Today's Edition
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
As part of its May events, the Creators HQ organised a workshop led by content creator Omar Farooq to share insights drawn from his personal journey in content creation.
The session titled “Omar Farooq’s untold secrets to success” by Creators HQ, the first dedicated space for influencers in the UAE and the Middle East, was attended by 100 participants.
During the workshop, Farooq offered practical advice on building a successful career in digital media.
He outlined key strategies that helped him overcome industry challenges and presented a list of 10 tips aimed at guiding aspiring content creators toward long-term success and sustainability.
18 million followers
Omar Farooq opened the workshop by recounting his early beginnings, starting with filming short movies before launching his popular video series “Omar Tries”, which gained significant traction.
By 2017, his YouTube channel had surpassed 2 million subscribers, marking the start of his professional journey in social media and establishing him as a prominent figure in the digital space.
Today, Farooq is recognised as one of the most-watched influencers in the region, boasting a following of over 18 million across various social media platforms.
Through his content, he shares his passion for travel, adventure, cinema, the arts, and fashion. His videos frequently appear on trending lists across the Gulf, reflecting his strong connection with audiences and continued relevance in the digital media landscape.
“Start where others ended,” Farooq said.
“It is important to work smart as social media requires adaptability, humility, and the ability to navigate varying circumstances.”
His second tip was to avoid confrontation to protect your future.
“Short-term gains can come from controversy, but in the long term, you may lose audience trust and loyalty,” he added.
Farooq’s third piece of advice focused on brand partnerships.
“A loyal sponsor is a valuable sponsor. Creators should maintain strong relationships with a loyal sponsor who believed in you from the beginning, even during difficult times,” he said.
The fourth tip was a call to creators to focus their energy on creativity rather than getting bogged down by logistics.
Farooq advised having a trusted partner to handle administrative tasks, enabling creators to fully focus on their content.
“Save your energy into creativity, not management.”
“Criticism should not break you. Don’t let a small percentage of negative feedback derail your momentum or focus,” Farooq added.
“Don’t repeat yourself, or you’ll burn out. We are living in a fast-paced world of digital media, creators must constantly evolve and bring fresh ideas to stay relevant.”
Investing opportunities
Farooq advised content creators to change their direction at the right time.
“It is important to recognize when to pivot creatively and understand how that shift will resonate with an existing audience,” he said.
Farooq urged creators to carefully control what they show to the public and warned against compromising their values or principles for popularity, reminding attendees that creators should lead their content, not be led by numbers.
“Don’t be fooled by metrics. Stay true to your voice.”
He calls upon beginners in content creation to be the action, not the reaction, saying that much of the content online is reactive, while genuine originality stands out and endures.
"Opportunities are everywhere. Recognise potential in your surroundings. We live in a land of opportunities,” he said. “But the real question is, are you ready? Luck is simply when opportunity meets preparation.”
