The Unseen Struggles of being a Content Creator
The Unseen Struggles of being a Content Creator
My Battle with Copyright Infringement, Impersonation, and the Cost of Protection
If you had told me 10 years ago that I’d be a full-time content creator, making a living entertaining, creating art, writing… and essentially thriving from my passions, I wouldn’t have believed it.
And yet… here I am.
But content creation is a lot more than point, click, and post. The truth is that content creation is more than a full-time job for me. It’s planning for weeks in advance, staying on top of trends in everything from fashion to music, and learning tools to create captivating content that generates stellar engagement, all while balancing multiple platforms, followers, and fans.
I love what I do. I genuinely have never been happier with my career, and there are many perks to reaching each new level in the world of creation. I certainly didn’t expect when I created my first public post on TikTok in 2020 that I’d be making the kind of living I am now for myself and family.
But, there is a price to pay.
You see, I didn’t start out thinking I’d grow to be an influencer when I started all this. In fact, the idea of being so public with my art and life scared the crap out of me. I tried to keep my privacy as best I could, using my stage name, “Kipani Heart” across all my platforms (Kipani being the Hawaiian version of Tiffany and Oahu being a second home for me). Hence why you see my usernames as Kipani87, Kipani1021, LoveKipani, and where my sexology blog, Kipani.Life came from, inlcuding my podcast where I went by Dr. K (K for Kipani).
At the time, I created “Kipani” as my persona, I never thought in a million years I’d reach the level I have today, nor ever need to use my legal name… but we will get to that in a moment.
I’m still in shock that in 4 years, I’m now looking at nearly 1 million followers across my platforms, brand deals I’ve done, and a constantly growing audience of supportive, kind, and unique humans.
As cliché as it sounds, I feel honored to be where I am today, and it’s because of my followers and subscribers that I can keep doing what I love. Grateful is an understatement.
So when I discover accounts are attempting to catfish and scam them by stealing my content and impersonating me, my protective instinct goes into overdrive; not just for my content, but for my community of followers.
I wish I was only talking about one or two occurrences like this. In 2024 alone I’ve had more than 50 instances of fake accounts on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram posing as me by creating fake accounts, stealing my content from my authentic accounts, DMing my followers, and luring them off the platform to either attempt a meet-up or scam them out of money.
This doesn’t even include the amount of my content that gets stolen from behind my paywalls (we are talking 10s of thousands at this point).
Copyright infringement and impersonations are threats that can take a heavy toll—financially, emotionally, and mentally. Today, as a creator’s influence grows, so does the frequency and sophistication of these attacks on original creative work and followers. The harsh truth is that many of the larger platforms are actually making it harder to fight back and protect ourselves.
The Epidemic of Copyright Infringement
Creating content isn’t just a job—it’s a labor of love. The time, effort, and resources that go into producing high-quality, engaging content are immense. Whether it’s photography, video production, writing, or graphic design, each piece of content reflects a creator’s unique vision and talent.
And yet, this originality also makes us prime targets for copyright infringement.
Copyright infringement happens when someone takes content without permission, often trying to pass it off as their own. It could be as simple as someone reposting an image without credit, or as egregious as duplicating an entire video or article. Most of the time, in my experience, a fake account will take my videos from IG or my TikTok and post them as their own, calling the fake account my “backup account” with links to a fake IG or telegram profile where they seek to engage with my followers to scam them.
Social media platforms, with their vast reach and ease of sharing, have made it disturbingly easy for content thieves to steal a creator’s work, often without facing any real consequences.
Discovering that my content has been stolen is more than frustrating—it’s heartbreaking. Frankly, I feel intellectually and personally violated. It’s about realizing that someone else is using my content without my consent and often causing harm to others with it. This theft doesn’t just undermine my efforts; it poses a significant level of risk to anyone who uses social media at all. It also dilutes my brand because now, my original content is associated with fraud.
This brings me to why I went from exclusively using my stage name to using my real name.
You see, to get help when these things happen, you must prove you are the content owner. It’s hard to do that under a stage name. So while many large creators may want to use a stage name for various reasons like family, jobs, and privacy (even some celebrities can do this), to protect ourselves and our content, we are forced to forego our privacy to protect our content by displaying our real name.
