismantle DEI programs, employees, and mandates? What surprised you most about these cuts?”

Yeah, it’s pretty intense. Before I get into how bad I think it is, I want to make clear to everybody that the law really hasn’t changed that much. Discrimination is still unlawful, right. The protections have not changed. But what Trump has done is targeted a lot of DEI officials, many of them have been laid off because of that. Some of the most shocking examples is that he’s even terminated people from the Department of Education for simply showing up to a DEI event. That’s not even being a DEI official. I think that’s unlawful.

Some of the more shocking things is just how quickly they acted to try and do this, in part because they knew their actions were unlawful. Now that said, I believe part of the reason they were doing this to federal employees was to try and traumatize them. They’re trying to scare people. It’s bad, but it’s not that bad. 

I want to emphasize from my perspective that the laws are still there. I am a civil rights attorney, we bring these cases, we will bring these cases. DEI is a popular concept overall and people’s civil rights are still strong and going to be protected.

Leslie Latrice (@lesielatrice) Veteran

“How do you navigate the tokenization problem as a creator? How do you identify with partnerships, or find the right one?”

It’s not fool-proof, but one, automatically knowing what I value, and what my messaging and themes are and what is true to me, is what helps me to ensure whoever I’m partnering with, we are on the same page. But on top of that, I always, always, always advocate for doing your research. You might not find every single thing in the weeds, but if you go to their page, I go to their Instagram page, their TikTok page, and I’m like, “Where are the Black folks at, where’s the women at? I want to see if they are actually truly representing socially what they want me to do, versus just am this token Black person that’s supposed to represent the brand?

On top of that, I have candid conversations with the brand. “Hey, what are your values? What exactly do you want me, or think that I can bring to this brand or partnerships? I can see where their intentions lie so I can see if we are aligned. 

Remaining true to yourself and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions, because if they’re reaching out to you, they want something from you. So you need to benefit from what it is they’re offering. 

Joy Malonza (@joy.malonza) Ethical Tourism

“What policies or certifications should travelers seek for more ethical and inclusive experiences?”

Certifications are super easy [to find]. You can go through the Certification organizations, or you can through collections that already have lists of hotels that are already certified. So some of those certifications include BCorps, EarthCheck, Travel Life, those will have different criteria that they measure hotels based off of….

That said, my own personal criteria is more strict. Some of those certifications or hotel lists will include corporate hotels that are meeting the baseline standards so that they can qualify as being sustainable, but they’re still doing sustainable things like not paying their workers fairly, or sitting on top of stolen land. That doesn’t necessarily work with those certifications. 

So, after going through lists, I always recommend doing another passover. All inclusive hotels are notorious for sitting on stolen lands, not paying workers fairly, and diverting resources from the whole community – specifically water. That’s been a huge, huge issue for several all-inclusive hotels. I’m just not gonna stay there.

Cruises, for example, there’s no ethical way to go on a cruise. They are horrible for the environment, polluting, and having horrible labor practices.

Another layover that I encourage people to check is, check if it’s locally owned, does the hotel live within a building that’s been refurbished or restored, is it family owned? Is it black owned? Woman owned? Queer owned?

The cheat sheet is to look for boutique hotels, they know how to “pass” the certifications without contributing to inequality. 

Preston Mitchum (@preston.mitchum) Lawyer, Advocate

“I’m sure you’ve heard some people argue that DEI hiring practices allow unqualified individuals secure competitive positions in an effort for companies to meet its diversity quota.  How would you respond to those that share this perspective?”

Can I just say that, I want us to be very clear about what our opponents are doing too. The design, on the surface, is really to push back on communities that are already historically oppressed. Right, it’s to push back on the progress and the advancements made, even with the inequities that exist. We’ve still somehow surpassed all expectations because we have to. I always want to be abundantly clear that what we’re discussing are tenants and notions of white supremacy, of the fear of Blackening and Browning of a country that is has already existed, but they’re somehow seen now suddenly, because we’ve decided and demanded, for decades at this point, to not be quiet, to keep revving the drum beat, to make sure that you know anything and everything about us and our history. 

I think and know and understand that there’s some people that are afraid to make that known in a variety of ways, but this is why I keep discussing activism and allyship and coconspiratorship and why we need our allies to actually name the thing too — because  it can’t just be us. It would just be looked at as, if you’re a person of color, or a woman, of course you’re gonna say that you’re great.

