Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Paris Olympics 2024 Had 1.3 Million Posts On TikTok, Up 1,828% From Tokyo Games
The Paris Olympics made a significant impact on TikTok, generating over 1.3 million posts, an astonishing 1,828% increase compared to the Tokyo Games. This surge in activity was revealed by the social media platform on August 7, highlighting the growing influence of TikTok in global events. The partnership between TikTok and Team GB played a key role in this explosion of content, with 233,440 creators contributing under the hashtag #Olympics, marking an 822% rise from the previous Olympics on Tiktok. The hashtag #Paris2024 also saw massive engagement, accumulating over 526,700 posts. Two athletes emerged as the biggest viral stars of these Games: Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, also known as Muffin Man, and U.S. pommel horse champion Stephen Nedoroscik. Christiansen captivated the TikTok audience with his love for chocolate muffins, a passion that resulted in 83 million video views. His fondness for the sweet treat became so popular that the Olympic Village reportedly consumed 3,000 muffins daily, although it\'s unlikely Christiansen ate them all. On the other hand, Nedoroscik gained fame after winning a bronze medal and sparking comparisons to Clark Kent, making him the first athlete to create a viral moment during the Paris Olympics 2024. Rollo Goldstaub, TikTok’s global head of sports partnerships, acknowledged the platform\'s role in setting trends, noting that viral moments like the Muffin Man, pin trading, and Simone Biles biting down on her medal all started on TikTok. These trends not only reflect the culture of the Games but also integrate deeply into pop culture. Goldstaub shared these insights at a Team GB event, which featured live performances by Natasha Bedingfield and Cat Burns. Bedingfield’s performance was a highlight, particularly when she sang her hit “Unwritten,” a song that has gained renewed popularity on TikTok, being featured in over 1 million videos and earning a spot in Spotify’s Billions club. Burns, a double platinum artist and TikTok Breakthrough Artist of 2022, also delivered an impressive performance with her song “Go.” Since her rise on TikTok, Burns has signed a record deal and collaborated with stars like Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran. Looking ahead, Goldstaub expressed excitement for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, where the presence of stars like Tom Cruise is already anticipated. His comments underscore TikTok’s growing role in sports and its potential to drive engagement in future global events. The Paris Olympics, with its record-breaking social media presence, is just a glimpse of what\'s to come.
Alix Earle Racist Allegations: Influencer Repeatedly Used N-Word In 2014 Reddit Posts
Alix Earle, a popular TikTok star from New Jersey, is currently embroiled in a major controversy following racist allegations that have resurfaced from her past. Earle, who has amassed a significant following with 7.1 million followers on TikTok and 3.8 million on Instagram, is accused of making offensive comments, including the use of racial slurs, when she was just 13 years old. The controversy centers around screenshots that allegedly show Earle repeatedly using the N-word in 2014 on the question-and-answer website Ask.fm. While these comments were initially uncovered on Reddit two years ago, they have recently gained renewed attention on TikTok, sparking widespread backlash against the influencer. Despite the mounting criticism, Alix Earle has remained conspicuously silent on the matter, much to the frustration of her followers, who are calling for her to address the allegations. This controversy has cast a dark shadow over her otherwise successful career as a social media influencer. Earle, now 23, has built a strong digital presence and even launched a podcast, \"Hot Mess with Alix Earle,\" in September. Earlier this year, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first digital cover star for Sports Illustrated\'s Swimsuit issue, further solidifying her status in the industry. Earle\'s journey to fame began in Red Bank, New Jersey, where she attended Red Bank Catholic High School. After graduating, she moved to Miami to pursue a degree in business and marketing at the University of Miami. Despite her success and relocation, Earle has remained connected to her roots in Monmouth County, often sharing memories from her upbringing with her audience. Her family is well-known in the area, with her father, Thomas \"TJ\" Earle, serving as the president of the Earle company, a construction and paving business based in Wall Township. Currently residing in Miami, Earle is dating Braxton Berrios, a 28-year-old wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins. While her relationship and career continue to garner public attention, the resurfacing of her past comments has brought her future as a social media influencer into question. As the calls for her to address the racist allegations grow louder, her continued silence only serves to intensify the criticism. The outcome of this controversy could have significant implications for her brand and reputation, as many are now questioning whether she can maintain her influence in the face of these serious accusations.
