Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Preteen Influencer\’s Followers Are 92% Adult Men Who Trade Photos Of Young Kids Online: WSJ
A Midwest mom inadvertently opened the door to a disturbing online world for her preteen daughter, who aspired to become an Instagram influencer. The girl, now in high school and an aspiring dancer, launched her account three years ago to connect with other young influencers. She has since landed modeling gigs and received freebies from major designer brands, amassing a substantial savings of approximately $20,000. However, the road to online stardom has come with a chilling dark side. Instagram\'s algorithms have steered men with deviant sexual attraction to children to the girl\'s page, flooding it with unwanted comments and come-ons - just one of the many social media effects on teens. Many of these men harvest photos of young girls and trade them in dark web groups and channels on the encrypted messaging app Telegram. The girl\'s follower count grew to over 100,000 within a year, and she started to get paid sponsorship offers. But she was also getting troubling replies calling her \"gorgeous\" or commenting on her body — primarily by a growing group of grownup male followers. Her father described these men as part of the industry\'s \"seedy underbelly.\" The girl\'s mom has taken steps to shield her daughter on the social media effects on youth, monitoring the site and forbidding certain types of photos, including swimsuit pics. She has also blocked many of the more inappropriate commenters and followers. Despite the unwanted attention, the girl remains committed to her aspirations as a content creator, focusing on fashion inspiration and hairstyles. Meta, the company that owns Instagram, has acknowledged the issue of online safety for young users and claims to monitor content and ban anyone under the age of 13 from opening accounts on their own. However, the report suggests that the platform\'s algorithms continue to steer users towards inappropriate content, making it difficult to fully protect vulnerable young users from the predatory behavior of adult men and keep social media safety for kids.
\’Love Is Blind\’ Casting Bans Influencers From Joining Show: Here\’s Why
The team behind Netflix’s “Love Is Blind” takes a unique approach to casting, focusing on finding genuine people rather than dramatic or fame-seeking personalities. Creator and Kinetic Content CEO Chris Coelen emphasizes that they seek individuals who are truly looking for meaningful relationships. The casting process for “Love Is Blind” starts locally, with searches conducted within a 50-mile radius of the chosen city. The team reaches out to various community members, including reporters, politicians, realtors, salon owners, pastors, nurses, and teachers, to create a buzz and find singles ready for deep connections and marriage. Donna Driscoll, executive VP of casting and talent for Kinetic Content, explains that this outreach is crucial to attracting a diverse group of people. Applicants go through a rigorous process, starting with phone interviews where the team discusses relationship deal-breakers and other personal topics. This is followed by Zoom interviews, sometimes lasting up to 90 minutes, where potential cast members talk about their past relationships and other relevant experiences. One strict rule for the “Love Is Blind” casting call is the exclusion of influencers and actors. Driscoll explains that the show aims to feature individuals who are authentic and not seeking fame. While influencers and actors could theoretically be genuine, the team avoids them to ensure participants are there for the right reasons. The casting team is diligent in checking applicants’ backgrounds, including cross-referencing Instagram accounts to avoid any pre-existing connections between cast members. Despite these efforts, some issues can slip through, as seen in Season 5 when it was revealed that Lydia Gonzalez and Uche Okoroha had briefly dated before the show, a fact that the casting team couldn’t have known due to a lack of documentation. In “Love Is Blind” Season 6, cast member Trevor Sova hid the fact that he had a girlfriend at home, which only came to light during the reunion. Driscoll acknowledges that such incidents are disappointing as they take away opportunities from genuine participants. She explains that the team always asks detailed questions about applicants’ relationship status and gives them multiple chances to disclose any relevant information. Moving forward, the casting team will remain vigilant, trusting but verifying applicants’ honesty as much as possible without invading their privacy. Driscoll assures that despite challenges, the team is committed to finding participants who are truly looking for love
Teen Influencer Dies By Suicide Following Cyberbullying
