digital creators

India's booming creator economy is set to be celebrated at the Times Entertainment Power Creator Awards 2026, scheduled for August 21 in Mumbai. Nominations are now open across over 25 categories, recognizing digital content creators shaping trends. Winners will be chosen through public votes and a distinguished jury, highlighting the growing influence of online talent. Read on to know more in detail.

Side hustles in 2026 are evolving beyond extra income, focusing on digital opportunities driven by AI and lean online businesses. In-demand skills now include AI automation setup for small businesses, UGC creation, short-form video editing, selling specialized digital assets, and niche freelance consulting, reflecting a shift towards solving business problems and integrating with modern workflows.

Google unveiled "Ask YouTube" at I/O 2026, a new AI feature allowing conversational searches within the platform for video content. Gemini Omni also enhances YouTube Shorts Remix and the Create app, enabling AI-powered video alterations with creator controls and attribution. These updates aim to improve content discovery and AI-driven video creation.

Zohran Mamdani has launched a new Twitch livestream series called “Talk with the People” to answer New Yorkers’ questions live. The stream will also air on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Bluesky, but Twitch remains the main hub for viewer interaction. Mamdani said the goal is to connect City Hall directly with younger audiences who feel ignored by traditional politics and media platforms.

International policy expert Sandeep Waslekar stated that cultural societies prevent civilizational clashes, emphasizing India's "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" philosophy. He urged reducing foreign dependence and strengthening indigenous capabilities, noting India's steady move towards self-reliance. The event also highlighted India's strengthened defense preparedness and culture of coexistence.

Telugu actor and digital creator K Bharat Kanth tragically died in a road accident near Hyderabad. The 31-year-old, known for his social media presence and roles in films like ‘Gramam’, lost his life when his vehicle collided with a container lorry on the Outer Ring Road. His untimely passing has deeply saddened fans and the entertainment fraternity.

Speculation is rife as a picture of Bhuvan Bam with veteran actor Rajpal Yadav has surfaced, hinting at a possible collaboration for the highly anticipated 'Dhindora' Season 2. While makers remain tight-lipped, fans are excited about the potential addition of Yadav's renowned comic timing to the successful digital series, which is reportedly being planned on a grander scale.

India is leading in AI-generated visuals. Users have created over a billion images with ChatGPT Images 2.0. Popular trends include 'Mini Me' avatars, anime edits, and social media collages. The tool's simplicity and improved multilingual text rendering are driving its widespread adoption.

The landline phones are back in trend with a modern makeover

Delhi Police is now using popular internet slang to promote cybersecurity. The force adopted the viral phrase 'Clock It' for a new campaign. This aims to encourage social media users to be more vigilant online. The initiative highlights essential safety tips like password protection and scam awareness. This approach connects with younger audiences through familiar online trends.

Canon has launched the EOS R6 V camera and RF 20-50 F4L IS USM lens in India, targeting video creators with a "future-ready" ecosystem. The camera boasts a 32.5MP full-frame sensor with 7K Open Gate recording and a built-in cooling fan for extended use. The new lens features Canon's first professional Power Zoom for smooth cinematic transitions.

Canon is redefining AI in imaging by embedding it into hardware to enhance, not replace, human creativity. Their new EOS R6V camera and RF 20-50mm Power Zoom lens are designed for hybrid workflows, offering features like native vertical shooting and advanced thermal management. This approach prioritizes capturing user intent and real-world moments with precision.

Chinese officials have sentenced Tibetan webmaster Bhumpa Gyal to seven years in prison, branding him as engaged in 'illegal activities,' as reported by the Central Tibetan Administration. Gyal's dedication to enhancing digital literacy and safeguarding Tibetan heritage through his independent online platforms has been perceived as a challenge by the authorities.

Gen Z is increasingly building their career logic within social media, trusting creators over traditional advisors. This shift leads to rapid, often irreversible decisions like industry changes and job quits, despite a high admission of following misleading advice. The algorithm's speed and comparative nature create urgency, blurring the lines between content and opportunity.