NATPE 2015, which took place earlier this month, provided a number of highlights for those in the video production business, which you can see recapped here. In addition to announcements, press conferences and parties, the event was also a good place to check out a variety of panels covering topics like how to make an impact in the digital video community.

Among these panels was YouTube & Vine Stars: The Rise of the Digital Influencer, a panel devoted to explaining the explosion in popularity in the medium, as well as those that are turning it around for the better.

“While stars have been emerging from YouTube and other digital platforms for close to a decade, a true explosion in audience size has occurred over the past 18 months,” reads the YouTube description for the video. “These exceptional content creators, producers and channel leaders have become true influencers, and are now attracting an ever growing number of media companies and brand marketers that are turning to this new breed of global superstar to drive their products and messaging. How did these women and men find their viewers How do they maintain the high quality product the audience demands What does the future hold, and where will the online audience find tomorrow’s new talents This panel discussion will feature a mix of stars and talents with major followings, along with the professional representatives who help steer their careers. We will discuss how these stars are born, what it takes for them to grow and sustain a global audience, and the careful process by which they are matched with opportunities designed to leverage their reach and influence. If your business and viewing habits find you in this world, don’t miss this chance to hear from those who inhabit it with brilliance!”

The panel featured a number of stars and behind-the-scenes folk talking about the medium, including Ali Barash, moderator and digital media agent; Lisa Fillipelli vice president of Talent, Big Frame, Etc.; Viner/Actor Marcus Johns; Vlogger and Internet personality Tyler Oakley; Entertainer and Internet persona Connor Franta; and Amy Finnerty, executive vice president of talent partnerships for Disney’s Maker Studios.

The panel can be watched in full below, and while it runs nearly 48 minutes in length, there’s some information here that many will find useful – especially if they’re trying to break into the digital market.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DfoFUbnPVcs