Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Influencer Marketing Agency CreatorIQ Hires Adobe Exec As CEO, Targets Growth
Influencer marketing company CreatorIQ has appointed Chris Harrington, a marketing software and web analytics executive, as its new CEO, according to Digiday. Harrington’s hiring marks a strategic move as the organization seeks to drive its next phase of growth and solidify its position as a leading influencer marketing agency. Previously serving as chief revenue officer at property management software company Entrata, Harrington focused on customer operations. He also led InsideSales, developing sales processes for major clients like Dell and American Express. Harrington replaces interim CEO Jon Namnath, who held the role for six months after CreatorIQ founder Igor Vaks stepped down to focus on family at the end of 2023. Namnath, who cofounded Tribe Dynamics (acquired by CreatorIQ in 2021), will remain on the company\'s board. Harrington acknowledged the company\'s robust enterprise infrastructure, noting its importance in meeting enterprise customers\' demands for scale, brand protection, and data security. His appointment comes as influencer marketing agencies and platforms increasingly invest in talent and technology. CreatorIQ, which manages both creator discovery and platform development, aims to blend these aspects effectively. CreatorIQ\'s core business revolves around its influencer marketing platform, offering campaign management and technology services. The platform provides metrics and creator discovery, focusing on enterprise-level infrastructure, data compliance, and AI and analytics to enhance influencer marketing campaigns. The company serves thousands of brands, including Logitech, Sephora, Ulta, Gymshark, and Unilever. Harrington\'s track record of driving revenue growth is notable. He helped grow analytics firm Omniture (acquired by Adobe for $1.8 billion) from $3.5 million to $500 million in revenue over seven years. At cloud platform Domo, he played a key role in increasing revenue from $7 million to $150 million over four years. This year, CreatorIQ integrated with Snap\'s creator API to enhance creator discovery and activation on the social platform. In 2023, the company developed new metrics to help advertisers measure the return on creator campaigns against traditional digital marketing. Harrington emphasized the central role of data in CreatorIQ’s services, particularly in the context of the AI boom. He stated that data would be the currency driving professional lives, feeding AI in unprecedented ways. Other influencer marketing firms are also investing in AI. Open Influence, for example, uses AI to improve efficiencies, analytics, and ROI generation for clients. The agency has been incorporating AI in its operations since 2017, utilizing it for analytics, predictions, creator matching, and content analysis. Harrington plans to further develop CreatorIQ’s platform capabilities, invest in leadership and training, and refine the messaging of Tribe Dynamics as the platforms continue to merge. He aims to aggressively push revenue growth and expand the partner ecosystem, which includes agency customers like Movers+Shakers and Dentsu. Scott Friedman, CEO of cosmetic brand Rare Beauty, a client of CreatorIQ, highlighted the importance of a robust creator strategy in building a strong brand in the beauty space. CreatorIQ\'s influencer marketing strategy, backed by advanced analytics and AI, positions it as a key player in the industry, driving innovation and efficiency for its clients and influencers alike.
