Latest Influencer News in 2026

Ikea Taps Dentsu’s Carat As Its US Media Agency

In a significant shift after more than six years, Ikea is changing its U.S. media agency. The renowned home goods retailer has confirmed that Dentsu’s Carat will take over its media business in the U.S. starting September 1. Previously, Ikea partnered with Wavemaker, a member of WPP’s GroupM. An Ikea U.S. spokesperson highlighted that the company has \"evaluated\" its current needs and will transition to Carat at the end of its fiscal year, which concludes on August 31. The spokesperson did not clarify whether Ikea had conducted a formal review of its media operations or if Wavemaker had participated in any such review. “We look forward to working with the new team as we continue our transformation and growth in the U.S. market,” read the statement, which also expressed gratitude for Wavemaker\'s contributions. Carat’s appointment comes on the heels of Ikea’s recent move to streamline its global branding efforts. Last year, Ikea selected McCann, spearheaded by its Madrid office, to handle global branding. This strategic move aims to consolidate Ikea\'s messaging across 30 markets and numerous stores. In February, Ikea launched its first global branding campaign with McCann, titled “Do Try This At Home,” emphasizing the home as a hub of creativity. Dentsu, Carat’s parent company, already manages media for Ikea in various international markets, including Canada, China, South Korea, the U.K., and several European countries. This new partnership expands Carat\'s footprint in Ikea’s global media strategy. Meanwhile, a representative from Dentsu did not comment on the new partnership. A Wavemaker spokeswoman noted that GroupM agencies will continue to collaborate with Ikea across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, including key markets like Germany, France, Australia, and India. This development also marks another significant win for Carat USA, which has recently secured media business deals with Kraft Heinz and Papa Johns. As Ikea strengthens its presence and market share in the U.S., partnering with Carat underscores the retailer\'s commitment to evolving its media strategy and sustaining growth. In fiscal 2023, Ikea reported total retail sales of 47.6 billion euros, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous year. This transition to Carat is expected to further bolster Ikea’s marketing efforts and drive continued success in the competitive U.S. market.

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\’Chipotle Phone Method\’ TikTok Trend Goes Viral But Resto Says \’No Changes\’ In Food Portioning

The \"Chipotle phone method\" has taken TikTok by storm, sparking a viral trend among users of the popular social media platform. The trend involves customers filming Chipotle employees as they prepare their orders, with the hope of receiving more generous portions of toppings. Despite the widespread popularity of this TikTok trend, Chipotle has firmly stated that there will be no changes in their food portioning practices. In a recent interview with CNBC\'s Jim Cramer, Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol addressed the controversy surrounding the Chipotle phone method. Niccol expressed his dismay over the tactic, describing it as \"kind of crazy\" and \"a little rude\" to the company\'s team members. He emphasized that Chipotle employees are dedicated to providing a great experience for customers and that filming them while they work undermines this effort. \"The whole thing is kind of crazy to me,\" Niccol said. \"It actually, kind of, really bums me out when people, frankly, do this videoing thing... It’s a little rude to our team members, and, you know, our team members, their desire is to give our customer a great experience.\" Niccol reassured customers that Chipotle is committed to meeting their needs, whether they prefer extra-large meals or dishes that cater to specific dietary preferences such as vegetarian or keto. However, he was clear in stating that Chipotle would not be adopting an all-you-can-eat model. \"We’re not going all you can eat, we are going great ingredients, great culinary, great bowls,\" he said. Beyond addressing the TikTok Chipotle bowl hack, Niccol also discussed significant developments for the company, including Chipotle\'s first-ever stock split. Announced in March, the 50-for-1 split aims to make shares more accessible to employees and increase liquidity for investors. With each share currently valued at $3,072.85, the split is expected to take effect in June. Niccol highlighted the positive impact this move has had on Chipotle employees, noting that long-term staff members have been able to make significant purchases, such as buying homes, thanks to their investments in the company\'s stock. \"There’s a lot more excitement when you can buy a whole share or get a couple shares,\" Niccol said. \"It’s great to see, because some folks... that have owned our stock and have been a manager for, you know, many years, they’re cashing it in to buy homes.\" As TikTok trends 2024 continue to influence consumer behavior and brand interactions, Chipotle remains focused on maintaining its standards of quality and customer satisfaction. While the Chipotle phone rule may have garnered attention online, the company\'s commitment to providing great culinary experiences remains unchanged.

