Charlotte Dobre, a versatile content creator, has made a name for herself in the digital entertainment industry. The actor, comedian, writer, and YouTuber has successfully transitioned from traditional acting to full-time content creation, leveraging her diverse skill set to build a substantial online following. From her foray into YouTube to her recent appearance as a featured creator at VidCon, Charlotte’s experiences serve as an invaluable case study for newcomer creators and industry professionals. Her swift digital ascent and candid reflections on the pressures and misconceptions of content creation offer a nuanced perspective on what it takes to thrive in this competitive field.

Charlotte’s journey into content creation began during the pandemic when she launched her YouTube channel. “I kind of just needed a creative outlet,” she explains. “There were no auditions during the pandemic, and I needed something to lift my spirits.” Initially posting weekly, the actress quickly ramped up her content production as audience engagement grew. “After six months, I hit 100,000-200,000 subscribers. And then I quit my job six months after I started [posting content],” she recounts.

The transition to full-time content creation was driven by financial considerations. Charlotte notes, “It got to the point where I was out earning on my YouTube channel what I was earning at my full-time job, and that was from posting three videos a week.”

Charlotte’s content strategy focuses on light-hearted entertainment. “It’s mostly just a place where we can just sort of gather and gossip and laugh at other people’s drama,” she says. This approach has resonated with audiences across platforms, with Charlotte building significant followings on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.

Working with Jellysmack, a digital content company, has helped Charlotte expand her reach, particularly on Facebook. However, she prefers YouTube, stating, “YouTube has always been a platform that I’ve understood the most. I love the longer videos. I love just getting to chat.”

While the transition to full-time content creation has provided creative freedom and financial rewards, Charlotte acknowledges the pressure of the role. “If you mess up, it’s your fault. You don’t get reprimanded at work. You just don’t have a job now,” she reflects.

The Hidden Pressures of Daily Content Creation

As a rising star in the digital content space, Charlotte sheds light on the challenges faced by content creators and addresses common misconceptions about the industry. 

One of her primary challenges was the relentless pressure to produce daily content. “The first thing I thought about when I woke up every morning was, ‘Oh my God, I have to post a video,’” she reveals. This constant demand took a toll on her personal life and well-being, affecting everything from her relationships to her ability to take time off.

To address this issue, Charlotte strategically decided to reduce her posting frequency. “Since I switched to an every-other-day schedule, it’s just been so much easier,” she explains how such a minor adjustment has alleviated stress and allowed her to pursue other career opportunities in traditional media.

Charlotte emphasizes the importance of finding a sustainable niche in content creation. “You have to think about niching up, finding something that you could potentially do forever, and just finding different ways to pivot while still maintaining the niche,” she advises. For instance, the social media star explains how focusing on reaction videos was a deliberate strategy that allowed her to maintain a consistent posting schedule while leveraging her acting skills.

Addressing misconceptions about the industry, Charlotte challenges the notion that content creation is effortless. “It’s not as easy as some people would think,” she states. “If you want to treat it like a business, it does take work. It does take time.”

She elaborates on the behind-the-scenes effort: “I’m constantly talking to my finance team, lawyers. I’m talking to creators trying to license videos. I’m talking to licensing companies because I license many of the videos I put in my content.” According to her, this multifaceted approach includes content production, talent management, trend analysis, and continuous improvement efforts.

VidCon: Inked in Charlotte’s Creator Journey

VidCon began as a central gathering for YouTube and online content creators, but it has since grown to welcome talent from TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and other platforms. It hosts annual conventions for digital creators, video fans, and influencers, featuring Creator tracks, performances, meet-and-greets, and other activities. 

This year’s VidCon took place from June 26 to 29 in Anaheim, California. Charlotte appeared in two panel discussions: “FUNNY BUSINESS” and “STANDBY MEET & GREET.”

She says her recent experience at VidCon has been nothing short of a milestone in her content creation career. The event provided the actress-turned-content creator with tangible evidence of her success and a platform to connect with her audience and peers.

Her meet-and-greet at VidCon exceeded her expectations, revealing the depth of her fan base. “People showed up like there was a line, and there were some people who were crying and panicking,” she recounts how the experience reinforced the meaningful connection she has built with her audience, which she considers the most rewarding aspect of her career.

The event also represented a full-circle moment for Charlotte. Having attended VidCon nearly a decade ago as a trainee, she returned this year as a featured creator. “I was doing a panel on the same stage as Jenna Marbles,” she notes, referring to a popular YouTuber she once admired from afar. This progression underscores her journey from aspiring creator to established influencer.

Participating in the “Funny Business” panel allowed Charlotte to share insights about comedy in content creation alongside peers like Nurse John. The discussion covered favorite comedians, motivations for pursuing the genre, and the business aspects of comedy-focused content creation.

Beyond fan interactions, Charlotte found validation in her interactions with fellow creators. “I would go up to creators that I like and hype them up, and they were hyping me up,” she shares, expressing appreciation for the mutual recognition within the creator community.

The Long Game: Charlotte’s Insights on Perseverance in Content Creation

Charlotte offers a valuable inside look for those looking to make their mark in the creator economy. She stresses the importance of passion, stating, “Do something you’re passionate about because there will be times when it’s not going the way you want.” This passion, she argues, motivates creators during challenging periods and helps them maintain their perspective.

Charlotte advises creators to focus on a larger purpose beyond personal gain. “Make it bigger than you,” she suggests, whether entertaining people, making them laugh, or creating art. The seasoned creator believes this approach provides a sustainable drive for career building.

She cautions against pursuing content creation solely for fame or money, noting, “If you’re in it for the fame or the money, I can tell you this right now: it’s not going to happen. It’s not going to last.” Instead, Charlotte advocates for gratitude and perseverance.

She concludes with an optimistic outlook on the creator economy, expressing excitement about its opportunities. “We’ve become essentially production companies,” she notes, highlighting the autonomy and creative control creators now possess. Her final thoughts reflect a mix of gratitude for her position and anticipation for future possibilities in the growing industry.