As the possibility to earn on social media surges, experts are encouraging content creators to take a leap of faith in expressing their talents and interests across the different platforms.

This was a topic of discussion on the second day of Island Music Conference (IMC) 2025 at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston during a panel discussion featuring DJ Maz Glazer, podcaster Jhaedee “Jaii Frais” Richards, recording artiste and influencer Lavbbe, cybersecurity risk consultant and author Byron Aris, and Rhys Campbell of the Flow Foundation.

The panel, dubbed ‘New Media/New Lifeline’ was moderated by Max Glazer.

“If an idea comes to you and you don’t act on it, someone else is going to take that idea, because ideas travel to everyone. Even if it’s silly for a second, creativity is unlimited [and] creation doesn’t have a limit, to be fair — especially now with social media… Be unapologetically yourself,” Lavbbe said.

The singer, who moved to the UK from Romania at 15 years old, is popular online for her dance videos and other eye-catching content. She collaborated with Shaggy, chairman of IMC, on the track Move.

Meanwhile, Jaii Frais, who hosts the Toxic Talk and Let’s Be Honest podcasts, highlighted the importance of putting out original content based on each person’s interests.

“Do whatever you feel people would like. Everybody has so many different aspects to their lives that you wouldn’t even know about. Like me, I love landscaping; everyday I think about grass and all I do is stay in my garden and try [to] get my grass super green. So, just put out things [that] you think people might like,” he said on Thursday.

The discussion panel also considered the earning potential of various types of content.

Content creators locally and internationally can earn in various ways, such as sponsored content, subscription services, consulting or coaching, speaking or hosting engagements, and more.

Jaii Frais also encouraged creatives to maximise on the platforms and the earning power, but also to invest in sustainable ventures.

“Get products,” he charged, “If you’re making content that talks about your life and decide to take a break for one month, you might not earn. However, if you had a product that’s bringing you residual income, you can actually take a break [when you need to] because it can be overwhelming,” he said.

The conference resumes today and will feature British singer songwriter Emeli Sandè, dancehall artiste Jahshii, recording artiste Zac Jone$, Gussie Clarke of Anchor Recording, Ashley Thomas and Shawn Thwaites of the Recording Academy, and many more.