If you were around in the early 2000s, you know that being an influencer was a pretty major flex. Getting paid to review products, visit restaurants, share promo codes, or go to early access movie screenings was considered anything but “cringe.” But times have changed…

Now there is a bit of a stigma around identifying as an “influencer”, and that’s largely because the industry has evolved, the money has matured, and the opportunities for capitalizing on your influence have expanded.

And somewhere along the way, the people we once knew as “influencers” became known as “content creators.” Today, the terms are used almost interchangeably, even though they carry very different energy. So, naturally, everyone seems a little confused now — including brands, creators, influencers, and the platforms championing them.

So what’s the tea? 

Are creators and influencers actually different, or did one word just get better PR? 🤔

And more importantly, how should you describe yourself when the label you choose might shape how people understand your value?

Scones, anyone? It’s time to spill some tea.

Contrary to popular belief, there actually is a difference between a “creator” and an “influencer.”

A creator makes content, experiences, or work with the intention of expressing an idea, sharing a craft, teaching something, entertaining people, building community, or bringing something original into the world.

An influencer creates with the intention of moving people toward action. Buying something. Trying something. Supporting something. Changing how they think, feel, or behave.

One is rooted in the act of creating itself. The other is rooted in the effect that the creation has on the people who consume the content.

And yes, plenty of people are both.

A beauty creator can create tutorials because they love the artistry of makeup and influence someone to buy a specific foundation.

A financial creator can teach the basics of investing and encourage someone to open their first high-yield savings account with their preferred banking partner.

A food creator can share family recipes and influence someone to buy the cookware they used to prepare the meal.

The overlap is real, which is why the labels get messy. 😵‍💫  

Before we keep spilling… we want to be clear about something. “Influencer” is not a bad word… but it does communicate a specific goal for your content.

Influencing gets unnecessarily dragged because people often reduce it to cliche stereotypes like inconsiderate travel influencers or the finance bro that’s telling you what crypto to buy while he’s snapping pics in front of a car he doesn’t own.

But there is a real art and science to effective influencer marketing. It sits at the intersection of content strategy and creative production. It requires trust-building and brand positioning. It is rooted in conversion psychology and, quite frankly, good taste.

Being able to move people towards a specific action or decision is not easy work, especially these days. While nepo babies (no shade) have certainly started flooding the space, they don’t represent the vast majority of influencers who are actually mindful of what they influence their community to consume, purchase, or experience.

So don’t run from the word influencer simply because some corners of the internet have tried to give it a little baggage it doesn’t deserve. Whether you’re a creator, an influencer, or both… if you don’t approach your craft ethically, authentically, and empathetically, you’ll come across as an internet douche no matter what term you use.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

“No album out and I got ‘em asking
What do she do? I do everything
I move everything.”
Teyana Taylor

So now it’s time for the big question. What exactly should you call yourself?

When it comes down to it, “Creator” is an umbrella term that could include a wide variety of creative types. Streamers, podcasters, writers, video creators, designers, photographers, UGC creators — all creators. Different crafts, different business models, same creator economy.

The range of the term “creator” is exactly why it gets stretched paper-thin and why it shouldn’t be the entire definition of your brand.

Depending on the room you’re in, you may need to get specific. The title you use should reflect the value you’re trying to highlight in that moment. It does not have to be a forever label that gets tattooed across your forehead.

Talking to investors? You might call yourself a founder.

Talking to brand partners? Creator may land better.

Talking to the press? Influencer, entrepreneur, artist, or creative director might fit depending on the story being told.

Same person, same work— different name for a different context.

With so many titles and terms floating around in the creator economy, figuring out what terms to use and where they fit best can feel like it’s going to trigger a tiny identity crisis. But instead of spiraling over the perfect label, start with what your brand actually stands for.

This FREE Personal Brand Statement Worksheet helps you cut through the confusion and define who you are, what you do, who you serve, and why it matters.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer way to describe your creative business in any room — even when the industry can’t decide what to call you.

Creative queens like Rihanna, Issa Rae, Keke Palmer, and Teyana Taylor have already shown us that a single creative brand can encompass many branches, roles, and value propositions. Teyana the singer, Teyana the dancer, Teyana the actress, and Teyana the director are brands that all belong to the same woman, but you better believe she knows which part of her brilliance to lead with in each room.

That does not make her any less multi-talented. It makes her clear and strategic.

So don’t let the creator vs. influencer debate become the main character of your brand story. Let it push you to get sharper about your intention, your mission, and the kind of value your work creates.

There is no shame in being an influencer who uses trust, personality, and strategy to drive a specific action. Just like there is no shame in being a creator who educates, entertains, inspires, or builds community before monetizing.

There are many ways to win in the creator economy. The real move is knowing what you’re building, who it serves, and which language helps the right people understand the specific value you’re pitching to them.

Until the next pour,
The CTT Team

P.S. Something new is brewing at CTT… and this time, we’re putting the spotlight on the creators already in the room with us. 👀

If you’ve been building something worth talking about, learning lessons through real action, or holding onto tea that could help another creator grow, hit reply and tell us what you’d love to spill with the rest of the community. 

Our first creator spotlight is coming soon, and we can’t wait to hand you the mic.