Why?
When we have to submit copyright infringement reports, the support staff from places like Meta and TikTok can easily see that the names on the public-facing part as well as the administrative side all match up, and it's easier for the resolution team member to see.
I repeat… the removal of a content creator’s privacy is for the PLATFORM to have an EASIER time verifying them, not for the benefit of the actual creator who is making money FOR THE PLATFORM.
The exception to this is if the creator has a registered business name and can prove their username is part of their overall business or brand.
Not every creator has this or wishes to, which poses a significant issue when trying to get their content removed from fake accounts.
A creator shouldn’t have to choose between protecting their privacy and protecting their content/job.
The High Cost of Protection
Trying to protect my content in this is challenging and expensive. The sheer volume of content I produce and the speed at which it can be stolen make it nearly impossible to monitor manually.
This is where companies like Rulta come in—they specialize in detecting and removing stolen content, offering services that range from automated content monitoring to legal support and takedown request management.
But these services don’t come cheap. While more affordable solutions are out there, there are a couple of key reasons I stick with Rulta for the majority of content protection. I am protected under their “Legend” plan, which monitors all my usernames on each of my accounts plus provides a copyright registration certificate in my name. This helps get fake accounts taken down quicker because it protects all content associated with my specific usernames on specific platforms tied to my legal name and brand. I can also submit takedown requests on any fake profile I find by submitting it to them directly. They write the legal notices and takedowns, submit these forms on my behalf, and most of the time, thanks to DMCA laws and Rulta’s help, the fakes are removed relatively quickly.
But… there are some cases where even with a company like Rulta can’t help. In these cases, I’m required to submit lengthly reports to prove I’m the legal owner of the content they have stolen.
Cases like this include accounts that are using my image as their profile picture but have not posted any other content. These types of accounts usually DM or follow my followers, sometimes giving a “like” to a comment, which makes it seem like it's coming from me personally. An unsuspecting follower will go to the fake profile and follow it, which allows the fake to begin DMing them.
When this type of issue happens, the report I put together includes my copyright registration and link to my verified account where the original image was posted, along with copies of my government-issued IDs, screenshots of the fake account, and what they are doing on my account to my followers, and any screenshots my followers have been able to send me to show the interaction the fake tried to have with them.
In the case of TikTok, I’m able to submit this type of report and within a few days, alongside Rulta’s report, the fake is removed.
In the case of Meta, I’ve found the only way I can remove fake accounts is by going through chat support under my verified Meta account center (I can only do this through IG, but thankfully, it also works to get fake Facebook profiles and pages taken down, too). From there, the support person usually calls me directly or requests to conduct a meeting via WebX where I can walk them through a screenshare and verify my identity simultaneously. Everything is recorded and submitted with their report, and within 24 hours, the fake account is usually down.
Notice how this is the process for removing a SINGLE account. In the cases where I have 10 or more, it can take me up to 30 hours during the week to nail each one.
I currently pay Rulta nearly $400 a month to handle hundreds of takedowns, delistings, and account removals for me. This covers multiple platforms and usernames, plus provides copyright registration in 188 countries based on content posted under my registered username.
But as I said, in some cases where they are not enough, I’m stuck manually working with Meta or TikTok to handle some of the worst offenders.
If that seems like a lot, that’s because it is.
For me, hiring help it is a necessary expense, almost like paying for insurance. The alternative—allowing stolen content to spread unchecked—can lead to even greater financial losses, not to mention the damage it can do to the creator's and brand's reputation.
Yet, for those still building their platforms, the cost of this protection can be a significant burden, especially when they may already be struggling to monetize their content in a crowded and competitive market.
The Emotional and Mental Toll of Content Theft
The financial cost is just one part of the equation. The emotional and mental toll of seeing my content stolen and used without my permission is perhaps even more challenging to cope with. My content is deeply personal—it’s an expression of who I am, what I care about, and the creativity I pour into every piece. To see that content misappropriated, repurposed, and used by someone else feels like a violation of my very identity.