Men, if you know women are great – say that! Be very clear about the types of women you’re speaking about. Straight people – if you know you have some qualified queer and trans-folks applying to jobs, or influencers, say something about it! I just deeply get so concerned when I see messaging on social media, “We need DEI! We know DEI is important” Say why, say the thing. We need to stop being afraid to say the thing. 

We would like to thank both our guests and attendees for joining and sharing their expertise. Now, be sure to join us at our next creator-led webinar coming soon.

Have you recently posted a video on TikTok only to see it quickly removed with a vague notification about violating community guidelines—but no clear explanation as to why?

If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. Since the TikTok ban discussions began gaining momentum in January, many users have noticed an increased sensitivity in content moderation. Surprisingly, it’s not just overtly political posts being flagged; even opinion-based, comedic, or well-intentioned videos are getting removed.

This shift has left users puzzled and asking themselves, “What did I do wrong?” The reality is, you probably haven’t done anything wrong at all. Industry experts suggest TikTok has adopted algorithms intentionally designed with broader and less accurate parameters to proactively remove any potentially problematic content. This strategy seems geared towards appeasing U.S. politicians and policymakers concerned about content moderation issues.

In stark contrast, Meta (formerly Facebook) has adopted a significantly different approach. Mark Zuckerberg has publicly discussed reducing third-party fact-checking and encouraging greater “free speech” on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Clearly, platform decisions about content moderation are increasingly influenced by political climates and regulatory pressures.

The big question for users is whether TikTok’s moderation practices will ever revert to previous levels of openness and clarity. For now, all we can do is wait and watch how these trends evolve.

For more information on what to do if you’ve been flagged for violating a community guideline, we recommend this tutorial from a TikTok representative. 

Safe scrolling!

The creator economy is more powerful than ever, shaping conversations, culture, and communities on a global scale. But with that power comes responsibility—ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) remain at the forefront of the content we create and the audiences we serve.

That’s why we’re inviting YOU to People First’s exclusive DEI-focused virtual webinar on March 26th at 3:45pm ET! Whether you’re an influencer, content creator, or community builder, this is your chance to learn from experts, connect with like-minded peers, and explore how to make your platform more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.

What to Expect:

📌 Industry Experts & Thought Leaders – Gain insights from a panel professionals who have successfully integrated DEI into their work. We’re proud to bring together the following experts to our panel discussion:

• Joy Malonza – Advocate for ethical tourism and sustainability.
• Shaun Southworth – Attorney at law, advocate for federal employees
• Preston Mitchum – Black queer attorney, advocate and activist 
• Leslie Latrice – Veteran advocate 

 📌 Actionable Strategies – Walk away with practical steps to foster inclusivity in your content, workplace, and everyday life.
📌 Networking & Collaboration – Meet other creators who are passionate about making a difference.

Why This Matters:

Brands, audiences, and platforms are increasingly looking for creators who lead with authenticity and inclusivity. By prioritizing DEI in your content strategy, you’re not just doing the right thing—you’re also staying ahead in an evolving digital landscape.

📅 Date: March 26th, 2025
⏰ Time: 3:45pm to 4:45pm ET
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom) 

Ready to Be a Part of the Change?

Secure your spot now and join the conversation!

Let’s build a more inclusive creator economy—together.

In the world of influencer marketing, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers—especially when it comes to follower count. 

But here’s the truth: it’s about the qualities that make you a valuable partner to brands, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups. From genuine engagement to strong alignment with their values, green flags are qualities that will make you stand out among the rest. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to refine your profile, or trying out new content, understanding these green flags will help you stand out in a crowded space. 

Now, let’s explore the green flags that make your profile irresistible to brands!

