Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Influencer Alex Choi Faces Federal Charges For YouTube Stint Using Fireworks; Served Arrest Warrant
YouTube personality Alex Choi is currently facing federal charges following the release of a video that depicts two women firing fireworks from a helicopter at a Lamborghini, sparking a criminal complaint and an arrest warrant against the influencer. With a substantial following of nearly 1 million subscribers on YouTube, Alex Choi has garnered attention for his car-focused content, but the recent video has landed him in legal trouble. The controversial video, filmed in June 2023, features a dramatic and chaotic firework display as two women shoot firework cannons from a helicopter towards a Lamborghini, orchestrated by Alex Choi with the aid of hired helicopter pilots and drone operators. The footage, reminiscent of a scene from the popular video game Grand Theft Auto (GTA), has led to federal charges being brought against Alex Choi for \"causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft.\" While Alex Choi did not physically discharge the fireworks, the complaint asserts that there is \"probable cause\" to believe that he orchestrated the crime, as he openly admitted to being the mastermind behind the GTA-style video. Investigators utilized tire marks from the drifting Lamborghini to ascertain that the video was filmed on a section of the El Mirage Dry Lakebed in California, which falls under Federal Property jurisdiction. The video, spanning approximately 10 minutes and 45 seconds, depicts various dramatic scenes, including a segment where a female and male impersonating police officers discuss pursuing a speeding individual. Subsequently, the female is shown boarding a helicopter, followed by footage of two females aboard the airborne helicopter discharging fireworks at the Lamborghini sportscar. In response to the hazardous nature of the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revoked the license of the helicopter pilot involved in the video, citing concerns about the altitude at which the helicopter was flying and the hazards posed by the discharge of fireworks from the aircraft. As the legal proceedings unfold, Alex Choi has refrained from commenting on the situation following the filing of the complaint. This development follows the recent case of another YouTuber, Gixxer Brah, who pleaded guilty to charges related to a viral video depicting him riding a motorcycle at speeds exceeding 150 MPH, signaling a growing trend of legal repercussions within the YouTube creator community.
Beauty Influencer Achieng Agutu Joins Cast Of Amazon Show \’Influenced\’
Beauty influencer Achieng Agutu, known for her uplifting content and dubbed the “Confidence Queen” by Vogue, is set to debut as a host on Amazon MGM Studios\' new reality show, Influenced. The show will premiere on August 1, 2024, and will feature Agutu alongside other influencers like Taryn Delanie and Cyrus Veyssi. The half-hour series aims to merge the realms of social media and television, providing a fresh platform for beauty influencers on TikTok to engage with audiences. Agutu, who has over 800,000 followers, has had a remarkable year. She was featured in the March issue of a major magazine discussing beauty and confidence and was honored as Sports Illustrated\'s 2024 Swim Rookie. She celebrated this achievement with a trip to Cancun, Mexico. Reflecting on her journey, Agutu shared her excitement about the new show with ESSENCE. “I’m sitting, I’m taking it all in,” she said. The show will cover various pop culture topics, including beauty, fashion, and entertainment. Agutu\'s goal is to leave a positive impact on everyone who interacts with her and her platform. “I want people, if they interact with me, my platform, to leave that space feeling 10,000 times better than they did when they walked in or when they saw it or watched it,” she emphasized. Agutu\'s path to success has been anything but small. After moving to the United States in 2016, she drew inspiration from figures like Ashley Graham. She recalled seeing Graham on the cover of Sports Illustrated and finding it revolutionary to see a woman above size four featured in such a prominent way. This inspired Agutu to use her platform to encourage others to embrace their bodies and love their curves. Agutu also shared a personal anecdote from her college days. When asked about her career aspirations, she expressed a desire to become a TV presenter. A friend suggested she might think smaller, but Agutu chose to dream big. Her journey from aspiring TV presenter to influential beauty content creator and now a television host illustrates her determination and confidence. With her new role on Influenced, Agutu aims to bridge the gap between social media and traditional media, offering a new avenue for influencers to shine. Her story continues to inspire many, demonstrating the power of confidence and perseverance in achieving one\'s dreams.
