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MrBeast explores fan ownership of his media company Beast Industries

MrBeast
Image courtesy: MrBeast

YouTuber MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, and his executives at Beast Industries are considering giving fans the opportunity to own shares in the company, according to recent statements from CEO Jeff Housenbold.

Fan ownership of the company

At the 2025 DealBook Summit, Housenbold mentioned the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO) that could include an allocation for fans. “At some point, we want to be able to give the 1.4 billion unique people around the world who watched MrBeast’s content in the last 90 days a chance to be owners of the company.”

Beast Industries, which spans content production, snack brand Feastables, media ventures and other consumer projects, has been valued around US $5 billion in recent investor materials.

No official timeline has been disclosed for when, or if, shares will be offered to fans. Housenbold described the fan-ownership idea as a long-term goal.

MrBeast’s business ventures

Over the past several years, MrBeast has broadened his operations far beyond YouTube videos. His company now includes Beast Industries, a multi-division enterprise spanning content production, consumer products and branded partnerships. The snack company Feastables, launched in 2022, has grown into major U.S. retail chains and international markets. He previously introduced MrBeast Burger, a virtual restaurant brand that saw rapid expansion before shifting to a smaller footprint amid legal disputes. In 2024 and 2025, MrBeast began pursuing large-scale physical ventures, including real-world events and temporary attractions.

Image courtesy: MrBeast

Marques Brownlee’s wallpaper app “Albums” to shut down early next year

Marques Brownlee’s wallpaper app “Albums” to shut down early next year
Image courtesy: Marques Brownlee

Marques Brownlee’s wallpaper app “Albums,” launched in collaboration with developer Jack McCauley, will close in early 2026. The team announced the decision on social media, stating that ongoing operational challenges and the cost of maintaining the platform made long-term sustainability difficult.

Why the app failed

Albums debuted in late 2024 with a straightforward concept; users could create and share minimalist iPhone home-screen layouts that integrated album artwork from Apple Music or Spotify. The app gained early traction, boosted in part by Brownlee’s visibility as one of YouTube’s most recognized tech reviewers.

However, Albums faced criticism soon after launch. Some users argued the app offered limited functionality compared to existing wallpaper or widget tools, while others questioned the subscription model for features centered mostly on aesthetic customization. The developers later introduced a one-time purchase option, but noted that revenue still did not offset the server, licensing and maintenance requirements needed to keep the app running.

In a public statement, McCauley explained that the team explored various adjustments, including pricing changes, feature updates and infrastructure shifts, but concluded that the app was not positioned for long-term viability. He added that the decision was not tied to any external disputes and emphasized appreciation for users who supported the project.

Users who previously purchased Albums will retain access until the shutdown date, which has not yet been finalized. The developers noted that the app will continue functioning normally in the meantime, and that further communication will be shared before the service fully winds down.

The closure marks the end of a short run for one of the more high-profile creator-backed app launches of recent years. While Brownlee has not indicated whether he plans to pursue future software projects, the shutdown shows that sustaining small-scale consumer apps can be challenging even when launched by prominent online personalities.

Image courtesy: Marques Brownlee

YouTube rolls out feature to let users remove unwanted videos from their home feed

YouTube rolls out feature to let users remove unwanted videos from their home feed featured image

YouTube is testing a new tool designed to give users more control over their recommendations by allowing them to remove videos they don’t want to see from their home feed. The update aims to reduce clutter and increase relevancy for individual viewers.

How the feature works

Under the new trial, users may see an option to remove specific videos from their suggestions directly on the Home tab, rather than just using “Not interested” or “Don’t recommend channel.” The idea is to give people a more direct way to clean up their feed when the algorithm’s recommendations are off-target.

This feature is YouTube’s response to criticism regarding its algorithm, which can surface content that does not align with users’ interests. Some long-time users have described their home feeds as cluttered or irrelevant.

Changing the viewing experience

The feature gives users greater control over what they see, potentially improving satisfaction by reducing unwanted content. Instead of passively relying on viewing history or watch patterns to shape the feed, viewers can now take an active role in curating it.

