Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Cannes Lions 2024 Winners: TBWA-Hakuhodo Win Social And Influencer Grand Prix For McDonald\’s \’No Smiles\’
At the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2024, TBWA/Hakuhodo Tokyo has clinched a coveted Gold award in the Social & Influencer category for their groundbreaking ‘No Smiles’ campaign crafted for McDonald’s. The campaign ingeniously challenged McDonald’s traditional ‘zero yen smile’ policy, which had long symbolized hospitality but was proving to deter potential part-time employees, especially among Generation Z. Sensing the cultural shift towards authenticity and self-expression among younger demographics, McDonald’s boldly launched the ‘No Smiles’ initiative. This campaign conveyed a message that it\'s acceptable for employees not to force a smile, resonating deeply with its intended audience through music and social media engagement. Central to the campaign was ano, an artist known for embodying a genuine lifestyle as a “non-smiling idol,” ensuring authenticity in the campaign\'s portrayal. Robot Communications played a pivotal role in production, ensuring the campaign\'s relevance and appeal to the youth. From the Asia-Pacific region, Special also shone with a Bronze award for their innovative work on Uber Eats, showcasing the region’s creativity and talent on the global stage. Meanwhile, the Grand Prix at Cannes Lions 2024 was awarded to Ogilvy PR New York for their impactful ‘Michael CeraVe’ campaign, which also secured Gold and Silver awards. This campaign stood out for its creative execution and significant influence, underscoring Ogilvy’s dominance in the advertising industry. These wins at Cannes Lions not only celebrate creativity and innovation but also highlight the evolving trends and strategies that shape global advertising, reflecting the dynamic landscape of digital and influencer marketing in today\'s world.
LinkedIn Influencer Slammed For Smiling Selfie On Post About Firing Employee
Matthew Baltzell, a prominent LinkedIn influencer known for his insights in real estate, recently ignited controversy with a post that sparked widespread backlash. In the post, Baltzell shared a smiling selfie alongside a discussion about his experience firing an employee for the first time. He described the experience as \"illuminating\" and offered a business lesson structured around four points. However, the post quickly drew criticism for its perceived lack of sensitivity and self-awareness. Commenters pointed out that Baltzell appeared to center himself in a story that should have focused on the impact on the terminated employee. The cheerful selfie juxtaposed with the serious topic of someone losing their job struck many as tone-deaf and inappropriate. The criticism extended beyond LinkedIn, gaining traction on other social media platforms like Threads and X (formerly Twitter), where users expressed shock and disbelief at the post\'s content. Despite being recognized as a \"top real estate voice\" on LinkedIn, Baltzell has not responded publicly to the backlash. Nevertheless, the incident has sparked broader discussions about influencer culture and the ethical responsibilities that come with sharing personal experiences online. Many commentators have highlighted the dangers of \"main character syndrome,\" where influencers may inadvertently overshadow or trivialize the experiences of others for the sake of personal narrative or engagement. Moreover, the incident underscores the importance of empathy and understanding the broader implications of one\'s online presence, especially in sensitive contexts such as job terminations during times of economic uncertainty. It serves as a poignant reminder that influencers, regardless of their platform or audience, should prioritize empathy and consider the real-world impacts of their content. As the discussions continue, Baltzell\'s post now stands as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of influencer behavior and the necessity of maintaining integrity and sensitivity in all forms of online communication.
