Latest Influencer News in 2026
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Trump Vows To \’Never Ban TikTok\’ Amid Elections 2024 Campaign
Former President Donald Trump has made his firmest statement yet on TikTok, declaring that he would \"never ban TikTok.\" This remark came during a conversation with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, where Trump outlined his strategy to attract young voters amidst the backdrop of the 2024 elections. “Well, the big message is vote for Trump. We’re going to make our country greater than ever before,” Trump said, positioning himself as a contender against President Biden, whom he dubbed the “worst president in history.” Kirk pressed Trump on whether he would ban TikTok, highlighting Trump\'s recent viral return to the platform with a video about his UFC 302 appearance, which garnered a staggering 121 million views. Trump responded emphatically, “I will never ban TikTok,” signaling a notable shift from his previous stance. Kirk shared the exchange on TikTok, dubbing Trump “TikTok’s favorite president.” This declaration carries weight given the app\'s ongoing scrutiny over national security concerns due to its ties to the Chinese Communist Party through its parent company, ByteDance. In contrast, in April, President Biden signed a bill mandating ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months or face a ban in the U.S., a stark departure from Trump\'s current stance. While in office, Trump had issued an executive order to ban TikTok in 2020 but has since reversed his position. Reportedly, Trump\'s change of heart followed a meeting with Jeffrey Yass, a major campaign donor who owns a significant stake in ByteDance. Trump\'s newfound praise for TikTok aligns with his efforts to court young voters, a demographic that heavily utilizes the platform. “Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok,” Trump proclaimed on Truth Social in April after Biden signed the bill. He accused Biden of aiding Facebook’s dominance, labeling it “ELECTION INTERFERENCE.” Biden’s campaign intends to continue leveraging TikTok to engage with younger voters as long as the app remains accessible. Meanwhile, former Vice President Mike Pence, a vocal advocate for restricting TikTok, criticized Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the app\'s purported security risks. “TikTok is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party and poses a threat to the national security and privacy of the American people,” Pence cautioned. He urged the next president to uphold the law and expel what he deemed the “CCP’s spyware” from American soil, underscoring the ongoing debate over the app\'s place in U.S. digital landscape.
Influencer Breaks Up With Girlfriend Over TXT\’s Yeonjun
Online influencer and fashion brand CEO Cho Young Min, known as @thug_min, recently drew significant attention on social media after sharing details about his breakup with his ex-girlfriend. The reason for their split, revealed in an Instagram story, was a message she sent professing love for TXT\'s Yeonjun, shedding light on an unexpected intersection between celebrity fandom and personal relationships. Cho Young Min posted a conversation with his ex-girlfriend, who had sent a video of Yeonjun with the message, \"Yeonjun, I love you.\" He explained, \"I’m a pure guy. I don’t need a girl who says ‘I love you’ so easily to other guys. I want to do only sincere love, someone I can put my all into,\" highlighting his values and expectations in a relationship. In a series of messages on KakaoTalk, his ex-girlfriend apologized, acknowledging she had been wrong. \"I will make sure this will never happen again. I will be careful even in other chat rooms or places where you aren’t there,\" she wrote, demonstrating remorse for her actions. Despite her apologies, Cho Young Min decided to end the relationship, prioritizing his own emotional well-being and standards for commitment. His ex-girlfriend later confirmed the breakup on her Instagram, expressing her confusion over the reason. \"We indeed broke up because of TXT’s Yeonjun. My ex was not happy. Although I didn’t understand it, I tried to respect it since he was someone I loved,\" she said, reflecting on the complexities of romantic relationships and the unexpected influence of celebrity admiration. Cho Young Min posted a follow-up to clarify. “The reason for breaking up is simple. She sent the message of ‘Yeonjun, I love you’ while we were dating. It seems like she was supposed to send it to her friends (instead of me),\" he explained, providing insight into the misunderstanding that led to their separation. He expressed frustration over the situation, questioning the compatibility of their values and communication styles. \"Although I want to respect her, it just doesn’t make sense to me personally with my views, and so I broke up with her,\" he stated, asserting his boundaries and emotional needs within a relationship. The story elicited varied reactions from netizens, highlighting the diverse perspectives on love, jealousy, and celebrity culture. Some found it amusing that Cho Young Min was jealous of a K-pop idol, while others empathized with his feelings of betrayal and insecurity. Comments ranged from humorous observations to deeper reflections on the complexities of modern relationships and the influence of social media on personal interactions.
