Australia’s latest OSCA occupation classification released by Jobs and Skills Australia has added an interesting new occupation: Content Creator (Social Media) with OSCA occupation code 231133. Simply put, this refers to what we commonly call self-media bloggers, social media influencers and content creators.

Its official duties include:

Producing social media posts and video content, managing social media accounts and maintaining follower communities, analysing traffic and user data, liaising with brands for commercial collaborations, planning and hosting live streaming sessions.

Does working on Xiaohongshu, YouTube or TikTok count?

Based on the occupation definition, it may qualify. For instance, if your core work involves running your own Xiaohongshu account, shooting and editing short videos, operating a YouTube channel, managing Instagram or TikTok profiles, engaging with followers through live streams, analysing views, engagement rates and follower growth, and securing brand sponsorships and commercial partnerships, these job activities closely align with the official duties of Content Creator (Social Media). Furthermore, Australian authorities do not categorise this occupation simply under Marketing. Instead, they clearly distinguish Content Creator (Marketing) from Content Creator (Social Media) as two separate occupations.

• If you create marketing content on behalf of companies or brands, your role is more aligned with 221531 Content Creator (Marketing).
• However, if your work centres on your personal accounts, follower base and original content such as being an influencer, blogger or live streamer, you fall more under 231133 Content Creator (Social Media).

This distinction is quite notable. It shows Australia has started to recognise content creation for social media as a standalone occupation for statistical purposes. One critical point to bear in mind: inclusion in OSCA does not mean inclusion in the skilled migration occupation lists. At present, this is merely an official occupational classification. It does not mean content creators can immediately apply for Australian skilled migration, complete occupation assessments or apply for permanent residency under this occupation. Claims stating content creators can directly migrate to Australia are overinterpretations at this stage.

Why is this development worth watching?

For an occupation to be considered for future migration, occupation assessment and labour market policies in Australia, it first needs an official occupational identity. Many emerging occupations struggled to fit within traditional occupation classifications in the past. The updated OSCA separately lists a growing number of digital economy and new industry roles ranging from Content Creator and Data Scientist to cybersecurity-related occupations. This demonstrates Australia’s occupational framework is evolving alongside its job market. Therefore, for those who work full time as content creators with stable income, brand collaborations and hands-on experience in content production and account management, it is worthwhile monitoring whether this occupation will be added to skilled migration lists in the future.

Still, having an occupation code for social media content creators at this stage does not equal eligibility for migration. The next milestones to track are recognition by occupation assessors and inclusion in skilled migration occupation lists. Only when these two steps are realised will the Australian migration pathway officially open for social media content creators.