WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. revealed a major 2026 upgrade to its Creator Programs, signaling a significant boost in tools, resources, and professional development opportunities for creators building their careers on the platform. Beginning next year, WEBTOON will roll out expanded monetization options, new forms of event and convention support, and fresh educational offerings aimed at helping creators grow. The first initiative on the calendar is a new Creator Residency program, launching in Q1 2026.
The company’s expanded efforts are designed to give creators more ways to strengthen their craft, connect with peers, and develop long-term careers. CANVAS creators will see new and improved avenues to earn revenue from their work, along with a redesigned performance dashboard arriving in early 2026.
WEBTOON is also stepping up its investment in creator visibility. More creators will be brought to major U.S. conventions, with additional international stops planned for regions outside the U.S., Korea, and Japan. These global appearances will include meet-ups and portfolio reviews for creators in Europe and Southeast Asia.
Next year will also introduce digital Open Houses, giving newcomers a chance to meet directly with the Creator Care and Editorial teams to discuss goals and learn how to maximize their journey on WEBTOON. A refreshed Creator Resource Hub will debut with a new video series highlighting creator achievements, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes insights.
“Creators are the heart of WEBTOON, and everything we do begins with their passion, their stories, and their trust,” said Yongsoo Kim, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global WEBTOON at WEBTOON Entertainment. “As we look ahead to 2026, we’re expanding our investment in Creators at every phase of their journey, from emerging talent to established voices. We’ve spent 2025 listening to Creators all over the world, piloting new programs that can help Creators achieve their goals, and we’re thrilled to expand these initiatives in 2026. Our goal is simple: to give creators the support, tools, and opportunities they need to build the careers they dream of on WEBTOON.”
A centerpiece of next year’s expansion is the revamped Creator Residency. Held twice annually, each two-week immersive program at WEBTOON’s LA headquarters will bring together up to nine Original Creators for deep-dive editorial sessions, development workshops, and conversations with teams across the company. Applications for the first 2026 session open December 18, 2025. A new VIP creator recognition program will also send select creators to Korea to explore the birthplace of webcomics, visit WEBTOON’s office, and meet industry leaders.
The Residency is launching after a year-long pilot in 2025 that supported 23 creators—including Junepurrr (SubZero), instantmiso (Siren’s Lament, Fae Trapped), Ucheomaaa (Vibe Check!), and SLEEPACROSS (Hand Jumper)—as well as winners of the Webcomic Legends Contest. Participants received one-on-one editorial guidance, attended small-group sessions on storytelling and workflow, and even took part in physical therapy offerings to support their well-being.
“I’ve been with WEBTOON for a really long time, and everyone who works behind the scenes, you can feel how passionate they are about helping creators tell their stories,” said instantmiso. “The Creator Residency Program has been such a validating experience – coming to LA with other creators, talking about our favorite parts of being WEBTOON creators, hearing their processes, how similar they are, how different they are. Just feeling inspired by the work happening at WEBTOON. It’s been incredibly enriching.”
“Even if you’ve been working in comics for years, there’s always something new to learn. There’s always someone with a different point of view who approaches things differently, and the Creator Residency Program was an opportunity for exactly that,” added Arechan, creator of Señorita Cometa. “It was a really nice way to learn more, prepare for a new series, grow as an artist, and grow together as a community with other creators.”
WEBTOON says more details on its 2026 Creator Programs and new support initiatives will be announced in the months ahead.
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