Green Flags

• Thoughtful Applications: If you find yourself applying a campaign that asks what makes you the ideal fit, be specific. You don’t need to pitch the brand on your entire background or personality. Instead, speak to the kind of audience you cater to, how you envision your existing content contributing to the campaign, or how you demonstrate a clear brand alignment. Those reviewing your profile want to know things about you that they can’t already see on your profile. 
• Fair Compensation: As much as brands would like to meet you at your preferred rate, let’s be honest. Very few non-profit organizations and advocacy groups have $20,000 set aside for 1x video on your TikTok profile. Be sure that if you have a higher than average rate, you’re being very clear as to why that is — and backing that up with real metrics. Otherwise, a green flag is applying at the suggested rate, or negotiating a rate that doesn’t deviate significantly from what’s proposed. The less negotiations needed, the fast brands will select you. 
• Email Visibility: Do yourself a favor and ensure your email is clearly marked in your bio. It’s such a green flag for brands to see that you’re ready and waiting to discuss a brand partnership, rather than having to contact you over a DM. 
• Authenticity and Relatability: Brands are looking for creators who feel genuine and relatable. If your personality shines through in your content and your audience engages with you on a personal level, that’s a huge plus! Being authentic and having strong POVs about your interests, values, and lifestyle resonates with both brands and followers. They want to see the real you, not someone who feels overly scripted, polished, , or too engaged with sponsorships. It doesn’t matter if you have 100 or 100K followers; being yourself  is key!
• Consistent and High-Quality Content: If you’re consistently posting well-produced content that fits within your niche, brands will take notice. You don’t need to have fancy equipment or a huge production budget, but make sure your videos and photos are clear, visually appealing, and most of all, engaging. . Posting regularly and maintaining a visually cohesive feed shows that you’re committed to your craft and care about the quality of your content.
• Niche Expertise or Passion: When brands are looking for creators to partner with, they often seek unique influencers who are seen as experts or passionate voices within a specific niche. Whether you’re into race car driving, an aviation enthusiast, or love to report on beach volleyball, if your passion is clear and you’ve built an engaged community around it, that’s a green flag for brands looking to tap into your specialized audience. A dedicated community can be more valuable than someone who does a little bit of everything. 
• Positive and Engaged Comment Section: If your followers are actively engaging in the comments with thoughtful, detailed responses (not just emojis or generic phrases), it shows that your community is genuinely invested in your content. Brands want to see that you have an audience that is engaged, responsive, and likely to act on recommendations, not just scroll past. A healthy, active comment section is an indicator of trust and loyalty, both of which are invaluable to brands.

Remember, a brand partnership isn’t always about how many followers you have; it’s about the connection you’ve built with your audience, the value you bring, and how well you align with a brand’s mission. 

If you focus on creating a loyal, engaged community and deliver high-quality, authentic content, you’ll stand out to brands. 

Best of luck, and keep creating!

Ever wondered if there’s something on your profile that brands are noticing, but you’re not? We’re here to give you the 4-11 and share what’s actually going on behind the scenes when brands and agencies like ours are reviewing your application.

Red Flags: 

• Private Profile: If you’re applying to make in-feed content for a campaign, be sure you’re not running into any technical errors! Double check that your account(s) are set to public and that there aren’t any typos in your handle.
• Inactivity: Before applying to a campaign, make sure that you have recent content on your page and that you’re posting consistently. Long gaps between posts or sporadic activity can be a flag to brands if you’re not actively engaging your audience. 
• Offensive Content: Brands will avoid working with anyone that could cause a brand-safety concern. This includes mature content, profanity, nudity, vulgar language, smoking, excessive drinking, drug use, and any offensive content. Yes, brands will sift through your captions, comment sections, and linktree to ensure that you’re not engaged in anything that could be considered harmful. 
• Too much sponsored content: Brands want to see that your feed isn’t too cluttered with too many brand partnerships. We highly recommend you space these out! Brands should be 100% willing to work with you on posting deadlines, ensuring it fits well within your own content calendar. 
• Fake followers: Creators that have “suspicious followings” are likely going to be turned away. This means that if you’re a part of engagement pods, or communities of creators that like, comment, and share content on each other’s content solely to help boost engagements – don’t be. 

Yellow Flags:

• Low quality content/ no Reels: Brands will ensure that your video content is high quality. If you don’t post videos, you may not be considered a good fit. 
• Politics: While People First engages in a number of partnerships that promote civic engagement and recruit politically-active creators, some commercial brands will shy away from creators that are too partisan or have extreme political views. 
• Comment sections: Some brands will want to ensure that your audience is chatty in the comments. This means extending beyond emojis or vague comments that say something to the effect of, “love this!” or “thanks for sharing, so important!” 
• Engagement Rate: Most brands want to see creators with a high engagement rate (above 3% minimum). If you have a fewer followers, you may be expected to have a higher engagement (~6%) to make up for less reach. Tip: if you are someone that hides your likes, brands may be unable to gauge your engagement rate and pass on your application as a result. 

If you’re ever unsure about who the ideal fit is for a campaign, be sure to read the campaign description. 

Here you should be able to get a sense of what the brand is looking for in their participants – but don’t be discouraged. Providing some insight into why you’re applying can help to sell the brand on aspects about your identity, background, or something that’s not clearly reflected on your profile that perhaps they should consider. Good luck, and for more information we’ll soon be sharing our list of GREEN flags.

