How I'd Create Content in 2026 (If I Had To Start Over)

The gist

1. Ali says competitor analysis is unreasonably effective: study outlier titles and hooks from others in your niche, then make your own version.
2. He suggests aiming for about 80/20 imitation versus innovation, since experimental content is what occasionally produces outliers and moves the meta forward.
3. Ali says content compounds over years, so enjoying the process enough to keep going matters most, though beginners should first post 30 to 50 pieces.
4. He warns beginners against overusing AI to write content, because people can spot it and it skips building the skill and taste.
5. Ali says cringe fades with practice and standing out means leaning into your quirks and genuine against-the-grain opinions rather than being vanilla.