Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
YouTube Prankster Fidias Panayiotou Gets Elected to EU Parliament, But How?
Fidias Panayiotou, a Cyprus-based YouTube prankster, has been elected as an independent Member of the European Parliament (MEP) in a surprising turn of events. Known for his controversial pranks, the 24-year-old influencer has admitted to having little knowledge of politics and never having voted. Panayiotou’s election marks a significant shift as he seeks to challenge the established political order in Brussels. “The parties should take it as a warning that they must modernize and listen to the people,” he told CyBC. “We are writing history. Not just in Cyprus, but internationally.” Despite his lack of political experience, Panayiotou\'s candidacy resonated with younger voters. He garnered 40% of votes from people aged 18-24 and 28% from those aged 25-34, according to the BBC. His candidacy also contributed to a 45% increase in voter turnout in Cyprus, a phenomenon analysts are calling the “Fidias factor.” Panayiotou’s internet fame stems from a series of divisive pranks. In late 2023, he gained widespread attention after fleeing from Japanese authorities for dodging train and bus fares in an attempt to travel across the country for free. In 2022, he faced backlash over a YouTube video thumbnail that many criticized as insensitive, featuring \"poor\" children from Burundi while he made an exaggerated facial expression. Panayiotou’s entry into politics follows a growing trend of internet personalities seeking political office. In 2022, YouTuber and WWE star Logan Paul announced his ambition to run for US President. Paul reiterated his plans in 2023, stating he would appoint his brother, Jake Paul, as his Secretary of Defense if elected. Panayiotou’s election highlights a broader movement among young people demanding change and greater representation in government. By leveraging his online influence, Panayiotou aims to bring fresh perspectives and modernize the political landscape, signaling a new era of engagement for younger generations.
YouTube Rolls Out Thumbnail Testing: A Game-Changer for Creator
YouTube has unveiled a new feature called “Thumbnail Test & Compare,” aimed at empowering creators to optimize their video thumbnails for maximum engagement. Initially piloted with select creators last year, the tool is now broadly available to all content producers on the platform. With Thumbnail Test & Compare, creators can experiment with up to three different thumbnails for each video they publish or update. These variations are shown evenly to viewers, allowing creators to gather performance data. The goal is to determine which thumbnail generates the highest watch time share, aiding creators in selecting the most compelling image to attract viewers. The testing process can span from a few days to two weeks, depending on the video’s exposure and the distinctiveness of the thumbnail options tested. YouTube advises creators to test thumbnails with significant differences in layout, background, and text overlays to ensure comprehensive results. In cases where no clear winner emerges, the first thumbnail is automatically chosen but can be manually changed by the creator. The feature supports various types of content, including regular videos, podcast episodes, archived livestreams, and public long-form content. However, it excludes private videos and content categorized as “Made for Kids” or mature. Thumbnail Test & Compare will be accessible via YouTube Studio on desktops for creators with access to advanced features, contingent on completion of phone and ID verification. YouTube plans to extend support for the feature on mobile devices in the near future. This initiative is part of YouTube’s broader strategy to empower creators with innovative tools, following recent introductions like AI-powered video skipping features and enhancements for Shorts, such as AI-generated backgrounds and customizable effects. As YouTube continues to enhance its platform capabilities, creators can leverage these tools to refine their content strategies and enhance viewer engagement.
X Update: Twitter Likes Are Now Private
X\'s recent update to hide \'likes\' on users\' posts marks a significant shift in the platform\'s approach to user interaction. With this update, X, formerly known as Twitter, has made \'likes\' now private, effectively altering the way users engage with content on the platform. This change comes amidst a series of updates implemented by X under the leadership of Elon Musk, who views it as an important step towards reshaping the dynamics of user interaction. Under the new policy, users will no longer be able to see which posts others have liked. Instead, they will only have visibility into the posts they have liked themselves. This move, described by Musk as an \"important change,\" aims to enhance user privacy and encourage more authentic engagement with content. Haofei Wang, X\'s director of engineering, highlighted how the previous visibility of likes sometimes deterred users from engaging with certain content due to concerns over public perception or potential backlash. This alteration comes amidst broader debates about online safety, privacy, and the impact of social media on public discourse. By hiding \'likes,\' X is addressing concerns about the negative psychological effects associated with seeking validation through public metrics. Studies have indicated that visible metrics like \'likes\' can contribute to feelings of anxiety, pressure to conform, and even addiction among users. Therefore, this shift reflects X\'s commitment to prioritizing user well-being while balancing the demands for engagement and content visibility. Critics, however, have raised concerns about these policy shifts, accusing Musk of fostering an environment conducive to hate speech and misinformation under the guise of promoting free speech. Despite criticism, X has continued to evolve its guidelines, recently formalizing rules to permit the sharing of consensual and clearly labeled sexualized content. As X navigates these changes, the response from users and stakeholders will likely shape the platform\'s future direction in the evolving landscape of digital communication. Musk\'s acquisition of X in late 2022 has ushered in a series of updates aimed at redefining the platform experience. While these changes have sparked controversy, they also signal X\'s commitment to adapt to societal expectations and user feedback. In conclusion, X\'s decision to hide \'likes\' underscores its ongoing efforts to redefine its platform experience and address concerns about user well-being. As the platform continues to iterate on its policies, its approach to privacy and user experience will likely evolve in response to its user base\'s evolving needs and expectations.