Logan Paul Creates Special Prime Drink Flavor, Bottle For Kim Kardashian\’s Son Saint West
Logan Paul, the popular YouTuber and co-founder of Prime Hydration, has introduced a unique new flavor of his Prime drink, but only a select few have had the chance to try it—namely, the Kardashian family. The exclusive flavor was inspired by none other than Saint West, the son of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, who sent Logan a letter brimming with creative ideas for new Prime drink flavors and bottle designs. Prime Hydration, co-owned by Logan Paul and fellow YouTuber KSI, has enjoyed massive success since its launch, selling over a billion bottles by November 2023. The brand is known for regularly releasing exciting new Prime drink flavors to meet consumer demand, but this latest creation stands out as particularly special and limited. The story began in March 2023, when Kim Kardashian shared a post featuring Prime Hydration while attending a Europa League match between Arsenal and Sporting CP with her son, Saint. Logan Paul noticed her post and expressed his gratitude during an episode of his IMPAULSIVE podcast. However, their interaction didn’t end there. Saint West, inspired by his favorite Prime drink, took it upon himself to send Logan a letter proposing several innovative flavor ideas and eye-catching bottle designs. While most of Saint’s suggestions were deemed \"impossible\" by Logan, one idea stood out: a pink and blue bubblegum-flavored Prime with an image of Saint holding a Prime bottle after scoring a buzzer-beater at a basketball game. Logan decided to bring Saint’s vision to life and created the bubblegum-flavored Prime drink exclusively for the Kardashian children. He even sent them a special, one-of-a-kind case of the drink, as shared in a video posted to Twitter/X on July 8, 2024. For now, the bubblegum flavor remains a private offering, with no plans to release it to the general public. It’s a unique creation that only the Kardashians can enjoy, leaving fans curious and hopeful that it might one day be available more widely.
Life-Sized Polly Pocket House Available On Airbnb For Limited Time
Amazon\'s latest venture in the world of social shopping includes new partnerships with TikTok and Pinterest, enabling users to purchase products directly from the e-commerce giant without leaving their favorite social media apps. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the growing trend of social shopping, where consumers increasingly make purchases through platforms like TikTok and Pinterest. Through this innovative initiative, users can now link their TikTok and Pinterest profiles to their Amazon accounts, making it easier than ever to shop. Whether they\'re browsing a life-sized Polly Pocket, searching for a Polly Pocket house, or planning a stay at a Polly Pocket Airbnb, customers can make their purchases seamlessly. This integration allows them to buy products directly from ads displayed within the apps, simplifying the shopping experience for those who prefer to shop on social media. Social shopping is rapidly gaining traction in the U.S., with platforms like TikTok expanding their e-commerce operations. TikTok launched its own e-commerce division last year, and Amazon\'s partnerships with TikTok and Pinterest build on similar deals with other social media giants like Meta and Snap. For TikTok users, this collaboration offers a \"seamless and fun shopping experience,\" as stated in a blog post from the video-sharing platform. By linking their Amazon accounts, users can view real-time pricing, Prime eligibility, delivery estimates, and detailed product information directly within TikTok ads. Similarly, Pinterest\'s partnership with Amazon operates in much the same way. This agreement is an extension of an existing relationship between the two companies, with Amazon helping Pinterest fill excess ad inventory. These partnerships reflect the increasing convergence of social media and e-commerce, as companies like Amazon look for innovative ways to engage users and drive sales. By integrating Amazon\'s vast product selection directly into popular social platforms, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of the social shopping trend, catering to customers who might even be on the lookout for unique items like a life-sized Polly Pocket or planning their next stay at a Polly Pocket Airbnb.