Because the feature is in testing, not all users will see it immediately. It remains to be seen how well it performs in terms of accurately preventing unwanted recommendations.

YouTuber remains banned despite winning lawsuit over AI-driven channel removal

YouTuber remains banned despite winning lawsuit over AI-driven channel removal featured image

YouTuber Oleksandr, who successfully challenged YouTube in court over an AI-generated channel ban, has not had his “Chase Car” account reinstated, according to new public statements from the creator.

The creator’s channel was previously terminated after YouTube’s automated systems flagged it for policy violations. A court later ruled that the platform had not provided sufficient evidence to justify the termination and found in the creator’s favor. Despite the ruling, the channel remains inactive. The creator said he intends to file a complaint with an Irish regulatory authority in an effort to compel YouTube to restore access.

“An independent legal body ruled YouTube was WRONG. The best part? YouTube defended itself during the process, but could not show what I had violated. I WON. Here’s where it gets terrifying – My channel is STILL terminated,” Oleksandr posted on X.

YouTube has not issued a public comment specifically addressing why the channel has not been reinstated or how the court decision fits into its internal appeal processes. The platform’s help documentation states that terminated channels may appeal once within a defined period; however, it does not outline how external legal findings influence reinstatement decisions.

Oleksandr said he plans to pursue additional regulatory steps to ensure the court’s ruling is applied. The case yet again sparked a conversation on how platforms handle moderation disputes, including whether appeal procedures, automated enforcement systems and reinstatement processes should be updated to offer greater clarity.

Until any changes are introduced, creators may continue to view algorithmic moderation with caution, given the potential impact of enforcement errors on revenue.

New Pew Research survey shows adults’ social media habits in 2025

New Pew Research survey shows adults’ social media habits in 2025
Image courtesy: New Pew Research

A recent Pew Research Center report offers key insights into how U.S. adults engage with social media. Based on a nationally representative survey of over 5,000 adults conducted between February and June 2025, the findings show that 84% of U.S. adults say they have used YouTube, while 71% report they have used Facebook. Other platforms saw lower overall usage; 50% for Instagram, 37% for TikTok, 32% for WhatsApp and 26% for Reddit.

Platform demographics and usage patterns

The data demonstrate strong generational differences. Among U.S. adults aged 18-29, YouTube use reaches as high as 95%, whereas older adults (65 and up) report around 64% usage. Facebook remains highly used among older users. Instagram and TikTok are more dominant among younger adults and exhibit steeper declines in usage with age.

Socioeconomic factors also influence platform usage: adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher report greater use of YouTube (89%) and Instagram (58%) compared to those with a high school education or less. Urban respondents show higher engagement with image- and video-based apps, while rural users reported lower levels of use for platforms outside Facebook and YouTube.

The report shows the broad reach of YouTube and Facebook among U.S. adults and suggests that newer platforms like TikTok are still growing their adoption among older demographics. It also points to segmented opportunity: for younger audiences, Instagram and TikTok carry potential; for mass-market adult reach, YouTube remains dominant.

This is an opportunity for brands and creators alike to take advantage of consumer behavior, which may impact content strategy and ad targeting.

Adobe to acquire Semrush for $1.9 billion in expansion of marketing tools

Adobe to acquire Semrush for $1.9 billion in expansion of marketing tools
Image courtesy: Adobe

Adobe has announced plans to acquire Semrush, the digital-marketing and SEO analytics company, in a $1.9 billion all-cash deal. The transaction values Semrush shares at $12 each and is expected to close during the first half of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.

Integration into Adobe’s marketing ecosystem

The acquisition would bring Semrush’s search-visibility, keyword-tracking and competitive-analysis tools into Adobe’s broader suite of marketing and analytics products. Adobe said Semrush’s capabilities will complement Experience Cloud offerings, providing customers with a consolidated view of how brands appear across search engines, social platforms and emerging AI-driven search interfaces.

As user discovery changes beyond traditional search into conversational AI models, companies are seeking ways to evaluate performance across multiple environments. Adobe said the deal is intended to help marketers understand and respond to those changes more effectively.

