Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Night Studios Shut Down; Execs Fired After Failed Plans, Strategies
Talent management firm Night has made significant changes to its in-house production arm, Night Studios, by parting ways with its leadership amid strategic shifts. Alex Piper, who headed Night Studios, and Jared Jacobs, the vice president of development, have been let go. Night Studios, launched in 2022 with ambitions to produce high-quality content for platforms like Netflix and Amazon, fell short of expectations, prompting this decision. Piper, formerly YouTube\'s head of unscripted originals, joined Night Studios in 2022. He confirmed his departure on LinkedIn, attributing the studio\'s closure to their failure to deliver on their goals. Reed Duchscher, Night\'s CEO, explained the company\'s evolving strategy, noting a pivot away from focusing solely on premium content distribution. Instead, Night aims to diversify revenue streams and extend brands across multiple platforms beyond traditional giants like YouTube and TikTok. Duchscher will now oversee the remaining projects at Night Studios. Night represents a roster of prominent creators, including Jessica \"Aphmau\" Bravura, Kai Cenat, and Ryan Trahan. Previously managing YouTube\'s top creator, MrBeast, Night continues to collaborate with Jimmy Donaldson on ventures like the Feastables chocolate brand, despite Donaldson forming his own management team recently. Reflecting on the challenges faced by Night Studios, Duchscher emphasized the storytelling prowess of creators and their ability to engage audiences. While premium projects had mixed success, Night remains committed to exploring new opportunities within the creator space and leveraging existing projects. Duchscher thanked Piper and Jacobs for their contributions, expressing optimism about Night\'s future despite setbacks. He acknowledged that innovation involves risks and failures but remains steadfast in pushing boundaries within the industry.
Streamer N3ON Gets Nate Diaz Riled Up Over Retirement Question: \’PS, F*** You!\’
At the Diaz vs. Masvidal 2 pre-fight press conference on Wednesday, an unexpected incident occurred involving influencer N3ON and fighter Nate Diaz. The event, which started late, took an interesting turn when N3ON asked Diaz if he planned to retire after getting knocked out. This question enraged Diaz, leading to a tense confrontation. After the press conference, the situation escalated as Diaz\'s crew chased N3ON through the streets. The altercation added an unexpected element to the pre-fight buildup. Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, both former UFC welterweights, have a history of unfinished business. The two are set to rematch in the boxing ring at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, on July 6. Their previous encounter was at UFC 244 in November 2019, where they fought for the inaugural \"BMF\" belt. Masvidal won that bout via doctor stoppage due to a cut on Diaz, a decision that has not sat well with Diaz since. The heated exchange with N3ON has added to the drama surrounding the rematch, heightening anticipation among fans. As the fight date approaches, the confrontation with the influencer has become a talking point, underscoring the intensity and high stakes of the upcoming bout. The rivalry between Diaz and Masvidal has captivated fans ever since their first fight ended in controversy. Diaz has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the doctor stoppage that handed Masvidal the victory, arguing that he was still capable of continuing the fight. This rematch provides Diaz with the opportunity to settle the score and reclaim his status, while Masvidal aims to prove his dominance once and for all. The incident with N3ON has only intensified the spotlight on Diaz. Known for his fiery personality and no-nonsense attitude, Diaz\'s reaction to the influencer\'s provocation is a reminder of the fighter\'s passionate and combative spirit. As fight night approaches, both Diaz and Masvidal are expected to bring their best to the ring, with fans eagerly awaiting to see how this highly anticipated rematch will unfold.
