Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Famous Influencer\’s Decomposed Body Found At Deserted Site In Thailand
The remains of missing Chinese TikToker Yan Ruimin have been found outside Bangkok, and Thai police believe she was murdered. Yan, a 38-year-old social media influencer, arrived in Thailand from Malaysia on June 26 and was reported missing on July 12. A friend last heard from her on June 30. Police discovered her dismembered body in Chachoengsao, about 50 kilometers east of Bangkok. Authorities are searching for Ma Qingyan, a 32-year-old Chinese man who left Thailand for Hong Kong. Ma is believed to have met Yan on July 1, the day she was murdered. They were seen together in Bangkok, and evidence suggests Ma drove a rental car out of the city, stopping multiple times. He reportedly burned documents and other debris, including a suitcase believed to belong to Yan, near Chachoengsao. Ma returned the rental car on July 3 and left for Hong Kong, then Macao. Blood was found in the car and his hotel room. Yan’s WeChat Pay account was used in Macao between July 4 and July 6, although there was no record of her leaving Thailand. One of Yan’s relatives claimed to have received a ransom demand for 5 million Thai baht (approximately $138,000) from Ma. Police are coordinating with forensic officers to confirm the identity of the body parts through DNA tests. They are working to have Ma arrested and brought back to Thailand for questioning. Yan’s disappearance is not currently linked to a crime syndicate, according to MG Noppasin of the Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau. Yan Ruimin was active on social media, including TikTok and Instagram, where she had a significant following. Her presence on these platforms highlighted her engaging personality and widespread influence. Yan\'s last post on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, where she had around 11,000 followers, was in May, showing her partying in Macao. Several comments on her page expressed condolences, with one noting the tragic nature of targeting fellow Chinese nationals. This incident involving Yan Ruimin, the missing influencer, follows a series of kidnappings involving Chinese tourists in Thailand and the Philippines. In June, a Chinese woman was found in a Bangkok mall after being kidnapped for a ransom. In April, a Chinese student from Australia was rescued from a kidnapping gang in Thailand. Last month, a Chinese national and a Chinese-American were kidnapped and killed in the Philippines. The tragic news of Yan Ruimin dead has shocked her followers and the broader online community, raising concerns about the safety of influencers and tourists abroad. The investigation continues as authorities work to bring justice for Yan and her family.
TikTok Loses \’Gatekeeper\’ Label Appeal In EU Court
ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, has lost its appeal against being labeled a \"digital gatekeeper\" by the European Union. The EU General Court in Luxembourg upheld the designation, citing ByteDance\'s global market value and its substantial user base in the EU under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The court ruled that TikTok\'s classification as a gatekeeper was justified as it met the criteria set out in the DMA, which includes thresholds related to market value and user numbers within the EU. This designation imposes restrictions on companies, preventing them from mandating users in the EU to consent to accessing services or specific functionalities. TikTok gatekeeping under these regulations aims to ensure a fair and competitive digital market environment. ByteDance had argued that its global market value primarily stemmed from China, not the EU, and that TikTok operated differently from established digital monopolies like Meta (Facebook, Instagram) and Alphabet (Google). However, the court dismissed these arguments, noting TikTok\'s rapid and exponential growth in user numbers since its entry into the market in 2018. In response to the ruling, a ByteDance spokesperson expressed disappointment and reiterated TikTok\'s role as a challenger in the digital market. The spokesperson highlighted that TikTok had already begun complying with DMA requirements since March but indicated the possibility of appealing the decision at the European Court of Justice within the next two months and ten days. The ruling marks a significant development in the EU\'s regulatory efforts to curb the dominance of large tech companies and ensure fair competition within the digital market. By upholding TikTok\'s designation as a gatekeeper, the court reinforces the EU\'s stance on holding powerful platforms accountable for their market conduct and data practices. This decision aligns with broader efforts across Europe to enforce stricter regulations on digital platforms, aiming to protect consumer rights and foster a level playing field for all businesses. TikTok\'s gatekeeper status under the DMA also brings into focus its compliance with the EU privacy policy and other regulatory frameworks. The company\'s efforts to align with these regulations will be closely monitored, impacting its operations and strategic decisions in various markets, including the EU. ByteDance\'s ongoing legal challenges reflect the complexities and debates surrounding the regulation of global tech giants operating across different jurisdictions. As TikTok continues to expand its influence and user base worldwide, navigating regulatory frameworks will remain a critical issue for the company. The outcome of potential further appeals to the European Court of Justice will be closely watched, as it could shape future regulatory approaches towards digital platforms across the EU and beyond.
