Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
New Social Network App Butterflies Lets Humans, AI Interact With Each Other
Butterflies, a new social network app where humans and AIs interact, launched publicly on Tuesday for iOS and Android after five months in beta. Founded by former Snap engineering manager Vu Tran, Butterflies allows users to create AI personas, called Butterflies, which generate posts and engage with other users and AIs. Tran created Butterflies to fill a gap in AI consumer products beyond simple generative AI chatbots. Unlike traditional AI chatbots offered by companies like Meta and Snap, Butterflies provides a more dynamic and creative interaction. Each Butterfly has a backstory, opinions, and emotions, making the experience richer and more engaging. “When you’re talking to an AI through a text box, there’s really no substance around it,” Vu told TechCrunch. “We thought, OK, what if we put the text box at the end and then try to build up more form and substance around the characters and AIs themselves?” This AI-powered social app builds on the concept popularized by Character.AI, but it aims to create a social ecosystem where AI personas coexist and interact in a traditional social media feed. Users might see posts from a Butterfly who is a woodworker showing off their latest creation or a Butterfly CEO of a fictional Costco determined to keep hot dog prices low. During its beta phase, Butterflies attracted tens of thousands of users who spent an average of one to three hours daily interacting with AIs. Vu observed that some users created hundreds of AI personas, using the platform as a creative outlet and a means to connect with others. In one case, two friends created AI personas with intertwined backstories to see how they would interact. Another user created a version of themselves living in the Game of Thrones universe, while someone else became a Dungeons & Dragons character. Vu believes Butterflies offers a wholesome way to interact with AI, potentially helping people who find it difficult to connect in traditional social settings. He shared his own experience of forming meaningful connections in online gaming forums, suggesting that AI can play a similar role in this AI social network. While Butterflies is free at launch, the company may introduce a subscription model in the future. Vu also envisions opportunities for brands to interact with AIs on the platform, similar to Instagram’s discovery feature. In November 2023, Butterflies raised a $4.8 million seed round led by Coatue, with participation from SV Angel and former Snap product and engineering leaders. The startup aims to continue enhancing user experiences and expanding its capabilities in this innovative AI social media space.
Meta Layoffs: Reality Labs Staff Laid Off Amid \’Biggest Restructuring In Years\’
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is undergoing a major reorganization. The company announced the creation of a new \"Wearables\" group, focusing on developing hardware and software for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) products. This move comes amidst a wave of Meta layoffs in 2024, affecting thousands of employees. Andrew Bosworth, Meta\'s chief technology officer, will lead the new Wearables group. The formation of this group underscores Meta\'s commitment to the AR/VR market, despite recent setbacks and cost-cutting measures. Meta has heavily invested in its Metaverse vision, with the Oculus Quest VR headset as a key component. The reorganization and establishment of the Wearables group occur amidst significant layoffs. Meta has been reducing its workforce across various departments, including Reality Labs, the division responsible for AR/VR products. The Reality Labs Meta layoffs are part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on core growth areas. The new Wearables group will consolidate teams responsible for hardware, software, and research related to AR/VR products. This consolidation is intended to foster greater collaboration and streamline development processes, accelerating Meta\'s progress in the AR/VR space. Meta\'s decision to create a dedicated Wearables group amidst the 2024 layoffs indicates a strategic shift towards prioritizing AR/VR technology development. This move signals Meta\'s commitment to the future of the Metaverse, despite the challenges and uncertainties in the market. Additionally, Meta\'s reorganization is seen as a response to the competitive pressures in the tech industry, where rapid advancements in AR/VR technology are critical for staying ahead. By focusing on wearables and consolidating its efforts, Meta aims to innovate faster and deliver more integrated and advanced AR/VR experiences to its users.