YouTube Toughens Gun Videos Policy, Bans Instructionals On Removing Firearm Safety Devices
YouTube is tightening its policy on firearm-related videos to protect underage users from potentially harmful content. Starting June 18, the platform will prohibit videos instructing viewers on how to remove firearm safety devices. Additionally, videos showcasing homemade guns, automatic weapons, and certain firearm accessories like silencers will be restricted to users aged 18 and older. These changes come in response to persistent calls from gun safety advocates urging the platform to shield young users from content that could traumatize them or lead to dangerous behavior. YouTube already bans content that intends to sell firearms, instructs on making firearms, or includes livestreams of people handling guns. However, the platform acknowledged that some content, while not in direct violation of its policies, may still be inappropriate for minors. Exceptions will be made for videos of public interest, such as news clips or police activity involving firearms. Katie Paul, director of the Tech Transparency Project, welcomed the policy update but criticized the delay in its implementation. She emphasized the need for effective enforcement, stating, \"Firearms are the number one cause of death for children and teens in America. As always with YouTube, the real proof of change is whether the company enforces the policies it has on the books.\" Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg also highlighted the issue last month, urging YouTube to halt the proliferation of firearm-related videos to young users. Bragg praised the new policy, noting the direct impact of such content on community safety. YouTube spokesperson Javier Hernandez stated that the policy changes are designed to address new developments, such as the increased availability of 3D-printed guns. He emphasized that YouTube regularly reviews its guidelines and consults with experts to ensure appropriate content moderation. YouTube, alongside TikTok, remains one of the most popular sites for children and teens. Both platforms have faced scrutiny for hosting and sometimes promoting content that encourages gun violence, eating disorders, and self-harm. Recent mass shootings have highlighted the role of social media in glorifying violence and broadcasting attacks, underscoring the importance of robust content policies to protect users, especially minors, from potentially harmful material.
KSI vs. Jake Paul: YouTuber Makes Final Fight Offer To Mike Tyson\’s Opponent
British YouTube star KSI has issued his final offer to longtime rival Jake Paul, aiming to settle their ongoing feud in the boxing ring. On June 8, KSI released a YouTube video outlining his terms for the highly anticipated match, proposing a fight in May 2025. \"Jake, I’m going to be making you my final offer. May 2025, just so you have all the time in the world to be ready,\" KSI stated in the video. Despite his previous insistence on holding the fight in the UK, KSI expressed his willingness to compromise by agreeing to fight in the US. However, he set a firm condition for the match: it must be held at 185 pounds. \"You know what Jake? I’m tired of this bullsh*t. Get off the cycle, and let’s make this work. We both have weight to lose, and we both have plenty of time to do it. 185lbs is my final offer. Take it, or leave it,\" KSI added. The rivalry between KSI and Jake Paul traces back to 2018, with fans eagerly anticipating their showdown in the ring. Despite multiple promises from both YouTubers to fight before the end of 2023, the clash has yet to materialize. The feud reignited recently after Jake Paul\'s fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson was postponed. While fans urged KSI to step in for the ultimate clash, he declined, citing his preparations for an August bout. In the same video, KSI disclosed plans to face retired boxing world champion Amir Khan in his next match. He also issued a challenge to Slim Albaher and Anthony Taylor for a 2v1 handicap tag-team match upon his return. Meanwhile, Jake Paul remains committed to fighting top-tier opponents, with his rescheduled bout against Mike Tyson slated for November 15. The offer from KSI marks a critical moment in their long-standing rivalry, as fans hope the two internet titans will finally settle their differences in the ring, bringing an end to their ongoing beef.
