Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Micro Influencers\’ Rates Surge \’10-20%\’ Year-Over-Year: Expert
Influencer marketing continues to grow, with smaller influencers increasingly demanding higher fees. Ad executives report that the rates charged by micro-influencers have doubled or tripled since 2021. Krishna Subramanian, CEO and co-founder of Captiv8, notes that TikTok micro-influencers with 5,000 to 20,000 followers now charge between $3,000 and $5,000 per post, up from $1,000 to $3,000 a few years ago. This rise in costs is attributed to the maturation of influencer marketing, which has become a staple in advertising budgets. As more advertisers seek influencer content, including content usage rights and exclusivity, influencers are demanding higher compensation. Increased pay transparency, improved tracking tools, and fees for agency representation also contribute to the uptick in rates. Influencers are now more informed about their usage rights and the value of their content. Influencer Marketing Strategy Evolution Influencer partnerships have evolved beyond simple social posts to include event attendance, appearances, brainstorming sessions, and creating branded content. Bea Iturregui, VP of creator and brand partnerships at Cycle, notes that these complex deals require more effort from both parties. However, costs for celebrity and macro-influencers, who have 100,000 to one million followers, have not seen the same rate increases. Nisrin Mazlumovic, U.S. team lead at The Influencer Marketing Factory, explains that these influencers have historically charged based on their audience size, a metric that remains unchanged. The focus has shifted to influencers with fewer than 100,000 followers due to better measurement tools, increased pay transparency, and a prioritization of engagement rates over follower counts. Current Influencer Rates Influencer marketing has become more intricate, with creators becoming savvier about their business. Additional fees for content rights, ad access, and exclusivity contribute to the increasing costs. Kelly Dye, VP of influencer strategy at Acorn, observes that influencer fees have jumped 10-20% year-over-year. Influencer rates for 2024 indicate that micro-influencers now command between $3,000 and $5,000 per post, reflecting their growing importance and the value they provide to brands. U.S. marketers are expected to spend $7.14 billion on influencer marketing by the end of this year, a 16% increase from last year\'s $6.16 billion, according to Goldman Sachs Research. By 2027, this figure could approach half a trillion dollars. Managing Influencer Marketing Rates Digital marketing agency TandemTide has seen rates for smaller influencers increase from $1,000 to $3,000 a few years ago to $3,000 to $5,000 and beyond. Loops Beauty also reports higher costs, with social posts from micro-influencers rising from $250-$500 in 2022 to $2,500 in 2024. Meg Bedford, CEO of Loops, attributes this to rate transparency and the demand for targeted content. Influencer marketing surged during the pandemic, with people spending more time online and brands seeking direct connections to audiences. Despite rising costs, spending on influencer marketing shows no signs of slowing. Advertisers are adopting strategies like brand ambassador programs, longer-term contracts, and repurposing influencer content to manage rising costs. Marla Ramirez, senior influencer strategist at Dagger, emphasizes leveraging added value and platform distribution to maximize returns. Rachel Brandt, managing partner and co-founder of Corner Table Creative, acknowledges the need for creativity and value exchange in influencer marketing, noting that despite higher prices, demand remains strong. In summary, micro-influencer rates have seen significant increases due to the evolving nature of influencer marketing strategy. As influencer rates for 2024 continue to climb, advertisers must adapt their influencer marketing strategies to ensure they maximize their investment and maintain effective partnerships with influencers.
Dutch Influencer Finds A Pakistan Hotel Room For $1.40
A Dutch content creator known as @traveltomtom has astonished the internet by discovering a hotel room in Pakistan for just $1.40. Tom, who has traveled to 159 countries, recently documented his budget accommodation experience in Peshawar. His video has since gone viral, garnering over 860,000 views on Instagram. In the video, Tom expressed his disbelief upon seeing the room, which featured two beds and a small television. The caption of his post read, \"Is this the cheapest hotel in Pakistan? Maybe even in the world? Just 400 Prs for a bed, that is $1.4 USD only!\" Tom shared the backstory of how he found the budget hotel. He met friendly locals on the streets of Peshawar who led him to the accommodation. Initially unsure, Tom was pleasantly surprised by the room\'s condition, considering its price. He praised the hospitality of the Pashto people in Northwest Pakistan, noting their friendliness and eagerness to welcome tourists. The video has sparked various reactions online. Some users expressed curiosity about visiting Pakistan hotels, while others were skeptical and perpetuated stereotypes about the country. One user criticized foreign visitors for highlighting poorer areas, arguing that Pakistan has beautiful and luxurious regions that are often overlooked. Another commenter explained that such affordable Pakistan hotels cater to labor workers from villages seeking work in cities. Despite mixed reactions, the video has brought attention to the diverse economic landscape of Pakistan and highlighted the hospitality of its people. For those interested in Pakistan hotel booking, this video serves as a unique insight into the range of accommodations available, from budget-friendly to more luxurious options. Traveltomtom\'s TikTok presence continues to grow as he explores various travel destinations, providing his followers with firsthand experiences and valuable travel tips. This discovery of an incredibly cheap hotel room in Pakistan adds to his repertoire of fascinating travel stories, showcasing the country\'s affordability and the warm welcome extended by its people.
