With Circular No. 44 of February 19, 2025, INPS has provided guidance on the social security treatment applicable to content creators—individuals who produce digital content for online platforms. The document aims to clarify the registration and contribution requirements based on the type of activity performed.
Key Aspects of Digital Content Creation
Content creation involves producing and sharing multimedia content, such as videos, images, texts, and podcasts, across digital platforms. Creators can monetize their work through various channels, including:
- Advertising & Sponsorships – Collaborations with brands to promote products or services.
- Affiliate Programs – Earnings from promoting affiliate links.
- Donations & Crowdfunding – Direct financial support from the community.
- Product & Service Sales – Merchandise, online courses, consulting, etc.
This activity can be carried out sporadically or continuously, with varying degrees of professionalization. These differences impact social security obligations and the classification of creators within the welfare system.
Classification of Content Creators
INPS Circular No. 44 differentiates content creators based on the nature of their activity:
- Amateur Creators – Operate occasionally without a structured business.
- Professional Creators – Engage in content creation as a structured and continuous business, generating significant income.
Depending on the frequency, organization, and profit-driven nature of their work, content creators may be classified as freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, or entertainment professionals, each with distinct social security obligations.
Applicable Social Security Regulations
INPS specifies that content creators may fall under different social security regimes, depending on how they conduct their activity.
Self-Employed Workers’ Social Security Scheme
If a content creator operates independently and continuously but does not fall within the entertainment sector, they must register with the INPS Separate Management Scheme (Gestione Separata) under Article 2, Paragraph 26 of Law 335/1995. This applies to professionals who work without an employment contract and are not registered with other social security funds.
Alternatively, if the creator operates as a structured business—e.g., with a VAT number and a team—their activity may be classified under digital entrepreneurship, requiring registration with the INPS Commercial Traders’ Scheme (Gestione Commercianti).
Entertainment Industry Social Security Scheme
The circular also clarifies that some content creators may be subject to the Entertainment Workers’ Pension Fund (Fondo Pensioni Lavoratori dello Spettacolo – FPLS), particularly if their activity resembles that of artists, directors, or entertainment technicians.
Digital Marketing and FPLS Eligibility
If a content creator primarily engages in digital marketing, their work could be considered akin to live or recorded entertainment—especially if it involves producing videos, artistic performances, or entertainment content. In such cases, INPS mandates registration with FPLS, applying the relevant contribution rates.
Final Considerations
INPS Circular No. 44/2025 serves as a crucial regulatory reference for determining the social security status of content creators. The distinction between freelancers, traders, and entertainment workers defines specific contribution obligations. Professionals in the field must stay informed to comply with regulations and avoid penalties or loss of social security rights.
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