Woman Burns Her \’Oesophagus\’ After Following TikTok Influencer\’s Health Advice
A woman has been hospitalized after following a wellness influencer\'s advice that resulted in a burnt esophagus. TikTok user Lutinii (@lutinii) shared her story, warning others to be cautious when following health hacks from influencers. This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with TikTok health trends today, as more people turn to social media for wellness advice. Lutinii said she followed a well-known health influencer on TikTok six years ago who promoted \"holistic recipes\" while claiming to be healing from a chronic illness. One of the influencer\'s videos suggested aiding digestion by eating an orange coated with cinnamon and cayenne pepper, peel and all, which has become part of some TikTok gut health trends. Lutinii tried the remedy but became severely ill, ultimately needing hospitalization. \"I had to see a specialist. I got an endoscopy, and it turns out that I did, in fact, burn my esophagus,\" she said. \"I suffered for MONTHS.\" This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of blindly following TikTok health trends in 2024. She expressed concern that the influencer continues to share similar tips and now has a much larger following. \"While I do think it’s the content creator’s responsibility to be mindful, I think we have even more responsibility to discern and take everything we see with a grain of salt,\" Lutinii stated. \"That is the last time I will listen to a health and wellness influencer.\" The video has garnered thousands of comments. One user wrote, \"I will never understand why people listen to random strangers online about their health. I trust no one!\" Another commented, \"Those of us with chronic illness can feel desperate when we suffer so much. It’s a life of trial & error. I hope you have healed since this!\" A third added, \"The thing is people need to trust professionals, we need to look to dieticians and not influencers for diet and nutrition advice. Glad you’re okay!\" As TikTok health trends continue to evolve, it is crucial for users to critically evaluate the advice given by health influencers on TikTok. While some trends can be harmless or even beneficial, others, like the one Lutinii followed, can have serious health consequences. The rise of TikTok gut health trends, in particular, requires careful consideration and professional consultation to ensure safety and efficacy.
Gay Tucker Carlson Lookalike Goes Viral On TikTok: \’This Is Frigging Hilarious\’
A woman has gone viral on TikTok after a viewer pointed out her striking resemblance to a teenage version of former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson. The woman\'s name is unknown, but her video has been widely shared on social media, particularly on X, by user Dr. Jebra Faushay. In the TikTok video, the woman starts by saying, \"Being a well-established gay, I never imagined myself on this side of TikTok that thinks I look like Tucker Carlson, but here we are.\" She admits she is not familiar with Carlson and decides to Google him to see if the resemblance is true. Upon seeing photos of Carlson, she appears puzzled and questions the comparison. Despite her confusion, viewers quickly flooded the comments on the viral video, noting the similarities between her and Carlson, including their brown curly hair and facial features. One user commented, \"This is frigging hilarious. She legit looks like him,\" while another added, \"When the multiverse collides.\" A third person noted, \"Even the chins are identical. I thought at least she would have the sense to admit. She looks a lot like him. Dye her hair brown and she’s got a second gig.\" Tucker Carlson, a former Fox News anchor and political commentator, worked for the network from 2009 until his contract was terminated in 2023. His departure followed the leak of private messages in which he used vulgar language to criticize the network’s management, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Now, he has continued his presence in media with his own show on Twitter, titled \"Tucker Carlson Twitter.\" This incident is not the first time a celebrity doppelganger has gone viral. In 2023, fans were shocked to see what appeared to be YouTube star MrBeast flying economy on a plane. However, it was soon revealed to be a man who looked strikingly similar to MrBeast. Currently, this Tucker Carlson lookalike is one of the hottest TikTok trends right now, capturing the fascination of viewers and sparking widespread amusement. The video is part of a larger pattern of TikTok trending content where ordinary individuals gain sudden fame due to their uncanny resemblances to well-known personalities.
