Written by Ollie Kaplan and Heidi McDonald
After a year of investing heavily in big brand partnerships and IP acquisitions, WEBTOON today announced a series of new programs aimed at helping creators gain more resources and more opportunities. With programs aimed at both indie creators self-publishing on CANVAS and established WEBTOON Originals storytellers, the initiative is described as a “major investment designed to support creators every step of the way, from up-and-coming CANVAS talent to established global storytellers.”
New programs include expanded monetization opportunities, support for new conferences and events, and new educational programs for career development.
The new programs will begin with the Creator Residency Program, which will launch in Q1 2026.
“Creators are at the heart of WEBTOON, and everything we do starts with their passion, stories, and trust,” Yongsoo Kim, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global WEBTOON, WEBTOON Entertainment, said in an official statement. “As we look to 2026, we are growing our investment in creators at every stage of their journey, from emerging talent to established voices. We will spend 2025 listening to voices around the world and piloting new programs to help creators achieve their goals. We are excited to expand these efforts in 2026. Our goal is simple: to provide creators with the support, tools, and opportunities they need to build the careers of their dreams with WEBTOON.”
The new program includes several in-person opportunities, including a residency program. The new WEBTOON Creator Residency Program, held twice a year at the company’s Los Angeles headquarters, is an immersive two-week program that offers skill-building workshops, “exclusive story-building sessions” with WEBTOON editors, and the opportunity to spend time honing your craft with up to nine original creators from the “English Service.”
WEBTOON plans to hold two creator residencies in 2026, with applications for the first session opening on December 18, 2026. Creators can apply through the Creator Portal.
WEBTOON will also bring more creators to major conventions in the U.S. and fan events such as creator meet-ups and portfolio reviews in select international markets outside of the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.
Also announced was a redesigned Creator Resource Hub with video introductions from WEBTOON’s most seasoned creators about their own success stories, practical tips for creators, and inspiration, an educational program to help creators level up, and a digital open house hosted by WEBTOON’s Creator Care and Editorial teams to help “creators new to the platform” “discuss their goals” to “help them get the most out of WEBTOON.” Journey. ”
The pilot program has 23 creators participating, including notable WEBTOON creators Junepurrr (SubZero), instantmiso (Siren’s Lament, Fae Trapped), Ucheomaaa (Vibe Check!), SLEEPACROSS (Hand Jumper), and several winners of the 2025 Webcomic Legends Contest. Creators receive dedicated one-on-one time with editors, small group workshops on writing and sustainable workflows, and physical therapy to support their physical health.
“I’ve been involved with WEBTOON for a very long time, and I can see how passionate they are about helping creators tell their stories, just like everyone who works behind the scenes,” Siren’s Lament creator Instant Miso said in a statement. “The Creator Residency Program was a very validating experience. Coming to LA with other creators and talking about what they love about being a WEBTOON creator, listening to their processes and hearing how similar and how different they are. I just feel inspired by the work being done at WEBTOON. It was incredibly fulfilling.”
“Even if you’ve been working in comics for years, there’s always something new to learn. There’s always someone with a different perspective and a different approach to things. The Creator Residency Program was an opportunity to do just that,” said Alechan, creator of Señorita Cometa. “This was a really great way to learn more, prepare for a new series, grow as an artist, and grow together with other creators and as a community.”
Alongside the Creator Residency Program, WEBTOON announced the “VIP Creator Certification Program,” which invites selected creators to “experience South Korea, the home of web comics, visit WEBTOON’s Korean office, meet industry leaders, and connect with global talent.”
While all educational and promotional opportunities are clearly valuable for creators, especially for young comics just beginning their careers, little details were provided about the program’s promised “expanded monetization opportunities.” According to WEBTOON, these include new and improved monetization for CANVAS creators and a new dashboard that provides greater transparency around performance. Details of these and other programs are expected to be announced early next year.
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