This month, we’re putting the spotlight on Avery Peterson (@chef.ap), a traveling private chef from Raleigh, North Carolina. 

With a love for food, adventure, and meaningful campaigns, Avery has been a valued part of the People First community for years.

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Working with People First

As a private chef, Avery doesn’t just cook—he creates unforgettable dining experiences through his culinary artistry. 

Avery has been part of the People First family since 2020, collaborating on some incredible projects. One of his favorites was the #TearThePaperCeiling campaign, which helped open doors for skilled workers without traditional four-year degrees.

When it comes to working with People First, Avery says, “People First is a company that not only cares about the creators but the companies they also represent.”

Why People First?

For Avery, and thousands of other creators, People First isn’t just another platform—it’s a space where diverse creators can thrive and make a difference. “As I’ve continued to work with People First over the years (since 2020) I’ve found that it’s an extremely diverse platform that empowers me & others to bring awareness to important causes” he shares.

And he’s not just enjoying the experience—he’s spreading the word. “I’d absolutely recommend People First and have been to many of my peers who also have social media pages.”

Follow Avery and His Journey!

With his growing career as a private chef and content creator, we can’t wait to see what’s next for Avery. Keep an eye on his social media for more mouth-watering content! And if you’re a creator looking to get share your story, please send an email to [email protected]!

With the TikTok ban still looming over our heads, many creators are curious about how they can grow their following on other channels. 

Luckily, Instagram just dropped a game-changer, and if you’re not paying attention, you might be missing out! Introducing Trial Reels—the latest tool designed to boost your reach, give you key insights, and help you grow your audience faster than ever. Let’s break it down.

 What Are Trial Reels?

Trial Reels are Instagram’s way of testing your content with a wider audience before fully committing to pushing it out. Think of it as an audition —Instagram serves your Reel to a test group of non-followers, gathers data on how well people engaged, and then decides if it should go viral (or not).

Why should you care? If your content is successful, Instagram’s algorithm will prioritize pushing it to more people, helping you reach new audiences and grow faster. 

How It Works

Here’s the simple version:

1. Create a Reel. Make high-quality, engaging content that aligns with what you think your target audience enjoys.
2. Enable the “Trial” toggle – While staging your content, be sure to turn on the Trial feature to ensure your Reel is being shown to non-followers. 
3. Track Performance – After posting, Instagram will push out your content to an audience and you’ll receive insights (likes, comments, views) on how well your content performed with users who aren’t following you yet. 
4. Decide – If your content performs well, consider sharing it with your followers on your feed or Reels tab. 

This is gold for creators looking to refine their strategy and hit the explore page more often.

At People First, we’re all about  partnerships between brands and creators more seamless. That’s why we are excited to introduce a new feature in the Creator Portal: Campaign Feedback. This update will give creators a simple and effective way to share their thoughts on a campaign.

Creators will gain access to the Campaign Feedback section in the Creator Portal once they complete their campaign. You will be asked to rate the following from 1 to 5  ⭐

• Campaign Satisfaction Score: How satisfied were you with the overall experience of this campaign?
• Creative Direction Score: How would you rate the creative direction that was provided? 
• Communication Score: How would you rate your experience with your People First representative? 
• Additional Comments: Please share any additional thoughts, feedback, or suggestions to help us improve future campaigns.

After you submit your feedback, it will be sent directly to the People First  team for review. 

While this section is optional, it is invaluable information that can be used to improve the campaign in question and can be used to maximize the creator’s campaign experiences more generally. The Campaign Feedback feature was designed to implement creator’s valuable insights into more aspects of the campaign process, not just the content creation stage, so we can refine our process and deliver better results. 

Hey everyone! 🌙✨

January 29th, 2025 marks the Lunar New Year. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on the past year, celebrate new beginnings, and connect with our roots. Whether you’re familiar with the traditions or just curious to learn more, Lunar New Year is a time of joy, renewal, and hope for the future. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s such a special time and how we, as a community, can celebrate it together.

What is the Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the first day of the lunar calendar. It’s celebrated by millions of people across the world—especially in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and among Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other communities globally. The celebration typically lasts for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. The date changes every year based on the lunar cycle but generally falls between late January and mid-February.

Symbolism and Traditions

Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, and this year, we’re ushering in the Year of the Snake 🐍—a symbol of strength, courage, and vitality. The Snake is considered the most auspicious and powerful of the zodiac signs, so this year’s energy is all about growth, adventure, and embracing our inner power.