Bella Poarch Cheated On Ex-Husband With Tyga? Influencer Finally Addresses Rumors
Bella Poarch has spoken out about rumors claiming she cheated on her ex-husband with rapper Tyga, revealing she has received death threats over the allegations. In a TikTok video posted on June 19, 2024, the TikTok star and music artist addressed the claims while making a cup of green tea. Poarch stated she has been receiving death threats for over a year due to the persistent rumor that she cheated on her now ex-husband with Tyga. \"I never made a sex tape or cheated on him with Tyga,\" Poarch said. \"I’ve only met Tyga once, and that was to film a TikTok, and that was something my team had set up.\" Despite their divorce, Poarch mentioned that she and her ex-husband remain close. \"He’s literally been there for me through my darkest moments and has continued to be there for me during my worst days,\" she said. Poarch added that although they have grown apart since meeting in the Navy at 19, they still have a lot of love for each other. \"The truth is that we’re both different people from when we met, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot of love for each other,\" she continued. \"And that’s the tea.\" Her straightforward TikTok video has received mixed reactions, with some fans showing support and others making critical comments. One commenter joked, \"Tyga smiling while rubbing his hands right now.\" The rumor stems from a collaboration between Poarch and Tyga in December 2020, when they filmed a TikTok duet to Tyga’s song \"Money Mouf.\" According to Poarch, this was their only interaction. News of Poarch’s marital status emerged in 2022 when TMZ reported she had filed for divorce from her husband, Tyler Poarch, after nearly four years of marriage. This revelation led to intense backlash from fans, prompting Poarch to take a break from social media. She returned to the public eye in October 2023, discussing her separation on the \"Call Her Daddy\" podcast. Poarch explained that her rise to fame on TikTok and her desire to pursue a music career conflicted with her husband’s wish to avoid the spotlight. \"Everything just happened so fast,\" she said. \"TikTok happened, and he didn’t wanna be in the spotlight. I respect that, though.\" Despite their differing paths, Poarch emphasized that she and her ex-husband are still on good terms, countering critics\' claims.
TikTok Celebrates Taylor Swift \’Eras Tour\’ With Limited Edition Swift-Themed Frame
TikTok has unveiled a special in-app experience to celebrate Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, offering fans a range of exciting new features. Users can now add digital TikTok profile frames and create virtual friendship bracelets by completing Swift-themed challenges. Those who successfully complete 11 weeks of tasks will be rewarded with a limited edition Swift-themed profile frame, a coveted digital badge for dedicated fans. This move makes TikTok the latest social media platform to develop custom features for the pop star, leveraging her vast online fanbase. The competition to attract Swift’s followers is intense. In April, Instagram introduced a feature on Swift’s account that allows users to access a secret countdown for her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” by swiping down on her profile. Last September, Elon Musk urged Swift to share content on his platform, formerly known as Twitter. “I recommend posting some music or concert videos directly on the X platform,” Musk tweeted. Swift has actively engaged with her digital audience as well. In 2022, she joined YouTube Shorts to launch a challenge inviting fans to share reaction videos to her album, “Midnights.” With 550 million followers across all social platforms, Swift is one of the five most-followed people globally, according to San Francisco analytics firm Exploding Topics. Swift’s influence extends beyond social media. Her concerts, such as the Eras Tour, have significant economic impacts on local economies and even cause measurable vibrations in the earth due to the excitement of her fans. Her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has also kept her in the spotlight, even at high-profile events like the Super Bowl. The new TikTok features, including the TikTok Taylor Swift profile frames and the TikTok Eras tour-themed challenges, aim to capitalize on Swift’s massive and dedicated fanbase. By integrating these custom experiences, TikTok hopes to further engage Swift’s fans and boost user interaction on its platform. This initiative highlights the growing trend of social media platforms creating bespoke features for major celebrities to harness their online influence. As Swift continues to dominate the digital landscape, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and others will likely keep finding innovative ways to collaborate with her and other high-profile figures to attract and retain users. The TikTok challenge 2024, centered around Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour 2024, is a prime example of how platforms are leveraging celebrity influence to enhance user engagement and create a vibrant, interactive online community.