TikTok Comments Push Converse To Bring Back Discontinued Sneaker Model
Converse has brought back its knee-high XXHi sneakers after relentless demands from consumers on TikTok. The brand first noticed calls for the return of the sneakers in 2021. Comments like “Bring back knee-high Converse!” appeared on various videos, regardless of their relevance to the shoes. This caught the attention of Converse’s Chief Marketing Officer Rodney Rambo. Despite not officially announcing the revival until a few weeks before their June 28 launch, the social media effort surrounding the return of the XXHi sneakers was in progress for about two years. The updated version includes a zipper for easier wear, aiming to make the design more relevant for today\'s consumers. Converse\'s decision comes at a critical time, as the brand\'s revenue fell 14% in Nike’s latest fiscal year, including an 18% decline in the fourth quarter. The initial call for the return of the knee-high shoes coincided with a resurgence of Y2K fashion, a trend fueled by nostalgia for styles popular in the early 2000s. Converse’s knee-highs, first released in 2006, were especially popular among the emo and scene subcultures of that era. The hashtag #KneeHighConverse currently has nearly 33 million views on TikTok, illustrating the demand. Converse and its social media agency, Day One Agency, compiled comments from fans for the campaign announcing the sneakers’ return. These comments ranged from calm requests to fervent pleas, demonstrating the passion of the sneaker’s fans. During the development process, Converse made several social media posts to acknowledge the demand. On April Fool’s Day 2022, they uploaded a looping TikTok video hinting at the sneakers\' return. In a subsequent TikTok video, the brand referenced the abundance of comments about the knee-high sneakers, which garnered nearly 700,000 likes and 5.5 million views. Converse also involved influencers and celebrities in the lead-up to the launch. They gifted a pair of knee-highs to singer-songwriter SZA for her performance at Tyler the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw music festival and collaborated with designer Martine Ali on a grungier version of the sneakers. After the official announcement, Converse sent pairs to over a dozen loyal fans who had been requesting the sneakers, generating additional excitement. The re-released sneakers saw high demand due to the substantial online buzz. Converse plans to continue gathering consumer feedback for potential future variations and improvements. Rambo emphasized the importance of consumer input, stating, “People tell the best stories, not brands. Our consumers were asking for something that they felt was pretty special. So, it was best for us to listen, connect, engage and collaborate with them.” The resurgence of Converse’s knee-high XXHi sneakers underscores the power of social media in shaping consumer trends and influencing brand decisions in today’s digital age. As TikTok continues to amplify consumer voices and preferences, brands like Converse are adapting and leveraging these platforms to connect more authentically with their audiences.
India\’s Social Media App Koo Shuts Down Over Finances
Indian microblogging platform Koo, known for its focus on native languages and boasting about 10 million active users, has announced its shutdown after failing to secure crucial partnerships and funding. Co-founders Aprameya Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidawatka shared the news on LinkedIn, revealing that efforts to find potential buyers or partners had fallen through, including talks with media houses and internet companies. The platform, which garnered attention for supporting multiple Indian languages and attracting high-profile celebrities, faced challenges despite initial success. It secured over $60 million from investors like Tiger Global and Accel and expanded to Brazil, amassing about 60 million downloads. However, the cost of maintaining a social media app proved prohibitive amidst what the founders termed a \"prolonged funding winter.\" Radhakrishna and Bidawatka expressed disappointment over not being able to continue despite having nearly surpassed Twitter\'s influence in India in 2022. They attributed their setback to a tough market environment and the unpredictable nature of funding cycles. The founders emphasized Koo’s mission to democratize expression in local languages, highlighting their platform\'s higher engagement metrics compared to Twitter. Despite their closure, the founders hinted at potentially repurposing Koo\'s assets for the benefit of digital public goods or exploring future entrepreneurial ventures. They thanked their team, investors, and users for their support throughout Koo’s journey, acknowledging the challenges of building and sustaining a social media platform without long-term capital commitment. In response to the shutdown announcement, users and supporters of Koo expressed mixed sentiments on social media, with many lamenting the loss of a platform that catered specifically to Indian languages and culture. Some voiced disappointment over the inability to sustain a homegrown alternative to global giants like Twitter, while others appreciated Koo\'s efforts to provide a localized social networking experience. The closure has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by tech startups in India, particularly in competing against well-funded international competitors and navigating volatile market conditions. Despite the setback, Koo\'s founders remain optimistic about future opportunities in the entrepreneurial landscape, hinting at potential future endeavors in technology and innovation. Koo’s shutdown marks the end of a four-year journey that saw highs and lows, leaving a legacy of pioneering social media innovation in India’s diverse linguistic landscape. The platform\'s brief yet impactful presence underscores the difficulties inherent in establishing and maintaining a social media app in today’s competitive digital ecosystem, especially in emerging markets like India. As debates continue on the fate of homegrown innovations like Koo, its closure raises pertinent questions about the sustainability and resilience of India\'s tech startup ecosystem amidst global dominance by established players.