Colin Kaepernick Launches AI-Powered Content Creator Tool For Storytelling
Colin Kaepernick, former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist, is venturing into the tech industry with the launch of Lumi, an AI storytelling platform aimed at empowering creators to tell and own their stories. Kaepernick\'s foray into the tech world is not a sudden shift, as he has been involved in angel investing since 2017 and has more than 50 investments to date. Additionally, he has been serving on the board of digital publishing platform Medium since 2020, working alongside influential Silicon Valley investors. Lumi, emerging from stealth with $4 million in seed funding led by Seven Seven Six, aims to address the challenges faced by storytellers, particularly in the realm of comic book illustration, starting with the Japanese style, manga. The platform offers creator tools, a distribution platform, publishing, and merchandising services, with a focus on providing an end-to-end solution for creators\' needs. The platform\'s AI capabilities enable creators to craft their stories by first creating their main character through a text-based AI model, which then generates an AI image of the character. Subsequently, Lumi\'s AI assists in planning out the story, guiding creators through the process of structuring the narrative and generating a script. The final product is a graphic novel, formatted with imagery, dialogue, and captions, which can be published and distributed digitally through Lumi\'s website. In addition to digital publishing, Lumi aims to simplify physical publishing and merchandising for creators, handling the business logistics to allow creators to focus on storytelling. The platform offers three monthly subscription tiers, with revenue from stories, physical copies, and merchandising shared with the creators. Kaepernick\'s vision for Lumi extends beyond his personal story, aiming to create a solution that empowers storytellers more broadly. His experiences with the media industry and the challenges he has faced have inspired him to create a platform that addresses the entrenched problems faced by creators, such as gatekeeping, production costs, and loss of ownership of their work. Kaepernick\'s entry into the tech industry at this politically charged moment reflects his commitment to serving creators and storytellers, with a focus on product and a determination to create a better path forward for creators and their narratives. With Lumi, Kaepernick aims to uplift voices that are not given a sufficient platform today, leveraging AI to accelerate storytelling while addressing biases that have plagued AI models for years. The launch of Lumi marks Kaepernick\'s endeavor to create a meaningful impact in the tech industry, drawing on his experiences and insights to build a platform that empowers creators to own and share their stories. Through Lumi AI video tools and the business acumen garnered from his investments, Kaepernick\'s media influence extends into technology, showcasing his dedication to revolutionizing how stories are told and shared.
54% Of US Adults Want To Be Influencers: New Study
A recent study reveals that a significant portion of the population, spanning from Gen Z to baby boomers, is open to quitting traditional jobs to become social media influencers. According to the influencer study 2024 by IZEA Worldwide, Inc., about 54% of social media users aged 18 to 60+ would consider a career in influencing for the right price. Notably, 64% of this group would accept payments to promote brands on their channels. Despite the perception that Gen Z is leading this trend, the influencer marketing study found that older generations are also intrigued by the influencer lifestyle. In fact, 60% of social media users aged 45 to 60 would leave their current jobs to become influencers, compared to 50% of users aged 18 to 29. The Influencer Study 2024 highlights that heavy social media users have a better chance of monetizing their online presence. Individuals who spend more than five hours a day on social media are 4.4 times more likely to be paid for their posts. This points to a growing desire for the flexibility and freedom associated with influencing, as influencers are 1.5 times more likely to be self-employed than casual social media users. However, the influencer economy does not yet provide a primary income for most content creators. The influencer statistics 2024 show that 59% of influencers maintain full-time jobs, and only about 53% have been compensated by brands through payments or products. “This research underscores the seismic shift in career aspirations driven by the thriving creator economy,” said Ted Murphy, CEO and founder of IZEA. He emphasized that nearly half of young consumers are ready to leave traditional employment for full-time influencer roles, underscoring the growing appeal of this industry. Moreover, 26% of social media users already consider themselves influencers, indicating that influencer marketing is not just a passing trend but a significant cultural phenomenon shaping the future of work and commerce. The percentage of influencers on social media continues to rise, reflecting this shift in career aspirations and the burgeoning opportunities within the influencer economy.