Semrush shares rose sharply following the announcement, and analysts say the acquisition could lead to changes in product focus, pricing, or customer tiers, depending on how Adobe positions the platform. Semrush currently serves a broad range of users, from small businesses to large agencies and future development may move toward enterprise-oriented features.

The acquisition adapts consolidation within marketing technology, as companies expand analytics and AI-driven discovery capabilities into larger, interconnected toolsets. Adobe said additional details about integration plans and user transition processes will be shared as the deal progresses through approval stages.

YouTube expands prepublish checks to catch more violations before videos go live

YouTube expands prepublish checks to catch more violations before videos go live featured image

YouTube is expanding its prepublish checks tool so that it now warns creators about potential violations of Community Guidelines before videos go live. The update aims to help reduce unexpected strikes or removals by flagging problematic content early in the upload process.

Broader screening before publishing

Launched in 2021, YouTube’s prepublish checks originally scanned uploads for issues like copyright infringement and ad-suitability concerns. The newly expanded version now includes checks for content that may violate Community Guidelines, such as hate, harassment, graphic content or other disallowed material.

When creators upload a video, the system runs analysis automatically. If it detects potential problems, YouTube displays a warning, allowing creators to review or edit the video before it becomes public. The feature acts as a preventive measure, rather than waiting for user reports or algorithmic detection after publishing.

“To help you avoid the frustration of a removal or strike, we’ve been testing a new feature that checks for some Community Guidelines violations in the video upload flow, similar to Copyright and Advertiser-friendly Guidelines checks,” YouTube wrote on its blog post.

Early testing phase

The feature is still in a testing period, and not all creators will see the updated options yet. YouTube acknowledges that some errors are inevitable, which may lead to false positives or missed issues. Even so, the early-warning approach could help creators avoid penalties they did not realize they were at risk of triggering.

While the system is meant to catch a wider range of issues, YouTube notes that it is not comprehensive; some violations may still go undetected. The update is intended to assist creators, but not replace the need to remain familiar with platform policies.

YouTube tests direct messaging feature in Ireland and Poland

YouTube tests direct messaging feature in Ireland and Poland featured image

YouTube has begun testing an in-app direct messaging feature that allows users to share videos and chat about them within the mobile app. The experiment is currently active for users aged 18 and over in Ireland and Poland.

Details of the feature

According to YouTube’s support documentation, the new messaging feature lets users share long-form videos, Shorts, and live streams and engage in one-on-one chats without leaving the YouTube environment. To start a conversation, a user must invite another user and await approval. Recipients can decline invites and have the option to block or report chats.

YouTube emphasizes that messages will be subject to the same Community Guidelines as other content on the platform, and that automated systems may review message content for policy violations such as harassment or harmful material.

YouTube is reintroducing direct messaging

The company noted this test responds to what it described as a “top feature request” from its community. YouTube originally offered direct-messaging tools but discontinued them in 2019 while shifting focus toward public discussions and comment threads. The platform said maintaining the feature diverted resources from core communication tools, leading to its discontinuation after six years of availability.

Reintroducing the feature may be driven by other platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which have integrated stronger messaging and social features. The feature’s current rollout is limited in region and age eligibility, and YouTube has not announced a broader global rollout timeline.

2025 Streamer Awards: Nominees announced and voting now open

2025 Streamer Awards

The 2025 edition of the The Streamer Awards has revealed its full list of nominees, across a wide array of categories spanning platforms like Twitch, YouTube and Kick. Fans can now vote on the official awards website and the ceremony is set to take place in early December.

Nomination categories & voting mechanics

Nominations cover more than two dozen categories including “Streamer of the Year,” “Best Variety Streamer,” “Best Creative/Art Streamer,” and “Viral Moment of the Year.” Voting opened immediately with fans able to cast ballots at the official site. To vote, participants log in through their Twitch account for verification, and are permitted one vote per day per category until the deadline.

Some categories, such as “Breakout Streamer” and “Viral Moment,” are reserved for jury selection and are not open to public vote.

The award ceremony will be hosted by streamer QTCinderella and is scheduled to take place at a Los Angeles venue in early December, marking another high-profile celebration of streaming talent.

