People Don’t Support Creativity, They Support Popularity

An Unfiltered Reality Check for creatives

Intro: The Ugly Truth Nobody Wants to Admit

Let’s keep it a buck — we’re living in a time where talent isn’t enough. You can be the most original, groundbreaking, genius-level creator… and still get ghosted by the world. Meanwhile, someone doing a lazy TikTok dance to the same overplayed song is racking up sponsorship deals.

Popularity Is the Currency, Creativity Is Just Decoration

We like to pretend we celebrate “innovation,” but the truth? People just want to be near whatever everyone else is already looking at.

If art was a high school cafeteria:

• Creativity is the kid sketching insane, vivid worlds in their notebook.

• Popularity is the kid who knows everybody and throws the loudest parties.
  Guess which one gets all the attention? Yeah.

Why This Hurts More Than You Think

When popularity wins, mediocrity becomes the standard. Real innovators get forced to either sell out or fade away.

• Groundbreaking ideas? Ignored until a popular person “discovers” them.

• Original style? Co-opted by brands who slap it on a hoodie and mark it up 300%.

• Deep, layered projects? Skipped for something “viral-friendly.”

The Copycat Economy

Here’s the wild part — a lot of “popular” art is just creativity’s sloppy seconds.

• Trend starts with a small, authentic creator.

• Popular figure bites the style, waters it down, slaps their logo on it.

• The public eats it up and forgets who started it.

The Psychology: FOMO Over Quality

People chase popular work because of FOMO. They’re scared to miss out on the “in” thing, so they ignore anything that isn’t already hyped.
It’s herd mentality in high-definition. We used to have gatekeepers — now the gates are wide open, but people still run to the same pen.

So What Do Real Creators Do?

• Stop Chasing the Herd. Popularity is a moving target, and chasing it just turns you into a clone.

• Find Your 100 Ride-or-Dies. Forget the masses. Build a loyal base that actually cares about what you make.

• Document the Process. People love seeing how the magic happens — it builds connection, even if you’re not “viral.”

• Call Out the Biting. Make it known when originality is stolen. Put receipts on the table.

Closing: Creativity > Clout (Even if Clout Pays More)

The truth is brutal: popularity will probably get you paid faster. But popularity is fickle — it’s a sugar high. Creativity is the slow burn. The work you put in, the originality you bring… that’s what lives beyond the algorithm.

So if you’re a real creator, understand this: you’re playing the long game. You might not be the most popular, but you can be the one who inspires the popular.

And when their trends fade? Your work will still be here.