A content creator discusses in her latest YouTube video about her work with influencers, her experiences, and why she had to give up her dream job.
Who is it about? The YouTuber Janis “JanisandtheArtists” published a video titled “My Experiences as an Editor” on her YouTube channel. She had worked for a long time as a freelance editor in the influencer industry, including for Twitch streamers.
However, she ultimately gave up her job due to the way she was treated within the industry. Nowadays, she operates her social media channels as a hobby and talks about anime and manga topics.
In our video, we introduce you to the most important Twitch streamers in the German industry:
“Don’t let yourself be fooled”
What experiences did Janis have? During her time as an editor, Janis worked for many different influencers, she says. However, her experiences were mostly negative. Among other things, Janis recounts the following incidents:
- For a major YouTuber, Janis was supposed to deliver two unpaid trial videos. Her work was good enough that she was employed for a trial month, for which only 200-250 euros were offered afterwards. The offer afterwards: Either a payment of 100 euros per video or a contract for 450 euros basis. There was hardly any feedback from the YouTuber, and eventually, the relationship fell through.
- For another influencer, Janis was supposed to edit Reactions. The price of 35 euros per hour was previously agreed upon and accepted. Janis delivered the videos, and they were uploaded. When it came to paying Janis’s invoice, the influencer wanted to drop the price to 25 euros per hour. Janis was only paid after a reminder.
- Another content creator and Twitch streamer, who was very “anti-capitalist” in his approach, even independently increased her payment from 35 euros to 50 euros per hour. The collaboration went well until December when no payments or responses were received anymore. They finally reached out in February and cited mental health during the winter months as an explanation. After further unfulfilled agreements, Janis wrote her last invoice, which was paid without comment or apology. Janis was particularly disappointed with this content creator because that person publicly presented themselves as a fair employer.
- Finally, Janis worked for another major German influencer, with whom a fixed editing day was promised. However, the influencer did not provide the material, and after several follow-ups, Janis ultimately canceled the collaboration, after which she was portrayed as unreliable.
You can watch the video here on YouTube:
Only the work for one influencer was pleasant, says Janis. With her, she had a permanent position, a satisfactory salary that was paid on time, and a reliable team. The relationship ended only because the influencer had to let go of her entire team.
Finally, Janis appeals to the industry. Influencers should put themselves in the shoes of editors and consider how they would feel if they were treated that way. Without editors, this industry would not function as it does, she says. Addressing those who want to pursue the profession of an editor, Janis states: “Don’t let yourself be fooled” (source: YouTube).
The topic surrounding the apparently poor pay and treatment of editors within the influencer scene is one that has been discussed repeatedly lately. Statements from various German Twitch streamers, which the community cannot understand and criticizes, are often talked about. This also includes Twitch streamer Papaplatte and the criticism from his former editor: Twitch streamer Papaplatte is said to have ripped off his employee, now reconciles with him: “Should have happened earlier”