Sabrina Carpenter Erewhon Smoothie Sells For $23: Here Are The Ingredients
Sabrina Carpenter, the popular musical artist, has teamed up with Los Angeles\' high-end grocery store Erewhon to launch a new smoothie called \"The Short n’ Sweet.\" This collaboration, announced on August 7, has quickly gained attention, with fans eager to try the blue-hued beverage despite its steep price tag of $23. With the increasing popularity of Erewhon smoothies, the addition of Carpenter’s creation to the Erewhon menu has only heightened the excitement. The smoothie, inspired by Carpenter\'s persona and music, includes a mix of premium ingredients such as MALK organic vanilla oat milk, Vita Coco Farmers organic coconut water, organic mango, pineapple, dates, and more. These health-conscious ingredients reflect Erewhon’s reputation for luxury and quality, making it a fitting partnership for the singer. Sabrina Carpenter’s Erewhon smoothie has not only become a trending topic but also a sought-after item for those who frequent the upscale store. Fans of Carpenter, known for her songs like \"Nonsense\" and \"Espresso,\" have taken to social media to express their excitement. Comments on her Instagram post reveal that many are ready to splurge on the pricey treat, with some humorously admitting to postponing meetings or even considering flying to California just to taste it. One fan jokingly hinted at their anticipation for a new song titled \"Smoothie\" following the release of her hit \"Espresso.\" However, not everyone is thrilled with the $23 price point. Some fans have voiced their concerns, with a few expressing that they love Carpenter but find the cost a bit excessive. The debate over the smoothie’s price mirrors similar reactions to other celebrity collaborations with Erewhon, such as Hailey Bieber\'s \"Skin Glaze\" smoothie, which also drew mixed opinions. Despite the high cost, \"The Short n’ Sweet\" smoothie is available at Erewhon stores, catering to fans and health enthusiasts alike who are willing to indulge in a luxurious, star-studded treat. Whether it\'s for the experience, the ingredients, or simply to support Carpenter, the smoothie has clearly captured the attention of her audience, further cementing her influence in both the music and lifestyle spaces. As Erewhon continues to expand its celebrity collaborations, the buzz surrounding Sabrina Carpenter’s Erewhon smoothie suggests that this trend shows no signs of slowing down.
FaZe Adapt To Spend $2.5M To Prove Pigeons Are FBI Drones
FaZe Adapt, a prominent member of the esports organization FaZe Clan, has recently sparked a buzz by claiming to be launching a $2.5 million project to investigate a humorous conspiracy theory: that pigeons are actually government drones. The idea, which echoes the satirical \"Birds Aren\'t Real\" movement, has captivated his followers across platforms like YouTube and Twitch, leading to a flurry of activity on his social media. Adapt’s interest in pigeons began after a recent trip to Japan, where he became oddly fixated on the birds, snapping numerous photos and sharing them during a live stream in early August. During the stream, he jokingly described the pigeons as part of an \"international pigeon crime syndicate,\" showing off what he claimed were pictures of the group\'s \"leader\" and \"second in command.\" His friend, FaZe Lacy, was left bewildered by the bizarre presentation, particularly when Adapt insisted that the birds were part of a larger, more sinister plot. Building on this joke, Adapt retweeted a post from the news account ‘scuba ryan’ that claimed he was investing $2.5 million into the project. The tweet included a diagram of a mechanical pigeon, complete with a camera, microphone, and CPU, adding fuel to the playful conspiracy. Adapt further teased his followers by writing, \"Every day I’m getting closer and closer to the truth,\" suggesting that his obsession with uncovering the \"reality\" of pigeons was only growing. This pigeon conspiracy has become a talking point among FaZe members, with many joining in on the joke and further spreading it across their own platforms. While this conspiracy has been widely recognized as a meme, it draws inspiration from the \"Birds Aren\'t Real\" movement, a satirical theory that began in 2017. The movement, started by Peter McIndoe, humorously claims that birds are actually drones created by the U.S. government to spy on its citizens. Although it began as a joke, the meme has gained significant traction online, with many joining in on the fun. FaZe Adapt\'s antics with the pigeon conspiracy have brought a light-hearted and humorous twist to his usual esports content. By engaging with this meme, he’s managed to entertain his followers on YouTube, Twitch, and beyond, while also tapping into a broader internet culture that enjoys blending absurdity with satire. Whether or not the $2.5 million project is real, it’s clear that Adapt is enjoying the playful engagement with his audience and that his fascination with pigeons has become an amusing chapter in his content creation journey.
