A staggering 426 million people access the BBC’s resources each week, making it a suitable platform for development and reach. In an effort to capture the attention of younger audiences, the broadcaster has begun working alongside a selection of popular influencers. To discover more, Net Influencer will discuss the key details related to the BBC’s Creator Lab Program. 

What Is The BBC Creator Lab Program?

First launched in August 2023, The Creator Lab Program is a partnership between the BBC and TikTok that hopes to mentor and support a variety of growing influencers. Though these creators are expected to have a deep understanding of social media, this opportunity has also been crafted for those who are looking to make the move into TV. The BBC has already established a wide selection of influencer-led TV programs including The Agency: Unfiltered, a documentary series that offers viewers a glimpse into the inner workings of one of Glasgow’s leading influencer marketing agencies. 

This program also focuses on the importance of in-person interactions, inviting the cohort of influencers to studios around the UK. Here, they will have the chance to network with a range of substantial figures in an attempt to highlight the similarities and differences between TV and social media production. 

Alongside experts from the BBC, these influencers will also receive valued advice and guidance from the leaders at TikTok. Both platforms hope to inspire these content creators and give them a unique chance to experience the nuances of these landmark institutions. 

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How Does the Program Work?

As part of an intensive two-day workshop, 100 influencers will have the opportunity to promote their skills to a collection of staff members at the BBC and TikTok. These sessions are set to take place in various locations across the UK, including Northern Ireland. Influencers will also have the chance to learn about how certain shows are commissioned, giving them an inside look at the inner operations of Daytime TV as well as the daily routine of a Commissioning Editor.

This is also an exceptional opportunity for those looking to work alongside other influencers as there will be plenty of chances to chat amongst like-minded people. Creators are also encouraged to learn more about the different types of niches on offer, including children’s television, sports, unscripted programming, and the arts. Thus, this program offers something for every type of influencer and encourages them to experiment with something new. 

Throughout these sessions, influencers will also be asked to follow a brief that has been specially crafted by the BBC. In turn, creators will now have the chance to perform in a more professional and structured manner, giving them the skills needed to secure lucrative brand deals in the future. 

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What Perks Are on Offer?

This unique opportunity allows influencers to gain access to a wide range of resources, including detailed advice and essential equipment. As such, this gives less experienced creators the chance to boost their production skills and work alongside some of the largest names in the industry. In addition, the input from TikTok is exceptionally important for creators who are less familiar with the app but are looking to build an audience on the platform.

The Creator Lab is also devoted to helping influencers learn more about the best practices of TV production, something many content creators may not be able to learn through social media alone. Therefore, participants will not only learn how to make captivating content but will also learn more about how they can pitch and commission their own projects.

Despite its firm relationship with TikTok, this program also accepts those who have a profound following on other social media platforms such as Instagram or Snapchat. This is particularly useful for influencers who enjoy experimenting with different mediums such as AR filters or photography but are still eager to use those skills in the world of TV production.

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What Are the Entry Requirements?

The Creator Labs Program only accepts applicants who are over the age of 18 and are based in the UK, which is probably due to the complexities surrounding the TV License. It also asks that creators have at least 50,000 followers on a known social media platform or have at least 350,000 views on two or more videos. 

This program also requires applicants to uphold a positive reputation across social media and are keen to promote a sense of social change to their audience. The BBC is also looking for those who have been featured in a collection of video content to help highlight their on-screen potential. 

Applications for this program are set to be released in October 2023 and can be found on the BBC’s website. 

Benefits of Joining The Creator Lab as an Influencer

The Creator Lab is a fantastic way for influencers to expand their horizons and move into more profitable ventures. During this experience, influencers will have the chance to recruit a wealth of recognizable talent, helping them to create content that has the potential to attract an abundance of new audiences. As a result, content creators can work alongside a plethora of famous faces without losing sight of their own personal branding. 

It should also be mentioned that although this program requires applicants to be based in the UK, it does not state that influencers must be UK citizens. In turn, this is a great way for foreign influencers to showcase their skills and place a more diverse spin on some of the UK’s largest programming sectors. In addition, this is an ideal opportunity for non-UK creators to tell their own stories, helping them to diversify themselves from their competitors. 

The fact that this program accepts those with either 50,000 followers or those with two videos with over 350,000 views, indicates that the BBC is seeking those with engaged audiences and those with a sense of viral fame. This is crucial for influencers who have had a glimpse of social media success and are looking to extend it even further. The follower requirements for this program are quite low, which is ideal for smaller influencers who are also looking to network with their larger counterparts and learn more about navigating life as an influencer. 

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The relationship between TikTok and the BBC emphasizes how even some of the largest organizations in the world are eager to harvest the potential of influencer marketing. With the added element of TV production, this program is a bold step in mixing this form of marketing with much more mainstream content.