Taraji P. Henson Slams \’Young Man\’ Keith Lee Over BET Mixup Reaction: \’His Ego Is Hurt\’
Social media food critic Keith Lee faces backlash over his reaction to Taraji P. Henson\'s mix-up at the 2024 BET Awards. The actress, who hosted the event, mistakenly identified TikTok star Jordan Howlett as Lee during a skit. Henson approached Howlett and joked, calling him a \"Method Man look-alike,\" and then referred to him as \"Mr. Keith Lee.\" The confusion became clear when Howlett pointed to Lee, who was seated nearby with his wife, Ronni. Embarrassed, Henson apologized, trying to smooth things over by complimenting Lee in front of his wife. Later that night, Keith Lee posted a TikTok video dropping the rose Henson gave him, captioning it with a message about recognition and timing. The clip was deleted, but not before it was captured and shared by The Neighborhood Talk. Reactions to Lee\'s post were mixed. Some viewers found his response \"corny\" and overdramatic, particularly after Henson\'s sincere apology. Others sympathized, noting that Lee might have felt embarrassed by the awkward situation on national television and the flirting in front of his wife. Lil Scrappy, a rapper and reality star, also commented on the incident, suggesting it was an honest mistake and emphasizing the need for mutual recognition and respect. In response to the online criticism, Henson addressed the situation on July 2, explaining that Lee wasn\'t in his assigned seat during her rehearsals, which led to the confusion. She suggested that his reaction was driven by a bruised ego but reiterated that she made amends at the end of the show. Following this, Keith Lee posted another video to clarify his actions. He stressed that he wasn\'t upset with Henson and praised her performance. He explained that his symbolic gesture of dropping the rose wasn\'t directed at her but reflected his belief that the moment wasn\'t meant for him. Lee criticized the event\'s production team for the lack of direction and preparation, which he felt was unfair to both him and Henson. He also addressed the interpretation of his wife\'s reaction during the incident, clarifying that they understood Henson\'s flirting was improv and a joke. Keith Lee concluded by expressing his appreciation for the invitation to the BET Awards but wished the setup had been more conducive to success for everyone involved.
Influencer Reveals Flirting With Travis Kelce Month Before He Dated Taylor Swift: \’Don\’t Come For Me Swifties\’
Australian social media sensation Millie Ford has revealed an unexpected encounter with NFL star Travis Kelce, who is now dating global superstar Taylor Swift. Ford shared the story on her latest podcast, \"Missed the Memo,\" recounting how she met Kelce about a year before he and Swift began their high-profile relationship. Ford detailed the chance meeting, which took place in the VIP section of a DJ gig during a night out with friends in New York. She was wearing a mask that was causing quite a stir among the VIP crowd when she noticed a \"cute\" guy pointing at her. Curious, she asked her friend if she should approach him and decided to strike up a conversation. Unbeknownst to Ford, the man was none other than NFL legend Travis Kelce. “He was going, ‘Oh my god, what is that?’” Ford recalled, describing how Kelce was intrigued by her mask. As they interacted, Kelce asked her to take off the mask, and they danced while he commented on her Australian accent. Ford, unable to hear him clearly over the music, returned to her friends who were in shock. “They asked, ‘Do you know who that is?’ and I had no idea,” Ford explained. It turned out that the \"cute\" guy was actually Travis Kelce, one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Ford admitted she didn’t recognize him because she doesn’t watch American football. Ford’s friends couldn’t believe she didn’t know Kelce, but she shrugged off the encounter as a funny story, saying, “I had no idea he was going to end up dating Taylor Swift. Do not come for me, Swifties. Nothing happened and I am very happy for Taylor and Travis.” Millie Ford is a comedian and digital content creator who has amassed more than 1.5 million followers on TikTok, known for her viral videos imitating school teachers. Her unexpected run-in with Kelce adds another humorous and surprising chapter to her social media presence. As the story circulates, fans of both Ford and Kelce are sharing their reactions online, with many amused by Ford’s unawareness of Kelce’s fame. Meanwhile, Ford continues to create content, delighting her followers with her comedic takes and candid storytelling.