Here are a few key traditions that are part of the celebration:

1. Family Reunions
   Lunar New Year is a time for families to reunite. The tradition of reunion dinners brings loved ones together to share a lavish meal, often featuring dumplings (which resemble gold ingots), fish (for prosperity), and rice cakes (for progress and growth).
2. Red Envelopes
   Giving red envelopes, or hongbao in Chinese, is a popular tradition where elders give children and unmarried adults money in a red packet to symbolize good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. The color red represents good fortune and joy.
3. Clean House, Clear Mind
   In many cultures, cleaning the house before the New Year is believed to sweep away bad luck. This practice ensures a fresh start, both physically and spiritually. It’s like giving yourself a clean slate for the year ahead!
4. Fireworks and Lion Dances
   Fireworks are set off to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Lion and dragon dances are performed in parades and festivals, where the performers move in sync to a rhythm of drums and gongs, symbolizing strength and vitality.

How Can We Celebrate?

While many of these traditions are deeply cultural, we can all take part in the spirit of renewal and positivity that Lunar New Year brings, regardless of background. Here are a few fun ideas for celebrating:

1. Practice Gratitude and Set Intentions
   Use this time to reflect on the past year—what have you learned, how have you grown, and what do you want to manifest for the year ahead? Setting intentions, whether through journaling, vision boards, or even simple affirmations, can help you start the year with clarity and purpose.
2. Create a Lunar New Year Themed Content
   If you’re an influencer, this is a great opportunity to connect with your community through themed content. Share a personal story about how you celebrate, share your intentions for the new year, or introduce your followers to traditions they might not know about.
   You could even host a fun giveaway featuring items like lucky red envelopes, cute Lunar New Year-themed decor, or products from small businesses that celebrate the culture.
3. Support Small Businesses with Lunar New Year Specials
   Many small businesses offer limited-edition products for the occasion. Whether it’s Lunar New Year-themed candles, fashion, or beauty products, supporting these businesses is a great way to show love to the community while celebrating the season.

Lunar New Year isn’t just about celebrating alone; it’s about fostering connection. Take this opportunity to strengthen bonds with family, friends, and your wider community. As an influencer community, we are all about making meaningful connections, and this is a perfect time to share the love, joy, and positivity that this celebration embodies.

Wishing you all a prosperous and joyful Lunar New Year! 🐍💫

Our creator community is what makes People First truly shine!✨ From passionate storytellers, to vocal activists, we come together as one to use our social platforms for social good. 

Now, People First is using our platform to highlight some of the best creators in business. This week, we invite you to meet Roy!

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Roy is a creative director, conceptual creative, brand magician, color expert, content strategist/creator, event designer/producer, interior design wizard, and a killer project manager based in New York City. He is originally from Mexico, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Performing Arts, and two Master’s degrees in Marketing and Project Management!

As someone who enjoys creating content that is “original, current, and creative,” he hopes to “to develop brand messages that resonate with and capture the target audience effectively” and “collaborate with brands and individuals who value creativity and innovation”.

Roy’s inspiration for creating impactful and meaningful content:

“Being a minority in many ways, I understand the importance of representation and using one’s platform for positive change. I encourage other creators to stay true to their values, engage with their communities, and use their unique voices to advocate for causes they believe in. 

Now more than ever, it’s time to stand up tall and strong, loud and proud, and embrace who we are unapologetically. Using my platform for social good and political campaigns comes from a deep belief that authenticity and courage can inspire real change. When we show up as our true selves, we create a ripple effect, empowering others to do the same. Together, our voices amplify, and that collective energy can move mountains.”

Roy’s advice to someone who’s just starting out as a content creator:

“Embrace your unique perspective and let it shine through your work. Stay authentic, be persistent, and continuously seek inspiration from the world around you. Remember, creativity knows no bounds.”

Roy’s advice to content creators who want to make a difference online:

“Lean into your values and let them guide your content. Speak boldly about the issues that matter to you, even if it’s uncomfortable. Engage with your audience authentically, foster meaningful conversations, and remind them that their voices matter too. When we unite, our passion and persistence have the power to create a future we’re proud of.”

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People First is grateful to Roy for being one of our incredible longtime partners! 🌟 His creativity, authenticity, and passion inspire us every day. Don’t miss out—follow him @roy_fer to stay in the loop with his amazing journey and content. 🙌

Updated January 16th, 2025. 