Twitch Streamer Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison For Criticizing Russian Armed Forces
Russian Twitch streamer Anna Bazhutova, known online as ‘Yokobovich Twitch,’ has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for criticizing Russia\'s military actions in Ukraine. Bazhutova was arrested in 2023 after streaming eyewitness accounts of alleged massacres by Russian forces in Bucha, Ukraine. According to reports from AFP and the Moscow Times, Bazhutova was found guilty in June 2024 of “spreading false information” about Russia’s military. The charges stem from a law under Article 207.3 of Russia’s criminal code, which penalizes the public dissemination of knowingly false information about the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The maximum sentence under this law is 15 years, but Bazhutova received a reduced sentence. Bazhutova\'s troubles began when her critical broadcast drew the ire of viewers who reported her to authorities. Russian law enforcement then searched her home, confiscated her electronics, and arrested her. She had been detained since August 2023, awaiting trial. Her Twitch Russia channel was banned in March 2023 for violating the platform\'s terms of service, although it is unclear if the controversial broadcast directly led to the ban. Twitch does not publicly comment on individual bans, and the specifics of her violations remain undisclosed. Before her arrest, Bazhutova had garnered over 9,000 followers and averaged about 50 viewers per stream, according to Twitch Tracker. This case is not an isolated incident. Russia\'s strict laws on information dissemination have previously impacted Twitch. In January 2023, the Russian government fined the platform $57,000 for failing to curb the spread of what it termed “fake information” about its invasion of Ukraine, labeling it an administrative offense. Bazhutova’s sentencing underscores the tense climate for online content creators in Russia, especially those who publicly challenge or criticize government actions. Her case highlights the broader issues of freedom of speech and the dissemination of information in conflict zones, raising concerns about the repercussions for other content creators in similar situations.
Zendaya Is On Running\’s Newest Brand Ambassador
Zendaya, the acclaimed actress and star of the upcoming MGM film Challengers, has been announced as the newest brand ambassador for On Running, a popular Swiss shoe company. This marks Zendaya\'s first major partnership since her role in the film, where she plays a professional tennis player and also serves as an executive producer. The collaboration between Zendaya and On Running is a natural fit. Zendaya has been an avid fan of the brand for years, frequently wearing their shoes on set, during travel, while rehearsing, and even when running around with her dog. “It’s no secret that I’ve been a big fan of On for a long time,” Zendaya stated. “I’m always wearing them on set or when I’m traveling, rehearsing, or running around with my dog. So it’s a full-circle moment to make this partnership official.” Zendaya on running is a perfect match for the brand, which is known for its innovative and stylish athletic footwear. On Running is gaining significant attention with Zendaya\'s endorsement, especially with her frequent mentions of Zendaya on shoes and Zendaya on cloud shoes, highlighting her preference for their comfort and style. Her influence and popularity are expected to boost the brand’s visibility and appeal among her millions of fans worldwide. The partnership highlights Zendaya’s active lifestyle and aligns perfectly with her image as a dynamic and versatile performer. The announcement comes at a time when Zendaya’s career continues to soar. In Challengers, she takes on a challenging role that showcases her athletic abilities and dramatic range. Her collaboration with On Running not only emphasizes her commitment to fitness and performance but also underscores her influence in both the entertainment and fashion industries. On Running\'s choice to partner with Zendaya reflects the brand\'s strategy to connect with a broader audience through influential and relatable figures. Her endorsement as the new On brand ambassador is expected to resonate with a wide demographic, further solidifying On Running\'s position in the competitive athletic footwear market. As Zendaya continues to break new ground in her career, her partnership with On Running marks another milestone, bringing together her passion for performance and her influence in popular culture. Fans and fitness enthusiasts alike can look forward to seeing more of Zendaya in On Running gear, whether she’s on the red carpet, on the tennis court, or simply enjoying her everyday activities.
TikToker Reveals How To Shop At Costco Without A Membership
A savvy shopper has revealed a simple trick on how to shop at Costco without a membership, creating a buzz on social media. TikToker Tiff Bish, known as @tiffjessup, shared her life hack in a video that quickly gained nearly 500,000 likes in just three days. In her video, Tiff Bish explained how to shop at Costco without a card by using Instacart, a popular grocery delivery and pick-up service. She highlighted that anyone can order from Costco through Instacart without being a member of the warehouse club. “Life hack, if you want to try Costco or Sam’s Club stuff and you don’t have a membership, go on Instacart,” Tiff Bish proclaimed in her video. To demonstrate, she uploaded a follow-up video guiding viewers through the process of placing an order with Costco via Instacart. The bargain lover showed how easy it is to order her favorite items, such as Island Way sorbet, without needing a Costco membership. Tiff Bish, who primarily shops at Sam’s Club, has found a convenient workaround for accessing Costco’s bulk deals and unique products. Her tip has resonated with many who are eager to save money and access Costco’s offerings without committing to an annual fee. The response to her videos underscores a growing interest in finding alternative ways to shop at membership-only stores. Instacart, which partners with various retailers, allows non-members to shop from Costco and other warehouse clubs, making it a valuable tool for budget-conscious shoppers. While some may still prefer the full membership benefits, Tiff Bish’s hack offers a flexible option for those looking to sample Costco’s products or make occasional bulk purchases. This method also appeals to those who might not shop frequently enough to justify the membership cost. This revelation comes amid a time when consumers are increasingly looking for ways to save on groceries and other essentials. By using services like Instacart Costco delivery, shoppers can enjoy the convenience of home delivery and access to a wider range of products without additional fees. For those interested in trying out this method, Tiff Bish’s videos provide a clear and straightforward guide, making it easier for anyone to take advantage of Costco’s deals without a membership.
