New York’s prestigious Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, has unveiled an expanded 2025 Creator Economy programming lineup, spotlighting digital storytellers redefining how stories are told and shared.
Tribeca’s Creator Economy vertical, in partnership with Whalar Group, is now in its second year and serves as a dedicated platform for creators.
This year, Tribeca – which launches on June 4 – is introducing UP NEXT Creators, a programme that celebrates 12 leading content creators from across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The 12 include Ari at Home, Christina Young, Coco Mocoe, Danny Cortez, Eric Jeng, Lauren W, Patrick Hicks, Public Opinion, Spencer Lackey, Stef Dag and Walker Ward. According to organisers, these standout talents “are reimagining storytelling through miniature artistry, analog horror, sidewalk interviews, redefined HERstory, street beats, and more”. For the first time at a major film festival, creators will be given a full-scale premiere on the big screen with a live audience—alongside filmmakers, artists, and cultural icons.
“The UP NEXT Creators programme is our way of recognising the incredible innovation happening in the creator economy,” said Jarod Neece, senior programmer at Tribeca Festival (pictured). “These creators are pioneering new forms of cultural storytelling, and just like filmmakers and artists, they deserve a spotlight.”
Also part of this year’s Creator Economy programming is a live conversation with Tinx, host of It’s Me, on SiriusXM. Tinx—born Christina Najjar—is a cultural commentator and digital creator known for her wit, empathy, and viral mini-mic advice. From her satirical ‘Rich Mom’ content to candid takes on dating, lifestyle, and pop culture, she’s built a loyal following by saying what others are thinking.
The Tinx event is presented in partnership with Whalar, whose co-CEO and co-founder Neil Waller said: “At Whalar Group, we’ve long understood that creators are not just a trend, they are the architects of modern media and the future of entertainment. As legacy media companies invest in creator-led content and see returns, it’s clear the model doesn’t just work – it leads. That’s why partnering with Tribeca is such a pivotal moment. Together, we’re bridging the gap between emerging creative voices and the broader entertainment industry, accelerating a future where Creators are recognised as central to the cultural conversation.”
The Tribeca Festival was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 to spur the economic and cultural revitalisation of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center. The annual Tribeca Festival will celebrate its 24th year from June 4–15, 2025 in New York City.
