UK creators formally recognised in official industry classifications

UK content creators are now formally recognised in the government’s industry classification system, a step towards legitimising the fast-growing sector.

The Office for National Statistics has updated the UK’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) framework – used to categorise businesses for company registration, lending and government support – to better reflect digital-first, creator-led work.

Specifically, the revised SIC 2026 framework states that “video production activities” now includes “production of videos including videos or vlogs for the internet (e.g. for content sharing sites)”.

The change follows a push from the Digital Creators’ All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), which was set up in September 2025 to advocate for the creator economy, alongside industry bodies including the Influencer Marketing Trade Body.

Co-chaired by Labour MP Feryal Clark and Lord Vaizey of Didcot, the APPG last month wrote to the UK’s culture minister Lisa Nandy calling for the government to “properly recognise the UK’s booming creator economy”.

Scott Guthrie, director general of the IMTB and co-secretariat of the APPG, told The Daily Influence the update means creator-led businesses will face less friction when applying for loans or government support.

“It’s also a crucial first step in the government having the data it needs to further champion our sector,” he said.

Alex Rawle, head of UK public policy at YouTube, said on LinkedIn that the change would make it easier for creators to register and classify their businesses, while giving lenders greater confidence to back the sector.

Clark said the recognition was 'just the start', adding that she would keep working with the APPG and the sector to ensure creators get the support they need.

The APPG plans to launch a formal inquiry later this year, examining how to better support the creator economy across finance, skills and government recognition.