Billionaire Frank McCourt Looks To TikTok And Revamp User Data Control; Gets Investor Backing
Billionaire Frank McCourt is gaining support in his bid to purchase TikTok, with a vision to create a new platform where users control their own data. This move comes amid increasing discussions about a potential TikTok US ban and concerns over TikTok user data collection and breaches. McCourt, the executive chairman of McCourt Global and founder of Project Liberty, emphasized that he is not interested in owning TikTok for its current operations but aims to build a safer, user-centric internet alternative. “I don’t want to own TikTok,” McCourt told reporters on Thursday. “I want a new internet. A new, improved alternative to what we have.” His proposal has attracted interest from private investors, pension funds, philanthropies, and parents who have lost children due to social media-related issues. These parents, concerned about data privacy and online safety, are particularly supportive of McCourt’s vision. Sam Chapman, whose son Sammy died from a fentanyl overdose after buying drugs on Snapchat, believes McCourt’s safer internet model will appeal to many parents. “Once Frank’s built the infrastructure and the public finds out that there’s a safer way to go, a more profitable way to go, then the people will start coming,” Chapman said. McCourt’s Project Liberty aims to create a healthier social media environment by ensuring that users own their data. The project is working with Guggenheim Securities and the law firm Kirkland & Ellis to facilitate the purchase of TikTok. Despite ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, repeatedly stating that it will not sell the app and suing to block a law requiring it to divest by early next year, McCourt remains optimistic. He believes that if the courts rule against ByteDance, the company will have no choice but to sell. McCourt views his group as a “non-threatening buyer” primarily interested in TikTok’s community rather than its powerful algorithm. “Our bet is they’re going to sell,” McCourt said. “Because remember, there’s a lot of American capital invested. Are they just going to wipe all that out?” In addition to McCourt’s group, former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is also forming an investor group to potentially purchase TikTok. The TikTok sale price remains a contentious issue, given its high valuation and the political pressures surrounding the platform. McCourt criticized Mnuchin’s funding sources, highlighting that replacing Chinese investment with Saudi money does not solve the core issues of data exploitation and harm to children. “If you replace Chinese money with Saudi money, what’s been solved here?” McCourt asked. “It’s the same exploitive model, scraping everybody’s data, aggregating it and making money and harming kids.” With ongoing debates about a TikTok US ban and heightened scrutiny over TikTok user data breaches, McCourt’s proposal positions itself as a solution to ensure safer and more ethical management of user data.
