How to Handle Drama as a Content Creator: A Guide to Staying Focused on Your Goals

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As a content creator, drama is inevitable. Whether you’re on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, or any other platform, at some point, you’ll likely face some tension or conflict. In this post, I want to share my experience with drama on the internet and how you can handle it while staying focused on your main goal—growing your business and making money.

Facing Drama as a Content Creator

In the past 17 hours, I’ve been dealing with drama involving another content creator. It all started when I shared a video using a method I teach called the Piggybacking Method. This method involves taking the first 5–7 seconds of a trending video and adding your own spin to it. One of the creators I piggybacked on felt a certain way about it, and she made her feelings public.

What followed was a back-and-forth exchange between us, which quickly escalated into her community commenting on my posts and vice versa. It’s a situation that, if not handled well, can spiral out of control.

Drama Is Inevitable—How to Handle It

If you create content consistently, you’re bound to run into some drama eventually. Whether the drama is justified or not, it’s essential to be prepared. Here are a few tips on how to deal with online conflict as a content creator:

  1. Stay True to Your Message
    As long as you believe in what you’re doing and aren’t attacking or hurting anyone, stand firm. Not everyone will agree with you, and that’s okay.
  2. Develop Thick Skin
    The internet can be a tough place. If you’re easily upset by negative comments or opposing views, you’ll spend more time battling online than building your brand. Learn to let things roll off your back.
  3. Choose How You Respond
    When drama arises, you have a choice: Rise above it, fight back, or take the middle ground. The famous quote by Michelle Obama, “When they go low, you go high,” is an excellent reminder to keep things professional. Sometimes, rising above the conflict will benefit your long-term reputation.
  4. Consider the Impact on Your Brand
    Before engaging in drama, think about how this might look to your audience. Will it hurt your credibility? Will potential collaborators or followers view you differently? Your actions in moments of conflict can shape how others perceive you.
  5. Don’t Try to Change People’s Minds
    Engaging in a back-and-forth online battle won’t change anyone’s opinion. People come to the internet with their beliefs, and it usually takes more than an argument on social media to shift those beliefs. Instead, focus on your content and your mission.

Drama Can Be Distracting—Stay Focused

It’s easy to get caught up in the emotions of online drama, especially when it feels personal. But here’s the reality: spending time arguing with someone online takes away valuable time you could use to work toward your business goals. Ask yourself, “Is this worth taking me away from my mission?”

I’ve been in this situation over the last 16 hours, and while I decided to respond, I realized it only led to more wasted time and more fuel for the argument. If you’re in a similar situation, sometimes it’s best to walk away and focus on your growth.

The Takeaway

Drama is a part of growing your brand online. If you’re reaching a large enough audience, someone will inevitably disagree with you or feel a certain way about your methods. How you choose to handle these situations will define your path. Whether you rise above or engage, make sure your decisions align with your long-term goals and brand image.

The next time drama strikes, remind yourself of your mission and focus on what really matters—creating valuable content and growing your business.