TikTok \’Crush\’ Trend Has Negative Effects On Self-Esteem, Expert Says
A viral TikTok trend has emerged, showcasing the extreme lengths people go to impress their crushes. With over 160 million posts, the trend reveals the sometimes humorous and often revealing actions individuals take to appeal to their love interests’ preferences. From changing their appearance to adopting new hobbies, TikTok users are sharing their experiences in attempting to win over their crushes. One particularly viral video, with nearly 23 million views, depicts a woman attempting to emulate Ariana Grande after learning her crush liked the pop star. The video elicited mixed reactions, with one commenter expressing both embarrassment and admiration for her efforts. Relationship expert Nicole Moore spoke to Newsweek about the deeper psychological implications of such behavior. \"The thing about a crush is, it almost always crushes our sense of self in some way,\" Moore explained. \"If you believe you have to change who you fundamentally are to win a crush over, you\'re basically telling yourself that you are not good enough to be loved as you are.\" Another popular video, by @becksandquest, showcases the creator dressing and behaving like a \"skater girl\" after her crush expressed a preference for that style. The clip underscores the lengths people will go to capture the attention of their love interests. While many of these videos are lighthearted, Moore points out that the desperate longing for a crush\'s affection often stems from deep-seated insecurity. \"An interesting thing about crushes is that they almost always serve as a distraction mechanism to avoid one\'s own feelings of insecurity or fear,\" she noted. \"Often, those who crush the hardest are harboring deep-seated feelings of insecurity.\" Moore explained that crushes differ from typical love interests due to the intense feelings of longing, desire, and infatuation they evoke. However, she cautioned against sacrificing one\'s authentic self in pursuit of someone else\'s affection. \"The more you try to please your crush, the less likely they will be to want to be with you long-term,\" Moore warned. \"Pleasing to the detriment of oneself often comes across as insecurity, which is typically unattractive in romance.\" To maintain a sense of self while navigating a crush, Moore advised individuals to stay connected to their \"true self\" and recognize their inherent value. \"If you love who you are and have a strong sense of self, you\'ll be open to another\'s presence or desires, but not if they lead you too far away from your core essence,\" she emphasized. Ultimately, Moore stressed that changing fundamental aspects of oneself to win someone\'s affection means they do not truly love the real person. \"If you have to change who you fundamentally are to win love, you\'re not really winning that person\'s love anyway,\" she concluded, underscoring the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity in relationships.
ShopMy Influencer Marketing Strategy Deck To Secure $18.5M Investment Revealed
ShopMy, a startup founded in 2020, has secured $18.5 million in Series A funding, bringing its total Series A funding to $26.5 million. Co-founded by Harry Rein, Tiffany Lopinsky, and Chris Tinsley, ShopMy offers an affiliate and influencer marketing platform where creators can earn commissions through shoppable landing pages. The company\'s \"creator-first\" approach prioritizes empowering creators with higher commission rates, ranging from 15% to 30%, before integrating brands. ShopMy aims to redefine influencer partnerships as collaborative sales strategies rather than merely content creation deals. To fuel its expansion, ShopMy has raised venture capital from firms like Inspired Capital and AlleyCorp, as well as angel investments from creators utilizing the platform. These funds will support team expansion and marketing efforts as ShopMy diversifies beyond its initial focus on fashion into other verticals. ShopMy\'s investor pitch deck outlines its vision and tools across 23 pages. It highlights the platform\'s advanced analytics, seamless affiliate management, and collaboration tools, positioning ShopMy as a comprehensive solution to the inefficiencies in current influencer marketing methods. Key features of ShopMy include curated lists of over 50,000 creators, AI-generated recommendations, and communication and gifting management tools. Brands can set custom commission rates and issue discount codes while tracking performance analytics. With top brands like Nike and Lululemon already onboard and over 1,200 brands on its waitlist, ShopMy\'s network is robust. The platform operates on a SaaS-based model for brands, with monthly subscriptions ranging from $1,000 to $7,000, along with a 2.9% commission on gross merchandise value. ShopMy has experienced significant revenue growth, tripling its revenue in the past year and targeting $15 million in annualized revenue by 2024. ShopMy aims to leverage network effects to accelerate growth, setting a target of $100 million in revenue by 2026. With its innovative approach and robust network, ShopMy is poised to transform affiliate marketing into a major growth channel for brands in the influencer marketing space.