MrBeast Feastables Ends Charlotte Hornets Jersey Sponsorship Deal
The Charlotte Hornets are on the hunt for a new sponsor to adorn their jerseys after parting ways with MrBeast\'s Feastables, a snack-food brand that adorned their uniforms for just one season. Confirmed by a team source, the departure marks the end of a brief partnership that saw Feastables prominently displayed on the upper left area of Hornets jerseys throughout the 2023-24 NBA season. This change leaves the Hornets seeking their third jersey sponsor in as many years, following Charlotte-based loan marketplace LendingTree, which sponsored the team from the 2017-18 season until the 2022-23 season. Since the NBA allowed teams to feature small sponsors on their jerseys starting in 2017, these partnerships have become a visible and lucrative aspect of team branding. The Hornets\' brief stint with Feastables was initially hailed as a groundbreaking move by team executives when it was announced in October 2023, signaling optimism for a mutually beneficial relationship. The departure of Feastables from the Hornets\' sponsorship portfolio comes amidst a dynamic period for the team, marked by recent successes in the Summer League. Charlotte\'s strong performance, including victories in the California Classic and a promising start in Las Vegas, underscores a renewed optimism surrounding the franchise\'s future. For potential sponsors, aligning with the Hornets represents not only visibility on a national stage but also engagement with a passionate fan base in Charlotte and beyond. The team\'s jerseys serve as a prominent canvas for brands looking to connect with diverse audiences across the NBA\'s global reach. Each sponsorship iteration reflects not just a business partnership but a strategic alignment that resonates with the team\'s values and ambitions. As the Hornets navigate the search for their next jersey sponsor, anticipation builds within the organization and among fans eager to see which brand will adorn the iconic uniforms next. With the NBA season on the horizon, securing a new sponsor promises to not only enhance the team\'s financial standing but also shape its image as it continues to evolve in the competitive landscape of professional basketball. Now, with Feastables\' exit, the Hornets are eager to secure a new sponsor ahead of the upcoming season, aiming to establish a fresh identity aligned with their aspirations for success on and off the court. As the team continues to compete in the Las Vegas Summer League, fans and stakeholders alike await news of the next brand that will grace the iconic teal and purple jerseys, symbolizing a new era for Charlotte basketball. This transition highlights MrBeast\'s ever-growing influence, extending from his YouTube channel to various ventures, including the Feastables brand. The Feastables Hornets jersey will be remembered as a unique chapter in the team\'s history, reflecting the innovative spirit that MrBeast embodies. As the Hornets move forward, the legacy of the Charlotte Hornets Feastables jersey will remain a symbol of the dynamic intersections between sports, entertainment, and business.
Pokimane Charity Auction Bidders Accused Of Using Stolen Credit Cards For Bidding
Twitch star Pokimane\'s charity auction, organized by CDawgVA, has been marred by controversy as fake bids using stolen credit cards disrupted the event. The Pokimane Charity Auction, which offered opportunities such as gaming sessions with Pokimane and interactions with other influencers like VTuber IronMouse and PewDiePie, initially saw bids skyrocketing to an astonishing $500,000. However, skepticism arose as it became clear that the majority of these bids were fraudulent. CDawgVA expressed frustration over the misuse of the auction platform, emphasizing that while the $500,000 figure was not genuine, legitimate bids still amounted to a substantial sum, with verified bids reaching at least $30,000. The auction, hosted on Tiltify, has since implemented measures to verify bids and ban fraudulent accounts ahead of its scheduled conclusion on July 19th. Despite the setbacks caused by fake bidders using stolen credit cards and false identities, CDawgVA remained committed to the auction\'s charitable purpose. In response to the incident, CDawgVA condemned the fake bidders for their actions, describing the misuse of a charity auction as \"super cringe\" and highlighting the ethical implications of committing fraud in a charitable context. The event\'s proceeds are intended to benefit the Immune Deficiency Foundation, which supports individuals diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency through resources and education. Last year, the same Pokimane Auction raised $329,000 for the Immune Deficiency Foundation and contributed an additional $14,000 to Make-A-Wish America. Despite the challenges posed by fraudulent activity, organizers are determined to ensure that genuine contributions continue to support these charitable causes. As preparations continue for the CDawgVA Charity Auction 2024\'s conclusion, Tiltify and CDawgVA are working diligently to restore integrity to the bidding process and uphold the event\'s commitment to making a positive impact through charitable giving.