\’Bridgerton\’ Tiktok Scandal Filter Goes Viral
TikTok users are flocking to try out the new Bridgerton scandal filter, sparking a viral trend on the platform. Released alongside the second half of Bridgerton on June 13, the filter assigns users a scandal they would face if they were characters in the Bridgerton universe. This new addition has quickly become one of the hottest TikTok trends right now. The Bridgerton scandal filter operates through a random generator, attributing users with various scandalous scenarios inspired by the popular Netflix series. Scandals range from becoming Lady Whistledown to mysteriously disappearing from one\'s family, adding a whimsical twist to user-generated content. Since its launch, more than 15,000 users have already participated in the trend, with many videos gaining viral traction. To join in on the fun, TikTok users can easily access the filter by following these steps: Open TikTok and click on the plus icon to access the camera. Navigate to \'Effects\' located in the bottom left corner of the screen. Use the magnifying glass icon to search for \'Bridgerton Scandal.\' Select the filter named \'Bridgerton Scandal\' from the search results. Return to the camera interface and tap on the screen to apply the filter. Wait for the filter to load and reveal your assigned Bridgerton scandal. The filter has garnered popularity among fans eager to explore fictional scandals they might encounter in the Bridgerton universe. It\'s part of TikTok\'s broader efforts to engage users with interactive and themed content tied to popular culture moments, ensuring ongoing excitement and participation from its diverse user base. As anticipation builds for Bridgerton season 3, fans are using the platform to express their excitement and creativity. The Bridgerton filter trend highlights TikTok\'s role in capitalizing on cultural phenomena to foster community engagement and user creativity. By integrating themed filters like the Bridgerton scandal filter, TikTok enables users to participate in playful, imaginative scenarios inspired by beloved series and films. This approach not only boosts user interaction on the platform but also strengthens TikTok\'s appeal as a hub for entertainment and shared cultural experiences. As the trend continues to gain momentum, more users are expected to join in, further amplifying the reach and impact of the Bridgerton-inspired filter across social media. With TikTok trends right now being heavily influenced by popular shows like Bridgerton, the platform continues to be a dynamic space where fans can connect, create, and celebrate their favorite cultural moments.
Sabrina Carpenter Apologizes For NSFW Song After Influencer\’s Son Sings Iconic \’Please, Please, Please\’ Lyric
Sabrina Carpenter apologizes to a TikTok mom after her young child sang an explicit lyric from her latest song in a viral video. The incident occurred after the release of Carpenter\'s new single \"Please Please Please,\" which features a chorus including the line, \"Heartbreak is one thing, my ego’s another / I beg you, don’t embarrass me, motherf**ker, oh / Please, please, please.\" The TikTok clip, posted by user Brielle Cherie, showed her applying makeup while singing along to Carpenter\'s song. However, when her young son innocently sang the explicit word \"motherf**ker,\" Cherie\'s shocked reaction was captured on camera. The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 10.3 million views, prompting Sabrina Carpenter to respond. In the comments section of the viral TikTok, Carpenter apologized to Cherie and informed her followers that a clean version of the song had been released in response to the incident. Her comment garnered significant attention, accumulating over 461,000 likes as Cherie humorously replied, \"I’m afraid there’s no going back at this point it’s a bop he will not forget.\" The clean version of \"Please Please Please,\" released on June 15, substitutes the explicit lyric with the phrase \"little sucker\" instead of \"motherf**ker.\" Fans can now find the \"Please Please Please clean version\" available across streaming platforms. This alteration has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with many finding the situation amusing. For those interested in the lyrics, they can easily look up \"Sabrina Carpenter Please Please Please lyrics\" or \"Sabrina Carpenter Please Please Please clean lyrics\" to see the differences between the two versions. This incident has highlighted the need for clean versions of songs, especially for younger audiences who admire artists like Sabrina Carpenter. Following the release of her pop ballad, Sabrina Carpenter has also teamed up with Van Leeuwen ice cream to introduce a flavor inspired by her previous hit single \"Espresso.\" This collaboration further extends Carpenter\'s presence beyond music into the realm of branded partnerships, demonstrating her ongoing influence and reach in popular culture. In addition to addressing the viral TikTok incident and releasing a clean version of her song, the influencer continues to engage with her fan base across social media platforms. Known for her upbeat and versatile music style, Carpenter has maintained a strong presence in the pop music scene, consistently connecting with audiences through her distinctive blend of genres. Her proactive approach to managing the situation reflects her commitment to both artistic integrity and maintaining a positive relationship with her fans, highlighting her professionalism amidst unexpected challenges in the public eye.
