VidCon 2022 Returns | Featured TikTok Creators, Metaverse Talks
The world’s biggest celebration of online video and digital creators is back and better than ever.
VidCon US 2022 will return to the Anaheim Convention Center in California for the first time since 2019 from June 22nd through June 25th, 2022. In July 2019, the most recent VidCon event celebrated its 10th anniversary, welcoming 75,000 attendees and over 120 brand exhibitors. In 2020, VidCon launched VidCon Now, an ongoing, free digital offering with weekly programming for its global fan base.
VidCon’s international audience is constantly growing as events are planned in Mexico City, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore, adding to its global events in Australia and London. This year’s event is guaranteed to be significantly larger than others, with people attending from all over for the ultimate immersive experience. Content creators, brands, and marketers will have the opportunity to network with YouTube stars, featured guests, and popular brands, plus show off the latest advances in experience marketing. FGPG dives into VidCon US 2022 and what you can expect from this year’s event.
The Growth of VidCon US 2022, & Partnership With YouTube
Just a little over a decade ago, the first Vidcon was held on July 9–11, 2010, in Los Angeles, California, and sold out in advance with a little over 1,400 people attending. The first VidCon was organized by VlogBrother, Hank Green in 2010. At the time, it was hosted at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles, and was attended by over 1,400 people. The only worry that founders and Veteran YouTube creators John and Hank Green had was covering expenses, today Viacom now owns Vidcon and has expanded its live events business from TV programming to next-generation entertainment platforms.
By 2018, VidCon had grown in popularity, and Viacom (owner of Paramount Pictures and Viacom Media Networks) acquired VidCon. Hank Green continues to be involved, along with Jim Louderback, CEO of VidCon. In July 2019, the most recent VidCon event, over 75,000 people attended. However, on August 20, 2021, VidCon announced the cancellation of its 2021 event “due to the recent increases in COVID-19 cases and evolving health and safety mandates”, and scheduled its next event in Anaheim for June 22–25, 2022, opening this week. Vidcon announced their latest sponsors and the stars you can expect to see there at the show. Here are a few noteworthy teasers and a guide for this year’s VidCon 2022.
Event Guide and What to Expect at Vidcon 2022
Sponsors and Stars – TikTok, YouTube, SZA, and the Best Content Creators
When VidCon first debuted in 2010, the event aligned closely with YouTube as its supporter and has been the lead sponsor for the event since 2013. However, this year, TikTok will debut as the new title sponsor for VidCon US 2022, closely associated with and influenced by YouTubers and media influencers. But what does the new sponsorship mean for both sides?
Under the sponsorship agreement, TikTok will present the keynote; bring talent and executives to participate in each of VidCon’s three tracks, and sponsor some expo hall stages.
Bryan Thoensen, head of content partnerships at TikTok, shared, “At TikTok, we’re thrilled to expand upon our partnership with VidCon, where helping creators learn, collaborate, and elevate is at the core of our shared mission”.
Here is an inside look at the first found list of featured content creators confirmed to be attending VidCon US 2022, which consists of several top TikTok Influencers:
Here’s the first-round list of featured creators and stars confirmed to be attending VidCon US 2022 — which includes several TikTok personalities: SZA, Stephen (Twitch) Boss, Rebecca Black, Charli D’Amaelio, MRBEAST, Khaby Lame, Jelly, Smosh, ZHC, Kallmekris, The Odd 1s Out, Tommyinnit, Calle Y Poché, The Merrell Twins, Brittany Broski, Ranboo, Brent Rivera, CaptainPuffy, Rachel Levin, Nia Sioux, Louie Castro, Elle Mills, Anna x Sitar, CelinaSpookyBoo, Krew, Hank Green, John Green, Hyram Yarbro, and many more.
Top Sponsors for VidCon 2022
With a long list of events, workshops, and panels to choose from, you will certainly have a fully booked schedule as you walk the halls of VidCon. There is a full schedule for the four-day convention, each day packed with panels, fireside chats, meet-and-greets, and networking opportunities. Below are just a few out of many top brands who will be attending VidCon US 2022.
Mediatonic
Mediatonic is the game development brand responsible for the massive multiplayer mayhem Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout. The studio joined Epic Games 2021, connecting people together through original game experiences. As a top VidCon Sponsor, some anticipate an immersive experience filled with the latest drops from Mediatonic, as they recently announced their platform is now completely free to everyone.
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Meta
Previously known as Facebook, Meta is on a mission to build the next evolution of digital connection, the Metaverse. The brand is expected to showcase reels and metaverse experiences through parties and panel sessions this year. Prepare for Meta to host five sessions — two of which will feature Dane Glasgow, Meta’s VP of Entertainment, and Jackie Pimentel, the head of creator product marketing, on subjects like the metaverse and creator monetization.
Spotify
The Night of the Music, presented by Spotify, will bring together all creatives, dancers, artists, and musicians for one of the largest shows of the weekend. Join Spotify at the VidCon Arena stage for a celebration for a chance to see SZA and more.
YouTube
YouTube’s mission is to give everyone a platform to voice their talents and their brand to share with the rest of the world. As VidCon embraces online video creators, and video streaming, you can expect to see some exciting showcases by YouTube at the event.
COVID-19 Safety
Initially, October 21, 2021, was the original date for the anticipated return of VidCon. After the 2020 edition of the annual online video, the convention was canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, its organizers hoped that a later-than-usual start date would give VidCon 2021 a chance for success. Therefore, Wendi Ekblade, VidCon’s Director of Security and Operations, set out to make the next event as secure and safe as possible.VidCon organizers are determined to make the Anaheim Convention Center a safe space for all attendees. They have established the usual combination of COVID-19 precautions.
All guests over five will be required to present either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from the past 72 hours. Masks will be “optional but recommended,” and the VidCon website notes that health and safety guidelines “may continue to evolve as the situation develops.”
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