Influencer Marketing Agency Linqia Partners With Snapchat For Improved Creator Insights
Linqia, a leading influencer marketing agency for top global brands, has announced a strategic partnership with Snap Inc. This collaboration aims to provide Linqia\'s clients with enhanced insights into Snapchat\'s creator community, enabling brands to elevate their influencer marketing campaigns through deeper data-driven decisions. The partnership grants brands unprecedented access to Snapchat\'s extensive creator network, offering vital data on audience demographics and content performance. This will address a common challenge in influencer marketing: identifying the right creators to convey brand messages and engage target audiences effectively. Snapchat’s Creator API will be seamlessly integrated into Linqia’s Resonate platform, the company’s proprietary technology for executing comprehensive influencer marketing campaigns. This integration will enhance Resonate\'s existing creator discovery capabilities by incorporating detailed Snapchat metrics, including engagement rates and audience insights, significantly boosting the effectiveness of Snapchat influencer marketing. \"Our partnership with Snapchat brings crucial data and insights to the forefront of selecting the right creator partners,\" stated Daniel Schotland, COO of Linqia. \"Snapchat\'s extensive creator insights complement our data-rich Resonate platform, empowering our clients to optimize their campaigns and achieve significant business results.\" The collaboration between Linqia and Snapchat will revolutionize influencer marketing by: Identifying the most relevant influencers for target audiences. Providing detailed analytics to measure campaign effectiveness. Optimizing content strategies based on real-time performance data. Maximizing ROI by aligning campaigns with current consumer preferences and trends. Noah Wieseneck, Senior Manager of Partnerships at Snap, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting Snapchat\'s unique consumer interactions and the potential for Linqia clients to authentically engage with the Snapchat creator community through the Snapchat Creator Program. \"We’re thrilled that Linqia customers can now leverage the Snapchat creator community to stand out with their creator partnerships,\" Wieseneck remarked. Linqia, which has executed over 5,000 influencer marketing campaigns for more than 650 brands over its decade-long history, notes that Snapchat is becoming increasingly integral to brand strategies. The integration of Snapchat\'s creator insights into Linqia\'s platform is now available to all clients, enhancing their influencer marketing strategy. Brands interested in leveraging these insights can learn more at Linqia and Snapchat Partnership.
New Bluesky, Mastodon Bridge Allows Cross Interaction Between Fediverse Apps
An important milestone has been achieved in the quest for a more interconnected \"fediverse,\" the expansive network of decentralized social media platforms, as users on Mastodon and Bluesky can now seamlessly interact with each other through the introduction of Bridgy Fed. This development marks a significant leap forward in fostering interoperability across decentralized social media apps, enabling users to follow, engage with, and share content from different networks, including Mastodon, powered by the ActivityPub protocol, and Bluesky, which operates on the AT Protocol. Bridgy Fed, a pivotal initiative aimed at bridging the fediverse with the web, has emerged as a key enabler of this cross-network connectivity, facilitating seamless interactions between users on Mastodon and Bluesky. This breakthrough comes at a time when decentralized social media platforms are gaining traction, particularly in the wake of Twitter\'s rebranding as X under Elon Musk\'s ownership. The surge of interest in decentralized social media has propelled platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky into the spotlight, with the former witnessing a surge in user adoption following Twitter\'s ownership transition, while the latter, incubated within Twitter, has rapidly amassed over 5.7 million users since its public launch earlier this year. The challenge of enabling communication between users on Mastodon and Bluesky, which operate on distinct underlying protocols, has been effectively addressed by Bridgy Fed. This innovative solution has paved the way for users to seamlessly engage with each other, bridging the gap between the two decentralized networks and fostering a more interconnected and inclusive social media landscape. The new capabilities offered by Bridgy Fed enhance the potential for Bluesky Mastodon integration, making cross-network engagement more intuitive and accessible. The introduction of Bridgy Fed represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the fediverse, underscoring the industry\'s commitment to enhancing cross-network connectivity and user experiences. As Bridgy Fed continues to expand its capabilities, it is poised to play a pivotal role in furthering the interoperability of decentralized social media platforms, with plans to incorporate support for additional networks like Nostr in the future. This initiative not only facilitates Bluesky Mastodon cross-post capabilities but also serves as a broader bridge across the diverse landscape of decentralized networks. While the fediverse-to-Bluesky bridge and vice versa are still in the early stages of beta testing, the introduction of Bridgy Fed signals a promising future for decentralized social media, offering users a more seamless and interconnected experience across diverse platforms. As Bridgy Fed continues to evolve and expand its reach, it is poised to shape the future of decentralized social media, fostering greater connectivity and collaboration across the broader network of decentralized social media apps. This enhanced Bluesky Mastodon bridge capability will undoubtedly contribute to a more robust and user-friendly fediverse. 4o
Facebook To Focus On Gen Z While Improving Video Algorithm
