The 'Creator Economy Expansion Into Audio' refers to the growing trend where independent creators leverage digital platforms to produce, distribute, and monetize audio content, including music, podcasts, and other sound-based media. This expansion is characterized by creators bypassing traditional industry gatekeepers, utilizing tools like AI for production, and building direct relationships with their audiences. It signifies a shift towards a more decentralized and creator-centric audio landscape, with platforms like Spotify evolving into broader audio ecosystems and YouTube making significant payouts to the music industry¹.