YouTube CEO Praises MrBeast\’s 300M Subscribers With Witty Tweet
MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, made history on July 10, 2024, by becoming the first content creator to reach 300 million subscribers on YouTube. This milestone comes just weeks after surpassing T-Series to become the platform\'s most-followed channel. The phenomenal growth in MrBeast subscribers reflects his immense popularity and influence in the digital space. Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, congratulated MrBeast with a humorous tweet on July 11. \"I\'d say congrats on 300M subs, but by the time I tweet this, you may already be at 400M,\" Mohan joked on Twitter. The MrBeast sub count has become a benchmark for aspiring YouTubers, highlighting the platform\'s dynamic and competitive nature. MrBeast has yet to respond to Mohan’s tweet, but his recent posts show his amazement at his own success. \"I remember freaking out when I hit 300 subscribers 11 years ago... Lol,\" he wrote, linking back to a video from 2013 celebrating that earlier milestone. The journey from 300 subscribers to MrBeast 300 million subscribers underscores the exponential growth and dedicated following he has cultivated over the years. Donaldson’s career has been marked by numerous achievements. He is set to host his own game show, ‘Beast Games,’ on Amazon Prime Video, in a deal worth $100 million. This venture adds to his already impressive portfolio and demonstrates his ability to transcend the YouTube platform. Beyond his viral videos, MrBeast has used his wealth to start a charity, funding cataract surgeries, cochlear implants, and building houses for the homeless in Jamaica. His philanthropic efforts have earned him praise and further cemented his status as a positive force in the community. MrBeast has also expressed interest in running for President of the United States, contingent on changes to the age limit for candidacy. \"If I were President, I wouldn’t care about party lines. I’d just always truly make the American people my #1 priority,\" he said. \"...Anyways, we can pick this up in 15 years when I’m old enough to run, haha.\" MrBeast\'s influence extends beyond entertainment and philanthropy. He has also ventured into business with successful projects like MrBeast Burger and Feastables, a chocolate brand. Both ventures have seen significant success, contributing to his growing empire. His ability to engage with audiences across various platforms and industries underscores his versatility and impact as a modern digital entrepreneur. For now, MrBeast will focus on his new TV show and continue creating viral content, aiming for 400 million subscribers in the future.
Is Haleyy Baylee Lying About \’Billionaire\’ Ex-Boyfriend? Netizens Spot Clues About Alleged Fake Content
TikToker Haleyy Baylee, also known as Haley Kalil, has come under fire for allegedly fabricating claims about having a billionaire boyfriend. The controversy centers around a now-deleted TikTok series titled “Who the f*ck did I date?” where Haleyy Baylee detailed her alleged relationship with a billionaire ex-boyfriend. Haleyy Baylee, who previously went viral in May after her “let them eat cake” TikTok at the Met Gala, claimed in her series that her ex-boyfriend made her sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that prohibited her from discussing their relationship. However, she asserted that since their breakup, she was free to speak openly about him. Fellow TikToker NoahGlennCarter brought attention to the dubious nature of her claims, pointing out that NDAs typically remain in effect even after a relationship ends. He noted that viewers had investigated the details of Haleyy Baylee\'s story and found inconsistencies, leading to widespread skepticism. “After she released the story, a lot of people did some digging on the details – and her story just doesn’t add up at all,” Noah remarked in his TikTok about the series. Haleyy Baylee\'s narrative drew further criticism due to the way she framed her TikTok series, with many accusing her of mimicking a trauma-bonding relationship for attention. Some viewers believed she was leveraging the fabricated story to connect with others who had experienced similar hardships. This sentiment was echoed by several TikTok users who speculated that her series might have been nothing more than elaborate skits. One user commented, “She’s so fake, I blocked her on all platforms a long time ago, I’m tired of her sh*t.” This reflects the frustration and distrust felt by many of her followers. Despite the backlash, Haleyy Baylee continues to express her emotions online. In a recent TikTok, she shared a video of herself crying to the lyrics, “I wish that they could see underneath that I’m just an ordinary girl,” seemingly addressing the criticism and portraying herself as misunderstood. This controversy has significantly impacted Haleyy Baylee\'s online reputation, raising questions about the authenticity of her content and the motivations behind her storytelling. Whether or not she can regain the trust of her audience remains to be seen.