Google, Meta Secret Ads Deal: What Is It About?
A recent report has revealed that Meta and Google secretly collaborated to target minors with Instagram ads on YouTube, exploiting a loophole in Google\'s advertising policies. According to the Financial Times, this campaign specifically aimed at users aged 13 to 17, breaking Google’s own rules against advertising to children. The scheme involved Google directing ads to a user group labeled as “unknown” within its advertising systems. This category was intended for users whose age, gender, or other demographic details were not identified, allowing advertisers to reach a broader audience. However, the report claims that Google could accurately infer that many in this “unknown” group were teenagers, effectively bypassing their own restrictions on targeting minors. In 2021, Google implemented policies prohibiting ad targeting based on the age, gender, or interests of users under 18. Despite these rules, it appears that Google’s staff used the “unknown” label as a workaround, enabling Meta to target young users with Instagram ads. This clandestine campaign ran in Canada between February and April 2024, with a trial expansion in the U.S. in May. The plan was to eventually roll out this campaign globally and include promotions for other Meta services, such as Facebook, demonstrating the extent of the Google-Meta ad deal. The timing of this campaign coincided with declining advertising revenues for Google and a shift of younger users from Meta’s platforms to competitors like TikTok. This decline in engagement likely drove the companies to adopt more aggressive marketing tactics, despite the ethical and legal implications of targeting minors. Following the exposure of this campaign, Google launched an internal investigation and has since canceled the program. In response to the allegations, Google emphasized its commitment to protecting minors, stating, \"We prohibit ads being personalized to people under 18, period.\" The company also announced plans to reinforce its policies with sales representatives to prevent future violations. Meta, on the other hand, has not publicly commented on the issue. This revelation has sparked concerns over the practices of major tech companies in safeguarding the privacy and well-being of young users. As these platforms face increasing scrutiny from regulators and the public, the incident underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing business interests with ethical responsibilities in the digital age. The secretive nature of the Google-Meta ad deal and its focus on YouTube ads targeting minors has only added to the growing criticism of these tech giants and their advertising practices.
Is Temu Safe To Use? Security Expert Says Think Again
A cybersecurity expert is raising alarms about the popular apps TikTok and Temu, urging users to delete them due to significant privacy concerns linked to their connections with China. The expert highlights that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing and may be legally required to share user data with the Chinese government. This has led to growing fears over the extent of personal information that could be compromised, making people question whether TikTok is a security risk. TikTok collects a wide range of data from its users, including names, locations, biometric identifiers like facial recognition and voiceprints, and even the content of private messages. The app also tracks users\' activities across other websites and apps, and it can monitor and store information such as IP addresses, device models, and purchase histories. This extensive data collection raises serious concerns about how this information could be used or potentially misused. The U.S. government has already begun taking steps to mitigate these risks. Starting August 15, U.S. House of Representatives staffers will be banned from using ByteDance apps on government devices. This ban includes TikTok, as well as other apps owned by ByteDance, such as the video editing app CapCut, the photo editing app Hypic, and the social media platform Lemon8. These apps are all linked to ByteDance, and by extension, the Chinese government, increasing fears about data privacy and security. Temu, a shopping app that became highly popular in 2023, is also under scrutiny. Owned by PDD Holdings, a Chinese company that also owns Pinduoduo, Temu offers low prices on a wide range of products, which has made it a hit with consumers. However, the app can access and monitor user activity across other apps, track notifications, read private messages, and even change device settings. This raises questions about whether Temu is safe to buy from or even safe to use. The association with Pinduoduo, which was removed from the Google Play Store due to malware concerns, further adds to the worries surrounding Temu. Given these risks, the cybersecurity expert advises users to consider deleting these apps entirely or at least limiting the permissions they grant. For those who feel they must continue using TikTok, Temu, or similar apps, the expert recommends installing them on a separate device that isn’t linked to personal information like email or banking details. This approach helps minimize the risks and protect users’ privacy in an environment where personal data is increasingly vulnerable. Taking these precautions is crucial for those who wish to continue using these popular yet potentially dangerous apps.
