Where Creators Build and Bank

Creators are thriving in the world’s richest region—learn how they’re banking on AI and join us at Patreon on May 8.

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Bay Area Creator Economy
April 22, 2025

Hello and welcome to the Bay Area Creator Economy’s biweekly newsletter—the ultimate hub for everything you need to know about the buzzing creator scene in the San Francisco Bay Area!

If you’re reading this because someone shared it with you (lucky you!), and you want to make sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe here:

Welcome to the Bay Area Creator Economy newsletter!

Spring is in full swing, and so is the Bay Area Creator Economy—because honestly, who wants to spend hours editing when AI can do it for you? 

First up, we’re planning an epic event at Patreon on Thursday, May 8th!  We’re so excited to have Patreon invite us into their space south of Market in San Francisco from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Expect good drinks, appetizers, big ideas, creative new monetization options and great connections too. Space is limited, though, so RSVP here!

In this edition, we’re sitting down with Young Zhao, the brain behind Opus Clip, to hear how he’s making life easier (and way more efficient) for creators. 

We’re also spotlighting Bay Area gem Ahliyah Michelle, whose empowering lifestyle content and creative authenticity embody the spirit of our community—don’t miss our feature on why she’s one to watch. Plus, we’ve got your ultimate calendar of upcoming events, from local mixers and music fests to national creator conferences. 

If you were at our last meetup, you might remember that our friend Justin Moore sent us a bunch of free copies of his new book Sponsor Magnet.  Some of you might have tried to pick one up - but they went like hotcakes!  Thanks to Justin, you can now snag a free digital copy! Justin kindly offered it to everyone in our BACE community for free.  Just use code BACE9 at sponsormagnet.com to claim it!  But better move quickly - the offer vaporizes on May 15th!

We’re also excited to partner with our friends at Media Mobilize, who are bringing the creator economy together at the Creator Career Conference (C3) on Thursday, May 15th, at Digital Garage in San Francisco. This is definitely an event you won’t want to miss—a great opportunity to connect, learn, and dive deeper into the creator economy ecosystem. We were able to secure an exclusive 50% discount for our community -  just use the code BAYAREA50OFF when you register. We’ll see you there, as some of us will be speaking and others attending.

Finally, as we ramp up our own events, we’d love your help.  We’re looking for a few volunteers to help with our events, with editing, marketing and really anything else you think we might need.  Please fill out our short survey if you’ve got the time and inclination - we’d love to work something out!

Cheers,

The Bay Area Creator Economy Community Team / Co-Founders

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Young Zhao: How Opus Clip Is Simplifying Editing for Creators

France Tantiado, Contributor

Young Zhao is the co-founder and CEO of OpusClip, an AI-powered tool that’s changing the game for creators who want to spend less time editing and more time doing what they love—creating.

Q: How did the idea for OpusClip come about? What problem were you trying to solve, and what inspired you to take the leap?

It all started when I was running a talent agency for about four years. We were promoting local businesses and eventually became the biggest agency in Asia. It was exciting, but I hit a wall when it came to scaling. We were producing tons of content—especially video—and editing was incredibly time-consuming. That’s when the light bulb went off. I wanted to eliminate the grind of editing and make the process faster, more enjoyable, and more creator-friendly. That’s what inspired Opus Clip: a tool built to simplify video editing so creators can focus on what they do best—telling stories and building community.

Q: Tell us about your core launch—how did you get things off the ground, and what helped you scale so quickly?

We moved fast, and that was key to getting things off the ground. It wasn’t necessarily that we were the first to try something like this, but we were definitely among the first to act quickly and scale in the space. The speed at which we moved allowed us to capitalize on momentum and carve out our place early on. It wasn’t about reinventing the wheel—it was about being agile, taking risks, and getting our product into the hands of creators as quickly as possible. That’s what made all the difference in scaling so fast.

Q: What is it about the Bay Area that keeps you rooted here?

There’s something energizing about being surrounded by builders—people who are constantly pushing ideas forward. The Bay Area isn’t just where innovation lives—it’s where big ideas grow. It’s hard to imagine being anywhere else.

Q: What’s been one of the most pivotal or unexpected learning moments in building Opus Clip?

