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Vidcon 2026one of the premier conferences for online content creators and their fans, is taking place this week in Anaheim, California. This global event, which includes hundreds of sessions, workshops and strategy sessions, kicks off on Thursday, June 25, and concludes on Saturday, June 27.
Over the past few years, the creator economy has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. The conference unites creators, vloggers, gamers and executives across an expanding digital ecosystem, representing platforms like YouTube, Twitch, TikTok and Discord.
This year in particular, many creatives have crossed over into the mainstream, thanks in part to films like Back rooms (Ken Parsons) and Obsession (Carrie Parker). Shows like Hot Ones, which over the past decade has transformed from a low-budget YouTube experiment into a 30-season cultural program, have late-night show hosts wonder If the traditional form of celebrity interview is outdated.
However, as the attention economy shifts from a handful of mega-stars to a massive network of brands and companies, creatives now face challenges posed by… artificial intelligence. Major events like VidCon can celebrate creators’ victories and expand fanbases while also helping influencers develop strategies to stand out in an evolving industry amid the risks of AI.
What is Vidcon?
John and Hank Green, YouTubers and VidCon creators, speak at the Anaheim Convention Center in July 2015.
Founded in 2010 by YouTube creators John and Hank Green (Vlogbrothers), VidCon had humble beginnings as a small grassroots gathering. It has since grown into a major industry summit attracting between 50,000 and 75,000 participants.
Crystal Bell is digital culture editor at Mashable Who is covering the event?VidCon has “evolved significantly” over the years, he told CNET. (CNET and Mashable are owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)
“What started as a fan-focused gathering centered around YouTube creators has evolved into a much broader economic event for content creators, with dedicated tracks and programming for fans, creators, brands, marketers, executives and other industry professionals,” Bell said.
Bell said VidCon’s programming reflects “the coming-of-age story of the creator economy.” The focus is no longer just on creating new content, but on expanding existing creativity-based businesses.
The agreement includes three distinct tracks. The fan track focuses on more interactive events and IRL meetups. The Creator track is geared toward influential people who communicate and strategize, and the Industry track is for media and business executives.
Who will appear at VidCon 2026?
Rachel Pizzolatto, a social media personality, model and scientist who appeared on the show MythBusters Jr., attends VidCon 2024 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Thursday at 6pm PT, 2026 Hall of Fame It is open to all attendees and will include honorees such as directors MarkiplierPhilip DiFranco, Michelle Phan, and Blogilates founder Cassie Ho.
The show also features appearances from dozens of creators, including fans Meet and greet with Dancing Weatherman Nick Koosier And the recently unveiled Minecrafter com.aCookieGod.
Representatives from CNET Groupwhich includes CNET, Mashable, PCMag, Znet And others will be present this year. It’s an opportunity for people interested in this field to come together, said Tara Brown, marketing director at CNET.
Lindsey Turrentineexecutive vice president of content for CNET Group, will speak at a Session on Friday, June 26Titled “The Trust Gap: Why Expertise Wins in the Age of Infinite Content.” Plate also included Carl Stewart (Senior Vice President of Marketing at IGN Entertainment) Jennifer Keefer (Senior Director of Market Strategy and Insights at CNET Group) and Nick Woolney (Editorial Director of Branded Content at CNET Group).
The discussion will address how creators can succeed in an AI-saturated content landscape, and how true trust and monetization are driven by proven experience and trusted knowledge rather than forced authenticity.
“The key for human creators is to draw on the human part, but always with specialized knowledge and direct experience,” Turrentine said. “Journalists, scientists, chefs, and anyone who studies hard have the raw materials. Be yourself, know your stuff. It should be both.”
Mashable will be too Host a mentoring session To teach content creators how to elevate their communication strategy, craft compelling brand stories, and build press relationships. The event, titled “Pitch Please: Mistakes Creative People Make in Their Presentations and How to Fix Them,” will take place on Saturday, June 27 at 10:30 a.m. PT.
Will any tools be demonstrated at the conference?
Whether you’re creative or just love playing with games, there are a number of things Exhibitors From video production company Blackmagic Design to Bandai. CNET’s Brown says Elgato’s handheld microphones and broadcast gear have been featured at previous years’ events.
Is VidCon free, and is it open to fans?
VidCon is an event for paying attendees, with tickets available in the Fan Pass (VidCon Pass), Creator Pass (Creator Pass), and Industry Pass (Pro Pass). Single-day tickets start at $109.
What else can you do at VidCon?
The conference will also host a sold-out GorillaCon, “the first-ever official live event celebrating the world’s largest virtual reality game, Gorilla Tag.” Gorilla Tag is a virtual reality chat room featuring arm-based movement mechanics. When I asked my 13 year old son what he thought of the game, he said it was Recreation roomjust “more boring.”
