10 SXSW Sessions for Content Creators
February 21, 2025
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Whether you’re a content creator, a marketing executive, or a small business owner, we can all learn something new from the creator economy. And if you’re coming to Austin for SXSW in March, then you’re in luck! There are many sessions that cover all things creator economy.
From AI trends to social media mastery to the science behind viral content, this year’s SXSW sessions related to content creation are as fascinating as the industry itself.
We took a look at the SXSW 2025 schedule and selected the sessions you can’t miss if you’re interested in the creator economy. Here are our picks!
Heywood Hotel’s Picks for Content Creator Sessions at SXSW 2025
1. The Past, Present and Weird Future of the Creator Economy
Date: Mar 8, 2025, 10:00am – 11:00am CT
Influencers and creators have gone from experiments to required elements of any media and marketing mix. But the creator economy is evolving and changing in new and exciting ways. Former MCN and VidCon CEO Jim Louderback shares the top ways the creator economy is changing, the new trends that will shape the creator economy in 2025 and beyond, and the changing nature of creators and influence.
Session Details Here
2. Beyond the Buzz: Mastering Creator Economy Trends in 2025
Date: Mar 9, 2025, 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
From the TikTok ban to AI, there is no shortage of headlines to rattle creators. This analyst and reporter-led session will help creators cut through the noise and offer data-driven strategies to take advantage of new trends in influencer marketing and the investment landscape.
Session Details Here
3. Safe Prompting: Emerging Gen AI Best Practices for Creatives
Date: Mar 10, 2025, 10:00am – 11:00am CT
This session will offer an overview into emerging AI responsibility measures for creatives looking to generative AI tools to supercharge creativity and productivity. Panelists will discuss best practices for using generative AI to create new content and for building their audiences and businesses online. They’ll also dive into behind the scenes efforts on safeguards across platforms and share tips on how to use the tools responsibly (for example, when prompting, writing disclosures, and checking for accuracy) to build trustworthy content and keep audiences engaged.
Session Details Here
4. The Science of Virality: How Analytics Drive Dynamic Content
Date: Mar 8, 2025, 2:30pm – 3:30pm CT
Virality: it’s what every creator and brand longs for. But contrary to popular belief, it’s not about luck. It all comes down to analytics. There’s a science to driving engagement and producing eye-catching content.
Drawing from The Rapping Chef’s own experience as a successful creator, learn how elements like drop off rates, trending sounds, even color palettes impact engagement, and how creators can leverage analytics without sacrificing authenticity. In this session, hear from those who have mastered the art of virality while maintaining creative integrity and their unique brand voice.
Session Details Here
5. Keys to Success: Growing a Creative Enterprise
Date: Mar 9, 2025, 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
Calling all web content creators and creative entrepreneurs: Has learning about intellectual property and business strategy become your side-gig? In 60 minutes, learn how to responsibly share your distinctive vision, identify and protect your intellectual property, and recognize trustworthy federal and network resources that can provide support, guidance, and potential funding along the way. The expert panel will share tips to help you build your next impactful, creative achievement on a strong foundation.
Session details here
6. Social Media Masterclass with Ex-YouTube & Instagram Insider
Date: Mar 11, 2025, 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
In this session, you’ll learn how to find better ideas for your social posts from Jon Youshaei who worked inside Instagram and YouTube for 8 years. Jon used this process to grow his audience to 1M+ followers while being featured in TIME, Fast Company, and Inc magazine for “cracking the code on how to go viral.” No more running out of ideas. No more waiting for inspiration. Whether you’re trying to grow on Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, or X, this talk outlines a repeatable process to grow your audience — and become a respected voice in your niche.
Session details here
7. Overheard Austin: From Eavesdropping to Empire
Date: Mar 7, 2025, 2:30pm – 3:30pm CT
Justyna Gawlik of Overheard will discuss the evolution of one of the most fun and popular brands and how it is creating digital content that captivates audiences and mobilizes its community IRL. This session delves into how Overheard transitioned from a brand built on eavesdropping into a major force for IP with new shows and experiences. Attendees will gain insights into its strategies for building community, creating viral content, and extending IP across diverse platforms. Creators will discover new ways to foster their own communities, collaborate, and develop lasting content franchises.
Session details here
8. Keynote: The Future of Social with Jay Graber, Bluesky CEO
Date: Mar 10, 2025, 1:00pm – 2:00pm CT
Every few years, we scramble to set up new accounts on another platform just to rebuild our audiences or keep in touch with our friends online. Private platforms have locked users in for too long, contributing to a lack of innovation and competition in social media. Bluesky, an open network surging in popularity, aims to fundamentally change this and return choice to users. Join Jay Graber, Bluesky’s CEO, for a conversation on how we can take control over our experience online.
Session details here
9. Creators for Mental Health: Building Wellness in the Digital Age
Date: Mar 11, 2025, 4:00pm – 5:00pm CT
As creators shape culture in the digital world, they often face unique mental health challenges due to the pressures of content creation, constant online presence, and audience expectations. This panel brings together thought leaders and creators to discuss mental health solutions tailored for the creator economy.
Join Emmy nominated host and creator Shira Lazar (What’s Trending and and Creators 4 Mental Health powered by Peace Inside Live), Kati Morton (licensed therapist and mental health advocate), and viral beauty creator Golloria George as they explore actionable strategies, community-driven wellness practices, and systemic changes needed to support creators’ mental well-being.
Session details here
10. Elevate Your Content: Impact with Visuals
Date: Mar 11, 2025, 2:30pm – 4:30pm CT
Learn how to graduate your lighting, audio, and video techniques from mobile content to create high-quality long-form videos. This workshop session covers three-point lighting setups, optimal microphone use, and camera settings for professional footage. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises to integrate these elements. Walk away with the confidence to produce your own music videos, brand partner-quality content, video podcasts, and more. This workshop provides practical tips, demonstrations, and Q&A for enhancing video quality.
Session details here
Note: Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. Keep an eye on sxsw.com for updates to the RSVP process in late February.
Stay Near SXSW 2025 Venues
Want to stay near the conference? East Austin is the perfect neighborhood to stay in during SXSW. While much of the action takes place in Downtown Austin, the downtown scene can be a bit hectic and overwhelming. Choose the Eastside for a convenient, walkable location, that is calmer at night.
The Heywood Hotel is a MICHELIN-rated boutique hotel located in East Austin. We have the perfect hotel location for SXSW. We’re just one mile away from the Austin Convention Center, where most sessions take place, and within walking or biking distance to more than 100 venues like Stubb’s, Mohawk, Scoot Inn, Hotel Vegas at Volstead, Waterloo Park, Low Down Lounge, Lucky’s Brick Bar and more.
What makes the Heywood Hotel the best hotel for SXSW?
With just seven rooms and a serene environment, the Heywood Hotel offers unparalleled comfort. Here you’ll find luxury beds, personalized service, and a cozy atmosphere. Even better—we’re walkable to most SXSW 2025 venues. After long, action-packed days spent on your feet, you’ll want a quiet spot to recharge. Our intimate and stylish hotel is the perfect place to retreat and get a good, quiet night’s sleep.