New Mexico Tourism Department Taps Abbi Agency As Influencer Marketing Agency
The Abbi Agency, an integrated marketing and public relations firm, has been selected as the Public Relations Agency of Record for the New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD). The agency will manage both public relations and influencer marketing strategies for New Mexico. \"We are excited to bring our 20+ years of collective experience in travel and tourism to our work with New Mexico,\" said Abbi Whitaker, Co-Founder and CEO of The Abbi Agency. \"We look forward to showcasing the culture, people, and places that make the destination unlike any other.\" New Mexico, often referred to as the Land of Enchantment, is celebrated for its multicultural heritage, natural wonders, and renowned arts scene. The Abbi Agency aims to highlight these aspects through strategic media coverage and partnerships with content creators, as part of their comprehensive influencer marketing strategy. Cody Johnson, Director of Communications for the New Mexico Tourism Department, expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to promote the state. \"Through their proven success with destinations and hospitality brands, we believe The Abbi Agency, an experienced influencer marketing agency, will help us continue to tell the story of the Land of Enchantment through secured coverage in quality travel media and strategic partnerships with content creators.\" The addition of New Mexico to The Abbi Agency’s portfolio comes shortly after the agency added Carnival Cruise Line, Aramark Destinations, and Pacific Surfliner. The agency’s approach to travel and tourism involves fostering deep relationships with journalists and influencers to create compelling and unique narratives. The Abbi Agency is committed to bringing New Mexico\'s lesser-known attractions to the forefront through performance public relations, brand partnerships, and influencer relations. By utilizing intentional strategies and leveraging longstanding media relationships, the team plans to enhance the presence of New Mexico True, the state\'s tourism brand. Additionally, The Abbi Agency will collaborate with its sister agency in the UK, Brass Tacks Media, to promote New Mexico as a travel destination to international audiences in Germany, Australia, and beyond. The goal is to highlight the state\'s uncurated culture, exceptional outdoor experiences, and unforgettable road trips, further supported by their robust influencer marketing strategy.
Insider Reveals \’Biggest L\’ In YouTube Marketing History: Company Passed Up MrBeast Promotion For Just $50,000
In a newly revealed story, a brand missed a monumental opportunity to collaborate with MrBeast, the now world-famous YouTuber, back in 2018 for a mere $50,000. At the time, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, was an emerging content creator with one million subscribers. Fast forward to today, he has become the most subscribed YouTube creator globally, boasting over 281 million subscribers. The missed opportunity was recounted by Daniel Cordas, a London-based artist, on TikTok. Cordas described it as “the biggest L in YouTube, consultancy, and marketing history.” He explained that in early 2018, a company approached him for advice on promoting a new game. Cordas suggested a YouTube promotion with MrBeast, then charging around $10,000 per promotion, which was a typical YouTube sponsorship rate for emerging influencers at the time. Cordas contacted MrBeast via the email provided in his YouTube bio and showed screenshots of their conversation. Despite Cordas\'s strong recommendation, the company balked at the $50,000 fee when MrBeast upped his price. “They definitely had the budget but they didn’t see the value,” Cordas lamented. He emphasized that if the sponsorship had gone through, the brand\'s promotion would have remained on MrBeast’s YouTube channel, gaining immense value as his popularity skyrocketed. Reflecting on the missed chance, Cordas speculated on the current MrBeast sponsorship cost, acknowledging that it would be exponentially higher now. MrBeast, now a titan on YouTube, is renowned for his big-budget videos, massive challenges, and generous prize giveaways, making his sponsorships highly coveted and much more expensive. Recently, MrBeast teased what he described as his \"biggest video ever\" on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a picture with some of the biggest names on the internet. His rise from an up-and-coming YouTuber to the most subscribed channel, surpassing even T-Series, is marked by his innovative YouTube marketing strategy and engagement with viewers. The story serves as a stark reminder of the potential value in early investments in digital influencers, a lesson underscored by the incredible success of MrBeast. Today, partnering with him would require a significantly higher budget, reflecting his immense influence and reach on the platform.
