Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Top Podcast On Spotify: Joe Rogan Dethroned By Avid Trump Supporter
On July 25, Joe Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), was dethroned as the top podcast in the United States by former Fox News host and previous JRE guest, Tucker Carlson. Carlson’s show, The Tucker Carlson Show, surged to the number one spot on Spotify\'s podcast charts, pushing Rogan\'s long-reigning podcast to second place. The Tucker Carlson Show made its debut on Spotify in December 2023, following Carlson’s departure from Fox News. He transitioned to creating content for his show on X, formerly known as Twitter. His podcast quickly gained popularity, featuring guests that sometimes overlapped with Rogan’s own roster. For example, Carlson has hosted UFC fighter Colby Covington and comedian Tim Dillon, both of whom have also appeared on JRE. The catalyst for Carlson\'s ascent to the top spot was his episode featuring former US Presidential candidate Ben Carson, uploaded on July 25. The popularity of this episode pushed The Tucker Carlson Show to the pinnacle of Spotify’s podcast rankings on the same day. Interestingly, Rogan had hosted Tucker Carlson on his podcast back in April 2024. The two engaged in a lively three-hour conversation, reflecting the mutual influence and crossover appeal they share with their audiences. Despite this camaraderie, Carlson\'s latest success marks a significant shift in the competitive podcast landscape. This isn\'t the first time Rogan\'s podcast has been displaced from the number one position on Spotify. Over the years, several creators have temporarily claimed the top spot. In 2021, the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia crew launched The Always Sunny Podcast, which provided insights into the making of the show’s episodes, and briefly overtook JRE. Similarly, in 2023, TikTok star Alix Earle\'s Hot Mess podcast managed to climb to the top of the charts, dethroning Rogan’s podcast for a time. Despite these occasional dips, The Joe Rogan Experience has consistently bounced back to reclaim its position as the leading podcast on Spotify. Rogan\'s ability to engage in diverse and often controversial discussions with a wide range of guests has maintained his podcast\'s appeal and dominance. The rise of The Tucker Carlson Show highlights the dynamic nature of the podcast industry, where shifts in popularity can occur rapidly. Carlson’s ability to leverage his existing audience from his television days and attract new listeners with engaging content demonstrates the evolving landscape of media consumption. As the competition heats up, it remains to be seen whether Carlson can maintain his lead or if Rogan will reclaim the top spot once again. As we look forward to the top podcasts of 2024, it will be interesting to see how other new and emerging podcasts will perform. The podcast industry remains highly competitive, with new shows constantly entering the arena and shaking up the rankings. The ongoing rivalry between Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson on Spotify, along with the entry of fresh voices, ensures that listeners will have a wealth of content to choose from.
Here’s How Pokimane Convinced Her Parents To Let Her Quit College And Stream Full-Time
Twitch star Imane ‘Pokimane’ Anys recently shared the story of how she convinced her parents to let her quit college and stream full-time, revealing that she had to create a PowerPoint presentation to justify her decision. As the most-followed woman on Twitch and one of the platform’s most prominent streamers, Pokimane’s path to success wasn’t straightforward, especially considering her traditional upbringing and her parents’ expectations. Pokimane was well-aware that her parents might not be immediately receptive to the idea of her abandoning a Chemical Engineering degree for a career in online streaming. Despite the potential financial stability and respectability associated with her chosen field of study, she saw greater potential in her burgeoning streaming career. Two years into her degree, Pokimane made the bold decision to drop out of college. To make her case convincing, she put together a detailed PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate the financial viability and potential for success in her new career path. “I was like, ‘Hear me out,’” Pokimane explained in a recent interview. She used the presentation to show her parents the upward trend in her streaming income versus the downward trajectory of her college debt. “Look at my income. It’s doing this,” she said, using her hands to mimic a line on a graph going upward. “Look at my college debt. It’s doing this,” she continued, moving her arms downward. Her argument was simple yet powerful: streaming was already proving more profitable than her degree, and it had the potential to eliminate her debt faster than any traditional job she might secure after graduation. Despite the compelling evidence, Pokimane’s mother remained skeptical. During the first few years of her full-time streaming career, her mother continuously asked when she would return to school. This period of doubt wasn’t easy for Pokimane, who had to balance proving her success with maintaining her relationship with her family. “And then you do some big sh*t and then they’re like, ‘Okay, we’ll stop asking,’” she added, highlighting the turning point when her achievements finally spoke for themselves. Pokimane’s journey underscores the challenges faced by many young people pursuing unconventional careers in the digital age. Convincing traditional parents of the legitimacy and potential of such careers often requires more than just passion and dedication—it demands clear, quantifiable evidence of success. Her story is a testament to the importance of perseverance and the ability to effectively communicate the value of non-traditional career paths. Today, Pokimane stands as a role model for aspiring content creators, showing that with determination, strategic planning, and a bit of creative problem-solving, it’s possible to turn a passion into a successful career, even in the face of skepticism from loved ones. Her presence on social media extends beyond Twitch, as she is also active on Instagram, where she shares various aspects of her life and work, further solidifying her influence and connection with her audience. Through her journey, she continues to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of digital content creators.