Creator Community, as many of you may have heard, this may be the last week that TikTok is available in the US. 

As updates on the ban continue to roll out, we wanted to take a second to explain to you all what this means for you as creators and how you can navigate the post-TikTok social media sphere.

WTF is happening with TikTok

The TikTok ban has been a long time coming, as the Chinese-owned app has faced intense scrutiny over data privacy and national security concerns since late 2019. Ongoing investigations and debates continued as many raised concerns about content control and censorship. Eventually, the issue reached the U.S. Congress in 2024, where it was decided that ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, would have until January 19, 2025 to either sell the app to a U.S. company or cease operations in the United States. 

Now, we’re awaiting a ruling from the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of the “sale-or-ban” law. This decision is expected to be made on Sunday, January 19th, 2025. 

For more information on why TikTok is getting banned in the United States, check out these resources…

• What happens if TikTok is banned?
• When could TikTok be banned and will Trump save it?
• Everything You Need to Know About the TikTok Ban 
• A TikTok ban could hit the U.S. in days. What to know — and how to prepare

Next Steps 

Protect Your Work (And More Importantly, Your Memories)

As of now, it seems like TikTok will be made unavailable for download which means if you keep the app, your content will be saved and traffic to the app can continue. However, other sources indicate that the app may go dark almost immediately following the ban. The answer is still unclear. 

Therefore, to be safe, you have the option to save a copy of your account data

Use these steps: Profile page > Menu > Settings and Privacy > Account > Download your data. 

You will be able to choose what you want to download; depending on the amount of data, the process could take a couple of days so be sure to hurry!! 

Negotiations

Many influencers in the midst of a partnership deal shouldn’t be surprised if brands reach out and request a change. Those contracted to make TikTok content may be asked to consider an alternative platform, like Youtube, Threads, or Instagram. 

Depending on your following and AER, this could have implications for the partnership. Work with the brand on any issues that may arise and be prepared to share your profile insights on other platforms when re-negotiating your platform or rate. 

Diversify Your Platforms

If you have not already, inform your followers of your other social channels, and invite them to follow you to stay in touch. Be sure to diversity; if you love making video content be sure to get your content up on Youtube and Instagram and start growing your following! 

There have also been talks about new apps coming out to replace TikTok, the main ones being RedNote and Lemon8, so be sure to check those out in the coming days. Don’t delay, as users will be claiming handles quickly!

Say Goodbye, For Now

In these last couple days, be sure to engage with your TikTok audiences and encourage them to find you on other platforms. 

Alternatively, consider jumping on the bandwagon by sharing with followers your “behind-the-scences” footage from your viral videos, or spilling all your TikTok tea!

Stay Informed and Adapt Quickly

The most important thing for social media influencers and content creators right now is to stay informed and adapt quickly. We are in the midst of a unique situation that continues to change everyday, so be sure to soak up all the information you can!

The People First Creator Community will be providing updates as best as we can so we can work through this transition together. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns!

2025 is finally here and we’re ready to re-introduce ourselves. Hi! We’re People First we believe that our people are our greatest asset. 

Each individual brings their unique skills, passions, and experiences to help us achieve our mission: providing everyday people with impactful partnerships. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to just some of the incredible individuals who make up our Organizing Team!

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Val Cheney; Head of Organizing 

What Val Does:
As the Senior Director of Organizing, Val spearheads recruitment strategies across a diverse portfolio of campaigns, bridging the gap between sponsor objectives and participant experiences. Her leadership ensures that every project not only hits its targets but also resonates with impact and purpose.

Fun Fact:

When Val’s flight to the Florida Keys was suddenly canceled, she decided to skip the hassle of rescheduling and hit the road instead! The spontaneous drive to the country’s southernmost point turned into 26 hours of travel. Sometimes, detours make the best stories!

What Inspires Them:
My team inspires me all the time; they’re passionate, hard-working, and driven individuals that motivate me to think bigger and try harder.

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Bence Szucsik — Lead Digital Organizer

What Bence Does:
As the Digital Lead Organizer at People First, Bence plays a key role in driving the success of digital campaigns for a wide range of political and commercial clients. He works closely with team members to implement strategic digital communications plans that elevate campaign messaging and maximize impact. By leveraging digital tools and strategies, Bence ensures each campaign is tailored for optimal engagement, reach, and effectiveness. 

Fun Fact:
Bence’s Hungarian roots run deep, and he used to be a competitive swimmer before swapping the pool for the DJ booth! These days, his passion is all about music and spinning tracks, making sure every party hits the right vibe.

