Part 5/14:
For aspiring independent creators, the financial and logistical hurdles are steep. Buying every new device at retail prices—often over $1,000 each—without sponsorship compromise can cost tens of thousands annually. As a result, most channels become dependent on early review units and the favorable relationships with brands that come with them. This creates a cycle where only those willing to toe the corporate line survive and thrive, leading to a limited diversity of opinions and a proliferation of sanitized content.