Then there’s the issue of impersonation. When someone creates a fake account using my name, images, and content, the damage can be even more severe. These impersonators often use the fake account to scam followers, spread misinformation, or engage in other unethical behavior, all of which could be mistakenly attributed to me. The harm to my brand and the trust I’ve built with my audience can be long-lasting and incredibly difficult to repair.
Dealing with these threats constantly can lead to feelings of helplessness, frustration, and even burnout. Sometimes, it makes me question whether it’s worth continuing to produce content when it seems like no matter how hard I work, someone else is always lurking, ready to steal my ideas and profit from my efforts.
The Difficult Path to Resolution
Once I discover that my content has been stolen or that someone is impersonating me, getting the stolen content taken down is often a long, arduous process. Most social media platforms and websites have systems in place for reporting copyright infringement and impersonation, but these systems are far from perfect.
Often, I’m forced to navigate a complex, bureaucratic process to have my stolen content removed. I have to provide proof of ownership, file detailed reports, and then wait—sometimes days or even weeks—for a response. Meanwhile, the stolen content continues to spread, causing further harm to my brand and potentially leading to financial losses.
And even when a takedown request is successful, there’s no guarantee that the content won’t be stolen again. Content thieves are persistent, often creating new accounts to repost the stolen content as soon as it’s removed. This cat-and-mouse game can be exhausting, leaving me constantly on the lookout for new instances of theft.
The Need for Stronger Protections
The current systems designed to protect content creators like myself simply aren’t enough. As platforms evolve, so too must the laws and policies that protect our intellectual property. Social media platforms and websites need to take a more proactive approach to preventing content theft and impersonation rather than relying on creators to police their own content.
I’ve sought verification on every platform, thinking it was the best way to protect my authenticity and originality. On Instagram, I have 3 of my 6 accounts verified. On Facebook, both my authentic profile and brand page are verified.
TikTok continues to be the hardest one to verify, and it is also the platform with some of the worst offenders. It is also my largest audience and where I’ve grown as a creator. I’ve monetized my content there for years, am a TikTok shop creator, and yet… I still can’t get verified.
(Image from the current TikTok Verification Guidelines)
I’ve met every element on their list and have been denied verification three times. The reason for the denial is that I need to be featured in more national news sources.
While I understand that verification doesn’t prevent imposters from popping up (just looking at IG and Facebook will tell you that), it does provide a layer of help that I currently don’t have yet.
The fact that I have to be recognized and featured in national news sources just to get help to keep my 15 second transition videos protected is absurd.
And yet here I am… working toward that.
As creators, we have to take steps to protect our content. Watermarking images, using copyright notices, and registering content with copyright offices are all ways to assert ownership and deter theft. However, these measures aren’t foolproof, and we simply can’t be solely responsible for protecting our content… the platforms have an obligation to do more to protect and verify their creators too.
The Misconception of “Public Means Free”: A Dangerous Assumption
One of the most frustrating aspects of dealing with copyright infringement is the widespread misconception that content posted publicly is somehow up for grabs. Many people, especially those less familiar with the intricacies of intellectual property law, believe that once content is shared on social media, it becomes public domain and is free to be used by anyone. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and it’s a dangerous assumption that fuels the rampant theft and misuse of content across the internet.
This misconception often stems from a misunderstanding of what it means to publish content online. Just because a creator chooses to share their work publicly doesn’t mean they are relinquishing their rights to it. Under the Copyright Protection Act of 1976, any original work of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression is automatically protected by copyright the moment it is created. This includes not just traditional forms of media like books and music, but also digital content like photos, videos, blog posts, and social media updates.
Copyright gives creators exclusive rights to use, distribute, and modify their work. Even if a piece of content is posted on a public platform like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter, the creator retains these rights. Using someone else’s content without permission—whether by reposting it, modifying it, or incorporating it into new work—constitutes copyright infringement unless it falls under specific exceptions like fair use.
However, many people don’t realize this, and the internet’s culture of sharing has only exacerbated the issue. The ease with which content can be copied, reposted, and shared has created a false sense of entitlement, where users feel that anything they find online is free for the taking. This entitlement is often reinforced by the fact that many instances of infringement go unpunished, leading people to believe that such behavior is acceptable or even legal.