Sprout Social Releases Influencer Marketing Strategy Guide For 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, influencers have solidified their role as indispensable assets. According to a Q3 2023 Sprout Pulse Survey, over 80% of marketers now recognize influencers as integral to their social media strategies. A decade ago, influencer marketing was primarily the domain of celebrities and a handful of dedicated bloggers. Today, influencers populate all social networks, boasting followings that range from a few thousand to millions. These influencers cultivate tight-knit communities, nurturing authentic connections that sway consumer behaviors and propel brand engagement and sales. However, successful influencer marketing requires a strategic approach. Understanding the various types of influencers is paramount to navigating this terrain effectively. These include mega influencers, macro influencers, micro-influencers, and nano influencers, each offering distinct benefits based on their reach and engagement levels. Types of Influencers Mega influencers, akin to celebrities, command followings exceeding 1 million. They excel in large-scale brand awareness campaigns but often come with hefty price tags and potentially lower engagement rates. Brands with ample budgets and broad target audiences can reap substantial benefits from their extensive reach. Macro influencers, with follower counts ranging from 100,000 to 1 million, are established figures within specific niches. They offer a more targeted approach compared to mega influencers, with followers sharing common interests. This makes them ideal for brands seeking significant reach without the premium associated with celebrities. Micro-influencers, boasting 10,000 to 100,000 followers, are prized for their highly engaged audiences within particular niches. Their content tends to be more relatable and engaging, making them favorites among marketers seeking high interaction rates and cost-effective partnerships. Nano influencers, with 1,000 to 10,000 followers, foster the closest connections with their audiences. They provide precise targeting for brands with modest budgets or those targeting specific demographics. Their high engagement and personalized approach often translate into effective and intimate marketing campaigns. Benefits of Influencer Marketing Influencer marketing offers numerous advantages. It boosts brand awareness by introducing brands to new audiences through trusted recommendations. Influencers\' robust engagement with their followers often leads to higher conversion rates compared to traditional advertising. Furthermore, the authenticity influencers bring can establish significant trust and credibility for brands. According to The 2024 Influencer Marketing Report, nearly half of all consumers make monthly purchases based on influencer posts, with 86% doing so at least once a year. The industry is projected to reach $24 billion in 2024, underscoring the growing reliance on influencers in marketing strategies. Strategic Approach To thrive in influencer marketing, brands must meticulously select influencers, establish clear goals, and manage relationships effectively. Each type of influencer offers unique benefits and costs, necessitating alignment with specific campaign objectives. Whether targeting broad reach or niche engagement, a well-crafted influencer strategy can significantly elevate a brand’s marketing endeavors.
Youth See 20 Alcohol Ads Per Hour On Social Media, Study Reveals
Young Australians are being bombarded with alcohol ads on social media platforms, with an alarming exposure rate of one ad every three minutes, according to recent research from the University of Queensland. The study reveals the current self-regulated advertising model in Australia fails to safeguard minors and young adults from potentially damaging alcohol-related content, highlighting the social media effects on youth. The study had 125 participants, aged between 17 and 24, scroll through Facebook and Instagram for 30 minutes. They took screenshots of any alcohol-related ads they encountered, with a total of 796 ads found, illustrating the prevalence of social media targeted ads. This meant one ad was encountered every two minutes and 43 seconds on average, indicating a high exposure rate. The research team highlighted the lack of an effective overarching regulatory body, which has led to a surge in alcohol ads targeting young adults and even minors, underscoring the issue of social media alcohol advertising. The content, often using youth-oriented genres and reward appeals, is more likely to influence underage drinkers than adults of legal drinking age. The study further suggested that the high visibility of these ads is likely influencing young people\'s attitudes towards drinking, with 39% of 12–17-year-olds in Australia reporting having seen online alcohol advertising. A correlation has been found between exposure to online alcohol ads and increased youth consumption, early initiation of drinking, and riskier drinking patterns, emphasizing the detrimental social media effects on youth. The current advertising model in Australia leaves alcohol companies responsible for their own advertising behaviors, a self-regulation model that has come under scrutiny. Despite a general decline in drinking among young adults worldwide, the National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023 found about 42% of people aged 18–24 in Australia engaged in risky drinking. The research team stressed the need for measures similar to those in European countries like Finland, Norway, and Sweden, where independent statutory bodies ensure alcohol ads comply with their respective codes. They also pointed to the Association of New Zealand Advertisers, which offers a voluntary liquor advertising pre-vetting service to aid alcohol companies in complying with the country\'s advertising code. The introduction of an independent alcohol advertising administration in Australia could significantly protect young people from exposure to marketing that promotes underage or risky drinking, further emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue of social media targeted ads. The study concluded by emphasizing that both alcohol and social media companies should be held accountable for targeting vulnerable populations.