Kamala Harris Trends Online As Calls For Biden To Exit Presidential Race Rise
A sudden surge of social media chatter around Vice President Kamala Harris has intensified discussions about whether President Joe Biden will end his campaign following last week’s debate. This conversation gained traction on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Jay Caspian Kang, a staff writer for The New Yorker, noted the trend, saying, “My entire feed is now Kamala pilled.” By Wednesday morning, \"Kamala\" was trending in politics on X with around 188,000 posts. Many posts showed a mix of genuine support and ironic bemusement. Some of Harris\' memorable lines became running jokes. At various points on Tuesday, “KHive,” the name for her vocal online supporters, was among the top 20 topics on X. The Biden campaign’s hold on the nomination, which seemed secure before the debate, now appears shaky. Concerns that could have diminished over the weekend have instead grown, possibly influenced by recent conservative victories at the Supreme Court. A Democratic congressman has called for Biden to withdraw, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested on MSNBC that it was legitimate to question whether the debate performance was part of a “condition.” The social media momentum for Harris is based on the idea that she would replace Biden rather than compete in an open convention. If Biden drops out, she would inherit Biden’s campaign funds. A recent Biden vs Trump polls showed her outperforming Biden in a head-to-head matchup with the presumptive Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. Betting markets have also shifted in Harris’ favor. On PredictIt, Harris recently overtook Biden as the most likely candidate to receive the Democratic nomination. This marks a significant change from June 26, when she had almost no chance. On Wednesday morning, Biden’s betting odds dropped further, and Harris\' surged after The New York Times reported that Biden told an ally he was considering whether to stay in the race. This report, based on an anonymous source, has not been confirmed by NBC News, and the White House has denied it. By late Wednesday morning, the Drudge Report featured Harris on its homepage with the headline: “IT’S HER PARTY NOW.” This marks a stark contrast to 2022, when Harris and her KHive were almost absent from social media discussions. At that time, Harris’ declining popularity had weakened her online support. Concerns about Biden have seemingly united different factions within the Democratic Party. Some online users even joked about a “Kamala Harris Apology Form” for those who did not support her previously. Others referenced being “coconut-pilled,” a meme stemming from a speech Harris gave in May 2023, where she used the phrase, “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” This phrase became a meme due to its unusual phrasing and tone shift. As Election 2024 approaches, the Biden news cycle continues to focus on whether he will maintain his candidacy or if a Biden replacement scenario is imminent.
IShowSpeed Gets Mobbed By Unruly Fans While Injured, Vows Never To Return To Norway
YouTube streamer IShowSpeed has declared he will never return to Norway after a harrowing encounter with fans during his European tour for the 2024 Euro Football Championship. The incident unfolded in Oslo when Speed, broadcasting from inside a souvenir shop, excited a crowd gathered outside by chanting Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous phrase ‘Siu.’ In his enthusiasm, IShowSpeed injured his ankle on a window ledge, prompting him to leave the shop. As he was escorted out by security, fans surrounded him, chanting his name and causing a chaotic scene. Videos captured from the incident depict fans climbing on cars and one even attempting to jump onto IShowSpeed, who pleaded for them to stop. Amid the turmoil, IShowSpeed was heard confronting someone who allegedly entered his getaway car without permission, expressing frustration and vowing never to return to Norway. He later described the event as the \"worst day\" of his life, citing injuries, hair pulling, and objects thrown at him during the ordeal. Following the distressing incident in Norway, IShowSpeed took to social media to express his shock and trauma from the event. He described the chaos and physical harm he endured, emphasizing that the situation had deeply affected him both emotionally and physically. The streamer\'s vow never to return to Norway underscored the severity of the experience and raised concerns about the safety of internet personalities in such public settings. Despite the challenges and dangers encountered during his European tour, IShowSpeed maintains a strong presence on social media platforms. His streams, which often attract a large following, blend gaming enthusiasm with real-life adventures, appealing to a broad audience of fans across the globe. The incident in Norway, however, serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks popular online personalities face when engaging with enthusiastic crowds during public appearances. This isn\'t the first time IShowSpeed has faced such challenges during his European tour. Earlier in Amsterdam, he had to escape from a crowd on a boat before being escorted away by police. Similar incidents have also affected other internet personalities, including Twitch star Kai Cenat, who faced legal consequences after a riot broke out during his meet and greet in Times Square in 2023.
