According to the source, "Given the availability of data, we assume for purposes of this analysis that each account, channel, or store on the nine platforms is affiliated with only one creator, when multiple creators are involved in many cases. This further understates the number of creators. The data also limit our analysis of creators’ earnings to the most prominent source of their earnings on each platform. In many cases, creators earn income in multiple ways, including website ads, sponsorships and influencer compensation, revenue from social media traffic, gifts from fans and direct sales."
Citation formats
Number of U.S. independent creators earning income on online platforms 2016-2017
In 2017, an estimated million U.S. creators earned income posting their personal creations on social media platforms. In the most recently reported period, ** independent creators used Amazon Publishing to publish their published works independent without need of using traditional channels. This represents a *** decline from the previous year. Additionally, over ** indie creators utilized Etsy to showcase and sell their products, instead of going through conventional retail mediums.
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Re:Create. (February 28, 2019). Number of independent creators from the United States earning income on the selected online platforms platforms in 2016 and 2017 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from /statistics/981356/independent-creators-earning-income-following-platforms-usa/
Re:Create. "Number of independent creators from the United States earning income on the selected online platforms platforms in 2016 and 2017." Chart. February 28, 2019. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 31, 2026. /statistics/981356/independent-creators-earning-income-following-platforms-usa/
Re:Create. (2019). Number of independent creators from the United States earning income on the selected online platforms platforms in 2016 and 2017. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 31, 2026. /statistics/981356/independent-creators-earning-income-following-platforms-usa/
Re:Create. "Number of Independent Creators from The United States Earning Income on The Selected Online Platforms Platforms in 2016 and 2017." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 28 Feb 2019, /statistics/981356/independent-creators-earning-income-following-platforms-usa/
Re:Create, Number of independent creators from the United States earning income on the selected online platforms platforms in 2016 and 2017 ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/981356/independent-creators-earning-income-following-platforms-usa/ (last visited July 31, 2026)
Number of independent creators from the United States earning income on the selected online platforms platforms in 2016 and 2017 [Graph], Re:Create, February 28, 2019. [Online]. Available: /statistics/981356/independent-creators-earning-income-following-platforms-usa/