What Inspires Them:
I love solving puzzles—whether it’s a marketing challenge or an actual jigsaw puzzle on a rainy Sunday.

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Faduma Mohamed — Senior Digital Organizer

What Faduma Does:
As a Senior Digital Organizer, Faduma guides creators through each step of the campaign process, from reaching out to them to making sure their content gets published online. She handles recruitment, answers questions, tracks progress, and ensures creators are paid on time and that everything runs smoothly. 

Fun Fact:
As an avid reader, Faduma is constantly inspired by the stories she discovers and dreams of one day writing her own— with just as many plot twists and a lot more heart

What Inspires Them:
I’m inspired by the people I meet and the stories I hear—whether it’s through books, conversations, or experiences. I love seeing how creativity can bring people together and turn ideas into something bigger. It’s those moments of connection and growth that keep me motivated.

Hey creators community~

We know how excited many of you are to partner with us and participate in our latest paid partnership opportunities, and we are even more excited to see the amazing content you all create. However, we have had several creators reach out to our team due to issues with the “Apply” button not working. 

Don’t worry—we’re here to help! Here are some common reasons why this may be happening and what you can do to get around it.

• Verify Your Email: If you’re new to the Creator Portal, one of the first things you must do in order to apply for campaigns is to ensure your account is fully activated by verifying your email address. If you cannot find your verification email, try checking your spam or junk folder, or request a new verification email from your account settings.
• Campaign Audience Parameters: Some campaigns have specific audience parameters that determine who is eligible to apply. If you’re ineligible to apply, it might be because you did not fit the campaign’s criteria. This could include factors like age, gender, location, or other demographic details. Always be sure to read the campaign description to see who is eligible. 
• Application Limit: As of right now, creators can apply to up to 8 campaigns at a time. If you’re at your limit, you’ll need to wait until some of your current applications are reviewed and either accepted or declined before you can apply to more campaigns. Our team is constantly reviewing applications, so keep an eye on your notifications.
• Clear Your Cookies & Cache: Sometimes, the issue may be a small technical glitch that can be resolved by clearing your browser’s cookies and cache. This can help refresh the system and fix any issues with the “Apply” button. Try this step if you’re experiencing persistent problems with applying.
• Campaign Verification: Has your application ever asked that you respond to a prompt, or verify aspects about yourself? These fields are required; you will be unable to participate unless you check off all the boxes, or respond to your prompt. 
• Campaign is Complete: Lastly, the reason you may be unable to apply is because the campaign is over! Most of our campaigns last from between 3-6 months long, and we’ll remove them from the dashboard when we have reached our maximum number of participants. However, you may have access to old links that route to previous partnership opportunities. 

The People First creator community is dedicated to making this process as smooth as possible for you, so if you’ve tried these steps and are still facing issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

March is not just about the blooming of flowers and the later sun sets, more importantly, March is Women’s History Month~ It is a time to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who have changed our world by fighting for equality.

What started as International Women’s Day, back in 1975, blossomed into an entire month dedicated to championing women’s rights, nearly a decade later in 1987. From remembering suffragists and their sacrifices to supporting today’s politicians, educators, and celebrities; this month is all about remembering those who persevered and overcame gender barriers.

This month is not just about looking back; it’s also about moving forward. Though much progress has been made, there is still much work to be done—especially in the realm of women’s health and reproductive rights! Social media is an amazing tool that can be used to continue this fight. We encourage all of our creators to share their stories, empower other women, and rally their followers, whether it be for a campaign or for your personal content. Make this Women’s History Month an amazing one and use your platform to start important conversations~

Hey there creator community~

You know what today is… Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you have a lover to celebrate with, spending quality time with friends and family, or indulging in self-love, today is all about love and appreciation. 

To start, we wanted to take a second to express our gratitude to each and every one of our creators. We love and appreciate every piece of content crafted by all of you amazing, passionate individuals and we can’t wait to see what new content you all have in store for us this year!

To further spread the love this Valentine’s Day, we encourage you to invite your friends and family to join the Creator Portal and apply to campaigns! Go to the Referral Dashboard and earn $25 for every person that successfully completes a partnership.

What better way to show someone you are thinking of them than giving them an opportunity to participate in something they are passionate about while making a quick buck! Who knows, you might help them discover a new passion or rekindle some old ones as well.