Elon Musk vs. Mark Zuckerberg Fight Is On! Tesla CEO Agrees To Throw Down \’Any Time\’, \’Any Rules\’
Elon Musk has reignited the possibility of a fight with fellow tech titan Mark Zuckerberg, declaring he’s ready to face Zuckerberg \"any time\" under \"any rules.\" This follows a year-long back-and-forth between the two billionaires over a potential MMA bout. The challenge resurfaced on July 24 when Musk responded to a fan query about the fight. In a video now viral on X (formerly Twitter), Musk confidently stated, \"I’ll fight Zuckerberg any place, any time, any rules,\" with a smile. This is not the first time Musk has expressed such willingness. In October 2023, during an episode of the Joe Rogan podcast, Musk issued a similar challenge, humorously stating, “I’m willing to fight him in a house, on a mouse, with a louse.” The feud between Musk and Zuckerberg initially sparked in June 2023. Musk proposed a \"cage match\" just before the launch of Zuckerberg\'s Threads platform, which was then rumored to be a competitor to Musk’s Twitter/X. Zuckerberg responded promptly, asking Musk to \"send the location\" in an Instagram story, highlighting his readiness to take on the challenge. While Musk publicly accepted the challenge, the fight did not materialize. Zuckerberg, a martial arts enthusiast who has been training with UFC champions Alexander Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya, has shown skepticism about the bout happening, stating he\'s not \"holding his breath\" for it to come to fruition. Despite Zuckerberg’s extensive MMA training, experts note that while Musk has a size advantage, skill often outweighs size in combat sports. The potential match has intrigued fans who are eager to see if Zuckerberg’s martial arts skills will be put to the test against Musk’s bravado. This renewed challenge adds another chapter to the ongoing saga between the two tech moguls, capturing the attention of millions. Social media is buzzing with speculation and excitement, with fans and commentators eagerly debating who would come out on top in a no-holds-barred showdown. The prospect of such a high-profile clash between two of the most influential figures in the tech industry has turned what started as a playful exchange into a highly anticipated event, should it ever come to pass. For now, the tech world watches and waits, as the ball is back in Zuckerberg\'s court.
Chinese Influencer Pan Xiaoting Dies While Livestreaming Mukbang Session
A 24-year-old Chinese influencer, Pan Xiaoting, has died during a live broadcast while attempting an eating challenge, according to local reports. The incident occurred on July 14, as reported by the local portal Hankyung. Pan Xiaoting from China was known for engaging in extreme eating challenges, often consuming large quantities of food over extended periods, sometimes for more than 10 hours at a stretch. Creaders.com, a local Chinese news portal, reported that Xiaoting would eat up to 10 kilograms of food per meal. Despite numerous warnings from her parents and well-wishers about the dangers of such activities, she continued to pursue these challenges. The autopsy report revealed that her stomach was \"deformed\" and contained \"undigested food.\" Xiaoting\'s tragic death has sparked health concerns and discussions on social media about the risks associated with extreme eating challenges, also known as mukbang. Many users questioned the necessity and appeal of such content. One person commented, \"I\'ll never understand why anyone would want to watch someone eat,\" while another noted, \"I watch one person, but she doesn\'t eat everything.\" This incident is part of a worrying trend where influencers put their health and safety at risk to capture the attention of audiences and garner more followers. Such dangerous stunts highlight the growing pressure on content creators to push boundaries for the sake of online engagement, raising questions about the responsibilities of both influencers and social media platforms in promoting safer practices. Experts are calling for stricter regulations and greater awareness around the potential dangers of these extreme challenges. Health professionals emphasize the importance of understanding the severe consequences that such actions can have on one\'s body. They argue that social media platforms should implement more robust policies to prevent the promotion of harmful content and protect users from engaging in dangerous behavior. In response to the incident, some social media platforms have begun to review their content policies to ensure the safety of their users. This includes considering measures to flag and remove content that encourages risky behavior. As the influencer industry continues to grow, there is a pressing need for a collective effort to create a safer online environment that prioritizes the well-being of content creators and their audiences.