Understanding the Legal Aspects of Copyright Protection
The Copyright Act of 1976 is the primary legislation that governs copyright law in the United States, and it’s important for both creators and the general public to understand its implications. The Act provides creators with the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and create derivative works based on their original content. These rights are automatically granted as soon as the work is created and fixed in a tangible form, meaning that no formal registration is required to claim copyright protection, though registering a work with the U.S. Copyright Office does provide additional legal benefits.
In the context of social media, this means that any original content a creator posts is automatically protected by copyright, and others cannot legally use it without the creator’s permission. The law is clear: just because content is accessible online does not mean it is free to use. If someone wants to use a piece of content, they must obtain the creator’s explicit permission, typically in the form of a license or agreement. Failing to do so can result in legal action, where the creator can seek damages, which might include the revenue generated from the infringing use, as well as statutory damages, which can be significant.
The legal protections offered by the Copyright Act are robust, but enforcing these rights can be challenging. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook have implemented measures to help creators protect their content, such as content ID systems and reporting tools for copyright infringement. However, these tools are not foolproof, and many creators still find themselves battling constant infringements.
The Hidden Threat: Content Scrapers and the Battle Behind Paywalls
For many content creators, paywalls offer a way to monetize their work, providing exclusive content to paying subscribers while keeping it secure from the broader internet. Patreon, Substack, OnlyFans, Subscribestar, and even TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube have jumped on the “subscription model” bandwagon. These paywalls are meant to create a barrier that ensures only those who support the creator financially have access to their premium content. Unfortunately, even these protective measures aren’t foolproof.
Enter content scrapers—automated bots designed to bypass paywalls and steal content, often for redistribution on other websites or for personal profit.
Content scrapers are sophisticated tools that can automatically extract and replicate content from behind paywalls, presenting a significant threat to creators who rely on subscription-based models. These scrapers often target popular creators, whose premium content is in high demand, and who can be a lucrative source for unscrupulous operators looking to profit from someone else’s hard work. What’s particularly insidious about content scrapers is that they operate in the shadows, often without the creator’s knowledge, until their content is found elsewhere, being offered for free or resold without permission.
Honestly, it almost feels like getting your content scrapped is almost a right of passage as a paywalled creator. This is where companies like Rulta really shine in helping to get this content removed and delisted for me, and is worth the nearly $400 a month to monitor and automatically submit take down notices on my behalf.
However, it still feels like a personal violation to know this happens not just me, but to my fellow creators. To know our hard work is being stolen and posted for someone else to make a profit on is disgusting on a whole different level. One way that I’ve started to work to combat this is by using massive watermarks on all my paywalled content. I HATE that I have to do this because I feel like the quality of my content is now slightly shadowed by the fact that I have to place a watermark so big there is no way to remove it without distorting the video/image to a point it is clear it’s been tampered with, but my subscribers also understand it’s a necessary part of being a content creator.
The Role of DMCA Takedowns
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) provides a legal framework for creators to combat copyright infringement, including content stolen by scrapers. Under the DMCA, creators can issue takedown notices to websites, platforms, and hosting providers, demanding that infringing content be removed. This process has become a critical tool for creators, especially those whose content is repeatedly targeted by scrapers.
DMCA takedown notices require the creator (or legal entity acting on behalf of the creator) to provide specific information about the infringing content and proof of ownership. Once a valid takedown notice is submitted, the hosting platform is legally obligated to remove the content or face potential legal consequences. For many creators, this process offers a measure of control over their work, allowing them to reclaim content that has been stolen and prevent further unauthorized distribution.
However, while DMCA takedowns can be effective, they’re far from a perfect solution. The bigger a creator gets, the more content they produce, and the more likely they are to be targeted by content scrapers. With a large volume of content being stolen across multiple platforms, the task of submitting DMCA takedowns can quickly become overwhelming. It’s not uncommon for popular creators (particularly so for adult content creators) to find themselves in a never-ending cycle of submitting thousands of notices, only to have new infringements pop up almost as soon as the old ones are removed.