One of the biggest happened before Opus Clip even existed. We initially launched an AI-powered live streaming platform, but quickly realized there wasn’t a strong market fit. It didn’t solve a real problem—and that was a huge lesson. We learned it’s not about building cool tech; it’s about solving actual needs. That insight led us to pivot, and Opus Clip was born: a tool designed to save creators time and help them focus on expression, not frustration.

Q: If you weren’t the CEO of OpusClip, what would you be doing instead?

Honestly? I’d be flying planes. I’m a total aviation geek. If I weren’t building tools for creators, I’d probably be a full-time pilot—or just flying myself around for fun. Sky’s the limit, right?

Q: Did you ever have a moment where things didn’t go as planned—and what did you learn from it?

Absolutely. Early on, we launched a bunch of AI features… and not all of them worked. Some totally flopped. That taught us an important lesson: innovation should be rooted in real needs. We shifted our mindset—talk to creators, test with them, co-create alongside them. That change made all the difference in how we innovate.

Q: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

Don’t wait—just start. A lot of people overthink and stay stuck in planning mode. But the truth is, there’s no perfect time. You learn way more by doing, failing, adjusting, and moving forward. Take the leap. Start now—even if it’s messy.

Q: Do you have any favorite quotes?

There’s one from Elon Musk I think about often: “If you need encouragement to start a company, don’t do it.”

It’s tough-love, but it’s true. Building something from scratch is hard. You need grit, belief, and a whole lot of resilience. You have to jump in and figure it out as you go.

Q: Lastly, what would you say is the heart of OpusClip? Beyond the tech, what’s the core of what you’re building?

The real magic of OpusClip is how we help content go viral. We’re not just making editing easier—we’re helping creators craft content that connects. Our AI learns and adapts to trends, helping creators optimize for reach, storytelling, and expression. At its core, we’re building a smarter, more intuitive way for people to share what matters to them.

With OpusClip, Young Zhao isn’t just streamlining workflows—he’s empowering a new generation of creators to share their stories with impact, efficiency, and authenticity. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Inside the Bay Area

APRIL

April 24-27
Napa Valley StreamFest 
Napa Valley StreamFest is redefining the festival experience with a dynamic celebration of podcasts, series, films, and social content. Highlighting the best in modern media, the festival will honor Jason Segel with the TV Performance of the Year award on April 26. Discount code for our members, please use this: BACE-STREAMFEST for your members to receive $50 off any 2-day or 4-day pass  (Napa)

April 27​
Opening Day on the Bay is a cherished San Francisco maritime tradition marking the official start of the boating season. (San Francisco)

April 29-30
The Startup Grind Conference 2025, taking place in Redwood City, April 29-30, is a premier event for the global startup ecosystem, bringing together founders, investors, and innovators to connect, collaborate and discuss the next big things in the future of technology.  (Redwood City)

April 30
Maximizing Revenue: Building Sustainable Income Streams: Don’t miss this online event from REACH x Shine Talent Group—designed to help you turn your creativity into consistent cash flow. (Online)

MAY

May 7-18
Chow Fun SF is a week-long culinary celebration spotlighting the bold flavors of Asia and the Pacific, with local spots across San Francisco serving up everything from island bites to street food classics. (San Francisco)

May 8
COMMUNITY PICK! Bay Area Creator Economy ​​is hosting a Spring Mixer at Patreon’s beautiful San Francisco office on May 8th, and trust us — you don’t want to miss it. Come vibe with fellow creators, connect with industry leaders, sip something good, and soak in the creative energy. Space is limited, so RSVP now! (San Francisco)

May 8-11
CAAMFest is the nation’s largest showcase of new Asian American and Asian films, celebrating storytelling and culture with over 130 works presented each year across the Bay Area. (San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland)

May 10-11
Mill Valley Music Festival Celebrates live music, local art, and seriously good food for 2 fun days. (Mill Valley, CA)

May 15  
COMMUNITY PICK! Join Media Mobilize for a day of insights, networking, and career-building at the Creator Career Conference (C3). From panels to partnerships, this is where the future of the creator economy gets real. Our co-founder Jim Louderback will be speaking at the event. Exclusive offer for our Bay Area Creator Economy Community: Get 50% off with code BAYAREA50OFF.  Register here! (San Francisco)