LA Unified School District Bans Phones, Social Media For Students Starting 2025
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second-largest school district in the U.S., has made a significant move by voting to ban cellphone and social media use for its 429,000 K-12 students during school days. This decision, made with a 5 to 2 vote on Tuesday morning, follows U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy\'s call for warning labels on social media platforms, akin to those on cigarette packs. Jessica Quindel, a math teacher at Venice High School, expressed strong support for the ban, highlighting the difficulties teachers face in managing students\' smartphone use. She described it as an \"uphill battle,\" likening the effort to \"running a nonstop marathon.\" Quindel remarked, \"It takes a lot of energy and it’s really hard to keep up.\" Following the vote, LAUSD has 120 days to develop and present updated cellphone and social media policies, set to be implemented by the spring semester of the 2024-2025 school year. These new policies will prohibit students from using cellphones and social media during school hours. Possible methods under consideration include locked pouches, cellphone lockers, and technological solutions. The policies will be shaped by best practices and input from experts, labor partners, staff, students, and parents. In developing these policies, LAUSD will take into account students who rely on cellphones for translation purposes and will evaluate the implications of social media use among youth. Medical experts, parents, teachers, and administrators have raised concerns about the negative impact of social media on children and adolescents. Dr. Murthy, in his op-ed, pointed to the mental health crisis among young people, identifying social media as a significant factor contributing to increased anxiety and depression. He noted that teens reported spending nearly five hours a day on social media last summer. Murthy also suggested implementing digital warning labels for social media, similar to those used for tobacco and alcohol. On \"GMA3,\" he explained that these labels would appear regularly during social media use and would be scientifically tested for effectiveness, pending congressional authorization. He emphasized that similar labels have successfully raised awareness and changed behavior in the case of tobacco. LAUSD\'s initiative is part of a broader trend of schools banning phones. For example, the Manchester Public School District in Connecticut already mandates that students lock their cellphones in secure pouches until the end of the school day. With LAUSD banning cell phones and social media, this policy aims to create a more focused and less distracted learning environment, addressing growing concerns over the adverse effects of digital device usage during school hours.
Influencer Marketing Platform Captiv8 Launches Branded Storefronts: \’Elevated Solution\’ For Online Shopping
Captiv8, a leading influencer marketing platform, has launched Branded Storefronts to enhance social commerce for brands, creators, and consumers. Announced on June 17, 2024, Branded Storefronts leverages creator storytelling and personalized product curation to offer a seamless shopping experience outside traditional social networks. Krishna Subramanian, CEO and co-founder of Captiv8, stated that Branded Storefronts provide a solution to scale social commerce within the creator economy. The storefronts are designed to meet the demand for curated, relevant, and seamless online shopping experiences that connect influencers, brands, and consumers. This new feature allows creators to maintain a single storefront for all their social content, eliminating the need for multiple affiliate links across different platforms. This innovation aligns with Captiv8\'s comprehensive influencer marketing strategy. An analysis by Captiv8 influencer marketing of over 21,000 affiliate creators showed that creators are 2.5 times more likely to prefer storefronts over one-off affiliate links to boost their earning potential. The Branded Storefronts feature also enables brands to create a customizable, whitelabel solution that aggregates creator storefronts. These storefronts can be promoted across various online destinations, allowing brands to track, analyze, and optimize the entire shopping experience in real-time. Theja Suresh, Captiv8\'s Chief Product Officer, highlighted the perfect timing of this launch given the rise of social commerce and the significant impact of personalized creator recommendations on product discovery, basket building, and purchasing decisions. Data from Captiv8 shows that creators drive 230% higher average order value in affiliate campaigns, showcasing their strong influence on consumer buying behavior. Consumers benefit from a shopping experience curated by influencers they trust and admire, while brands enjoy increased linger rates, product discoverability, brand loyalty, and incremental sales. Captiv8\'s advanced measurement suite allows brands to leverage revenue-based purchase data to gain actionable insights for their influencer and affiliate marketing programs. This capability is a key aspect of the newly introduced Captiv8 Branded Storefronts. Captiv8 continues to empower brands to connect with consumers through authentic creator partnerships, using cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights. The platform has been rated the #1 Best Influencer Marketing Platform by the Influencer Marketing Awards and is recognized as the top choice for enterprise marketers by G2.