Olympic Committee Sues Logan Paul For Team USA Trademark Phrases In Prime Drink Ads
Days before the commencement of the 2024 Paris Olympics, prominent influencer Logan Paul finds himself embroiled in a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by the US Olympic Committee concerning his Prime hydration drink. The lawsuit, filed in the District of Colorado, alleges that Logan Paul\'s Prime brand has been using trademarked phrases to promote its products, particularly in association with the Olympics. The infringement was initially identified through Prime\'s collaboration with NBA star Kevin Durant, where the drink was marketed as the \"Team USA Kevin Durant Drink\" and \"Kevin Durant Olympic Prime Drink,\" incorporating phrases such as \"Olympic,\" \"Olympian,\" \"Team USA,\" and \"Going For Gold.\" The US Olympic Committee\'s legal action characterizes Prime Hydration\'s conduct as willful, deliberate, and in bad faith, with malicious intent to trade on the goodwill of the USOC and the IOC. The committee asserts that Prime\'s unauthorized use of Olympic-related trademarks has caused damage and irreparable injury to the US Olympic Committee, emphasizing the significant reliance on these trademarks to fund Team USA, given the absence of financial assistance from the federal government. The lawsuit further alleges that Prime\'s unauthorized use of unlicensed trademarks could mislead the public and wrongfully profit through association with the Olympics, despite lacking any formal connection. In response to the committee\'s legal action, Prime\'s legal representatives were requested to cease infringement, but the brand reportedly continued to sell its Olympic-connected products and promote them on social media. However, several social media posts cited in the lawsuit as evidence were subsequently removed from Prime\'s social media pages, and the product was also removed from the company\'s website. This legal dispute is not the first instance of controversy surrounding Logan Paul\'s Prime brand. Last year, the brand faced scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to concerns about the high caffeine content in its energy drink, which was primarily consumed by children despite being marketed to consumers over 18. Additionally, the brand faced a class-action lawsuit over the presence of \"forever chemicals\" in a now-discontinued Prime flavor, which can pose health and environmental threats. The ongoing legal battle between the US Olympic Committee and Logan Paul\'s Prime brand underscores the significance of protecting trademark rights and the potential ramifications of unauthorized use of trademarked phrases and symbols associated with major events such as the Olympics 2024.
Jojo Siwa \’Guilty Pleasure\’ Music Video Mystery Finally Answered: Did Her Tampon Fall Out?
Pop artist and professional dancer JoJo Siwa found herself at the center of wild speculation after a mysterious item fell to the ground beneath her during the \'Guilty Pleasure\' music video, prompting fans to engage in fervent online speculation. Following the release of her highly anticipated EP \'Guilty Pleasure\' and the accompanying music video for the title track, fans were quick to notice a small item falling from JoJo\'s person during a choreographed performance. This incident sparked a flurry of speculation, with some fans suggesting that the fallen object was a sanitary product, given the timing of the incident during the chorus\' choreography. The phrase \"JoJo Siwa Guilty Pleasure tampon\" quickly started trending as fans dissected the video frame by frame. Despite the speculations, many commenters were quick to dismiss the notion that the item was hygiene-related, offering more plausible explanations such as it being a part of her costume, an AirPod, or an accessory on her jacket. Commenters also expressed surprise at the item not being edited out of the music video and urged against jumping to conclusions without considering alternative explanations. JoJo Siwa\'s response to the speculation has been characterized as \"hysterical\" by some fans, who pointed out the absurdity of the rumors and encouraged a more thoughtful consideration of the incident. The incident has added to the ongoing online dialogue surrounding JoJo Siwa, including the viral TikTok trend featuring an audio of her singing off-pitch during quieter moments, illustrating the singer\'s enduring presence in popular culture. On her Instagram, JoJo Siwa shared behind-the-scenes footage of the \'Guilty Pleasure\' dance rehearsals, further engaging with her fans and adding context to the video. Her ability to use social media to connect with her audience and address rumors head-on demonstrates her savvy approach to managing her public persona. The speculation surrounding the \'Guilty Pleasure\' music video incident has sparked a lively discussion among fans, highlighting the intense scrutiny faced by public figures and the potential for misinterpretation in today\'s digital age. JoJo Siwa\'s response to the situation reflects her ability to navigate and address online speculation with humor and grace, maintaining her presence in the public eye amidst the ongoing conversations surrounding her work. JoJo Siwa, known for her vibrant and unapologetic persona, has often been the subject of intense public scrutiny, given her prominent presence in the entertainment industry and social media. This incident, while sparking a whirlwind of speculation, also underscores the challenges faced by public figures in maintaining control over their narratives and the potential for misconstrued interpretations in the digital sphere. Despite the fervent discussions surrounding the music video incident, JoJo\'s unwavering commitment to her artistry and her ability to respond to such situations with humor and composure further solidify her resilience in managing the complexities of public attention. In the midst of the ongoing speculation, JoJo Siwa\'s response reflects her ability to navigate the nuances of public perception and maintain an authentic connection with her audience. By addressing the speculation with levity and engaging with her fans in a lighthearted manner, JoJo exemplifies her capacity to navigate challenging moments with grace and a sense of humor, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her craft and her fans amidst the intricacies of public attention.
