Social media personalities, podcast hosts, and authors are turning online influence into in-person fan engagement and it’s paying off in a big way. Ticket sales for creator-led tours are up nearly 500% so far this year compared to the same period in 2024, according to Axios reporting on new data from StubHub.
Some of the most in-demand creator tours include Alex Cooper’s Unwell Tour, the Crime Junkie podcast tour, and Mel Robbins’ Let Them tour. StubHub also found that Texans make up the largest single-state fanbase for female-hosted podcast events.
The Lone Star State not only leads in podcast fandom, but also tops the nation in solo ticket purchases, about 7% higher than California. San Antonio has seen notable creator appearances this year, including “Love Island” star Jeremiah Brown, YouTube group Any Means Possible (AMP), and a Barstool Live taping during the NCAA Final Four.
StubHub reports that tickets for the top six creator tours averaged $99, compared to $159 for live entertainment overall in 2024, about 40% cheaper.
As Axios notes, creator tours are no longer a fringe phenomenon; they’ve become a mainstream lane in live entertainment.