To vote, go to this website. Here is the complete list of nominees in each category:

Best Music Streamer

  • Plaqueboymax
  • AriAtHome
  • DDG
  • kriss_drummer
  • FaZe Kaysan

Best Creative Arts Streamer

  • Emiru
  • DizzyKitten
  • BarleyTheBurr
  • iGumdrop
  • RoseDoodle

Best Roleplay Streamer

  • Fanum
  • FaZe Kaysan
  • Legends of Avantris
  • OfficeMesser
  • Lord Kebun

Best MOBA Streamer

  • Caedrel
  • KeshaEUW
  • KNekro
  • Nix

Best Brand Partner

  • AT&T
  • Cash App
  • GamerSupps
  • Red Bull

Hidden Gem Award

  • broxh_
  • ijustlovepuzzles
  • dragtrashly
  • sinaheh
  • Moohoodles

Best Battle Royale Streamer

  • AussieAntics
  • Clix
  • Faide
  • Ninja
  • RealKatieB

Best Fighting Game Streamer

  • brawlpro
  • Eskay
  • LilyPichu
  • Sajam

Best MMORPG Streamer

  • AnnieFuchsia
  • Pikabooirl
  • Sodapoppin
  • Xaryu

Best Speedrun Streamer

  • BlueSR
  • LilAggy
  • Pezzzy
  • Zfg1

Best Sports Streamer

  • AngryGinge13
  • CashNastyGaming
  • Flight23white
  • JankyRondo
  • RunTheFUTMarket

Best Minecraft Streamer

  • Couriway
  • Feinberg
  • GoodTimesWithScar
  • Pangi
  • Tubbo

Best Marvel Rivals Streamer

  • BigPuffer
  • Bogur
  • Flats
  • SuperTF
  • TimTheTatman

Best FPS Streamer

  • Aspen
  • Bijusan
  • OhnePixel
  • TheBurntPeanut

Best Strategy Game Streamer

  • Jynxzi
  • Northernlion
  • PChal
  • Roffle

Best Reality Streamer

  • Adapt
  • DeshaeFrost
  • RayAsianBoy
  • StableRonaldo
  • TheTylilShow

Best IRL Streamer

  • Chloe_IRL
  • ChristinaandAmber
  • ExtraEmily
  • IShowSpeed

Best Vertical Live Streamer

  • KreekCraft
  • Lasstishen
  • MarcSebastianF
  • ZestyBestie

Stream Game of the Year

  • Expedition 33
  • Marvel Rivals
  • PEAK
  • R.E.P.O.
  • Schedule I

Best Content Organization

  • AMP
  • FaZe Clan
  • Hololive
  • OSCS

Best International Streamer

  • Anyme023
  • Loud Coringa
  • Squeezie
  • TotaMC
  • Tumblurr

Best Stream Duo

  • Agent00 and ExtraEmily
  • Arky and Yugi2x
  • CDawgVA and Ironmouse
  • jasontheween and sakurashymko
  • Lacy and Marlon

Best Streamed Collab

  • Cinna and Zelina Vega
  • Kai Cenat and LeBron James
  • Plaqueboymax and Fred Again
  • Pokimane and Katseye

Best Marathon Stream

  • FaZe Subathon
  • IShowSpeed America Tour
  • Mafiathon 3
  • Stream For Humanity

Best Streamed Event

  • Bingo Brawlers
  • GP Explorer 3
  • Streamer Games
  • Streamer Prom
  • Streamer University

Best Streamed Series

  • Alveus Tours
  • Caretakers
  • Fortnite Friday
  • In The Booth
  • Let Her Cook

