OnlyFinder Receives 2026 Global Recognition Award for Data-Driven Analysis of Digital Creator Spending
NEW YORK, USA— October 2026 — OnlyFinder has received a 2026 Global Recognition Award for its data-driven research into digital consumer spending and the publication of its Wrapped 2026 report, which estimates that Americans will spend approximately $4.82 billion across the specific creator platform in 2026.
The report was recognized for transforming large-scale digital market data into accessible insights about how spending patterns differ across U.S. cities and states. Its findings suggest that the United States accounts for approximately 62% of an estimated $7.8 billion in global fan spending, illustrating the scale of the American market within the rapidly expanding subscription-based creator economy.
Rather than measuring the market solely through national totals, OnlyFinder analyzed spending geographically and compared both overall expenditure and population-adjusted estimates. This approach revealed substantial differences between the cities generating the most spending and those where consumer activity is most concentrated among residents.
Revealing America’s Largest Digital Spending Markets
OnlyFinder’s research projects New York City as the largest U.S. market by total spending, with approximately $164.3 million expected to be spent by residents during 2026. That equates to roughly $450,000 per day.
Los Angeles is projected to generate approximately $135 million, while Chicago and Houston also rank among the country's leading markets by overall spending.
However, adjusting the figures for population produced a markedly different result.
Portland, Oregon, ranks first globally in estimated spending per 10,000 adults, at approximately $455,291, according to the report. Los Angeles follows closely at approximately $449,557 per 10,000 adults.
Nine of the world's top 10 cities under the population-adjusted measure are located in the United States. Zurich, Switzerland, ranking sixth, is the only non-U.S. city appearing in the top 10.
The comparison demonstrates why market size alone does not necessarily reveal where engagement with paid creator content is strongest. Large metropolitan areas naturally have an advantage when measured by total dollars, while population-adjusted analysis can identify unexpectedly concentrated markets in smaller cities.
“The most interesting part of the research was the difference between absolute market size and spending intensity,” said Max Anderson of OnlyFinder. “New York leads because of the enormous scale of its market, but Portland moving into first place after adjusting for population tells a very different story. Our objective with the report was to make these patterns visible and provide a clearer picture of how digital subscription spending is developing geographically.”
Measuring the Scale of the U.S. Creator Economy
The report estimates that American consumers will account for approximately $4.82 billion of the platform’s $7.8 billion in global fan spending during 2026.
California, Texas, and New York emerge as the leading states by total estimated spending, reinforcing the significant role large U.S. population centers play in the digital creator economy.
OnlyFinder's analysis is particularly notable because it moves beyond platform-wide figures to examine the geographic distribution of consumer spending. The resulting dataset provides researchers, journalists, marketers, and creator-economy businesses with another way to examine how paid digital content consumption varies between markets.
The findings are estimates developed by OnlyFinder and are not audited financial disclosures from creator platforms. The report nevertheless provides a data-based snapshot of where consumer spending may be concentrated and highlights broader behavioral patterns within one of the world's largest creator subscription ecosystems.
“OnlyFinder demonstrated an ability to turn complex market estimates into findings that are understandable, comparable, and relevant to a much wider discussion about digital consumer behavior,” said Alex Sterling, spokesperson for Global Recognition Awards. “The geographic analysis is particularly compelling because it challenges assumptions about which markets would naturally lead this category. That combination of research, interpretation, and public relevance distinguished the work during the evaluation process.”
OnlyFinder received the 2026 Global Recognition Award following an evaluation of the report’s research approach, originality, market relevance, and ability to contribute new insights to discussions surrounding the digital creator economy.
The recognition reflects the growing importance of independent data analysis in understanding online consumer markets whose economic activity increasingly intersects with mainstream entertainment, media, and subscription businesses.
About OnlyFinder
OnlyFinder is an online discovery and data platform focused on the subscription-based creator ecosystem. Through market research and proprietary analysis, the company examines trends across creators, audiences, consumer spending, and the wider paid digital content economy.
Its annual Wrapped report analyzes estimated global and U.S. spending patterns, including national, state, city, and population-adjusted comparisons designed to provide a clearer view of how consumer activity varies geographically.
About Global Recognition Awards
Global Recognition Awards is an international organization that recognizes businesses and individuals demonstrating exceptional achievement, innovation, leadership, and industry impact. Its awards program evaluates nominees across multiple criteria to identify organizations and professionals whose work demonstrates measurable distinction within their respective fields.
Contact Information
Spokesperson: Alex Sterling
Name of Company: Global Recognition Awards
Email Address: alex@globalrecognitionawards.org
View the Original Press Release on SP Tech Solutions.