On February 1st, the annual observance known as Black History Month commenced. Originating back in 1926, Black History Month began as a week-long celebration and expanded into a month in 1976. It is a time to recognize and honor the contributions and lasting impact made by Black individuals and communities in American history. Additionally, it is an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing struggles for equality. 

As social media becomes an increasingly potent tool for the success of brands and organizations, we must think about the importance of authentically representing diverse communities. By showcasing diverse voices and experiences, we can reach wider audiences and leave more lasting impacts. 

That is why at People First, we put diversity and authenticity at the forefront of our marketing strategies. We prioritize using real people to amplify the voices of different communities and strive to create  more inclusive social media marketing campaigns. 

To work towards a future of diversity and equality, we must honor the past and the present, so join us in celebrating Black History Month this February!

Hey there Creator Community,

Are you looking for new ways to get more involved with People First? If so, be sure to apply for People First’s very own Affiliate Program! 

This will be a paid opportunity for creators, like yourselves, to connect other creators with brands and causes that are making a real difference by sharing information about a select campaign (more information below) and explaining to your followers how they can get involved with the campaign too.

In addition, you will also be asked to provide background information on People First and our mission as well.

If this sounds like something you would be interested, you must submit your content to a People First representative for approval prior to publishing the content on your social media accounts. Once the content is approved and published, you will be paid via Stripe within 10-15 business days~

Information about People First

• People First is a precision micro-influencer marketing agency that specializes in peer-to-peer (p2p) marketing. We believe you and your peers are the most trusted messengers within your community.
• We have worked with brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Sesame Street, and White Castle as well as nonprofit organizations such as the Ad Council, Planned Parenthood, and AFSCME. 
• We work with everyday social media users, so having an established following is not necessary!
• We source authentic stories from real people within specific demographics and communities. 

• We offer all of our campaigns through our Creator Portal where participants can apply to campaigns that they see fit, submit content, and get paid all in one place. 
• Pay rates depend on the creator’s social media following and engagements, so even users with smaller followings can still be guaranteed competitive rates. 

Information about the Campaign

Campaign: Celebrating local hospitals available to Suncoast residents

• Objective: People First is looking for authentic stories about how your local healthcare system/hospitals have positively impacted you and your community.
• Eligibility: Looking for residents in the following counties: Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Charlotte. Men and women of all ages are welcome to apply! 
• All approved participants are eligible to receive payment via direct deposit with rates ranging from $100-$250. 
• Provide the link so that users can make an account on the Creator Portal.
  • Remember, it will take a second step to apply to the campaign itself

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via social media!

Attention TikTok Users! TikTok has introduced a new ‘Full Screen’ button, which is displayed on screen in clips to some users. This allows users to turn their devise horizontally to watch the TikTok in full-width display — similar to YouTube.

This new content creation format provides influencers and creators with the opportunity to create new content, boost engagement, and grow their following!

Check out the full article to learn about the many other features that TikTok has implemented, that also mirror key elements of other platforms: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/TikTok-Tests-Horizontal-Full-Width-Video-Display/638786/

We at People First are so glad you’re here! Building this website has been a special project that our team has been working on for many months, with the goal to make our user’s experience better than ever before. 

Welcome to our Community page, where you can browse our series of blogs and connect with other like-minded individuals. We’ll be updating this page regularly, so come back from time-to-time to see what’s new in our world. 

On your Profile Page, let’s get to know one another. Tell us where you’re from, give yourself a profile picture, and tell us which topics and brands you care about. Additionally, please link your banking information to our Payment Center so that you can be paid promptly after completing a partnership. Come back to this page at any time to update changes to your profile. 

On your Campaign Dashboard, you can browse our selection of active campaigns. This dashboard will be updated regularly to reflect when new campaigns become available, or if a partnership is no longer available. Please keep in mind only campaigns in which you are qualified for will appear, so click on the ones you’re interested in to learn more. 

Once you’ve applied, your profile and rate will be reviewed to ensure that you’re a great fit for the campaign. People First will alert you of this by changing your status within the Campaign Dashboard. We recommend that you turn on email and SMS notifications to know exactly when this update is released. 

When you’re ready to submit your content, upload your photo or video, as well as your caption directly  to the site. You’ll be able to speak directly to a People First Representative to ask questions, or find out more about the status of your submission. 

Finally, once you’re approved to post, you’ll be sent live with instructions from your People First Representative. Go ahead and post that content onto your account ASAP, that way we can initiate your payment! 

Thanks again for working with us and trying out our website. We look forward to seeing what you come up with!