GoKawiilVidCon 2026, one of the premier conventions for online content creators and their fans, is happening this week in Anaheim, California. The global event, which includes hundreds of panels, workshops and strategy sessions, kicks off on Thursday, June 25, and concludes on Saturday, June 27.
Over the last several years, the creator economy has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry. The convention unites creators, vloggers, gamers and executives across an expanding digital ecosystem, representing platforms like YouTube, Twitch, TikTok and Discord.
This year in particular, several creators have crossed over into the mainstream, thanks in part to movies like Backrooms (Kane Parsons) and Obsession (Curry Barker). Shows such as Hot Ones, which over the last decade transformed from a low-budget YouTube experiment into a cultural fixture with 30 seasons, have led late-night show hosts to question if the traditional celebrity interview format is obsolete.
Yet as the attention economy has shifted from a handful of megastars to an immense network of brands and companies, creators now face challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Flagship events like VidCon can celebrate creators' wins and expand fandom while also helping influencers develop strategies to stand out in an evolving industry amid AI risks.
What is VidCon?
John and Hank Green, YouTubers and creators of VidCon, speak at the Anaheim Convention Center in July 2015. FilmMagic/Contributor/Getty Images
VidCon, founded in 2010 by YouTube creators John and Hank Green (Vlogbrothers), had humble beginnings as a small grassroots gathering. It has since grown into a major industry summit drawing anywhere from 50,000 to 75,000 attendees.
Crystal Bell, Mashable's digital culture editor who is covering the event, told CNET that VidCon has "evolved significantly" over the years. (CNET and Mashable are owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)
"What began as a fan-focused gathering centered on YouTube creators has grown into a much broader creator economy event, with dedicated tracks and programming for fans, creators, brands, marketers, executives and other industry professionals," Bell said.
Bell said VidCon's programming reflects "the creator economy's coming-of-age story." The focus is no longer solely about generating new content, but on scaling up creative-based businesses.
... continue reading