Did Jojo Siwa\’s Tampon Fall Out During \’Guilty Pleasure\’ Music Video?
Fans of JoJo Siwa are abuzz with speculation following the release of her new song and its music video for \"Guilty Pleasure,\" where a mysterious item dropped to the ground during a pivotal moment in the performance. JoJo Siwa, known for her vibrant personality and energetic dance moves, unveiled the music video alongside her debut EP of the same name on July 12. The video features Siwa in her element, surrounded by backup dancers, as she delivers the catchy chorus of \"I’m your guilty pleasure…\" During a scene where Siwa stomps her feet emphatically, eagle-eyed fans noticed a small object falling from her. This unexpected moment sparked a flurry of conjecture among viewers, with some suggesting it could be a sanitary product, leading to the trending topic \"JoJo Siwa tampon fell out.\" Others swiftly dismissed this notion, offering alternative theories. Commentary across social media platforms debated the nature of the item, with theories ranging from it being an AirPod to a decorative element of her costume, such as a jacket spike. Fans expressed surprise that the moment was not edited out of the video, attributing it to the authenticity and rawness often celebrated in Siwa\'s performances. Despite the speculation and viral discussions surrounding the video, JoJo Siwa has yet to address the incident or clarify what exactly fell during the shoot. This mystery has only fueled further interest and engagement among her dedicated fanbase, who continue to dissect every frame of the \"Guilty Pleasure\" music video for clues. The incident marks another chapter in JoJo Siwa\'s journey as a pop artist, where her every move captivates and intrigues her followers, adding layers of intrigue and speculation to her evolving public persona.
Andrew Tate Travel Ban Reinstated As He Awaits Human Trafficking, Rape Trial
A Romanian court has reimposed a travel ban on internet influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, preventing them from leaving the country as they await trial on charges of human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women. This ruling, made by the Bucharest Court of Appeal on Tuesday, overturns a previous decision from July 5 that allowed the brothers to travel within the European Union. Andrew Tate, 37, and his brother Tristan, 36, both former kickboxers and dual British-U.S. citizens, were arrested near Bucharest in December 2022, along with two Romanian women. They were formally indicted in June 2023 on charges of forming a group to traffic women, which they have denied. The brothers’ spokesperson, Mateea Petrescu, confirmed that the court\'s decision is final and that they will remain in Romania. Eugen Vidineac, a lawyer for the Tates, stated, “The court has ruled and we respect its decision. Tristan and Andrew Tate will fully comply with the Court’s decision as well as the obligations included in the judicial control, just as they have done so far.” He added that the brothers remain committed to clearing their names and reputations in court. The legal process has been ongoing since the brothers’ arrest, with various stages allowing the defendants to challenge the prosecutors\' evidence. On April 26, the Bucharest Tribunal ruled that the case against the Tates and their co-defendants met legal criteria, allowing the trial to proceed, though no start date has been set. Initially held in police detention for three months, the Tates were later moved to house arrest and eventually restricted to the Bucharest municipality and the surrounding Ilfov county before being confined to all of Romania. Andrew Tate, who has 9.7 million followers on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), has repeatedly claimed that the charges against him are baseless and part of a political conspiracy to silence him. Known for his controversial views, Tate has previously been banned from multiple social media platforms for misogynistic comments and hate speech. This new development of Andrew Tate\'s travel restrictions further complicates his ability to manage his online presence and influence. The reimposition of the Andrew Tate travel ban underscores the gravity of the charges and the ongoing scrutiny he faces as the case proceeds through the Romanian legal system.