The Growing Challenge of Staying Ahead
As a creator’s audience grows, so does the likelihood of their content being targeted. This creates a vicious cycle: the more successful and popular a creator becomes, the more attractive their content is to scrapers, and the more time and resources the creator must spend on policing their work. For some, like me, this can turn into a full-time job, detracting from their ability to create new content and engage with their audience.
Moreover, the sheer volume of infringing content can make it difficult to keep up with takedowns. Content scrapers can operate at a scale that far outpaces the ability of any single creator to monitor and respond. In some cases, entire websites may be dedicated to hosting stolen content, requiring creators to issue dozens or even hundreds of takedown notices to a single source. The process can be frustratingly slow, and while the content may eventually be removed, the damage is often already done.
Seeking Better Solutions
The battle against content scrapers and other forms of digital theft is ongoing, and it’s clear that the current tools and legal frameworks, while helpful, are not enough to fully protect creators. The growing challenge of submitting thousands of DMCA notices, particularly for large-scale creators, underscores the need for more effective and scalable solutions.
There are emerging technologies and services aimed at automating the detection and removal of infringing content, which can help ease the burden on creators. Additionally, platforms that host user-generated content must continue to improve their own tools and processes for identifying and removing stolen content more quickly and efficiently. Stronger legal protections and faster response times from platforms could make a significant difference in the ongoing fight against content theft.
As content creators, it’s essential to remain vigilant, protect our work, and push for better tools and stronger protections. The internet has opened up incredible opportunities for creators, but it has also brought with it new challenges that require constant adaptation and resilience. By understanding the threats we face and using all available resources to combat them, we can continue to thrive in this digital age while safeguarding the content that we pour our hearts and souls into creating.
Conclusion: The Cost of Creativity in the Digital Age
The realities of copyright infringement and impersonation are harsh, but they’re a part of the digital landscape that content creators must navigate. The cost of protecting our content can be high—both financially and emotionally—but it’s necessary for those of us who rely on our creativity to make a living.
The fight against content theft and impersonation is far from over, but with the right tools, support, and determination, we can continue to share our unique voices with the world without fear of our work being stolen. The cost of creativity in the digital age may be high, but the value of protecting our intellectual property—and our emotional and mental well-being—cannot be overstated.
In the end, we’re not just battling for the right to our work; we’re fighting for the very essence of what it means to be a creator in a world where the lines between original and copied content are increasingly blurred. It’s a battle that we must fight, not just for our own sake, but for the integrity of creativity itself.
Resources for Creators
Here is an example of my weekly check for some of my usernames and images through Rulta: If you are a content creator looking for support to help combat copyright infringement and imposter accounts, here is a list of companies that work with a variety of creators including adult creators who I stand behind:
ABOUT TIFFANY CHAN, Ed.D., CSE, MA:
Tiffany Chan, also known as Dr. K or Kipani Heart, seamlessly blends her creative passions with a deep commitment to holistic sexual education. Based in Los Angeles, Dr. K is a Board-Certified Sexologist and Intimacy Consultant specializing in kink education, D/s dynamics, and holistic living, as well as popular model and influencer. She holds a Doctorate in Education, a Master’s in English Literature, and advanced certifications in sexology, making her approach to intimacy and empowerment both uniquely informed and
empathetic.
Chan’s academic background is complemented by her experience as a creative writer, digital content creator, and certified fitness trainer. She has published work in scholarly journals such as American Popular Culture and Men’s Health and is actively involved in research with The Alternative Sexual Health Research Alliance (TASHRA). As the host of the popular podcast The Submissive Next Door, Chan delves into diverse topics ranging from BDSM to consent and alternative lifestyles, sharing eye-opening insights with her guests.
Chan is also the founder and editor of Artistic Edge Magazine, where she merges her love for the arts with her dedication to sexual education. A staunch advocate for diversity, inclusion and informed consent, she is a member of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS). She is a recognized leader in the alternative lifestyle community as well, offering workshops and consultations that empower individuals to explore their identities in safe, consensual environments.
To learn more about Tiffany Chan, visit TiffanyChanOfficial.com | Beacons.ai/kipani.
Press and media contact: Brian S. Gross | BSG PR | 818.340.4422 | brian@bsgpr.com | @bsgpr
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