UK Influencer Marketing Trade Body Form EU Marketing Alliance
Influencer marketing trade associations from the UK, France, and Germany have united to form The European Influencer Marketing Alliance (EIMA). This alliance aims to promote responsible influencer marketing practices across Europe, ensuring consumer trust and brand reputation by collaborating with regulators. The founding members of EIMA are the UK’s Influencer Marketing Trade Body (IMTB), France’s Union des Métiers de l’Influence et des Créateurs de Contenus (UMICC), and Germany’s Bundesverband Influencer Marketing e.V. (BVIM). These organizations plan to share their expertise to enhance the influencer marketing industry. They also aim to give creators and influencers a unified voice to engage with regulators, legislators, media, academics, and other key stakeholders, especially amid increasing legislative and regulatory scrutiny. EIMA has already initiated discussions to recruit other influencer trade associations from across Europe. Scott Guthrie, director-general of the UK’s Influencer Marketing Trade Body (IMTB), highlighted the rapid growth of the influencer marketing sector, valued at $21.1 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $24 billion this year. One analyst even forecasts the industry could be worth close to $200 billion by 2032. Guthrie emphasized that maintaining the trust the sector enjoys requires brands, agencies, platforms, and creators to act responsibly and fulfill their obligations to each other and consumers. He noted that EIMA combines the expertise of three trade bodies to advocate for responsible influencer marketing across Europe. EIMA has also been voted in as the newest member of the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA). EASA operates a network of 28 advertising self-regulatory organizations and broader advertising agencies and media organizations, setting operational standards for advertising self-regulatory systems. EASA\'s mission is to enable the advertising sector to collaborate at European and international levels to address common challenges around advertising standards. Upon accepting EIMA as an associate industry member, Lucas Boudet, director-general of EASA, remarked, \"We see this milestone as a first step towards full integration in our ad self-regulatory network. EASA brings together all the entities of the advertising value chain which promote responsible advertising; having EIMA join this ecosystem is absolutely key considering the increasing prominence of influencer marketing practices.\" The UK’s Influencer Marketing Trade Body (IMTB), a UK-based not-for-profit professional membership organization for the influencer marketing industry, launched in October 2021 with six founding members. It now counts around 30 \'creator economy companies\' as members. This alliance signifies a significant step towards unified and responsible influencer marketing practices across Europe.
FBI Shuts Russian AI Bot Farm That Spreads Fake News About Ukraine, US Politics
Federal prosecutors have dismantled hundreds of artificial intelligence-generated fake social media accounts used by Russian operatives to create a \"bot farm\" that spread lies and pro-Vladimir Putin disinformation in the United States and abroad, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday. This operation is part of a broader strategy to combat the surge of Russian AI bot farms and their role in disseminating Russian fake news and Ukraine fake news. Many of these bots, complete with photos of smiling individuals, purported to be Americans with names like \"Sue Williamson\" and \"Ricardo Abbott.\" They used social media platforms such as X, formerly Twitter, to praise Putin\'s generosity and virtues. Disinformation experts and U.S. officials praised the crackdown as the first of its kind against state-sponsored AI-powered propaganda. It comes at a crucial time for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion and ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November. “Today’s actions represent a first,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Russia intended to use this bot farm to disseminate AI-generated foreign disinformation, scaling their work with the assistance of AI to undermine our partners in Ukraine and influence geopolitical narratives favorable to the Russian government.” According to U.S. court documents, Russia’s Federal Security Service orchestrated the operation from 2022 through 2024. They created nearly 1,000 X accounts and two websites. U.S. Cyber Command, along with partners from the Netherlands and Canada, joined the FBI in dismantling the Russian operation. The Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Acting on warrants issued by a federal judge, the FBI seized the X accounts and websites after suspicions of international money laundering and conspiracy arose, according to affidavits filed in the District of Arizona, where the websites were registered. X suspended the 968 accounts for violating terms of service. The company could not be reached for comment. The bots posted misleading information and outright lies. One user, \"Sue Williamson,\" posted videos undermining the Ukrainian military and showing Putin justifying the invasion. The American personas were created using AI-powered software that only works on X, although analysts expect it to be modified for other social media platforms, according to a cybersecurity advisory from the FBI and its partners. The accounts were registered to email domains paid for in Bitcoin. Investigators traced the accounts back to Moscow through a series of email addresses provided in case the Russian agents forgot the passwords. Putin was trending among the AI-generated Americans. Ricardo Abbott, a fictitious Minneapolis resident, shared videos of Putin arguing that Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine were part of Russia. Dietram Scheufele, a professor of science communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who studies misinformation, said the number of bots taken offline by the FBI operation is small compared to the myriad fake accounts on social media. However, he felt encouraged that the feds were going after the roots of AI-generated misinformation instead of flagging doctored videos. “The unmanageable and unwieldy problem is foreign actors,” he said. “Now we’re seeing the first pushback.”
