Free Agency Vol. 15 📈 : Media operates on a Power Law. Understanding it can change everything.

What is the Power Law?

The Power Law states that a small number of things account for the majority of impact, value, or success in a system. It also means that whatever or whoever is deemed successful in that system receives a disproportionate amount of attention and resources.

In professional sports, about 1% of athletes make it into the league, and 1% of those athletes earn a disproportionate amount of money from the sport.

In venture capital, one single investment can outperform all the others. In a venture fund, 10% of investments usually generate 90% of the financial returns. That means “success” often looks like an exponential outcome—this is what people aim to achieve.

There’s a Power Law in media too. It means a tiny percentage of creators are responsible for the majority of attention. A small percentage of Netflix shows (Stranger Things, Squid Game) attract most viewers. This is how MrBeast moves from your phone to your TV and back again.

Warning: Once you understand the Power Law and how it shows up, you’ll start seeing it everywhere. If you've ever watched a documentary on Youtube, you're already on your way.