Cara App For Artists Grew From 40K To 650K In One Week: Here\’s How
Artists are increasingly dissatisfied with Meta’s AI policies, prompting a significant shift to Cara, an artist-run, anti-AI social platform. In just one week, Cara’s user base skyrocketed from 40,000 to 650,000, propelling it to the top of the App Store charts. This surge underscores the rising popularity of Cara as a premier art platform for artists and photographers alike. Meta’s use of public posts to train its generative AI systems, with opt-out options only available to European users protected by GDPR laws, has pushed artists to their breaking point. Jingna Zhang, a renowned photographer and founder of Cara, believes that Meta’s aggressive AI policies and the friction involved in opting out have fueled artists\' frustration. Cara, accessible via web and mobile apps, combines features of Instagram and X, tailored specifically for artists. This innovative Cara art social media platform allows users to host portfolios and post updates without fearing their work will be used for AI training. Zhang, who has a history of advocating for artists, recently won a court case in Luxembourg over a painter copying her work without consent. She is also involved in lawsuits against Google and AI companies for using artists\' work without permission. “Words can’t describe how dehumanizing it is to see my name used 20,000+ times in MidJourney,” Zhang expressed on Instagram. “My life’s work and who I am—reduced to meaningless fodder for a commercial image slot machine.” Cara partners with the University of Chicago’s Glaze project to protect artists from having their work scraped for AI. Glaze provides an additional layer of security by altering digital artworks to prevent unauthorized use, reinforcing Cara as a safe and supportive space for artists. Zhang’s experience with AI dates back to Google’s AlphaGo defeating Go champion Lee Sedol, which influenced her thinking on AI’s impact on her career. This foresight has helped her create an artist-friendly social network, making Cara a leading app for artists and photographers. Cara’s rapid growth has not been without challenges. Founded in late 2022 and fully bootstrapped, the platform relies heavily on volunteer engineering support. The sudden influx of users led to a shocking $96,280 bill from Vercel, a web hosting company, for the last week. Vercel’s vice president of product, Lee Robinson, offered to help Zhang manage the platform’s efficiency, but the situation remains unresolved. Despite these challenges, Zhang remains committed to her vision of a community where artists can share their work without exploitation. She has not sought venture funding, preferring to maintain control and focus on artists\' interests. Cara’s future may be uncertain, but Zhang’s dedication to protecting and supporting artists continues to drive the platform’s growth, making Cara a cornerstone in the art social media landscape.
WhatsApp Business App Gets An AI Update
Meta has introduced AI-powered features to the WhatsApp Business app, aiming to enhance how businesses interact with customers. This significant WhatsApp Business update was announced by Mark Zuckerberg during the Meta Conversations conference in Brazil. The new tools, leveraging WhatsApp Business Meta AI, are designed to help businesses create click-to-WhatsApp ads and generate responses to frequent customer queries. Zuckerberg emphasized Meta’s vision of developing multiple AI agents tailored to serve different business needs. \"Our vision is not just to build a single AI assistant, but also to enable lots of different AIs that can serve different purposes, including for businesses. Any business should be able to quickly stand up an agent that can talk to your customers, provide support, and facilitate commerce,\" he said. The AI features will enable WhatsApp Business users to create ads on Facebook and Instagram that initiate a WhatsApp chat with the business. Additionally, the WhatsApp Business Meta AI will assist in customer support by automatically responding to common queries about products or services. This feature is currently being tested with select merchants in India and Singapore, with plans to expand to Brazil soon. Meta also highlighted that AI-generated messages will be clearly labeled so customers are aware they are not communicating with a human representative. Another feature involves targeting messages to specific customer segments rather than all subscribers. The AI in Ads Manager will suggest audiences that might be more receptive to certain updates. WhatsApp’s existing business partners, including RelianceJio’s Inerakt, Tiger Global and Fidelity-backed Gupshup, and Peak XV and Shopify-backed Wati, already offer similar tools through their WhatsApp-based CRM solutions. However, Meta’s offering is unique because it provides these tools for free, targeting businesses that might not want to invest in additional software. A joint report by Meta and Bain & Co. highlighted the significant potential for scaling conversational commerce with generative AI-powered assistants. The report noted that in markets like India, these tools could revolutionize consumer interactions, making them more multimodal, vernacular, and intuitive. Meta’s strategy with these free tools is to drive revenue by increasing the volume of business-customer conversations on the WhatsApp Business platform. With these AI enhancements, Meta hopes to facilitate more effective and engaging interactions between businesses and their customers.