Best VTuber

  • chibidoki
  • Ironmouse
  • Kenji
  • Mori Calliope
  • TheBurntPeanut

Best Variety Streamer

  • Agent00
  • caseoh_
  • LIRIK
  • Squeex
  • Vinesauce

Best Just Chatting Streamer

  • jasontheween
  • Joe Bartolozzi
  • Kai Cenat
  • LydiaViolet
  • xQc

Rising Star Award

  • AverageHarry_
  • Marlon
  • RealKatieB
  • Reginald
  • sakurashymko

Best Breakout Streamer

  • 2xRaKai
  • Adapt
  • DDG
  • vanillamace
  • wendolynortizz

League of Their Own

  • Maya
  • StudyTme
  • ThePrimeagen
  • TheStockGuy

The Sapphire Award

  • Cinna
  • Emiru
  • ExtraEmily
  • vanillamace
  • wendolynortizz

Gamer of the Year

  • caseoh_
  • Jynxzi
  • OhnePixel
  • summit1g
  • TheBurntPeanut

Streamer’s Choice Award

  • To be announced

Legacy Award

  • To be announced

Streamer of the Year

  • ExtraEmily
  • IShowSpeed
  • jasontheween
  • Kai Cenat
  • Plaqueboymax

Creator Handbook’s 2025 holiday gift guide

Creator Handbook holiday gift guide

Looking for the perfect gift for the online content creator in your life? Finding tools that elevate their work can be tricky. This guide highlights practical, affordable gear designed to improve production quality without breaking the bank. Every item featured is $100 or less, making it easy to give something meaningful and useful.

Let’s dive in.

Smooth moves and steady shots

Smooth, controlled movement gives online videos a more professional look. A good stabilizer or rig helps each shot feel deliberate and keeps the camera steady. Lightweight cages, mini-sliders and other creator-friendly tools can change the way you shoot. They make it easier to capture polished footage without a full studio setup.

Euoto Auto Face‑Tracking Tripod ~ $50

With built-in AI motion sensing, the Euoto Auto Face‑Tracking Tripod keeps your phone centered up to five meters, automatically rotating 360° as you move. This versatile tool also functions as a selfie stick, desktop stand or mobile gimbal, giving creators multiple mounting options. Its telescoping arm adjusts height and angle and the compact, foldable design makes it travel-ready. Lightweight yet sturdy, the Euoto tripod includes a wireless remote. Perfect for anyone looking to capture polished, professional-looking video, it’s a thoughtful gift that combines convenience with smart tracking technology.

Movo uVlogger USB-C Vlogging Kit ~ $90

Built for smartphone creators, the Movo uVlogger USB-C Vlogging Kit bundles a shotgun microphone, LED-30 light, tabletop tripod and phone mount into one portable package. With its directional mic and adjustable three-level light, the kit drastically upgrades both audio clarity and lighting in mobile shoots. The rail mount extension allows for adding accessories, perfect for scaling a creator’s setup over time. The Movo uVlogger USB-C Vlogging Kit is ideal for vloggers, livestreamers and makers who want a polished, lightweight rig without hauling a full camera body.

Studio Creator Smartphone Tripod Rig ~ $45

The Studio Creator Smartphone Tripod Rig attaches to a phone for more stable, cinema-like shooting, adding side handles for better control and balance. Its design offers multiple 1/4-inch-20 mounting points to add mics, lights or other gear, which is great for hands-on creators who want to build a versatile setup. Lightweight and ergonomic, the Studio Creator Smartphone Tripod Rig makes moving between handheld shots and structured tripod setups smooth, helping creators elevate their smartphone content with professional steadiness and modular accessory options.

SmallRig Universal Aluminum Phone Cage Stabilizer ~ $48

Crafted from rugged aluminum, the SmallRig Universal Aluminum Phone Cage Stabilizer offers dual handles and a robust structure to support intense handheld shooting. It features multiple 1/4-inches-20 threads and cold shoes, enabling creators to mount lights, mics or power banks exactly where they need them.

Despite its stability-boosting build, the SmallRig Universal Aluminum Phone Cage Stabilizer stays lightweight (about 120 g) for efficient, extended use. Perfect for creators who want a flexible yet sturdy platform.