Half Of Influencers Earn Just $15,000 Or Less Per Year On Social Media: Report
Many people dream of making a living as social media influencers, but the reality can be tough. A recent report by The Wall Street Journal highlights the challenges faced by influencers trying to earn a stable income. According to data from Goldman Sachs, around 50 million people are earning money as influencers, with this number expected to grow by 10% to 20% annually through 2028. Despite the growth in influencer marketing, the vast majority of these influencers earn very little. In 2023, nearly half of all creators earned $15,000 or less, based on figures from NeoReach, an influencer marketing agency. Only 13% made over $100,000. This stark contrast highlights the disparity in influencer earnings, revealing how difficult it is for most to reach a substantial influencer salary per year. One such influencer is Clint Brantley, who creates content about the online game Fortnite on TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube. Despite having over 400,000 followers and averaging 100,000 views per post, Brantley earned less than the U.S. median income of $58,084 in 2023. At 29, he still lives at home and is hesitant to move out due to the unpredictable nature of his social media earnings from tips and sponsorships. “I’m vulnerable,” Brantley said, expressing concern about his financial stability. The report also touches on influencers\' fears about a potential ban on TikTok in the U.S. This platform is a significant source of income for many creators. Fiona Co Chan, CEO and founder of the skincare brand Youthforia, with over 190,000 followers on TikTok, shared her concerns. She believes that a TikTok ban would bring new challenges for small businesses like hers. Despite this, she is confident that the style of content introduced by TikTok—quick, engaging, and informative—will continue to be popular across other platforms. Financial challenges are also a significant hurdle for influencers. PYMNTS highlighted the difficulty creators face in accessing financial resources compared to traditional business owners. James Jones, founder and CEO of the wealthTech and financing platform Bump, explained that most creators struggle to get business loans or lines of credit because they lack traditional paystubs or W2s, and their income is often too unpredictable for conventional financial institutions. This unpredictability makes it hard to determine how much influencers make consistently. “Most creators are denied access because they don’t have paystubs or W2s, or because their income is just too unpredictable for traditional institutions with very little appetite for risk,” Jones said. In summary, while influencer marketing is a booming industry with growing numbers of participants, the financial reality for most influencers is challenging. With social media earnings often being inconsistent and financial resources hard to come by, many influencers face significant hurdles in achieving a stable and substantial income.
\’Rude\’ Influencer Blasted For Skin Care Video Inside Plane Bathroom, Keeps Queue For 15 Minutes
An influential skincare influencer has sparked outrage on TikTok after she occupied an airplane bathroom for nearly 15 minutes to perform her multi-step plane skincare routine. Kate Elisabeth, a beauty influencer with 657,000 followers, posted a now-viral video showing her beautifying process, which included washing her face, brushing her teeth, using an eye mask, and applying various skincare products. The video, captioned “oops,” quickly drew criticism from viewers who labeled her behavior as “inconsiderate” and “rude.” In the video, Elisabeth claimed she told a woman waiting in line that she would only be two minutes. However, the expedited time-lapse video indicated that she spent close to 15 minutes in the cramped aircraft bathroom. This has infuriated viewers who noted that airplane bathrooms are limited and essential for all passengers. “Bro if I had to pee and you were in here doing this…” one user commented, while another added, “I’d be pissed if someone took 15 min in an airplane bathroom doing what they could do at their seat. Brush your teeth then allow others to use the bathroom.” Many agreed that the beauty influencer\'s actions were disrespectful, pointing out that much of her routine could have been done at her seat. “This isn’t a flex. Be respectful of other people in public places. Half of this routine could have been done at your seat,” one user stated. Another commenter criticized her lack of manners, saying, “Some people have no manners.” Despite the backlash, Elisabeth seemed to enjoy the controversy. She responded to one commenter who said, “I love how much these annoy people,” by replying, “Literally it’s so funny.” Elisabeth later noted that “y’all are so easily fooled,” suggesting that her video was intended as “rage bait”—content designed to provoke anger and boost engagement through comments, views, and likes. The video has ignited a debate about appropriate behavior in public spaces, especially confined ones like airplane bathrooms. It also highlights a growing trend where skin care influencers create provocative content to increase their social media interactions, regardless of the potential inconvenience or disrespect towards others. This incident sheds light on the impact of skin care TikTok trends and the lengths to which influencers will go to maintain their beauty routines, even in the most inconvenient of settings.