My Production Company Brings in $1.08 Million a Year

CNBC Make It
CNBC Make ItApr 12, 2026

Why It Matters

It proves that low‑cost, audience‑centric short videos can generate billions of views, reshaping how small businesses acquire customers on social media.

Key Takeaways

  • High-production food videos underperformed consistently on social platforms.
  • $2k guarantee TikTok test yielded 700k and 300k views.
  • Shortcut now produces 2‑3k videos with 3 billion total views.
  • Success hinges on entertaining or educating a clearly defined audience.
  • Replicate viral formats while solving specific viewer problems.

Summary

The video recounts how a creator pivoted from high‑budget food‑porn clips to short‑form TikTok content after noticing low engagement.

He offered a $2,000 risk‑free test; the first two TikToks amassed 700k and 300k views, prompting the launch of Shortcut, now with 2‑3k videos and over 3 billion cumulative views.

He emphasizes that viral success requires either entertainment or education, targeting a precise persona—e.g., 18‑25‑year‑olds unsure about college but with savings—and adapting existing viral trends to solve their problems.

The formula shows that data‑driven, audience‑first short‑form production can turn modest budgets into massive reach, offering a scalable model for entrepreneurs and brands seeking rapid online growth.

Original Description

Tuan Le founded ShortsCut, which creates short-form videos for brands, in 2023. In 2025, ShortsCut brought in $1.08 million with a net profit of just over $488,000, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It.

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