TikTok\’s Sink Drink Meme Is Dangerous Says Experts
One of the latest TikTok crazes involves making huge cocktail mixes in kitchen sinks, with the sink drink trend accumulating over 145 million posts on the app. This sink drink meme has taken the platform by storm, with many users showcasing their elaborate drink creations. In one viral clip with almost 58 million views, content creator thetipsybartender, known for his boozy recipes, demonstrated how he makes his famous ‘Jungle Juice’ recipe right in his kitchen sink. This sink drink TikTok video garnered over 5.1 million likes, with many viewers expressing shock at the unusual location for preparing the drink. “I’m sorry, excuse me? In the sink?” one person questioned. “It looks good but not in the SINK,” another added. Despite the trend\'s popularity, Dr. Gareth Nye, a Programme Lead for Medical Science, spoke to Magnet Kitchens to warn people against participating in it. He highlighted the health risks associated with preparing drinks in kitchen sinks, emphasizing that they are typically riddled with bacteria and other pathogens. “The kitchen sink is normally considered one of the riskiest places in the kitchen as it’s the place we deposit cooked and uncooked food waste and wash our hands after touching raw meats and other spillages,” he said. “A study from The National Sanitation Foundation found that 45% of kitchen sinks tested positive for coliform bacteria such as E. coli, and 27% contained molds which are known to cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Also, most drains have some form of blockage, usually from grease or fat.” Dr. Nye explained that this can foster bacterial growth, including pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, which may ascend into the sink area. He continued: “Ultimately, you are using your kitchen sink to get rid of things, and you are likely facing millions of bacteria in and around the sink and plug hole.” Instead of making drinks in your sink, Magnet Kitchens recommends using it as an ice bucket to store cans and bottles of champagne and beer, keeping them cool. This alternative is both safer and more hygienic. This is just the latest in a series of TikTok trends right now being warned against by experts. Recently, doctors also spoke out against the ‘anti-sunscreen’ campaign trend, highlighting the potential health risks. While the sink drink trend may seem fun and easy, it\'s important to consider the health risks involved. Ensuring a clean and safe environment for food and drink preparation is crucial to avoid potential bacterial infections and other health issues. Despite its popularity on TikTok trending right now, making drinks in the sink poses significant risks that are better avoided.
Ben Affleck Summer Goes Viral On TikTok: What Is Trend About?
The latest trend sweeping across TikTok invokes the style of one of the 2000s\' biggest actors — Ben Affleck. His casual T-shirts and constantly stressed-out expression are both inspiring and relatable to Gen Z. Hollywood A-Lister Ben Affleck has been in the news lately thanks to his apparent split with Jennifer Lopez… again. While Millennials are wondering if we’re somehow back in the 2000s, Gen Z is making sure that we look like we are thanks to TikTok’s most recent obsession. If you’ve been scrolling down your For You Page lately, you’ve probably seen a few folks embracing their ‘Ben Affleck summer.’ In simple terms, this means that they’re channeling their inner Ben Affleck, including his comfy style, stressed-out facial expression, and his penchant for iced coffee. While it’s not hard to find an image of Affleck looking like he’s barely holding it together (especially in the midst of his split with Lopez), the iced coffee part of the equation comes from a paparazzi pic of the actor attempting to balance his massive order from Dunkin’ Donuts taken in 2020. In fact, there’s another popular photo of Affleck trying to balance a stack of packages with another Dunkin’ iced coffee on top of them, showing a clear trend that the man loves his cold caffeine. It’s definitely a mood — one that’s all too relatable for Gen Z, who have decided to embrace the chaos of their lives and, much like Ben Affleck, do their best to keep it together. TikTokers are showing off their casual, comfy style with an iced coffee, openly opining about how stressed they are this summer. A user on Twitter/X sums it up best: “I’m