A popular teen social media influencer from Kerala has died following an alleged suicide attempt last week, highlighting the severe impact of cyberbullying and the urgent need for better support systems for teens navigating social media. The 17-year-old girl, a 12th-standard student at a leading girls\' school run by the state government, took the extreme step after facing relentless online harassment over her broken relationship with a male friend. The victim, known for her dance videos and glamorous photos that garnered a significant following on social media, was found hanging in her bedroom on June 12. Her family rushed her to a private hospital where she had been on life support since then. Despite the best efforts of the doctors, the young influencer succumbed to her injuries late Sunday night. The local police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation into the tragic incident. Sources close to the family revealed that the girl was ruthlessly trolled online after her breakup and was unable to cope with the cyberbullying. The incident has sent shockwaves across the state\'s social media space, reigniting conversations about the detrimental effects of social media on mental health, particularly among teens. Experts emphasize that social media can significantly influence mental health, exacerbating issues like anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation, especially when teens face negative interactions like cyberbullying. This heartbreaking case underscores the critical need for parents to be vigilant about their children\'s online activities and emotional well-being. Counselors have urged parents to look out for signs of cyberbullying and take proactive steps to support their children in dealing with online harassment and emotional distress. As investigations continue, the police are expected to scrutinize the girl\'s social media accounts and interactions to uncover the details of the alleged cyberbullying. The girl\'s grieving parents have condemned the social media platforms for failing to curb the vicious trolling and online harassment their daughter faced. They accuse the perpetrators of driving her to commit suicide and demand strict action against those responsible. This tragic event highlights the need for stronger laws and policies to combat cyberbullying, particularly among vulnerable teens. Experts call for comprehensive measures, including robust online safety policies, mental health education, and accessible counseling services, to address the complex challenges posed by social media. Social media platforms must take greater responsibility in ensuring a safe environment, while parents and educators need to be more vigilant and supportive of teens\' digital and emotional lives. The death of this teen social media influencer serves as a stark reminder of the potentially fatal consequences of cyberbullying and the urgent need for collective action to protect young lives.
Obama Pleads With Influencers To Endorse Biden, Use Platform To Help Win Election 2024
Former President Obama has called on digital influencers to support President Biden\'s re-election campaign for the Election 2024, urging them to use their significant online followings on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to rally voters. Speaking at a fundraiser for Biden in Los Angeles, Obama acknowledged that influencers might not agree with all of Biden\'s policies but stressed the importance of backing him nonetheless. \"Joe Biden, you may not agree with everything he does,\" Obama said. \"By the way, you didn\'t agree with everything I did. And that\'s OK. Because in a big, messy, complicated country like this, there are going to be disagreements.\" Obama encouraged influencers to leverage their platforms creatively to engage their audiences. \"I need you guys to use your influence, and it doesn\'t have to be boring,\" he stated, suggesting they use humor to capture attention as people scroll through social media. The Biden administration has faced significant criticism from young voters and college students, particularly over its handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Large student protests at universities such as Columbia have highlighted internal divisions within the Democratic Party. Obama acknowledged the general disinterest in partisan politics among social media audiences. \"We live in a cynical time,\" he said. \"Let\'s face it: I think a lot of the people who watch you, listen to you, who are fans of you — a lot of times they feel turned off by the political discourse.\" Obama shared his own media consumption habits, noting, \"I frankly watch sports, mostly. Because it feels like everything is slash and burn.\" However, he reassured the influencers that Biden\'s core beliefs align with those of many young voters. \"But Joe Biden\'s basic trajectory — what he believes in his core ... nine times out of 10, he\'s going to make decisions that accord with your core beliefs,\" Obama said. The fundraiser in Los Angeles, which Obama attended, has already raised over $28 million, marking the biggest fundraiser in Democratic Party history. This tops a previous event with Biden, Obama, and former President Clinton in March at New York City\'s Radio City Music Hall, which brought in $26 million. A recent New York Times/Siena College poll found that former President Trump is gaining support among young voters, with Biden\'s approval among this demographic decreasing by 14 points since the 2020 election. This shift in the Biden polls highlights the challenge facing the Biden campaign as it seeks to mobilize young voters and leverage influencers on TikTok and other platforms. Additionally, celebrities endorsing Biden could play a significant role in galvanizing support and reversing these polling trends.