YouTuber GothamChess Dominates Madrid Chess Festival 2024; Beats Grandmasters
Levy Rozman, known as GothamChess on YouTube, has emerged as a dominant force at the Madrid Chess Festival, defeating two Grandmasters in his first classical chess tournament in nearly two years. Rozman, with a FIDE rating of 2322, entered the tournament with renewed determination to pursue the Grandmaster title, a goal he had set aside in previous years. His performance has been nothing short of impressive, currently leading the 10-player event with 4.5 points out of 6. Among his victories are notable wins against Grandmasters Tomás Sosa, Diego Macías, and Lelys Martínez, elevating him to the top of the standings despite being the lowest-rated participant. Reflecting on his unexpected success, Rozman expressed his emotions on social media following a key match, stating, “My first classical chess game in 2+ years. My lowest elo in nearly 10 years. And I defeated a 2530 GM with the black pieces, the top seed. I’m so happy I could cry.” Throughout the tournament, Rozman has been actively sharing updates and insights on his YouTube channel, engaging his audience with analyses of his games and the overall tournament experience. His performance has not only captivated his followers but also garnered attention within the broader chess community. Even renowned Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura has featured Rozman’s games, contributing to the event\'s buzz. The Madrid Chess Festival, where Rozman continues to make waves, will conclude on Saturday, June 15, with the final round of play determining the ultimate winner. For chess enthusiasts and followers of GothamChess, the event marks a significant chapter in Rozman’s journey towards his renewed pursuit of the Grandmaster title, showcasing both his skill and determination on the international stage.
Famous TikTok Influencer Accused Of Stalking GF After Split Gets Cleared Of Charges
Thomas Hill, a 29-year-old TikTok influencer with 2.6 million followers, has been cleared of stalking his ex-girlfriend, Charlie Mullis. Hill, who also has nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram, was accused of bombarding Mullis with calls and messages after their breakup. However, the prosecutor offered no new evidence to support the allegations, leading to Hill\'s acquittal. Hill and Mullis had been in a relationship for about a year after Mullis initially contacted Hill following a post he made about his mental health. Their relationship, described as \"turbulent,\" ended on January 28 of last year. Following the breakup, Mullis claimed that Hill began stalking her, which included following her to the gym and sending flowers to her workplace. She also alleged that Hill sat outside her home and sent 44 messages in one day, some containing threats. Despite these accusations, the situation was complicated by the fact that the two had reconciled shortly after the breakup. Mullis confirmed that they went to a hotel and had sex after their relationship had ended. Hill maintained that any contact between them after the breakup was mutual and consensual. Janet Weeks, the prosecutor, informed jurors that Hill\'s defense was that he had never been given any indication that his contact was unwanted. Hill insisted that the communication between them was reciprocal. After Mullis concluded her testimony, the prosecution decided not to present any further evidence against Hill. Consequently, Hill, who lives in Thamesmead, Greenwich, east London, was formally cleared of the stalking charge, which had not involved causing fear, alarm, or distress. This case highlights the intense scrutiny TikTok influencers face and the potential complexities in their personal lives becoming public. While Hill was cleared, the label of an \"influencer stalker\" could have severe implications on his career and public image. It also underscores the importance of clear communication and boundaries in relationships, especially in the public eye.
