In the fast-paced world of crypto, where meme tokens rise and fall with the tide of social media buzz, understanding how creators actually make money is crucial. A recent discussion on X, sparked by Nikita Bier—head of product at X and a veteran in the tech space—has shed light on this very topic. Bier's original post advises aspiring influencers to build expertise by sharing daily insights rather than chasing quick wins through creator revenue shares or meme coins. It's a call to play the long game in content creation.

Ryan Connor, Head of Research at Blockworks, jumped in with a sharp response that cuts through some common narratives in the crypto creator economy. He argues that platforms like Zora—a popular NFT protocol for minting and selling digital art—and framings from figures like Chris Dixon (author of "Read Write Own," which champions blockchain's role in empowering creators) miss a key point. In reality, creators don't just pocket direct payments from their content; they monetize indirectly.

Think about it: Top creators give away their best stuff for free—threads, videos, memes—to build an audience. Then, they cash in through side hustles like branded merch, speaking gigs, endorsements, or even launching their own projects. In the meme token realm, this is especially true. A creator might hype a new token through viral posts on X, drawing in a community that's eager to buy in. The real payday comes from holding a portion of the token supply or through community donations, not necessarily from platform fees.

Connor points out that the idea of traditional apps "taking 100% of the profits" is misleading. If creators weren't getting their fair share, they wouldn't stick around. Look at successful meme token launches: Creators keep pumping out content because the indirect rewards—social capital, partnerships, and yes, sometimes massive token gains—make it worthwhile. This echoes in the replies, where users like Kawz from Time.fun agree, suggesting the focus should be on giving fans a stake in the creator's success rather than obsessing over direct cuts.

For blockchain practitioners diving into meme tokens, this perspective is a game-changer. Instead of fixating on protocols that promise direct monetization (which often come with high gas fees and complexity), build your brand first. Share those unexpected insights on token mechanics, market trends, or even the cultural side of memes. Over time, as Bier suggests, you'll become the go-to expert, opening doors to endorsements from projects or even launching your own meme coin with a built-in fanbase.

This discussion highlights why platforms like X are becoming central to the crypto narrative. With algorithm boosts for consistent, valuable content, it's easier than ever to grow an audience without relying solely on meme coin pumps. But remember, in crypto, nothing's guaranteed—always DYOR (do your own research) before jumping in.

If you're building in the meme space, take a page from these pros: Focus on value creation, and the monetization will follow, often in ways you least expect.