Top Influencers Join Paris Olympics 2024 Coverage Following NBC\’s Multi-Platform Social Media Deal
NBCUniversal is launching a groundbreaking initiative called the \"Paris Creator Collective\" for its coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Partnering with Meta, Overtime, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, NBCUniversal will send 27 social media influencers to Paris to provide unique, on-the-ground coverage of the Games. The initiative aims to engage Olympic fans of all generations, particularly the younger audience. Gary Zenkel, President of NBC Olympics, emphasized the importance of reaching out to the younger generation with familiar personalities and content. “Creators participating in this new program will bring a unique perspective to fans of the Olympic Games,” Zenkel said. The creators will capture and share content that showcases the athletes, the food, and the celebrations in Paris. These 27 creators, selected for their engaging content and strong online presence, will attend both the Games and certain U.S. Olympic Team Trials in June. They will create custom content for their respective platforms, giving their followers an inside look at the Olympic experience. NBCUniversal is also offering advertising partners the opportunity to sponsor posts with these creators to further reach the next generation of fans. The Paris 2024 Olympics will feature competitions set against iconic Parisian landmarks. Beach volleyball will be held at the Eiffel Tower, equestrian events at the Palace of Versailles, and urban sports at Place de la Concorde. This will be the third time Paris has hosted the Olympics, following the 1900 and 1924 Games. NBCUniversal has announced that its primary platforms for covering the Olympic Games will be the NBC broadcast network and the streaming service Peacock. The Paris Olympics 2024 NBC schedule will feature extensive coverage, ensuring fans don\'t miss a moment of the action. The Paris 2024 Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11. NBCUniversal holds the U.S. media rights to the Olympic Games through 2032, with upcoming Games in Milan Cortina (2026), Los Angeles (2028), and Brisbane (2032). The host city for the 2030 Winter Games has not yet been determined. This innovative approach by NBCUniversal aims to make the Olympic Games more accessible and engaging, especially for younger audiences who interact daily with the participating social media platforms. The collaboration promises to offer a fresh and dynamic perspective on one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events, through extensive coverage of the 2024 Olympics.
Jynxzi Copies Kai Cenat, \’Elden Ring\’ Marathon Stream Could Last One Week
Twitch streamer and YouTuber Nicholas \'Jynxzi\' Stewart has announced a marathon stream where he will play Elden Ring until he beats the game. This event, set to start on Monday, June 16, could last up to a week. Elden Ring streamers have been captivating audiences with their endurance and dedication, and Jynxzi\'s upcoming challenge is highly anticipated. In a Twitch clip shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user \'scubaryan_\', Jynxzi shared his excitement about the upcoming challenge. \"I am doing an Elden Ring marathon,\" he said. \"I am not ending the stream until I beat Elden Ring… it might take a long time, bro, but I’m not ending the stream until I beat Elden Ring.\" The decision to embark on this marathon follows a similar event by fellow streamer Kai Cenat, who recently completed an Elden Ring marathon that spanned nearly seven days. Kai Cenat\'s Elden Ring stream saw him beat the game after 166 hours and 52 minutes, accumulating 1,701 deaths in the process. The success of Cenat’s marathon seems to have inspired Jynxzi, who acknowledged his viewers\' persistent requests over the past two years to play Elden Ring. Jynxzi\'s Twitch stream promises continuous coverage, with the streamer planning to sleep and shower on camera, assuring viewers that no explicit content will be shown. \"We’re going to have literally a full set up,\" he said. Reactions to Jynxzi\'s announcement have been mixed, with some viewers suggesting he was influenced by Kai Cenat’s success. One viewer noted, \"He saw how well that went for Kai and now he wants to do it.\" Others highlighted the competitive aspect, pointing out that Jynxzi’s chat had been challenging him to beat the game faster than Kai. Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, has seen a resurgence in popularity on Twitch following Kai Cenat’s marathon. Now, Jynxzi aims to capture some of that excitement with his own extended playthrough. Jynxzi\'s Elden Ring stream on Twitch is set to attract significant attention as fans and followers eagerly watch to see if he can surpass Kai Cenat\'s time and death count. The marathon begins June 16, with Jynxzi estimating it could last up to seven days, though he hopes to finish sooner. Fans and followers will be watching closely to see if he can complete the game in a shorter time or with fewer deaths than Kai Cenat.