Ava Kris Tyson Officially Leaves MrBeast Gang Amid Minor \’Grooming\’ Controversy
Ava Kris Tyson has officially stepped away from the MrBeast team following allegations of inappropriate behavior. The accusations emerged on July 21, when several YouTube videos highlighted messages purportedly sent by Tyson when they were 20 years old to a 13-year-old fan. This development quickly trended as \"Ava Kris Tyson news\" across social media platforms, particularly on Twitter, where the hashtag #AvaKrisTysonDrama started to gain traction. One of the alleged victims, LavaGS, defended Tyson, stating that the accusations were \"massive lies and twisting the truth.\" LavaGS clarified that Ava never exploited or took advantage of them and only made a few edgy jokes. This defense was part of a broader \"Ava Kris Tyson controversy\" that dominated discussions online, with users dissecting every new piece of information that came to light. On July 23, Tyson addressed the allegations, apologized for their past behavior, and announced their departure from MrBeast’s team. \"I would like to apologize for any of my past behavior or comments if it hurt or offended anyone. It was not my intent. Seeing recent events, we’ve mutually decided it’s best I permanently step away from all things MrBeast and social media to focus on my family and mental health,\" Tyson stated. This announcement was shared widely, with \"Ava Kris Tyson messages\" becoming a top search query as people sought to understand the full context of the situation. Later that day, Tyson further acknowledged their past behavior as \"unacceptable\" but maintained that they never groomed anyone. \"I humbly apologize to anyone I have hurt with my unacceptable social media posts, past actions, and to those who may feel betrayed by how I used to act online,\" they wrote. Tyson emphasized their commitment to personal growth, noting, \"In past years, I have learned that my old humor is not acceptable. I cannot change who I was, but I can continue to work on myself.\" The decision to step away was also motivated by a desire to prevent the accusations from affecting the MrBeast team. \"I don’t want these accusations to impact the hundreds of people who work at MrBeast, which is why I have stepped away,\" Tyson explained. The allegations have sparked reactions from several prominent content creators. Twitch star Pokimane condemned inappropriate behavior towards minors, stating that it is unacceptable, though she admitted not knowing all the details. YouTube streamer Valkyrae denounced Tyson\'s apology, labeling it \"disappointing and disgusting.\" This sparked further \"Ava Kris Tyson drama\" as fans and followers debated the responses of these high-profile creators. As of now, MrBeast has not publicly responded to the situation. This incident follows a recent revelation by Dr Disrespect, who admitted to sending inappropriate messages to minors in 2017, leading to his ban from Twitch in 2020. The \"Ava Kris Tyson controversy\" continues to unfold, with many waiting to see if any additional statements or developments will emerge.
Influencers, Streamers React To Ava Kris Tyson Controversy: Is Anyone Defending Them?
Top streamers have weighed in on the allegations against Ava Kris Tyson, a friend of YouTube star MrBeast. Ava Kris Tyson is accused of inappropriate messaging with a young fan, who has labeled the allegations as false. Despite the fan’s denial, there is significant pressure on involved content creators to address the claims. Streamer xQc criticized fellow influencers for their silence on the matter. He expressed frustration on Twitter, accusing them of hiding and being complicit by not speaking out. “Pretty deviant behavior across the board,” he wrote, urging them to stop avoiding the topic. In contrast, some creators are frustrated with the public\'s demand for immediate comments. Ludwig Ahgren, who is currently on vacation, compared the situation to a previous controversy involving Dr Disrespect, questioning why people are pressuring him for a statement while he is away. YouTube streamer Valkyrae shared her frustration with being tagged in discussions while she is in the midst of moving. She condemned the use of the situation to attack the trans community, stating that one person’s actions do not reflect on all trans individuals. Valkyrae also expressed disappointment with Ava\'s brief statement and her decision to step away from social media. Pokimane echoed concerns about inappropriate behavior towards minors but noted that she did not have all the details. She criticized the use of the situation to target the trans community and stressed that one person’s actions do not represent everyone. YouTuber MoistCritikal also addressed the calls for his commentary, stating that he had already discussed the issue in a livestream. He encouraged people to check his previous statements before demanding more from him. Ava Kris Tyson has since announced a hiatus from social media and MrBeast’s team to focus on personal matters. The Ava Kris Tyson news has sparked various reactions across social media platforms, with #AvaKrisTyson trending on Twitter as fans and critics alike share their views. The Ava Kris Tyson controversy continues to unfold, with many awaiting further developments and a potential response from MrBeast.