Korean Influencers Arrested For Coercion, Extortion Against Another YouTuber
Prosecutors in South Korea are seeking arrest warrants for YouTubers Lee Jun-hee, known online as GooJeYeok, and Jeon Gukjin in connection with an extortion case involving fellow YouTuber Park Jung-won, who is known as Tzuyang. The Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office filed a request with the Suwon District Court on Tuesday, accusing Lee and Jeon of extortion. Lee faces additional charges of blackmail and coercion, while Jeon is implicated for his alleged role in the extortion scheme. The request follows an investigation that included a search and seizure operation, as well as questioning of the suspects. The case gained public attention on July 10 when HoverLab Inc., a YouTube channel, released a voice recording of a phone conversation between Lee and Jeon. In the recording, Lee claimed he had been paid 55 million won ($39,764.9) by Park to keep quiet about her past. Following this revelation, Tzuyang disclosed in a livestream that she had been physically assaulted and threatened by her former boyfriend, who had also threatened to release illegal videos of her. Lee and Jeon were officially reported to the authorities by Park on July 15. The controversy has prompted Prosecutor General Lee One-seok to direct a thorough review of the case, emphasizing the need to confiscate criminal proceeds and seek severe penalties. Lee stressed the severe impact of cybercrimes, including false accusations and coercion, on victims. The Suwon District Court is scheduled to hold hearings on Friday to decide on the issuance of the arrest warrants for Lee and Jeon. The case against Lee and Jeon has sparked widespread concern about cyber extortion and its impact on online communities, especially among Korean influencers and YouTubers like Tzuyang and GooJeYeok. As the investigation continues, it highlights the growing issue of \"cyber-wreckers\"—individuals who exploit their online platforms for financial gain through harmful and illegal activities. The public\'s reaction underscores a broader call for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect individuals from such malicious behavior. Additionally, the controversy has intensified discussions about the need for comprehensive legal measures to address digital harassment and extortion. With high-profile cases like this drawing attention, there is increasing pressure on lawmakers and law enforcement to implement more robust protections for victims and ensure that perpetrators face appropriate consequences. As the judicial process unfolds, the case will likely serve as a significant benchmark for addressing cybercrime in the evolving digital landscape.
TikTok Shop To Expand In Spain, Ireland By October
TikTok is gearing up to introduce its in-app shopping feature, TikTok Shop, to users in Spain and Ireland as early as October, according to a Bloomberg News report from July 23. The company plans to make a smaller debut than initially intended but aims to expand the feature across Europe in 2025. TikTok has recruited around 40 employees in Spain, signaling a significant investment in its eCommerce operations. The move comes as part of TikTok’s broader strategy to explore new commerce opportunities, although the feature will initially be available only in a limited capacity. This launch follows a delay earlier this year when TikTok shifted focus to its American eCommerce business. The expansion into Spain and Ireland aligns with the growing trend of social commerce, where younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, are increasingly influenced by social media and online personalities. Research indicates that Gen Z is significantly more likely to make purchases based on influencer recommendations compared to older generations. In related news, Spain’s competition regulator, the CNMC, has initiated an investigation into Apple’s App Store practices. Announced on July 24, the probe aims to determine whether Apple’s practices violate Spanish competition laws by imposing unfair conditions on developers. Apple has denied these allegations and stated that it competes fairly on its platform. This investigation follows similar actions in India, where Apple is accused of abusive conduct in the app store market. Despite these challenges, Apple recently resolved an antitrust issue with the European Union by allowing broader access to its tap-and-go technologies. The introduction of TikTok Shop in Spain and Ireland underscores TikTok’s strategic pivot towards enhancing user engagement through integrated shopping experiences. As TikTok continues to innovate in social commerce, its expansion into these markets could pave the way for broader adoption of in-app purchasing features across Europe, catering to the evolving preferences of digital-savvy consumers.
