VidSummit 2025 Review

2025 marks the year I got to go to my first VidSummit, and now for those who may not be aware. I am a creator of all kinds, and when I tell people what I do its always: Writer then YouTuber, then Podcaster. However this is the first time I really felt like I was surrounded by people like me.

There were bits of that at Podcast Movement, and at the Creator Area in NABshow. However the whole event, from top to bottom, it really felt like a place for creators to be. Not to mention creators came from around the world, like Nick Nimmin who flew from Asia, and Greg Preece from across the pond.

It was truly THE PLACE to be, and while I absolutely tried. I do not think I got the full experience. I should have tried to go to the VIP events, and I mention that in my overview video. However I instead wanted to do meetups, karaoke, and some of the other overlapping events.

What is VidSummit?

It is the DeFacto YouTuber conference, and while not affiliated with YouTube directly. This felt like what a true YouTube creator event would be like, and where Vidcon is a place for Fans and Creators. VidSummit is for Creators and Creators.

Overall my impression was great, and there were a lot of interesting companies that made up the galley of attending booths. From the magnificent OpusClip, who were kind enough to ship me out there, which is the Content Repurposing tool to transform your long form into short form content.

Other companies included Firecut, Cookie Finance, SkullCandy, Uscreen, Eufymake, Anker, Adobe, and many more!

It is also the place for MEETUPS, and while Podcast Movement had their "braindates". I think the Meetup style is a lot more natural, as it lead to some really interesting things. For example there was a simple meetup in the lobby of the Westin, which is right next door to the event center. There ended up only being 40-50 RSVP seats for the meetup, and yet people/creators kept coming in like revolving doors all night. As many of the speakers were staying at that hotel, and so you get a chance to say hi. If they have energy they'll chat too.

Why should you go?

While Channel Jumpstart would be the reason a think a lot of NEW creators will go. If you don't have a Sponsor, jumpstart ticket, or are volunteering; Then it could be a lot harder to sell you on whether or not you should go.

The conference is one the more expensive in the creator world, but I'd also argue the value and ROI is more powerful than the other conferences in similar stature.

The networking is second to none, and while there could have probably been more big creators that should show up. I think that being able to see one of my YT heroes, LinusTechTips, speak on stage was a really awesome thing to experience. Plus if you miss panels, and you have a ticket. Then you get access to the replays, which is something I'm going to be taking advantage of now.

There were a few companies I connected with that I hope to now be working with more, and I got to meet some really cool creators like CodeMiko and Chris Do.

How does it work?

Just as with every conference you get a badge, show up, meet people, and go to various booths and presentations.

However unlike regular business or medical conferences, these type of Creator focused conferences have a different feel. A different vibe if you will, and that liveliness changes how you experience the event.

When you go to a creator focused event it is like a catalyst for ideas, collaborations (I'm planning on doing a ton of creator interviews now).

I should also mention the Whova app, which is the conferencing app that tracks agenda/meetups/keynotes, people you meet (although no one knew about the QR codes), and updates/news to the event!

What did I think of the event?

I was enamored with everything about it. From the people that showed up, which some creators that normally do didn't get to attend, so I'm eager to see what next year's is like too!

To the quality or caliber of the people presenting the keynotes and panels. There was a lot of top tier talent on stage. They really went all out on the fashion show, and tried to bring people together with after-party events.

Now my one gripe is that they had too many overlapping events. Not so much in the way of presentations, but after-parties. I did not like having to choose between the public event and the private parties. Especially considering I think most people went to the latter. Despite the "VIP" or "private" monikers used. The first night I literally walked into a private party, and while I'm not sure if it will be the same next year. I wanted to mention this.

When I went to podcast movement, there was only a couple private events, and those were smaller affairs like the Spotify party. Which I wondered if I could've gotten into after all. However when there was a huge end of the event party, it was clear that it was the place to be, and there was no confusion on which to go to.

I also wonder if the layout of booths was a bit off, as there was a hallway on the 3rd floor that split off, but a lot of people didn't realize they could go that way. Making some valuable booths like Firecut or Hollyland sort of hidden away.

Also the Whova app was extremely under-utilized. Coming from Podmove where everyone had their QR codes printed on their badges, it felt a little underwhelming when I'd bring up an event on the app. Then the person had no idea about the event, let alone how to even FIND the meetups or agenda, and had no idea about the QR code connections. I ended up defaulting to my Dot Card QR code most of the time, maybe I should have printed that and taped it to my badge.

As a whole there needed to be a bit more cohesion. Even one of the signs that had a QR code lead to the wrong page on the Vidsummit website, and when I told the staff they said they "fixed" it. Then I tried it again and nothing had changed.

While I think it was the best conference I've been to, and it isn't rose colored glasses saying that. It is a matter of cohesiveness that could be fixed I think relatively more simple. The lack of communication when events got delayed, and the changing of panel times somewhat randomly was frustrating. Although Vidsummit TV makes up for it, as I can just watch them replayed.

What do I expect out of the next one?

Out of all six events I have had the privilege to go to, this is the one I think I enjoyed the most. It felt the most like I was surrounded by peers. It didn't matter if the person was a huge youtuber or streamer, or not. They were all in the mindset of being a creator, talking shop, and even collaborating.

I want the meetups to take a more of a center stage. The whova app does a terrible job at showing the meetup list. You have to go into the agenda tab, then click one banner, and that is the only place that showcases them. Yet that is where MOST of the networking takes place. There should be more designated areas for meetups, and they should be encouraged more by the Vidsummit team. Especially to try and organize them AROUND panels and afterparty events.

I have a lot of hope and excitement for next years event, and I'm hoping to make it!