Democrat Candidate Allegedly Made Fake Profiles To Attack Himself Online
Taral Patel, a 30-year-old Democratic candidate for the Fort Bend County Commission Precinct 3 in the Houston suburbs, is facing charges of online impersonation and misrepresentation of identity after allegedly orchestrating a scheme to harass himself on social media. The accusations emerged following a Facebook post dated September 18, 2023, where Patel shared a collage of inflammatory posts targeting various ethnic and religious groups, as well as political figures. These posts, which included anti-Asian, anti-Pakistani, anti-Indian, and anti-Chinese sentiments, among others, were purportedly designed to appear as if they came from supporters of Patel\'s Republican opponent and reflected broader right-wing ideologies. The content also praised Christianity, American values, and the GOP while disparaging Democrats and taxation. Patel\'s actions not only aimed to draw attention to his campaign but also to portray himself as a victim of racist and xenophobic attacks linked to his political opponents. However, the discovery of his alleged involvement has sparked legal and ethical concerns about the methods employed in modern political campaigning. He now faces charges including one count of online impersonation, classified as a third-degree felony, and one count of misrepresentation of identity, categorized as a Class A misdemeanor. The case underscores the complexities of navigating digital platforms in political contexts and raises questions about the authenticity and integrity of online discourse during campaigns. As the Democratic candidates for the 2024 elections prepare their campaigns, incidents like this highlight the challenges and potential pitfalls of digital strategies. The incident has prompted strong reactions within the local community and among political circles, with many expressing shock and disbelief at Patel\'s alleged actions. Some voters have voiced concerns about the credibility of candidates and the integrity of electoral processes in light of such deceptive practices. As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders are closely watching how the case will impact public perception and trust in political candidates leading up to the upcoming Elections 2024. The investigation into Patel\'s activities is ongoing, with authorities expected to release further details as the case progresses.
YouTuber ImAllexx Accused Of Physical Abuse By Ex-Girlfriend: \’Bash Your Head Against A Wall\’
ImAllexx, a prominent YouTuber with over 2 million subscribers, is facing serious allegations of physical and emotional abuse from his ex-girlfriend, Alice Hez. In a detailed statement released via Google doc, Alice presented videos, audio logs, and screenshots documenting her claims against ImAllexx, whose real name is Alex. According to Alice Hez, the abuse included physical violence, verbal threats, and the destruction of her property. She alleged that during their relationship, ImAllexx physically attacked her, threatened to harm her, and used derogatory language towards her, including racial slurs. Alice provided specific instances captured in recordings where ImAllexx threatened to bash her head against a wall and called her derogatory names. In addition to the recordings, Alice claimed that ImAllexx destroyed her belongings, including monitors, a camera, and a keyboard, after she moved out. She also accused him of emotional abuse, citing messages where he expressed hatred towards her and accused her of making his life difficult. The situation escalated further with Alice revealing messages where ImAllexx allegedly belittled her for discussing past experiences with sexual assault and accused her of ruining their vacations and moments together. Despite these negative interactions, Alice asserted that ImAllexx would later plead with her to reconcile, expressing regret and a desire to make amends. The influencer has not publicly commented on the allegations, including the claims about his behavior towards his girlfriend and the purported evidence of abuse. Alice indicated that she has withheld some evidence for legal reasons but hinted at the possibility of releasing more information if necessary. The allegations against ImAllexx have ignited a broader conversation about accountability and responsibility within digital platforms, where influencers wield significant influence over their audiences. Many followers of ImAllexx have expressed shock and disappointment, while others have voiced support for Alice and called for transparency and accountability from content creators. The unfolding controversy has sparked significant backlash within the YouTube community and among fans of ImAllexx, raising questions about accountability and behavior within online personalities. As the story continues to develop, observers are keenly watching how ImAllexx and his supporters will respond to the allegations and what actions may be taken as a result of Alice\'s claims.