Mark Levin Extends Show, Podcast Contract With Cumulus Media
Cumulus Media announced today that legendary talk radio host Mark Levin has extended his contract to host both his syndicated radio program, “The Mark Levin Show,” on Westwood One, and his podcast, Mark Levin Audio Rewind, on the Cumulus Podcast Network for multiple years. Levin will also develop and host an all-new show for the network, marking his first-ever original content podcast series. Levin, a fixture at Cumulus Media since 2007, has been delivering unique insights and commentary on major news events for nearly 23 years. “The Mark Levin Show” airs weekdays from 6 to 9 p.m. ET across nearly 400 radio affiliates, including all top ten metro markets and 21 of the top 25 markets. Westwood One exclusively distributes and sells Levin’s esteemed radio program. Mark Levin Audio Rewind, the daily companion podcast, is accessible Monday through Friday on most major podcast platforms, while The Best of Mark Levin podcast rounds up the week’s top stories for listeners over the weekend. The Cumulus Podcast Network manages the exclusive distribution, marketing, and monetization of these podcasts. “I am more excited than ever – especially during these tumultuous and historic times – to continue my relationship with my first-rate broadcast partners for many years to come,” Levin expressed. “My commitment remains strong to serving the millions of patriotic Americans in the audience. I am blessed to do what I do, and I am committed every day to providing detailed analyses of current events along with historic context, commentary, and my in-depth perspectives.” Collin R. Jones, President of Westwood One and EVP, Corporate Strategy & Development for Cumulus Media, praised Levin’s influence, stating, “Mark is a powerful and influential voice with an incredible ability to establish strong relationships with his listeners while driving tremendous results for his advertising partners.” Mark Levin, a Radio Hall of Fame inductee, ten-time New York Times best-selling author, and constitutional scholar, also hosts the top-rated Fox News Channel program “Life, Liberty and Levin” on weekends. His enduring career includes eight years of service in the Reagan Administration and his current role as Chairman of the Board of the Landmark Legal Foundation. Cumulus Media, known for its expansive reach across 401 owned-and-operated radio stations and 9,800 affiliated stations through Westwood One, continues to deliver premium content to over a quarter billion people monthly. Their commitment to high-quality programming and advertiser satisfaction underscores their leadership in the broadcast industry.
Kendall Toole Launches New Podcast With Galey Alix; Signs Deal With PodcastOne
Kendall Toole has launched a new podcast featuring co-host Galey Alix. PodcastOne, a leading podcast platform and subsidiary of LiveOne, announced today the debut of its latest podcast, Wholeheartedly with Kendall and Galey. Hosted by top fitness instructor and wellness influencer Kendall Toole and DIY home renovation expert and HBO MAX host Galey Alix, Wholeheartedly will premiere on July 17, 2024, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday. Wholeheartedly with Kendall and Galey will feature the hosts discussing their experiences in building their careers, surviving social media, overcoming personal challenges, and navigating mental health struggles. The show promises to offer heartfelt chats, inspiration, and motivation, much like listening to a close friend\'s advice. “Kendall and Galey have infectious energy and enthusiasm. Their passion for bettering the world around them is inspiring and PodcastOne is thrilled to give them a podcast platform to communicate with and grow their audiences. Their relatability strikes a chord with listeners and advertisers alike, and we’re excited to launch Wholeheartedly,” said Kit Gray, President and Co-Founder of PodcastOne. Kendall Toole, known for her dynamic energy and background in performance and fitness, is a top Peloton instructor and mental health advocate. With over 1.3 million social media followers, Kendall inspires others with her commitment to a well-rounded, health-focused lifestyle and her efforts to destigmatize mental health issues. Galey Alix, a former Goldman Sachs executive turned DIY home renovation expert, is the host of HBO MAX’s Home in a Heartbeat with Galey Alix. She is recognized for her viral content and dedication to mental health advocacy. Galey’s journey from Wall Street to founding her design company, Galey Alix Design, and transforming hundreds of homes has captivated her 5 million social media followers. “Both Galey and I have faced hardships in our life that tested our mental health. But we’ve found our way through it by putting our whole heart into all we do, risks and all. We cannot wait to share our stories, celebrate the highs and lows, learn from one another and empower others to do the same. What better place than weekly chats with the girls?” said Kendall Toole. Wholeheartedly with Kendall and Galey will be available through PodcastOne, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon, and other major podcast platforms. PodcastOne’s roster includes top-ranked podcasts across various genres, such as The Adam Carolla Show, Baby Mamas No Drama, The Prosecutors, and The Jordan Harbinger Show. PodcastOne, founded in 2012, provides creators and advertisers with comprehensive solutions in sales, marketing, public relations, production, and distribution. It delivers over 2.1 billion downloads per year and reaches over 1 billion listeners monthly across multiple platforms. For more information, visit PodcastOne.com.