Today's Edition
TALAH TURK (DUBAI)
In a digital world where the cycle of trends is never ending and the algorithm is the driving force, resisting the urge to give in has become increasingly difficult. Whether it is the latest catchy audio, viral challenge, or popular dance routine, scrolling through social media often feels like watching the same content on repeat.
Aletihad spoke to a few content creators who have established themselves in the virtual world on the sidelines of the recently concluded 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai. They highlighted that staying authentic, maintaining a distinct identity and experimenting with new ideas are key to enriching an engaging online presence.
Kuwaiti food content creator Fajer Hayat – or, as she likes to define herself, a “professional eater”– believes that authenticity is essential in the digital food space.
In a digital landscape where some creators are accused of overselling food or promoting brands that do not live up to the hype, Fajer calls for spontaneity and honesty. “Just keep it real. If you genuinely love the concept, you won’t need to oversell it.”
Regarding collaborations, she said, “I think you should always work with brands you truly love, because when it comes to food, you really can’t fake it.”
She also advises fellow food content creators to be mindful of their tone of voice. “Never oversell something. Just make it a genuine and spontaneous experience with the food… People will believe you.”
Jordanian adventurer and content creator Mohammad Sabbagh weighed in saying, “It’s great to be inspired by others but work on having your own persona. Take what you like and build on it to make it your own. The secret to success on social media is having a unique identity that stands out.”
He shared concerns regarding the younger generation. “Honestly, it makes me sad seeing how young creators try to copy those who are already successful. My advice is to identify what you’re good at and work on becoming better at it.”
Sabbagh is an advocate for trying new things and applauds stepping into new spaces. “I think it’s completely normal to pivot and change the type of content you create, as long as you’re good at it.”
Digital storyteller Jousef Elkott emphasised the importance of staying true to your moral compass. “I advise up-and-coming content creators to do what they love, as long as it doesn’t go against their religious or cultural beliefs.”
“Don’t try to copy others. If you keep your focus on others, you will not succeed, and if you do it will be tied to the person you are imitating,” he said.
“Try to start off by having your own voice. If you still don’t, continuous practice and consistency will help you find it and succeed, God willing,” he added.