In a bid to revitalize its appeal among younger users, Facebook, often humorously referred to as \"Boomerbook,\" has unveiled a new strategy aimed at attracting Gen Z users back to the platform. The social media giant, once synonymous with college students, has faced a decline in its popularity among younger generations, who have increasingly turned to alternative platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. In response to this shifting landscape, Facebook is now setting its sights on wooing young users and integrating AI technology across its platform to stay relevant in the coming years. At a recent event in New York City, Facebook executives outlined their vision for the platform\'s future, emphasizing the importance of catering to the needs and interests of Gen Z. President Tom Alison underscored the significance of targeting young users during pivotal life transitions, such as moving, attending college, and entering the workforce, highlighting the potential for Facebook to serve as a platform for exploration and connection during these formative years. This strategic focus is central to the evolving Facebook marketing strategy aimed at re-engaging younger audiences. The event showcased Facebook\'s new monetization features for creators and highlighted the integration of AI tools across the platform, offering capabilities ranging from transforming photo backgrounds to assisting in content creation. However, the overall value proposition for Gen Z users remained somewhat ambiguous, raising questions about the platform\'s ability to resonate with this demographic, particularly given the current Facebook demographics in 2024, which show a significant ageing user base. Notably, the event\'s thematic elements leaned heavily towards an Instagram-centric approach, featuring vision boards, custom airbrushed totes, and curated photo opportunities. The prominence of Facebook Marketplace, the platform\'s resale product, was also highlighted, underscoring its appeal to a significant portion of the daily active user base in the U.S. and Canada, particularly among individuals aged 18 to 29. These insights into Facebook demographics in 2024 suggest a strategic effort to balance appeal across various age groups. The event also delved into Facebook\'s aspirations to enhance its recommendation algorithms, particularly in the realm of video content. The platform aims to leverage AI technology to deliver more personalized and effective video recommendations to user feeds, reflecting its commitment to enhancing user experiences through advanced technology. This focus on the Facebook video algorithm is a critical component of its strategy to capture the attention of Gen Z users, who consume a significant amount of video content daily. Despite the emphasis on AI integration, Facebook\'s approach to engaging Gen Z users has raised questions about the platform\'s identity and its ability to resonate with younger audiences. The event\'s focus on AI and Instagram-inspired elements, coupled with the platform\'s efforts to appeal to Gen Z, underscores Facebook\'s evolving strategy to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive social media landscape. As Facebook navigates its efforts to appeal to younger users, the platform\'s strategic pivot towards Gen Z and the integration of AI technology reflects its determination to adapt to evolving user preferences and technological advancements in the digital space. By refining its Facebook marketing strategy and leveraging insights into Facebook demographics in 2024, Facebook aims to re-establish itself as a dynamic and engaging platform for the next generation.
MrBeast Reveals The \’Greatest Video\’ He\’s Ever Made And It\’s With A Twitch Star
Renowned content creator and YouTube sensation MrBeast has unveiled an exciting collaboration with Spanish Twitch star Ibai Llanos, hinting that the upcoming video might be his \"greatest\" creation to date. Over the years, Jimmy \'MrBeast\' Donaldson has forged collaborations with numerous prominent influencers and celebrities, but his recent venture with Ibai Llanos has sparked considerable anticipation among fans and followers. Many are speculating that this collaboration could result in MrBeast\'s best video ever. Following discussions in early 2024, MrBeast and Ibai Llanos confirmed on June 5, 2024, that they had completed filming the highly anticipated video. Ibai Llanos, known for his engaging streams on Twitch, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, hinting at the involvement of other influencers such as Rubius, SpreenDMC, and ElAlexQuackity, generating speculation about their potential role in the video. MrBeast echoed the sentiment, describing the upcoming video as potentially his \"greatest\" endeavor yet, igniting a wave of excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the release. The announcement of the video\'s release date, set for July 13, 2024, coincides with Ibai\'s iconic boxing event \"La Velada Del Año 4,\" further amplifying the anticipation surrounding the collaboration. With MrBeast\'s videos continuing to gain popularity, particularly notable for viral content such as the ages 1-100 battle for $500k, the prospect of his latest collaboration with Ibai Llanos has further fueled enthusiasm among his dedicated fan base. In addition to his upcoming collaboration, MrBeast also unveiled the Beast Games competition in May 2024, offering participants the chance to compete for a grand prize of $5M. Furthermore, following years of unwavering popularity, MrBeast achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Indian record label T-Series as YouTube\'s most-subscribed channel on June 1, 2024, amassing over 272 million subscribers at the time of reporting. The anticipation surrounding MrBeast\'s forthcoming collaboration with Ibai Llanos, coupled with his continued success and growing influence in the digital space, underscores the profound impact of his creative endeavors on the online community. As fans eagerly await the release of the collaborative video, the synergy between MrBeast and Ibai Llanos promises to deliver an electrifying and unprecedented creative spectacle, further solidifying MrBeast\'s status as a leading force in the digital entertainment landscape. This collaboration might just be the crowning jewel, showcasing MrBeast\'s best video ever and further elevating Ibai Llanos\'s prominence on Twitch.