Amazon Deals Partners With TikTok Allowing Users To Shop In-App
Amazon has announced new partnerships with TikTok and Pinterest that allow users to purchase products directly from the e-commerce giant without leaving the social media apps. This collaboration marks a significant step in the growing trend of social shopping, where consumers make purchases through their favorite social platforms. Through this initiative, users can now link their TikTok and Pinterest profiles to their Amazon accounts, enabling them to buy products directly from ads displayed within the apps. This integration aims to simplify the shopping experience for customers who prefer to shop on social media. According to an Amazon spokesperson, the goal is to create a more seamless shopping journey, catering to the habits of modern consumers who are increasingly turning to social platforms for both inspiration and purchasing decisions. Social shopping is rapidly gaining traction in the U.S., with platforms like TikTok expanding their e-commerce operations. TikTok, for instance, launched its own e-commerce division last year, and this Amazon-TikTok partnership builds on similar deals that Amazon has made with other social media giants like Meta and Snap. The partnership with TikTok, in particular, allows users to explore Amazon deals and make purchases through TikTok Shop, a feature that enhances the app\'s shopping capabilities. For TikTok users, the collaboration offers a \"seamless and fun shopping experience,\" according to a blog post from the video-sharing platform. By linking their Amazon accounts, users can view real-time pricing, Prime eligibility, delivery estimates, and detailed product information directly within TikTok ads. This integration makes it easier for users to shop for products they discover on the app, without needing to navigate away from TikTok. Pinterest\'s partnership with Amazon operates similarly, further expanding the social shopping landscape. This agreement is an extension of an existing relationship between the two companies, where Amazon has been helping Pinterest fill excess ad inventory. The Amazon-TikTok partnership, along with the Pinterest collaboration, reflects the increasing convergence of social media and e-commerce, as companies look for innovative ways to engage users and drive sales. By integrating Amazon\'s vast product selection directly into popular social platforms, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of the social shopping trend. As social media continues to evolve into a key player in the e-commerce space, these partnerships signal a significant shift in how consumers discover and purchase products online.
Oxygen Esports Layoffs Expected As Company Ceases Operations: Report
Oxygen Esports (OXG), a prominent esports organization, is reportedly shutting down operations and laying off all its staff, according to multiple sources. Founded in 2020, OXG quickly gained attention after merging with Kraft Sports & Entertainment, owned by New England Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft. This partnership enabled Oxygen to establish teams across various esports, including Valorant, Rocket League, Rainbow Six, and Apex Legends, as well as create the Call of Duty League franchise, Boston Breach. Despite their ambitions, Oxygen Esports struggled to achieve significant success, failing to secure championships for their Helix Esports facility at Patriot Place. Several sources have now indicated that the organization’s end is imminent, with Oxygen Esports layoffs affecting all staff as operations wind down entirely. The situation has left many employees and players in a state of uncertainty. Members of the Boston Breach team have reportedly been informed that they will lose access to the Helix facility and be required to vacate their apartments by August 8, just before they are scheduled to compete in a $1.8 million Modern Warfare 3 tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Adding to the chaos, the Oxygen Esports owner has reportedly suspended the Shift Summer League playoffs in Rocket League, just 30 minutes before they were set to begin on August 6. Staff involved in the event were told that the promised payments would not be fulfilled and were urged to continue working without compensation. As of now, the board and shareholders of Oxygen Esports are reportedly attempting to resolve the situation, with formalities around severance pay expected to be finalized by August 9. However, many staff members feel they have been \"left in the dark\" about the organization’s future, with all employees and players affected by the potential closure of Oxygen Esports. The fate of the 12th spot in the Call of Duty League, currently held by Boston Breach, is also unclear. Several organizations have expressed interest in joining the league, especially after Activision removed the $25 million entry fee and offered refunds to existing organizations. Oxygen Esports has not yet issued an official statement regarding the situation.