I was watching a recent episode of Game Changer when Sam Reich, the host of Dropout’s hit game show, said something that stopped me in my tracks.
He was explaining Dropout’s strategy to the players—who were roleplaying as “producers”—and it was refreshingly simple:
- Make great content.
- Cut it into shorts for social media.
- Those shorts bring in new paying subscribers.
That’s it.
No complex marketing funnels. No secret algorithm hacks. Just a clear, repeatable system that grows the business.
And the best part? You don’t need Dropout’s budget or team to start using this strategy yourself.
Step 1: Create Your Core Content
Pick one format that you enjoy and can produce consistently. This could be:
- A weekly YouTube video
- A podcast episode
- A live D&D session
- A blog post or newsletter
Your core content is the “engine” of your creator business. Don’t worry about making it perfect—focus on making it valuable or entertaining to the exact type of people you want to reach.
Step 2: Turn It Into Shorts
Once you have a piece of long-form content, don’t let it sit there. Break it apart into short, snackable moments:
- A funny 30-second moment from your D&D session
- A quick tip from your YouTube tutorial
- A hot take from your podcast discussion
These clips become your social media fuel. TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts are all about quick hits that hook new viewers—and you already have the raw material.
Step 3: Shorts Bring People to Your World
This is the part most new creators miss. Shorts aren’t just “extra content”—they are trailers for your main content.
When someone laughs at your clip or learns something in 30 seconds, their next thought is: “What else do they have?” That curiosity leads them to your YouTube channel, podcast, or blog—where they can become a real fan, subscriber, or even paying customer.
Dropout’s growth didn’t come from chasing every trend. It came from a focused system: make the best stuff you can, clip it smartly, and let social media work as your discovery engine.
If you’re a new creator, start with this. Pick one core format, make something you love, and clip it. Simple systems scale.
Does this resonate with you? Let me know what you're building in the comments below!