US Embassy hosts Creators Mela

The US Embassy in Kathmandu concluded its two-day Creator’s Mela on Saturday. This conference was designed to sharpen and develop the skills of Nepali digital creators and influencers, helping them launch and grow their online presence or businesses. The event was themed ‘Build, Brand, and Boost’.

Every session in the program provided information to inspire and transform young people in the context of our rapidly changing digital society. Influential speakers such as Priyanka Karki, Elise Hu, Oshin Sitaula, Shrinkhala Khatiwada, Shanta Nepali, Lemi, and Parakram Rana, among others, were invited to share their insights.

Journalist Hu emphasized the importance of prioritizing the audience over the content itself while Sitaula discussed the Instagram algorithm, the significance of watch time, and her own experiences blogging about food.

Addressing critical remarks, Karki stated, “I try to turn every negative controversial topic into positive points so that it won’t affect my health. But, after all, we are all human beings, and it does affect me at some point.”

Former Miss Nepal Khatiwada expressed her unease about the future of social media. “If you are involved in any type of social platform, you need to be true to yourself, be honest, and have the right intentions. Despite that, if someone judges you badly, that’s beyond your control, so you can voice it and move on,” she commented.

Sizzu, setting an example for young women, stated that everyone must exercise caution and never misuse their newfound freedom. She noted the changes and advances she has witnessed in the places she has traveled, which greatly motivate her. As a solo female traveler, she received the Solo Travel Award 2024.

More than 1,000 content creators attended the event over two days. This year, there were 31 sessions and acts, including 12 main stage sessions and 19 interactive sessions on topics such as podcasting, brand-building, monetization, and mental health. Performances, including fashion shows and music concerts, were also held on the main stage.

Sessions covered various topics, including podcasting, growing social media presence across different platforms, leveraging AI for social media success, visual storytelling, addressing social media regulations, attracting sponsors, Q&A sessions, food vlogging, Instagram stories and reel workshops, comedy writing workshops, travel vlogging, building personal brands, boosting presentation skills, and protecting online businesses.