MrBeast Earnings To Hit $700 Million This Year
Jimmy Donaldson, widely known as MrBeast, generates substantial revenue through his YouTube channel and his Feastables food brand, pulling in between $600 million and $700 million annually. Despite these impressive earnings, the 25-year-old insists he is not rich, as he reinvests nearly all his income back into his ventures. MrBeast\'s YouTube channel boasts 239 million subscribers, with each video garnering over 100 million views. These videos produce significant revenue, with each generating a couple of million dollars from ad revenue and brand deals. Brands pay between $2.5 million and $3 million for a mention in one of his videos. This contributes significantly to MrBeast\'s YouTube earnings, making his channel one of the highest-earning on the platform. However, Donaldson does not personally handle his finances. \"I don’t have access to any of my bank accounts,\" he revealed. His mother controls the master bank account, and a Chief Financial Officer oversees his financial operations. Donaldson\'s income is continuously reinvested into his content and business. Donaldson\'s commitment to reinvestment is evident in his extravagant and costly stunts. For example, he once bought a grocery store and paid a contestant $10,000 for each day they managed to live in it. Some shoots involve up to 12,000 hours of footage, which may be condensed into a 15-minute video. Despite his substantial reinvestments, Donaldson does not live a lavish lifestyle. He has a personal chef and trainer, and he resides in a 3,000 square-foot home purchased for $320,000 in 2018. Donaldson\'s dedication to reinvesting in his brand has also led to significant philanthropic efforts, which have become a hallmark of his channel. MrBeast is known for his large-scale charitable initiatives, such as planting 20 million trees through the #TeamTrees campaign and cleaning up oceans with the #TeamSeas project. These efforts not only reflect his commitment to using his platform for good but also drive engagement and loyalty among his vast audience. By channeling his earnings into both content creation and impactful causes, MrBeast continues to solidify his position as one of the most influential and admired figures in the digital space. Looking ahead, Donaldson aims to continue expanding his empire, with the possibility of eventually reaping financial benefits. \"I’m not naïve; maybe one day,\" he said regarding becoming rich. \"But right now, whatever we make, we reinvest.\" As of now, MrBeast\'s net worth is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions, a testament to his success in the digital world. His unique approach to content creation and business strategy ensures that his earnings per year remain among the highest in the industry.
Ben Potter\’s Cause Of Death Revealed Following YouTuber Star\’s Sudden Passing
The cause of death for YouTube star Ben Potter, known as Comicstorian, was revealed on Tuesday. Ben Potter, 40, died in a single-car accident on Saturday while driving his Toyota 4Runner on I-25 near Fort Collins. According to the Colorado State Patrol, he veered off the right shoulder and onto a service road, causing the vehicle to roll several times. Ben Potter\'s car accident involved no other vehicles, and he was the only occupant in the truck. Authorities confirmed that Benjamin Potter was wearing his seatbelt and was not driving at a high speed. There was no evidence of drug or alcohol influence at the time of the crash. The beloved content creator was pronounced dead at the scene. Benjamin Potter\'s wife, Nathalie, announced his death on Monday, describing it as an “unfortunate accident.” She praised her husband as the “rock” of their family, known for his efforts to make others laugh and ensure their well-being. “To many of you, he was Comicstorian, voicing stories from across multiple different mediums. To his loved ones, he was one of the best and most supportive individuals anyone could ask for,” she shared. “As a husband, a son, a brother, a friend, or even just a stranger, Ben was loving and genuine. He was someone who would listen and make time for his loved ones.” Ben Potter launched his YouTube channel, Comicstorian, in 2014 and gained over 3 million subscribers by creating audio dramas for comics. His content included opinions, reviews, and close analyses of various comic books and superhero products, particularly from Marvel and DC. He also ran a gaming channel, Eligible Monster Gaming, with nearly 200,000 subscribers, where he discussed video game lore from popular franchises like “Assassin’s Creed” and “Resident Evil.” Additionally, Ben Potter had a vlog and manga channel called Mangastorian, featuring Japanese comics and graphic novels. Over his 10-year career, Ben Potter shared more than 4,000 videos, becoming a significant figure in the comic and gaming communities. His wife has vowed to keep his channel alive, continuing to share great stories in his memory and honoring him as their “very own superhero.”
Kai Cenat Did Not Break Twitch Record For Highest Peak Viewers
Twitch icon Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins responded to fans\' confusion over Kai Cenat allegedly breaking his Twitch viewership record. Kai Cenat’s sleepover stream with Kevin Hart and Druski on June 10 reached 672,744 viewers, surpassing Ninja\'s Fortnite broadcast with Drake, which had 616,693 viewers. However, this is not the all-time Twitch record. During a June 11 broadcast, Ninja clarified the situation to his viewers, stating, \"The highest viewership record on Twitch is 3.4 million. Am I supposed to be offended, guys?\" He acknowledged that Kai Cenat, “probably the biggest streamer in the world” or at least in America, was bound to surpass his personal best eventually. Ninja praised the star power of Kai’s stream, which included Facetiming LeBron James and appearances by Druski and Kevin Hart. Ninja addressed the confusion, explaining that while Kai had beaten his personal best, it did not surpass the all-time record held by Ibai’s La Velada del Año 3 event, which had 3.4 million concurrent viewers. Despite the misunderstanding, Ninja congratulated Kai for achieving a new personal best and joked about how either of them could break Ibai’s record by reaching 3.5 million viewers. The confusion arose from a TwitchTracker report that highlighted Kai’s impressive viewership but did not claim it was a new overall site record. Ninja reiterated, \"No record got broken last night. Except for mine.\" This development follows a month after Ninja suggested he could have been as popular as Kai Cenat if he had not joined Mixer and continued his Twitch grind. Ninja later amended his comments, acknowledging the unique and innovative approach Kai brings to his streams. “I don’t think I ever could or would have put as much thought into the streams Kai does and his marathons. He’s truly doing it different,” Ninja admitted. Kai Cenat’s sleepover stream achieved the Twitch highest viewer count for a personal stream, though it fell short of the Twitch highest peak viewers record. The Kai Cenat Twitch record has added another significant milestone in his streaming career, demonstrating his ability to draw massive audiences. As Kai Cenat’s Twitch streams continue to rise in popularity, the streaming community eagerly watches how the landscape of online viewership records evolves.