May 15
Nintendo San Francisco's grand opening of the second official Nintendo store in the U.S. Browse the gaming consoles and accessories as well as the Nintendo-universe merch such as clothing, accessories, home goods, and exclusive items. Keep in mind that reservations are required for the opening day fun. (San Francisco)

May 17
Moonstar Charitable Organization is hosting an unforgettable evening to raise funds for underserved and vulnerable communities in San Francisco. Expect a fabulous fashion show, delicious food and wine, a lively auction, and a vibrant mix of guests—all coming together to support a cause that truly matters. (San Carlos)

May 18
Bay Area Bay to Breakers is ​Bay to Breakers is an annual 12K race in San Francisco, celebrated for its lively costumes and vibrant community spirit (San Francisco)

May 23-25
BottleRock Napa Valley 2025 is set to feature an impressive lineup, including headliners Green Day, Justin Timberlake, Noah Kahan, and Benson Boone. (Napa Valley)

May 24-25
Carnival San Francisco is the city’s vibrant take on Mardi Gras, bursting with colorful parades, live music, and dazzling dancers that celebrate Latin American, Caribbean, and global cultures. (San Francisco) 

Beyond the Bay Area

APRIL

April 25-27
Stage Coach Festival is a three-day country music blowout, headlined by Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, and Luke Combs—plus surprise twists from Lana Del Rey, Nelly, and Sammy Hagar. (Indio, California) 

MAY

May 12-14
Social Media Week brings together marketers, creators, and brand leaders for three days of cutting-edge insights, creative energy, and strategies to thrive in today’s evolving digital landscape. (New York)

May 15-18
Joshua Tree Music Festival: Set against the desert backdrop, the Festival brings global grooves, eclectic acts, and camping vibes to life just outside the national park. (Joshua Tree, CA)

May 21-26
LA Fleet Week: Celebrate our nation’s sea services at this free public event at the Port of Los Angeles (Los Angeles)

May 22- June 20
WeHo Pride - West Hollywood kicks off pride season which runs for 40 days. (Los Angeles)

May 27-30
WebSummit 2025 at Vancouver Convention Centre brings together innovators, startups, and investors to explore the future of AI, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship. (Vancouver, Canada)

Have an event you’d like us to include here? If so, please send the event URL to [email protected].

COMMUNITY NEWS

Jobs

“HELLA BAY AREA” CREATOR PICK

Ahliyah Michelle: Blending Brilliance, Beauty & Bay Vibes


Born in Hayward and proudly Bay Area to her core, beauty creator and influencer Ahliyah Michelle is the kind of woman who makes you want to level up your routine and your mindset. With nearly a decade in the game, Ahliyah has built a loyal following by helping women elevate their beauty routines with intention—because to her, beauty isn’t just about the glam, it’s personal. Her content is equal parts soothing, educational, and fun, designed to leave you feeling confident, seen, and ready for whatever comes next.

If she wasn’t creating content full-time, Ahliyah would probably be working as a cosmetic chemist—merging her love for makeup with science. But lucky for us, she chose to create instead, and she’s been blessing our feeds ever since. Fashion is another love of hers, and she believes that putting effort into your appearance is the ultimate power move. "When I walk into a room," she says, "you'll know I've arrived."

Her dream collab? None other than Fenty Beauty. The brand’s unapologetic inclusivity and powerful voice resonate deeply with Ahliyah, who credits it as the first brand that truly made people like her feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

But don’t let the perfectly blended contour fool you—Ahliyah is as grounded as they come. When she’s not filming, she’s kayaking, camping by the lake, cooking outdoors, or going on long hot girl walks. Oh—and here’s something you might not expect: she’s also a low-key talented rapper (someone call Saweetie!).

Her advice to aspiring creators? Invest in a camera and stand out. With her wit, warmth, and wisdom, Ahliyah Michelle is absolutely one to watch!

Follow her journey:  Instagram - Youtube - TikTok

If you are a Bay Area Creator and have a piece of content you’d like for us to share, email it to us at [email protected]

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