having a Ben Affleck summer (I’m stressed out with an iced coffee).” Affleck is currently under the internet’s microscope thanks to multiple photos taken of him out in public with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and his mother, with netizens labeling him as “depressed” and “stressed.” Given his supposed breakup from Lopez, it makes sense that Affleck is a little bit frazzled, given everything that’s going on with him. At least he has his iced coffee to bring him comfort. Affleck\'s public appearances, often with an iced coffee in hand, resonate with the younger generation, who see in him a reflection of their own struggles and a symbol of perseverance. TikTok users continue to share their own versions of a \"Ben Affleck summer,\" embracing a laid-back style and acknowledging the stress in their lives, all while keeping a firm grip on their iced coffees. Ben Affleck Summer is definitely one of the TikTok trends right now, encapsulating the essence of being laid-back yet stressed, a vibe that many find relatable. TikTok trending right now is all about this Affleck-inspired lifestyle, proving that even in the midst of chaos, comfort and a good iced coffee can make everything a little more bearable.
TikTok Alternative Apps Surge Amid Possible US Ban
With the U.S. government\'s looming threat to ban TikTok, alternative video-sharing apps have experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity. According to data from Sensor Tower, apps such as Triller, Dubsmash, Byte, and Zynn saw a staggering 361% increase in downloads during the week of July 27, compared to the previous week. ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has been actively trying to circumvent a U.S. ban, prompting users to explore other video-sharing platforms. Despite TikTok\'s global success with over 2.3 billion installations, its download numbers have been declining recently, exacerbated by its ban in India and potential removal from U.S. app stores. In July alone, TikTok recorded 65.3 million installs worldwide, a notable 25% drop from the 87 million installs in June. In the U.S., TikTok\'s installs dipped by 16% to 6.3 million in July. Nevertheless, TikTok has amassed a substantial 190 million downloads in the U.S., constituting approximately 8% of its global installs. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding TikTok\'s future, its competitors have seized the opportunity. During the pivotal week of July 27, Triller, Byte, Zynn, and Dubsmash collectively garnered nearly 1.5 million downloads, marking a remarkable 361% surge from the preceding week. Triller and Byte emerged as frontrunners in this surge, with Triller witnessing a phenomenal 1,227% increase in downloads, propelling it to the top of the charts as the most downloaded free iPhone app in 50 markets, including the United States, by August 1. Byte also experienced a significant boost, with a 418% rise in installs, following initial speculation of TikTok\'s potential ban earlier in July. Zynn, which had briefly disappeared from U.S. app stores in June only to return on July 21, saw a notable 93% surge in downloads during the week of July 27. Meanwhile, Dubsmash, with a more modest 69% increase, maintains its position with the highest cumulative downloads among TikTok\'s rivals in the U.S., boasting an estimated 41.6 million installs. Newer entries into the market, such as Clash and Tsu, have also entered the fray. Clash debuted in beta on July 24, while Tsu remains accessible through invite-only access. Their potential impact on TikTok\'s user base remains uncertain, especially given the established presence of competitors like Triller and Dubsmash. The situation in the United States mirrors the aftermath of TikTok\'s ban in India, where alternative platforms like Roposo, Zili, and Dubsmash experienced a 106% spike in downloads immediately post-ban, followed by a sustained increase of 155% in subsequent weeks. As ByteDance navigates the complexities of its U.S. challenges, competitors are presented with ample opportunities to expand their user bases. However, in a crowded market, app developers must refine their strategies to attract and retain user attention effectively. The landscape for the best TikTok alternative apps in 2024 continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by regulatory uncertainties and the competitive strategies of emerging and established platforms alike.