Influencer Reveals Why Doc Said Too Much Water Is Bad For You
New York City influencer Taylor Donaghue recently shared on social media that her doctor advised her to cut back on her water intake. Donaghue, 23, told her 365,000 followers that she visited a urologist due to her frequent need to use the bathroom. \"You guys, I am that friend that would use the bathroom like every hour... it\'s gotten out of control,\" Donaghue explained in a TikTok video that has garnered over 1 million views. She decided to consult a urologist and underwent various tests, including sonograms. To her surprise, the doctor’s solution was simple: drink less water. Donaghue revealed, \"I just paid $500 to be told by a doctor that I just need to drink less water.\" The doctor noted her 40-ounce water bottle and suggested that excessive water consumption was the root of her problem, stating that too much water is bad for her health. Donaghue typically fills her 40-ounce bottle three times a day, consuming about 120 ounces of water daily. This far exceeds the recommended 92 ounces of fluid per day for the average woman, which includes all liquids consumed, not just water. The Mayo Clinic states that hydration needs can also be met through fruits, vegetables, coffee, and soda. The doctor advised Donaghue to gradually reduce her water intake and space out her drinking times. The medical professional wanted to avoid unnecessary medications or procedures, such as catheters, given her young age. Viewers of Donaghue’s video agreed with the doctor’s advice, with one commenter claiming to be an MD, saying, \"I have no idea where everyone got the idea they need to drink SO much water.\" Donaghue admitted in a follow-up video that she had been \"forcing\" herself to drink large amounts of water, thinking it was healthy. This raises the question, how much water is too much? Many commenters also suggested Donaghue get her blood sugar checked, as frequent thirst and urination can be symptoms of diabetes. However, Donaghue confirmed in a follow-up video that she did not have diabetes and had been overdrinking water out of a misguided belief in its health benefits. This incident highlights the misinformation often spread on social media regarding water consumption. Last year, the #WaterTok trend saw influencers adding artificial sweeteners and syrups to their large water bottles, which was criticized by dentists and dietitians. They warned that such practices could harm gut health and contribute to behavioral and cognitive issues.
TikTok, Adobe Partnership Brings App\’s Commercial Music Library To Adobe Express
Adobe and TikTok have announced an innovative collaboration that promises to revolutionize content creation on the popular social media platform. The integration centers around TikTok’s vast Commercial Music Library, now seamlessly accessible through Adobe Express via the Symphony Assistant add-on. Adobe Express, a comprehensive AI-powered app designed for all-in-one content creation, enables users to craft and distribute a wide array of media, including social media posts, videos, flyers, and logos. This partnership empowers businesses and creators alike by streamlining access to over a million pre-cleared, top-trending songs directly from TikTok\'s music vault. The significance of this integration extends beyond mere convenience. By embedding TikTok\'s Commercial Music Library into Adobe Express, the need for arduous and costly music licensing processes is effectively bypassed. This development allows content creators to allocate more time and resources toward producing compelling content that resonates with TikTok\'s diverse audience. Central to this integration is the ability for users to seamlessly edit TikTok videos within Adobe Express, enhancing workflow efficiency and creative flexibility. This capability underscores Adobe\'s commitment to empowering digital creators with intuitive tools that optimize their content creation process. Music plays a pivotal role on TikTok, influencing brand identity and consumer engagement. A staggering 88% of users surveyed emphasize the importance of music in shaping their interactions with content on the platform. TikTok’s Commercial Music Library, renowned for its extensive collection spanning various genres and cultures, has already made a significant impact with nearly 2 billion videos incorporating its tracks. Govind Balakrishnan, Senior Vice President of Adobe Express and Creative Cloud Services, emphasizes the strategic advantage this integration affords businesses striving to maintain a competitive edge. \"In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, swift and effective content creation is paramount. On TikTok, music isn’t just an accessory—it’s essential,\" he notes, highlighting how Adobe Express empowers users to enhance their TikTok presence effortlessly. Andy Yang, Global Head of Creative Product at TikTok, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the pivotal role of creativity in fostering vibrant communities and cultural dialogues on the platform. The collaboration with Adobe signifies a step forward in providing brands and creators with the necessary tools to elevate their TikTok content through carefully curated soundtracks. This latest integration builds upon a foundation laid by previous collaborations, such as Symphony Assistant, which leverages AI to facilitate both organic and paid content creation on TikTok. By integrating the Commercial Music Library into Adobe Express, Adobe and TikTok are poised to redefine the landscape of digital content creation, offering users unprecedented resources to amplify their creative endeavors. Furthermore, TikTok’s recent participation in the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) underscores a shared commitment to transparency and authenticity in digital storytelling. This initiative reflects both companies\' dedication to fostering responsible content creation practices and strengthening connections within the TikTok community. In conclusion, the Adobe-TikTok partnership represents a significant milestone in empowering creators and businesses to leverage music and creativity effectively on one of the world’s most influential social platforms. As TikTok continues to evolve as a hub for cultural expression and brand engagement, collaborations like this pave the way for new possibilities in digital content creation.