TikTok Trend Right Now: Parisians Beg Poeple Not To Attend 2024 Paris Olympics
As Paris gears up to host the 2024 Olympics, a trending TikTok phenomenon is capturing the sentiments of many Parisians who are voicing their frustrations and warning potential visitors about the anticipated chaos. This TikTok trend right now features a series of viral videos from residents like Miranda Starcevic, a 31-year-old French American living in Paris. Her video, posted in November and now boasting over 700,000 views, urges tourists to cancel their plans, reflecting a broader local sentiment that the Games might be more trouble than they\'re worth. Starcevic, like many middle-class Parisians, believes the Olympics will bring significant disruption to daily life. Her concerns are echoed by other TikTok creators such as Leo Nora, a 24-year-old Parisian student, who described the Games as potentially “dangerous” and “hell on Earth.” Nora’s video, viewed over a million times, warns of overcrowded public transport and increased safety risks, resonating deeply within the community. Both Starcevic and Nora have criticized the city’s decision to repurpose student housing for Olympic workers and express concerns about transportation disruptions. With metro fares set to nearly double during the Games, the discontent among residents is palpable. Tessa Bicard, an American executive at a cosmetics company, also shared her apprehensions on TikTok. Despite being a longtime Olympics fan, Bicard is disillusioned by the logistical challenges and high costs associated with attending the events. She highlights how construction projects related to the Games have already complicated daily life in Paris, and expects the influx of tourists to exacerbate the situation. Many Parisians share these concerns, as evidenced by posters and billboards around the city suggesting residents prepare for the Games, with some interpreting this as a hint to leave if possible. Nora plans to stay with her boyfriend outside the city during the Olympics to avoid the anticipated crowds and chaos. Starcevic has also arranged to be out of town, spending time in Biarritz and the south of France. Bicard, however, intends to remain in Paris, planning to bike or walk to work instead of relying on the Metro. She acknowledges that Parisians can be difficult and understands the widespread frustration. Despite the expected challenges, Bicard’s love for Paris keeps her rooted in the city. Concerns about the Olympics extend to safety and security, with some Parisians worried about potential terrorist threats and the city\'s ability to handle large-scale events. The French government is ramping up security measures, but many residents remain skeptical, pointing to past instances of transport strikes and civil unrest, fearing similar disruptions during the Games. With the world watching, the pressure is on Paris to deliver a smooth and secure Olympic experience, but the unease among locals suggests that achieving this might be an uphill battle. As the Olympics approach, the mix of excitement and apprehension among Parisians highlights the complex emotions surrounding this global event. While some look forward to the spectacle, others brace for what they fear will be a logistical nightmare. The ongoing TikTok trend right now underscores the deep-seated concerns and hopes of a city on the brink of hosting the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
US Ran Anti-Sinovac Campaign On Social Media During COVID-19 Pandemic: Reuters
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. military conducted a secret campaign aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the Philippines, a nation severely impacted by the virus. This covert operation, not previously reported, sought to undermine confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine and aid supplied by China. A Reuters investigation revealed that the U.S. military used fake internet accounts impersonating Filipinos to spread anti-vaxxer messages, specifically targeting China\'s Sinovac vaccine. The campaign, which began in the summer of 2020, included at least 300 accounts on X (formerly Twitter), using the slogan #Chinaangvirus, Tagalog for \"China is the virus.\" These accounts criticized the quality of Chinese face masks, test kits, and the Chinese COVID vaccine, Sinovac. One tweet from July 2020 read: “COVID came from China and the VACCINE also came from China, don’t trust China!” alongside a photo of a syringe and the Chinese flag. The operation, which started under President Donald Trump and continued into President Joe Biden’s term, expanded beyond Southeast Asia, targeting audiences in Central Asia and the Middle East. It employed fake social media accounts to spread fear about China’s vaccines among Muslims, leveraging concerns that vaccines containing pork gelatin could be forbidden under Islamic law. Despite warnings from social media executives, the Biden administration eventually banned the anti-vax effort in spring 2021, and the Pentagon initiated an internal review. Some American public health experts condemned the program, stating it endangered lives for potential geopolitical gain. Daniel Lucey, an infectious disease specialist, expressed disappointment, saying, “I’m extremely dismayed, disappointed and disillusioned to hear that the U.S. government would do that.” The campaign contributed to widespread vaccine skepticism in the Philippines, which already faced public distrust due to previous vaccine controversies. As a result, the country struggled with low vaccination rates and high COVID-19 fatalities. Former health secretary Esperanza Cabral noted the longstanding suspicion of China among Filipinos, exacerbated by aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. The Pentagon, which ran the operation through its psychological operations center in Tampa, Florida, disregarded the potential public health consequences. A senior military officer involved in the program admitted, “We weren’t looking at this from a public health perspective. We were looking at how we could drag China through the mud.” The clandestine campaign, reflective of Cold War-era propaganda tactics, highlights the ongoing disinformation war between the U.S. and China, each accusing the other of spreading COVID-19 and leveraging the pandemic for geopolitical advantage.