ANNSM 16” Carbon Fiber Mini Slider ~ $55

Adding smooth, cinematic motion to tabletop or compact setups, the ANNSM 16” Carbon Fiber Mini Slider is built with four precision rollers and 1/4-inch- and 3/8-inch-threaded mounting points to support smartphones and small mirrorless rigs (phone clip required). Its lightweight, rugged design makes it ideal for desk vlogs, product shots or b-roll. A built-in bubble level ensures balanced movement, helping creators achieve professional-looking horizontal or vertical motion without needing a bulky rig or gimbal. The ANNSM slider is a versatile tool that brings polished shots to any content setup.

Cameras for creators and streamers who want to level up their production


Sound that makes an impact

Clear, high-quality audio can transform content from ordinary to professional. Having a reliable microphones and accessories is key. These options cover everything from dynamic retro-style mics to condenser setups, helping creators capture crisp, detailed sound no matter the environment. These picks give creators the tools they need to make every word and note count.

Pyle Classic Retro Dynamic Microphone ~ $56

The Pyle Classic Retro Dynamic Microphone delivers vintage style with dependable performance. Its timeless design brings character, while the microphone’s uni‑directional cardioid pickup pattern (30 Hz–15 kHz) ensures clear, focused voice capture. Built with a steel mesh grille and a self‑tensioning swivel mount, it feels solid and stage‑ready. This Pyle mic includes a 16-foot XLR cable; this makes it easy to plug into mixers or interfaces. For someone who loves streaming, podcasting or just wants a throwback look with modern sound, the Pyle Retro mic is both stylish and practical. 

VEVOR Professional Condenser Microphone Kit ~ $30

For creators looking to record right away, the VEVOR Professional Condenser Microphone Kit offers a complete audio setup, including a USB condenser mic, boom arm, shock mount, pop filter, headphones and more. The microphone captures detailed vocals and instruments at 24-bit / 192 kHz, while 11 RGB light modes add creative flair to any desktop setup. With a convenient mute button, gain control and USB connectivity requiring no external interface, the VEVOR kit delivers flexibility and ease of use. This all-in-one solution ensures creators have everything they need for professional-quality audio and a visually engaging recording environment. 

Samson C01 Studio Condenser Microphone ~ $68

Designed for studio recording, the Samson C01 Studio Condenser Microphone captures warm, detailed audio with its large 19 mm diaphragm and hypercardioid pickup pattern, providing excellent off-axis rejection. Requiring phantom power (36–52V), the mic features a blue LED indicator to show when it’s active. Its smooth, flat frequency response makes it ideal for vocals or instruments, while the durable metal body and swivel mount offer reliable performance. The Samson C01 is a solid choice for creators looking to build a home studio or elevate their audio quality with a professional condenser microphone.


Sponsored

Sennheiser MKE 600

The Sennheiser MKE 600 is a solid holiday gift for any filmmaker or creator who wants better sound without overthinking gear. This lightweight shotgun mic delivers clear, focused audio, cuts down side noise and keeps low-end rumble in check with a handy 100 Hz filter. It works on phantom power or a single AA battery, so it’s just as useful on a studio set as it is on a hike. The metal build holds up to daily use, and the included shockmount and XLR-to-3.5 mm cable make it easy to mount on a camera or boompole right out of the box. It’s a practical upgrade that’ll make their videos sound more professional all year long. Learn more.


BOYA Smartphone Directional Mic ~ $27

This BOYA Smartphone Directional Mic lightweight condenser microphone is built for mobile creators — it plugs directly into smartphones or tablets and delivers shotgun‑style directionality to capture clear dialogue or voiceovers. With a durable build and shock mount, it reduces handling noise while recording on the go. It also includes a monitoring jack so users can listen to their source in real time. The mic’s compact size and high sensitivity make it a smart upgrade over your device’s built-in mic — especially useful for vloggers, mobile journalists or anyone working on mobile setups.

Storage to keep your creativity safe


Sponsored 

RØDE Wireless Micro Camera Kit

The Wireless Micro Camera Kit is designed for creators on the go. 

Featuring two ultra-compact transmitters with built-in microphones, an included smartphone receiver, and a sleek on-camera receiver with a stunning 1.1-inch AMOLED screen for quick, confident control, our new Wireless Micro Camera Kit offers unmatched versatility for camera-first creators.