TikTok Ads Now Allow AI-Generated Avatars Of Real Actors
TikTok is set to unveil a groundbreaking feature that aims to redefine digital advertising through the introduction of AI-generated avatars in advertisements. Known as Symphony Avatars, this new tool allows brands to leverage stock avatars based on licensed likenesses of paid actors, or create custom avatars resembling TikTok creators or brand ambassadors. These avatars are equipped with multilingual capabilities, enabling them to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Announced via a blog post on June 17, TikTok showcased the versatility of Symphony Avatars in enhancing content creation efficiency and audience engagement. By harnessing AI, brands and creators can rapidly produce compelling advertisements that resonate across global markets, leveraging the avatars\' ability to adapt and speak multiple languages. Despite its innovative potential, the introduction of AI-generated avatars has sparked concerns within the creator community. Micro-influencer Kristen Bousquet voiced apprehensions about potential impacts on her career, highlighting fears about the widespread adoption of AI avatars and its implications for the creator industry. Beyond individual concerns, broader sectors of the creative industry, including Hollywood and journalism, have expressed apprehensions regarding the transformative effects of generative AI. Many industry professionals fear that AI advancements could potentially displace human creativity and redefine traditional roles within creative fields. Addressing these concerns, TikTok emphasized in its blog post that Symphony Avatars are designed to complement and amplify human creativity rather than replace it entirely. The platform aims to alleviate the more labor-intensive aspects of content creation, allowing creators and brands to concentrate on strategic and empathetic dimensions of their advertising campaigns. To promote responsible AI usage in marketing, TikTok has established an industry advisory board dedicated to overseeing its AI initiatives. Comprising content creators and representatives from major brands like American Eagle and the NBA, this board serves as a platform for discussing ethical practices and effective utilization of AI in creative marketing endeavors. TikTok\'s venture into AI-generated avatars reflects a broader trend within the tech industry, where companies like Meta have also explored similar technologies through AI chatbots featuring celebrity likenesses. As tech giants continue to innovate, integrating generative AI features across various platforms, the landscape of digital advertising and content creation is poised for significant evolution. In conclusion, while TikTok\'s Symphony Avatars represent a leap forward in digital advertising innovation, their implementation underscores ongoing debates about the intersection of AI and human creativity. As the industry navigates these advancements, balancing innovation with ethical considerations will be crucial in shaping the future of digital marketing and creative expression.
BrewDog Founder Launches New Influencer Marketing Platform Social Tip
James Watt, renowned as the founder of BrewDog, has embarked on a new venture with the launch of Social Tip, an influencer platform aiming to revolutionize marketing dynamics. Officially unveiled on June 17, Social Tip is designed to empower everyday individuals to wield influence and earn financial incentives by promoting brands through their social media channels. This innovative platform has already attracted notable clients such as Huel and PureGym, underscoring its potential to disrupt traditional marketing paradigms. Co-founded by Watt alongside Thomas Matecki, former CTO of Zilch, and Georgia Lee, former managing director at Supper, Social Tip operates on a unique algorithm. This algorithm calculates the monetary value of each social media post based on its reach and engagement, facilitating direct payments to users\' Social Tip accounts. Watt\'s motivation for creating Social Tip stems from his belief in the waning efficacy of conventional advertising and influencer strategies. In a LinkedIn post, he articulated a shift towards authentic, word-of-mouth endorsements in the digital age, enabled and scaled by their proprietary technology. \"This is good old-fashioned word-of-mouth marketing for the digital age and scalable through our innovative technology,\" Watt affirmed. He emphasized the potency of genuine endorsements from everyday consumers, positing them as more credible and persuasive compared to endorsements from traditional influencers or celebrities. Drawing from his experience at BrewDog, where grassroots support proved pivotal to brand success, Watt intends to leverage Social Tip to amplify and reward authentic brand advocacy on a broader scale. The platform\'s launch partners, including Bella & Duke, BrewDog, Punchy Drinks, and others, highlight its appeal to brands seeking to connect with consumers through genuine interactions rather than celebrity endorsements. Acknowledging the skepticism surrounding influencer authenticity, Watt underscores Social Tip\'s commitment to transparency and credibility. The platform aims to restore trust in influencer marketing by championing real, enthusiastic brand advocates who genuinely connect with their audiences. Looking ahead, Watt plans to appoint a seasoned Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to steer Social Tip\'s strategic direction and expansion. This leadership addition reflects his commitment to refining and scaling their innovative approach amidst a rapidly evolving marketing landscape. In conclusion, James Watt\'s Social Tip represents a bold initiative to redefine influencer marketing through authenticity and technological innovation. By empowering everyday individuals as influencers and prioritizing genuine brand connections, Social Tip aims to set a new standard in digital marketing effectiveness and consumer trust.