Fitness Influencer Bullied Online For Looking \’Super Old\’ At 25
Fitness influencer Summer Vennewitz, 25, has faced harsh online criticism for her natural appearance, with many commenters claiming she looks much older than her age. Known for her candid and unfiltered content on TikTok, the fitness influencer posted a video highlighting her face without any cosmetic enhancements like Botox or fillers. The video, intended to promote body positivity and the acceptance of natural aging, quickly went viral, amassing nearly 8 million views. In the video, Summer captioned, \"Just thought maybe someone needed to see this today,\" showcasing her appearance as a woman who has not undergone any cosmetic procedures. Despite her positive message, the response was mixed. Numerous commenters shamed her for her appearance, suggesting she looked \"at least 20 years older\" and urging her to start using sunscreen and other anti-aging products. Comments like \"You look 45\" and \"I\'m 36 and I don’t look like this\" flooded the video, reflecting a broader societal obsession with youthful looks. However, not all reactions were negative. Many users praised Summer for her authenticity and bravery in showing her true self. Supporters called out the harsh critics, emphasizing the importance of embracing natural beauty and the reality of aging. One commenter wrote, \"This girl is trying to do a nice thing and show people that you don’t have to be ashamed of aging,\" while another highlighted the unnecessary cruelty of the negative comments. Psychologist Carly Dober, speaking to news.com.au, provided insights into why Summer\'s video received such polarized reactions. Dober explained that the prevalence of editing apps, filters, and anti-aging treatments has distorted public perception of what natural aging looks like. This skewed perception, she noted, has made it uncommon to see unaltered images of people aging naturally on social media. Dober pointed out that the beauty industry\'s emphasis on wrinkle reduction and anti-aging treatments has conditioned people to view natural aging negatively. She stressed that seeing wrinkles and other signs of aging should be expected and normalized. \"It\'s actually expected for people to have wrinkles when they move their faces, and for older people to have more of these wrinkles,\" she said. Highlighting the societal taboo around aging, especially for women, Dober called for a shift in how aging is perceived and presented. She urged people to embrace diverse examples of aging and to be mindful of the impact their comments can have on individuals sharing their unfiltered experiences. Summer\'s video has sparked a broader conversation about beauty standards and the acceptance of natural aging, challenging the often unrealistic portrayals of youthfulness perpetuated by social media and the beauty industry. As more fitness influencers and individuals on platforms like TikTok share their unfiltered selves, the dialogue around how to look younger naturally and authentically may continue to evolve, encouraging a more accepting and realistic view of aging.
62% Of UK Consumers Purchased A Product After An Influencer Posted It Online: IZEA Report
IZEA Worldwide, Inc., a leading provider of technology, data, and services for the Creator Economy, has released the United Kingdom edition of its research report, “Influencers & Amazon 2024.” This report unveils significant insights into how influencer marketing impacts purchasing behavior on Amazon among U.K. consumers. According to the survey, 62% of people in the U.K. have bought a product after seeing it used by an influencer. Those who make purchases based on influencer recommendations are over six times more likely to shop on Amazon than on other online platforms. This statistic underscores the effectiveness of a well-crafted influencer marketing strategy in driving sales. Ted Murphy, CEO and founder of IZEA, highlighted Amazon\'s dominance in the U.K. market, stating, “The fact that 91% of influencer-driven purchases occur on Amazon underscores the platform’s dominance in the online shopping space in the United Kingdom.” Murphy also noted that influencer posts are perceived as four times more effective than paid social ads by social media users, demonstrating the power of influencer marketing in e-commerce. Key findings from the report include: 73% of social media users are Amazon Prime members. 91% of those who make influencer-inspired purchases have done so on Amazon. Over 45% of people aged 30-44 shop on Amazon at least once a week. 66% of 18-29-year-olds say video content influences their Amazon purchasing decisions the most. Additional insights reveal that 62% of all respondents have bought products promoted by influencers, and 56% of U.K. social media users have made influencer-inspired purchases on Amazon. Among those who make such purchases, 91% have done so on Amazon, making them 6.5 times more likely to shop there compared to other online platforms. For influencers as consumers, the survey found that they are 1.9 times more likely to purchase products on Amazon more than once a week compared to other social media users. Additionally, 92% of influencers claim to be the primary shopper in their household, and 84% are Amazon Prime members. The impact of influencers on each other is also significant, with 86% likely to search on social media before making a purchase, and 92% having bought a product after seeing it used by another influencer. Furthermore, 95% of influencers have recommended an Amazon-purchased product to someone else, and 89% have left a positive product review on Amazon. These influencer marketing statistics underscore the immense potential of influencer brand deals in driving consumer behavior and sales on Amazon. Brands looking to leverage influencer marketing strategies can draw valuable lessons from these findings to enhance their reach and effectiveness. The study, conducted in June 2024, is based on responses from 1,030 U.K. social media users over the age of 18. The full report can be downloaded for free on the IZEA website.