Six Flags Posts Content Creator Guidelines; Bans BTS, \’Insider Info\’ Posts
Several Six Flags parks recently unveiled new guidelines aimed at content creators, which have sparked both controversy and approval. These guidelines, noted first by ParkFans.net, a site known for breaking news on attractions like those at Kings Dominion, have drawn criticism for what some perceive as stringent restrictions on information sharing. ParkFans.net tweeted their concerns, highlighting issues such as restrictions on sharing construction photos, public records coverage, and any negative commentary about Six Flags properties. This has led to skepticism about the reliability of information from media outlets included in Six Flags’ media lists. Legacy media figures also weighed in, with Steve Norris mocking the guidelines on Twitter, emphasizing the perceived bias towards positive coverage. The guidelines, which have been implemented across parks that were once part of Cedar Fair and are now under Six Flags after a recent merger, aim to regulate how creators interact with park information. Defenders of the guidelines, such as @ExpAttractions, supported the restrictions on revealing insider information without park approval, arguing that even publicly available data should be handled with caution to maintain access to media lists. Theme Park Tribune sought clarification on these guidelines, questioning whether they could prevent media access for outlets reporting on public documents or visible construction. Courtney McGarry Weber, Carowinds\' director of communications, clarified that these rules apply specifically to content creators, not traditional media. Weber underscored the distinction, suggesting that media credentials play a role in determining who falls under which guidelines. However, concerns persist regarding potential repercussions for sharing information about upcoming attractions similar to traditional news reporting. Weber emphasized that different Six Flags parks might interpret the guidelines differently, hinting at potential variance in enforcement. In an emailed statement, Weber emphasized that the guidelines aim to foster a positive community and set clear expectations for those wishing to collaborate with Six Flags parks. She reiterated that these rules are designed for content creators seeking to visit the park and participate in media events. The history of former Cedar Fair parks suggests that decisions on media access can hinge on the tone of coverage. For instance, the Sandusky Register faced access restrictions after critical reporting on Cedar Point, including coverage of accidents and internal issues, and opposition to the merger with Six Flags. Overall, the introduction of these guidelines reflects Six Flags\' efforts to manage its public image amidst media scrutiny and regulatory changes, underscoring the evolving dynamics between theme parks and digital content creators in today\'s media landscape.
TikTok Streak Meaning And Earnings: What You Need To Know
Recently, TikTok users have been circulating misinformation regarding the platform’s streaks feature, falsely claiming that they can earn money through it. TikTok has debunked these claims, stating unequivocally to Forbes, “There is no way to be paid for using Streaks on TikTok.” Despite TikTok’s clarification, videos suggesting substantial earnings from TikTok streaks have gained significant attention, some racking up hundreds of thousands of views. This trend has sparked a wave of curiosity among users, prompting inquiries into how to supposedly monetize streaks. In response, comment sections have become flooded with links to suspicious websites promising monetary rewards, leading TikTok to advise creators to filter out potentially fraudulent comments. The streaks feature, which TikTok began rolling out in June, bears similarities to Snapchat’s Snapstreaks. It tracks the number of consecutive days users exchange direct messages on the app. A fire icon badge accompanies the streak count, indicating its duration. Streaks reset if no messages are exchanged within 24 hours. TikTok provides optional notifications for users nearing the end of a streak or when a streak begins. These notifications can be managed through the app’s settings under Profile > Settings and privacy > Notifications > Streaks > In-app notifications. This isn’t the first instance of TikTok adopting features reminiscent of competitors. Earlier introductions include a longer video format akin to YouTube’s, and stories akin to Instagram and Snapchat, launched in 2022. TikTok’s upcoming features, such as the rumored TikTok Notes app for photo sharing, indicate ongoing efforts to compete across social media platforms. Amidst its feature expansions, TikTok faces ongoing scrutiny, including legislative attempts to restrict its use on government devices. These challenges highlight the platform’s commitment to combating misinformation and maintaining user trust amidst evolving social media trends.