Influencers Are Radicalizing Young People Online And It\’s \’Terrifying\’: UK Police
Police are warning that online influencers, such as Andrew Tate, are driving boys and young men toward extreme misogyny in a way that is deeply concerning. Senior police officer Maggie Blyth has likened the radicalization process to how terrorists recruit followers. The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) has labeled the issue a \"national emergency\" in its recent report on violence against women and girls. The NPCC estimates that at least one in 12 women in England and Wales will experience violence annually, affecting around two million women. The problem is reportedly growing, with increasingly complex types of offending. Deputy Chief Constable Blyth mentioned that officers specializing in violence against women and girls (VAWG) are now collaborating with counter-terrorism teams to address the risk of young men being radicalized, highlighting the significant social media effect on youth and teens. Speaking about the harmful online content, Blyth said, \"We know the influencers, Andrew Tate, the element of influencing particularly boys, is quite terrifying.\" Tate, a British-American influencer who gained fame from his appearance on Big Brother in 2016, is currently awaiting trial in Romania on charges of rape, human trafficking, and forming a criminal gang to exploit women, all of which he denies. Schools across the UK have reported a growing number of students who admire Tate, showcasing the profound influencers\' effect on youth. The NPCC and College of Policing\'s report, published on Tuesday, describes violence against women and girls as reaching \"epidemic\" levels. It estimates that one in 20 adults, or 2.3 million people, perpetrate such violence each year. Deputy Chief Constable Blyth emphasized the scale and impact of these crimes, noting that public and industry awareness is insufficient. The report highlights several key threats, including sexual violence, domestic abuse, stalking, and child sexual abuse. It notes a 37% increase in violent crimes against women and girls from 2018 to 2023, with over one million such crimes recorded in England and Wales last year, accounting for 20% of all recorded crimes. Domestic abuse, in particular, remains one of the biggest demands on police resources. The College of Policing plans to create a central hub to provide police forces with specialist knowledge and training. The government supports this initiative and aims to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has prioritized this issue, with Labour\'s manifesto promising new specialist domestic abuse workers in 999 control rooms and specialist rape investigation units in every police force across England and Wales. This plan would require more trained officers and resources amid existing challenges in policing, including retention and morale issues. The rise of influencers and the social media effect on youth and teens have exacerbated issues such as mental health concerns and radicalization. Blyth\'s statements reflect the growing recognition of the influencers\' effect on mental health, particularly among young people. The increasing influence of individuals like Andrew Tate demonstrates the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat the negative impacts of social media and online influencers on society.
Watch: Hulk Hogan Hammers Influencer Frankie LaPenna With Steel Chair
Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestler, has made headlines once again, this time for a rather unusual promotional stunt involving his new beer line, \"Real American Beer.\" Known for his impactful career in wrestling, Hogan has often engaged in various off-ring activities, frequently collaborating with celebrities. Recently, he was seen hitting popular influencer Frankie LaPenna with a steel chair as part of his beer promotion. Hogan shared a video on his Instagram account showing the incident. In the video, LaPenna is seen landing in Michigan, where Hogan greets him with a dramatic steel chair hit. Following this, Hogan seizes the opportunity to promote his beer, emphasizing its taste and quality. The caption of his post read, \"@frankielap just landed in Michigan. Roll up. #realamericanbeer #realamericansummer.\" Frankie LaPenna, known for his entertaining videos on YouTube and Instagram, has become a notable figure in the influencer space. This collaboration with Hulk Hogan not only highlights LaPenna\'s growing popularity but also underscores Hogan\'s savvy in leveraging social media trends for promotion. This stunt is not the first collaboration between Hulk Hogan and Frankie LaPenna. The WWE Hall of Famer had previously done a skit with LaPenna where he humorously spanked the influencer. Hogan\'s promotional methods have consistently kept fans engaged, blending his wrestling persona with his business ventures. Hulk Hogan\'s \"Real American Beer\" has been marketed through various creative and sometimes bizarre activities, capturing the attention of both wrestling fans and the general public. His unique promotional tactics, such as the recent chair-hitting video, have contributed to the buzz surrounding his beer line, demonstrating Hogan\'s ability to remain relevant and entertaining beyond his wrestling career. As Hogan continues to surprise his audience with unpredictable promotional strategies, it remains to be seen what he will do next to keep the momentum going for \"Real American Beer.\" His knack for creating memorable and unconventional advertising moments ensures that fans will be watching closely for his next move.