Kai Cenat Previews Unreleased Drake Song On Twitch
Drake\'s decision to share an unreleased track with Twitch streamer Kai Cenat has sparked considerable excitement within both the streaming and music communities. During a live stream on July 23, Cenat was surprised with \"Super Soaker,\" a new song featuring Drake and Lil Yachty. The track\'s preview prompted an enthusiastic response from Cenat, who danced and expressed his excitement for the song, highlighting its potential appeal. However, reactions have been mixed. Following the stream, some social media users voiced skepticism about how well \"Super Soaker\" would be received, pointing to recent controversies surrounding Drake and his competitive dynamics with artists like Kendrick Lamar. Critics questioned the authenticity of Cenat\'s enthusiastic reaction and speculated about the song\'s commercial success despite the initial hype. There are also discussions about whether Drake\'s outreach to streamers like Cenat is aimed at revitalizing his popularity or countering recent criticisms, underscoring the complexities of celebrity endorsements in today\'s digital landscape. The collaboration between Drake and Cenat illustrates a growing trend where musicians leverage streaming platforms to build anticipation and connect directly with fans. By sharing unreleased tracks with popular streamers, artists like Drake leverage the massive influence and reach of these digital personalities to generate buzz around their music organically. This strategy reflects a deliberate effort to engage younger audiences who play a pivotal role in shaping music trends and consumption patterns. Furthermore, Cenat\'s animated response to \"Super Soaker\" has ignited conversations about the impact of streaming personalities on music promotion and public perception. As streamers gain prominence, their endorsements and reactions can significantly influence how audiences perceive and embrace new releases. This dynamic raises important questions about the authenticity of celebrity-driven hype and its influence on consumer behavior in the digital age. The scenario involving Drake and Cenat underscores the evolving strategies in music marketing and the increasing significance of digital influencers in shaping the success trajectory of new music releases.
Kamala Harris Is Riding The \’Brat Girl Summer\’ TikTok Trend
On Monday, President Biden\'s former campaign profile on social media service X was updated with a neon green banner reading \"kamala hq,\" marking the official launch of Kamala Harris\' presidential campaign. The vibrant banner and campaign messaging reflect Harris\' alignment with Gen Z culture, particularly the \"brat girl summer\" trend popularized by British pop star Charli XCX\'s album \"BRAT.\" This album encapsulates a summer of rebellious fun and explores the complexities of female experiences, themes that Harris\' campaign has embraced to resonate with younger voters. The neon green motif intentionally mirrors the album\'s cover art, symbolizing Harris\' connection to youthful energy and contemporary aesthetics. Harris\' campaign has cleverly leveraged viral TikTok trends, incorporating edits featuring the neon green color palette and popular tracks from Charli XCX’s album. These videos, blending Harris\' quotes with infectious music and meme content, have garnered substantial engagement, with one standout edit amassing over 2 million views. The hashtag #kamalaharris is currently trending on TikTok, underscoring the heightened interest and interaction from Gen Z users. Charli XCX\'s endorsement of Harris as a representation of the \"brat\" persona further solidifies Harris\' appeal to a demographic that values bold, unapologetic expressions. This alignment has been reinforced by viral posts integrating songs like Chappell Roan\'s \"Femininomenon,\" effectively amplifying Harris\' visibility among young voters. This shift marks a significant departure from the challenges faced during the administration\'s earlier stages, including low approval ratings and Harris\' previous presidential bid. Beyond the digital realm, enthusiasm for Harris is translating into tangible support. The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association has launched \"demo(brat)\" merchandise, positioning it as a way for \"party girls\" to express solidarity with Harris and endorse the broader Democratic agenda. This embrace of youthful, viral culture injects renewed optimism into the party amidst concerns about President Biden\'s age and recent Republican gains. Harris\' campaign and its viral success are injecting fresh momentum into Democratic prospects as the November elections draw nearer.