Everyday Creators Are Most Effective For Influencer Marketing, New Study Shows
Stripe Theory, a digital marketing agency based in Atlanta, has published a new whitepaper titled \"The Fall of the Influencer and the Rise of the Everyday Creator.\" This insightful report delves into the changing landscape of influencer marketing, underscoring the increasing value of authenticity and the growing influence of everyday creators over high-priced influencers. Craig Kronenberger, CEO of Stripe Theory, highlighted that despite the global influencer market being valued at over $21 billion last year, many brands are not achieving the desired return on investment. He pointed out that influencer brand deals with popular influencers do not necessarily lead to success if these influencers fail to authentically represent the brand. The research incorporated a survey of over 1,000 U.S. consumers who have made purchases based on social media content, complemented by third-party data from sources such as Axios, Forbes, AdAge, and Sprout Social. The findings revealed that while 23% of respondents are likely to make impulse purchases based on influencer content, a significant 73% prefer everyday creators when making purchasing decisions. Authenticity emerged as the top factor for consumers across various age groups, with expertise being crucial for those aged 25-49. Oona Peacock, Associate Director of Influencer and Content at Stripe Theory, emphasized the strategic shift towards everyday creators who prioritize authenticity and genuine engagement. She noted a consumer trend moving away from high-profile influencers like the D\'Amelios towards creators like Keith Lee, who are celebrated for their authenticity. The whitepaper also explores the evolution of influencer marketing strategies and the impact of this shift. Influencer marketing statistics indicate that incorporating everyday creators can enhance the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. This underscores the importance of authenticity in influencer marketing strategy, suggesting that the future of digital marketing lies in the hands of genuine and relatable creators.
Ibai Sets New Twitch Record With Most Concurrent Views With Will Smith\’s Help
Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos has shattered the Twitch viewership record with 3.85 million concurrent viewers during the fourth edition of his La Velada streaming event. Held at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, the event featured six boxing matches between content creators and musical performances by Will Smith, Bizarrap, and Young Miko. “Madre mía, this Velada was absolutely insane!” Ibai exclaimed. “The level of boxing, the music, the energy... it was beyond anything we could have imagined. We made history together!\" Ibai’s achievement is a bright spot for Twitch, which has faced numerous challenges recently. The platform has been embroiled in controversy following revelations about former Twitch streamer Guy Beahm, known as Dr Disrespect, who was banned in 2020 for sending sexually explicit messages to a minor. Twitch has not commented on these revelations despite multiple requests. Additionally, Twitch recently banned Call of Duty streamer Nick Kolcheff, also known as Nickmercs, for using derogatory language during a live stream. These incidents have compounded Twitch\'s troubles, including significant layoffs and restructuring. In January, Twitch announced plans to cut about 35% of its staff, following 400 layoffs last year. CEO Dan Clancy explained that the company is still adjusting its size to match its current business needs. Despite paying out over $1 billion to streamers in 2023, Twitch remains unprofitable. Clancy acknowledged Amazon’s support but emphasized the need for Twitch to become financially sustainable. “Amazon has been extremely supportive of Twitch. The big thing for being sustainable over time is ensuring we don’t lose money,” Clancy said. “That’s a big part of my job because that’s going to be what makes sure we can be here for the long term.” Twitch is also feeling pressure from competitors like Kick, which has signed popular streamers to lucrative deals. Last year, Twitch streamer xQC, also known as Félix Lengyel, signed a multi-year deal with Kick reportedly worth around $100 million. Clancy stated that Twitch would no longer offer big-money deals to retain streamers, citing the unsustainable economics of such agreements. Ibai\'s record-breaking event provides a much-needed boost for Twitch, showcasing the platform\'s potential for massive viewer engagement despite its ongoing challenges. This remarkable achievement further cements Ibai Llanos\'s status as a top streamer as he continues to set new benchmarks for peak viewers on Twitch.