Creator mindset shift: Think beyond the next video, says Austin Evans

Crystal Bell serves as the Digital Culture Editor at Mashable, where she spearheads coverage of the creator economy, internet trends, and the nuances of digital life. Her reporting highlights the individuals, platforms, and communities that are transforming modern entertainment. This includes a focus on YouTube creators, livestreamers, fandom dynamics, social media phenomena, and the complex interplay between technology and culture. She also manages the Mashable 101, an annual compilation that recognizes the internet’s most influential creators.

Before her role at Mashable, Crystal was the entertainment director at MTV News, where she significantly broadened the brand’s focus on fan culture, K-pop, and the vibrant communities that thrive online. Her writing has been featured in prominent publications such as Teen Vogue, Rolling Stone, PAPER, NYLON, ELLE, Glamour, NME, W, The FADER, and various other online platforms.

With a deep understanding of fandom culture, she is always ready to curate a K-pop playlist or offer anime recommendations upon request. Crystal resides in New York City with her two black cats, Howl and Sophie.