New York Social Media Bill To Allow Parents To Restrict \’Addictive\’ Feeds For Their Kids
The New York state Legislature has passed the New York Social Media Bill, a groundbreaking regulation that allows parents to block their kids from seeing social media posts suggested by algorithms. This New York Social Media Law aims to mitigate the adverse social media effects on kids and teens, particularly the addictive nature of such content. Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is expected to sign the bill into law. Passed on June 7, 2024, the New York Social Media Bill prevents platforms from displaying algorithmically suggested posts to users under 18 unless there is verifiable parental consent. Instead, children would only see posts from accounts they follow. Additionally, it restricts platforms from sending notifications about suggested posts to minors between midnight and 6 a.m. without parental consent. Attorney General Letitia James, a key advocate for the New York Social Media Law, will be responsible for creating rules to verify user ages and determine parental consent. These guidelines will be established within 180 days, after which the bill will take effect. James stated, “Our children are enduring a mental health crisis, and social media is fueling the fire and profiting from the epidemic.” This highlights the serious social media effects on kids and teens, including mental health challenges and social media addiction effects. The tech industry has pushed back against the New York Social Media Law, arguing it unconstitutionally censors sites and raises concerns about privacy and age verification. Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel of NetChoice, a trade group including X and Meta, called the bill “an assault on free speech and the open internet by the state of New York.” Szabo noted that similar bills in other states were defeated due to First Amendment and privacy concerns. He emphasized that parents, not politicians, should set rules for their families. Some social media platforms have already introduced parental controls in response to concerns about social media effects on kids and teens. Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, unveiled tools last year to let parents set time limits and monitor their kids\' Instagram use. Other states have also tried to regulate social media use among children. Utah recently overhauled its social media youth restrictions after court challenges, and a federal judge in Arkansas blocked a policy requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts. At the federal level, lawmakers have held congressional hearings on child safety on social media, but no broad legislation has been passed. The New York state Assembly gave final passage to the New York Social Media Bill on Friday, and the state Senate passed it on Thursday.
Logan Paul Reveals 13-Year-Old Opponent Harder To Beat Than Floyd Mayweather
Logan Paul has gone viral after losing to professional Tetris player Blue Scuti during the Tetris World Championships, held from June 7-9, 2024. Paul, a popular YouTube star, competed against the 13-year-old prodigy and quickly found himself overwhelmed. In an interview with ESPN, Paul admitted his defeat with humor and respect, saying, \"I sucked. I have no business being here. Blue Scuti is the toughest competitor I’ve ever faced; Floyd Mayweather pales in comparison.” This remark has drawn attention to Paul\'s previous high-profile match, Logan Paul vs. Floyd Mayweather, highlighting the diverse nature of his competitive pursuits. Paul’s reaction to the loss spread rapidly on TikTok, garnering hundreds of thousands of views. Fans reacted positively, with one user commenting, “Logan wasn’t even doing that bad,” and another saying, “Blue Scuti is a beast! Logan’s respect for him says it all.” The encounter has sparked curiosity about Logan Paul\'s next fight, whether it be in traditional sports or esports, as his versatility continues to surprise fans. Blue Scuti, who first went viral in January 2023 by becoming the first player to \"beat\" Tetris on the NES, has continued to impress the gaming community. His record-breaking performance caused the game to crash, a feat never accomplished before. This extraordinary achievement brought him widespread recognition, with news anchors around the globe covering the story. The young Tetris master’s accomplishment even drew a controversial comment from a Sky News correspondent, who told Scuti to “go outside,” sparking backlash across social media. Many found her remark condescending, defending Scuti\'s dedication and skill in the game. Logan Paul’s participation in the Tetris World Championships highlights the crossover appeal between traditional sports and esports. His willingness to compete and his gracious acceptance of defeat have earned him admiration from both his fans and the gaming community. The event also showcased Blue Scuti’s exceptional talent, reinforcing his status as a Tetris legend and pop culture icon. Logan Paul\'s Tetris venture adds another chapter to his eclectic career, demonstrating his readiness to challenge himself in unexpected arenas.