Whether you’re shooting on a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a smartphone, it adapts effortlessly to any setup, delivering amazing professional audio, anywhere. Learn more.


Sponsored

SanDisk Creator Phone SSD

For the creator who’s capturing life’s moments, the SANDISK® Creator Phone SSD is your ultimate on-the-go companion. This pocket-sized SSD attaches directly to your MagSafe-compatible phone to record stunning 4K ProRes video and save content instantly for easy editing. With ample storage, it’s built for big ideas wrapped in a rugged, water- and dust-resistant shell that’s ready for adventure. Whether filming travel reels or holiday memories, it keeps your workflow and creativity moving. Plus, it comes with one month of Adobe Creative Cloud to help bring your vision to life. Learn more.


Sponsored

TAMRON 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Ultra-wide Angle Zoom lens

The new TAMRON 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Ultra-wide Angle Zoom lens is designed with video creators in mind, offering an expanded zoom range and essential upgrades such as a fast, quiet linear motor, a Connector Port, and a customizable Focus Set Button. Despite these enhancements, it remains extremely portable at just 15.5 oz with a 4″ length and 67mm filter size. A reinforced internal structure improves rigidity while preserving its compact form. The advanced VXD linear-motor autofocus ensures fast, quiet focus transitions, while Tamron Lens Utility compatibility allows creators to customize focus behavior and assign functions for streamlined video workflows. Available for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount Full Frame Mirrorless. $929 USD. Learn more.


Brighten up their shoots

Good lighting can transform any video or photo. Choosing the right gear helps creators shape their scenes, highlight subjects and experiment with effects. From adjustable ring lights to compact LED panels, these options help keep their content well-lit with every frame.

GVM 18″ RGB/Bi‑Color Ring Light ~ $125

Gifting the GVM 18″ RGB/Bi‑Color Ring Light means giving creators serious lighting versatility. With 528 LEDs and a high CRI of 97+, this light delivers accurate, vibrant color rendering. It supports continuous dimming from 0–100% and offers a wide color temperature range from 3200K to 5600K. Users can switch between CCT, RGB and one of eight special scene effects, such as “Disco” or “Paparazzi,” using the included Bluetooth remote or a mobile app. A sturdy adjustable stand rounds out the kit. It’s a little splurge over our typical gifts-under-$100 but it’s worth the spend.


Sponsored

PTZOptics Action Bundle

Capture each play and keep everyone’s eye on the game with the PTZOptics Action Bundle. Heading out to the field or arena? With this sports-friendly setup designed by the PTZOptics team, you can optimize your sports coverage to build a professional-level livestream or capture key action for officials and coaches to review. The Action Bundle includes one Move 4K 12X PTZ camera, two Studio 4K 12X fixed cameras, and a SuperJoy controller. From the play up and down the field to up-close reactions at the net or the end zone, the Action Bundle makes every shot a winner. Learn more.


Luxsure Overhead Camera Mount with 10‑LED Ring Light ~ $34

The Luxsure Overhead Camera Mount with 10‑LED Ring Light is a thoughtful gift for creators who shoot tutorials, flat-lays or live cooking videos. Its 10-inch ring provides three color tones (white, natural and yellow) with 10 levels of brightness. The mount adjusts in about one second and supports devices up to 3.3 pounds. A metal arm keeps the phone steady and centered inside the ring to avoid harsh shadows and a Bluetooth remote enables hands-free switching of light settings. This setup is perfectly suited for desktop or overhead content.  

Bower LED Video Ring Light ~ $35

Content creators can elevate their lighting game with the Bower Ring Light with Stand, a 16-inch RGB LED ring mounted on a tripod that extends up to 62 inches. This kit offers nine solid RGB colors, three white-light modes and sixteen special-effect settings. A wireless remote and in-line controls let users adjust brightness and effects hands-free, while the included phone holder keeps devices stable and centered. Compact yet versatile, the Bower Ring Light with Stand delivers creative flexibility and professional-quality illumination, making it a thoughtful gift for creators refining their visual style and workflow.