Bulldogs\’ Carson Beck Is Dating Hurricanes\’ Guard Hanna Cavinder
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck, a pre-season Heisman Trophy contender for 2024, has confirmed his relationship with Miami Hurricanes women\'s basketball guard and influencer Hanna Cavinder. Beck shared the news on his Instagram account on Monday, July 22, with a photo of himself and Cavinder holding hands among a carousel of images. The caption simply read \"gvo,\" which stands for \"good vibes only.\" The post also featured pictures of Beck in his football uniform, with his mother, throwing passes, and walking a dog on the beach. The couple had previously hinted at their relationship in a TikTok video shared by Hanna Cavinder. The video, posted on July 4, included a selfie of Hanna and her twin sister Haley, along with Haley\'s boyfriend, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson. In the background, Carson Beck could be seen with his arms around Hanna, sparking speculation among fans. Beck, a redshirt senior, became Georgia\'s starting quarterback last season after the departure of two-time national champion Stetson Bennett IV. Beck, a former four-star prospect, had an impressive season, throwing for 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions on 302 of 417 passing attempts. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs finished with a 13-1 overall record and an 8-0 record in the SEC, securing the No. 4 spot in the final Associated Press poll. Hanna Cavinder, known for her prowess on the basketball court, has also made a name for herself as an influencer. Along with her twin sister Haley, she has built a significant following on social media platforms, leveraging their athletic success and engaging content to connect with fans. Their presence on platforms like TikTok has brought them considerable attention, both for their basketball skills and their personal lives. Fans can follow Hanna Cavinder on Instagram to keep up with her latest updates and content. The confirmation of Beck and Cavinder\'s relationship adds a new dimension to their public personas, intertwining the worlds of college football and basketball with the ever-growing influence of social media. As both athletes continue to excel in their respective sports, their relationship is likely to attract further interest from fans and media alike. Carson Beck\'s performance on the field and his high-profile relationship with Hanna Cavinder are set to keep him in the spotlight as he aims for a standout season with the Georgia Bulldogs. Meanwhile, Cavinder\'s dual roles as an athlete and influencer continue to captivate her audience, making her one of the most recognizable figures in college sports today.
MrBeast Reacts To \’Disgusting\’ Ava Kris Tyson Controversy; Fires Influencer From Company
Amid allegations against Ava Kris Tyson, a founding member of the MrBeast channel, MrBeast has publicly addressed the situation, vowing to conduct a third-party investigation while confirming that Tyson has been removed from the company. The allegations, which surfaced on July 21, accused Tyson of \"grooming\" a young fan based on unearthed messages allegedly showing her at the age of 20 engaging in communication with a 13-year-old individual. In response, Tyson issued an apology and announced her departure from MrBeast\'s team on July 23. Following Tyson\'s apology, MrBeast released a statement expressing his disgust and opposition to the alleged behavior. He emphasized his focus on hiring an independent third party to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that all the facts are uncovered. MrBeast affirmed that, based on the information available, he had promptly taken action to remove Tyson from the company, his channel, and any association with MrBeast. He stated his intention to await the completion of the investigation before taking further action based on its findings. In the wake of the allegations, a supposed victim, LavaGS, defended Tyson, asserting that she had not engaged in any wrongdoing and had only made \"edgy jokes.\" LavaGS denied being \"groomed\" and emphasized that Tyson had never exploited or taken advantage of him. In response to the allegations, Tyson maintained that she had never groomed anyone, categorically denying the accusations while expressing remorse for her past behavior on social media. She humbly apologized to those who may have been hurt by her past social media posts and actions, acknowledging the potential feelings of betrayal by her previous online conduct. Ava Kris Tyson, 28, had been an integral part of the MrBeast channel since its inception on YouTube in 2012, appearing alongside Jimmy (MrBeast) as a frequent co-host. Her contributions to the channel have been significant, featuring in numerous popular videos that have collectively garnered billions of views in multiple languages. The situation surrounding Ava Kris Tyson continues to unfold, with MrBeast\'s commitment to an impartial investigation reflecting the gravity of the allegations and the determination to ensure transparency and accountability in addressing the matter. The controversy has also sparked widespread discussions on social media platforms like Twitter, where MrBeast’s followers and fans have been expressing their opinions on the matter.