1 Billion Followers Summit kicks off with 3,000 content creators and 195 speakers

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the highly anticipated second edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2024 kicks off on Wednesday, 10th January 2024.

Hosted at the Museum of the Future and Emirates Towers in Dubai, this global gathering for digital content creators on social media will attract 7,000 participants, including 3,000 influencers and content creators from around the world, accompanied by 100 CEOs.

With an expansive following exceeding 1.6 Billion, the opening at the "Creators Arena" in Emirates Towers will see the presence of distinguished government officials and international influencers, marking a significant moment in the world of digital content creation.

The two-day summit will be home to 100 activities and 24 panel discussions, hosting 195 speakers from 95 countries. These speakers, world-leading social media pioneers, will discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the creative industries, digital media, investment, finance, and business.

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, scheduled for 10th-11th January, 2024, has unveiled an impressive lineup of keynote and talk speakers. Visionaries such as Tom Bilyeu, Vishen Lakhiani, Yusuf Omar, Germán Garmendia, and Ahmad Aburob will take centre stage, delivering over 15 keynotes during the two-day summit.

These world-renowned thought leaders in their respective industries will share invaluable insights and inspiration around four dynamic tracks: ‘Get Paid,’ ‘Get Ahead,’ ‘Get Creative,’ and ‘Get Together,’ engaging with the 7,000 attendees, including 3,000 content creators.

The summit, organised by New Media Academy and hosted at the iconic Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future, constitutes a global gathering for innovative visionaries, digital content creators, and enthusiasts, and takes participants on a unique journey into the world of content creation.

Over the course of two days, attendees engage in more than 100 events to explore the insights and skills of 195 speakers, including celebrities from the content industry, experts, and CEOs who have attracted millions of followers worldwide.

On Day 1 at the Creators Arena Stage, the summit will feature the keynote “You’re Not Ready for the Future of Viral Content” where renowned war journalist Yusuf Omar will provide a unique perspective on delivering meaningful real-time content to the masses, and offer a glimpse into the future of content creation.

Attracting over 7 million subscribers and more than a billion yearly views under his Seen.tv brand, Yusuf’s insights are set to enlighten attendees with invaluable knowledge to take their content to the next level.

Shifting to the Museum of the Future (MOTF) Stage, Ahmad Aburob, one of the biggest YouTubers in the Middle East with 14+ million followers, will explore design tips & tricks for creating attention-grabbing thumbnails during his “The Secret Power of Thumbnails” talk. From the strategies favoured by YouTube stars like Mr Beast to the nuances of irresistible clickability, this session promises to boost views for all aspiring creators.

Meanwhile, Jack Appleby, world-famous social media marketer and creator of Future Social, a newsletter teaching 60,000+ marketers about social media, will provide detailed methods for honing in on your niche as a creator, identifying an audience, and optimising your content plan for a specific group of followers in his talk “Niche Down or Go Broke”.

Another keynote, “Why Dubai?”, with Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, delves into the city’s appeal and opportunities for businesses and content creators. This discussion will hone in on real developments within the Emirate that are making Dubai a more attractive place for digital companies and content creators to live in, produce in, and succeed in.

The summit also features government-focused talks. “Maximising Government Engagement Through Social Media Era” with Khadija Hussain, Executive Director of Government Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, explores government strategies in the age of social media. The talk also spotlights how the UAE harnesses social media, the creator economy, and creative industries.

On Day 2 at the Creators Arena Stage, Vishen Lakhiani, Founder and CEO of Mindvalley, will take the spotlight with “Turning 3 Million Followers into $10 Million!” Lakhiani unravels the strategies behind transforming a substantial online following into a lucrative revenue stream, offering hands-on knowledge to convert influence into significant financial success.

Co-founder of Quest Nutrition and host of Impact Theory, Tom Bilyeu is set to take the stage to inspire attendees in his talk “Your Mind Makes the Content - Look After It.” Bilyeu will share his insights on creating a winning mindset that is not only built for success, but sustainability too, exploring how personal disciplines can shape the entire spectrum of work, from ideation to monetisation.

Ryan Hashemi, the man behind Jubilee Media and some of the most viral formats online, will share insights during the “How to drive $50M in business with YouTube” talk, empowering creators with the skills to tap into the financial potential of long-form videos and creating a channel that not only resonates with viewers but pays the bills too.

Germán Garmendia, the most renowned YouTuber in the Spanish-speaking world, boasting 121 million followers, will enthral attendees during his “Why I Reset My 45 Million Channel” talk, sharing his motivations behind why he decided to reset his hugely successful Youtube channel and the journey of rebuilding his social empire from scratch.

WAM