Lenses for your special creator’s setup


Sponsored

OWC Envoy Ultra

The OWC Envoy Ultra is a rugged, palm-sized Thunderbolt 5 portable SSD built for creators, editors, gamers, and anyone who needs extreme speed on the go. Delivering over 6000MB/s real-world performance, it’s up to twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, letting you edit high-resolution footage, move massive files, and match internal-SSD performance almost anywhere. Its crushproof, dustproof, and waterproof IP67 design, bus-powered convenience, and built-in cable make it a reliable companion in the studio or in the field. Compatible with Macs, PCs, iPad Pro, and more, OWC Envoy Ultra brings maximum performance to every workflow. Learn more.


Accessory essentials

Small tools can make a big difference on set or in any creative workflow. From organization to protection to power, the right accessories help keep gear safe, accessible and ready to go. These picks make it easier to stay organized, protect valuable equipment and focus on creating. Thoughtful, practical and versatile, these accessory gifts show you understand the little things that make a big impact for creators year-round.

Tenba BYOB 10 Camera Insert ~ $56

This Tenba BYOB 10 Camera Insert lets recipients turn any bag into a secure camera carrier. The insert weighs just 0.8 lb and has soft-brushed, tricot-lined dividers that can be customized to fit a DSLR or mirrorless body plus two to four lenses. External mesh pockets and a D-ring provide space for keys or small accessories, while the zippered top cover can fold back for quick access. With its removable shoulder strap and padded protection, it’s an ideal gift for creators who want flexibility without compromising gear safety.

Tenba Packlite Travel Bag for BYOB 10 ~ $30

Compact, collapsible and designed to pair perfectly with the BYOB 10 insert above, this Tenba Packlite Travel Bag is a clever boost to any creator’s kit. It stows into its own mesh pocket. Although lightweight, it’s built to hold a DSLR with a 24‑70 mm lens or similar-sized gear. As a gift, it provides practical versatility; it’s great for traveling, for casual shoots or whenever creators want the option to carry just what they need without a bulky camera bag. 

K&F CONCEPT V Mount Battery ~ $84

The K&F CONCEPT KF‑V99 Pro is a high-capacity 99 Wh V‑mount battery delivering 14.8 V / 6700 mAh of power. It features dual USB‑C (up to 100 W PD), one USB‑A, D‑Tap and a BP port, giving creators flexible output options for multiple devices. A vibrant TFT color display shows real‑time voltage and remaining capacity, while its durable aluminum‑alloy, fire-resistant housing includes a built-in emergency night light. A great gift for serious creators who need long-lasting power on the go.

Think Tank Vision 13 Shoulder Messenger Bag ~ $99

Designed for both comfort and capacity, the Think Tank Vision 13 Shoulder Bag offers a sleek messenger-style profile while holding substantial gear. Inside, three padded, adjustable dividers can be configured to fit a DSLR with two to four lenses, including an attached 24–70 mm or 70–200 mm setup, as well as a 13″ laptop. Weather-resistant fabric plus secure zippered compartments protect both camera gear and personal items. Gifting this bag shows you appreciate both their creative gear and their day‑to‑day carry style. 

Vanguard Alta RCXL Rain Cover ~ $49

The Vanguard Alta RCXL Rain Cover is a thoughtful protective accessory for creators who shoot outdoors. It offers full coverage for DSLR rigs with long lenses; the extra-large size accommodates setups up to 23.6″ in total length. A clear TPU window lets users access controls, LCD screens and viewfinders while keeping everything dry. Designed for quick deployment, it slips on in seconds and works with both shoulder rigs and tripods. This rain cover makes a practical gift that helps safeguard expensive camera gear from unexpected weather without slowing down a creative workflow.

Make their new year shine

From stabilizers and lighting to audio and organization essentials, these picks cover the tools every creator relies on to produce professional-looking content. Each selection was chosen with real-world usability in mind, so you can gift with confidence knowing it will get used, appreciated and genuinely make a difference in their workflow.

These gifts are designed to inspire creativity, improve efficiency and elevate the quality of every project. With these thoughtful choices, you’re helping your favorite creator make 2026 their most polished and productive year yet.

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