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. Says Jake Paul \’Continues To Steal Money\’ From Mike Tyson Ahead Of Boxing Match

Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. joined the ‘It Is What It Is’ podcast to discuss Jake Paul and his upcoming July 20 match against former world champion Mike Tyson. As the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight draws nearer, the undefeated Mayweather, who retired with a perfect 50-0 record after defeating UFC star Conor McGregor in 2017, shared his thoughts on the much-anticipated event. Mayweather, who has remained a prominent figure in boxing since his retirement, including participating in an exhibition match against Jake’s brother, Logan Paul, took a surprisingly nuanced stance on the Paul vs Tyson fight. Despite criticism from other boxing legends, Mayweather offered a backhanded compliment to Paul for his ability to generate substantial income from his matches. “I mean, what he [Jake Paul] is doing is kinda cool,” Mayweather said. “If he can continue to steal money, and they match him the way they match him, I can’t knock his hustle. So if they can match him how they’ve been matching him, more power to him.” However, not everyone shares Mayweather’s perspective. Former champions Carl Froch and Tony Bellew were notably less charitable. Froch argued that the fight “shouldn’t be happening,” while Bellew went so far as to label it a “disgrace” to the sport of boxing. Former UFC standout Michael Bisping echoed these sentiments, describing the event as a “sham,” particularly given Tyson’s recent health scare. Tyson, now 57, experienced a “medical emergency” on a flight on May 27, which was later identified as an ulcer flare-up. This incident raised concerns among fans about the viability of the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson match. Nonetheless, Tyson quickly assured fans of his well-being, declaring himself fit to fight. Paul, never one to shy away from bold statements, reinforced this, promising to “f**k Tyson up” in July. Despite the mixed reactions, the Paul vs Tyson fight is set to proceed at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where a capacity crowd is expected. Additionally, the bout will be broadcast on Netflix, ensuring a global audience for this high-profile showdown. Mayweather’s measured comments contrast sharply with the harsh criticisms from other boxing figures, highlighting the polarizing nature of celebrity boxing events. Whether viewed as a spectacle or a legitimate match, the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight is sure to capture the attention of boxing fans and casual viewers alike.

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MrBeast Builds YouTube Data Viewer For Creators To Track Views, Subs And Advanced Info

In the ever-evolving world of YouTube, where content creation is both an art and a science, understanding the intricacies of your channel’s performance is crucial. To aid creators in this mission, renowned YouTuber MrBeast has unveiled an innovative tool: Viewstats. This YouTube data viewer is designed to empower creators with comprehensive insights into their channel\'s performance, offering detailed YouTube data analytics that are indispensable for growth and success. Introducing Viewstats: A Game-Changer for YouTube Creators Viewstats, the brainchild of MrBeast, is a powerful website that allows users to access a wealth of data on any YouTube channel or video. Whether you\'re an established creator or just starting out, this tool provides a level of transparency and insight previously reserved for only the most advanced users. The platform offers detailed analytics on views, subscribers, and a variety of other metrics that can help you fine-tune your content strategy. MrBeast\'s Vision: Empowering Creators with Knowledge MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has always been a proponent of using data to drive success. His own meteoric rise on YouTube, characterized by viral challenges and philanthropy, is a testament to his understanding of the platform’s dynamics. With Viewstats, MrBeast aims to democratize access to data, helping creators of all sizes make informed decisions. “Knowledge is power,” says MrBeast. “I want to help creators of all sizes improve their YouTube performance, and Viewstats is designed to do just that. By providing detailed insights into their channel’s metrics, creators can see what’s working, what’s not, and make data-driven decisions to grow their audience.” Key Features of Viewstats Comprehensive Viewstats YouTube Metrics: The tool offers a broad spectrum of data points including total views, subscriber counts, average watch time, and more. These metrics are presented in a user-friendly interface, making it easy for creators to understand and utilize the information. Advanced YouTube Data Analytics: Beyond the basics, Viewstats delves into more advanced analytics. This includes engagement rates, audience demographics, traffic sources, and content performance over time. Such detailed insights enable creators to identify trends and patterns that can inform their content strategies. Competitor Analysis: One of the standout features of Viewstats is the ability to compare your channel’s performance with that of your competitors. By understanding how similar channels are performing, creators can uncover new opportunities and strategies to attract and retain viewers. Real-Time Updates: In the fast-paced world of YouTube, staying up-to-date is essential. Viewstats provides real-time updates on key metrics, ensuring that creators always have the most current data at their fingertips. How to Use Viewstats Using Viewstats is straightforward. Simply visit the website at Viewstats and enter the name of any YouTube channel or video you want to analyze. Within moments, you\'ll have access to a wealth of information that can help you optimize your content and grow your audience. MrBeast\'s Viewstats is set to revolutionize how creators understand and utilize YouTube data. By providing detailed analytics on views, subs, and advanced metrics, Viewstats empowers creators with the knowledge they need to succeed. Whether you’re looking to refine your content strategy, understand your audience better, or keep an eye on the competition, Viewstats offers the tools you need to take your YouTube game to the next level. Check it out today and start transforming your YouTube channel with data-driven insights.

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TikTok US Ban: Mr. Wonderful Tries To Buy App With Crowdfunding Effort

Kevin O\'Leary, the Canadian entrepreneur and Shark Tank star, has launched a crowdfunding effort to buy TikTok. O\'Leary aims to raise between $20 billion and $30 billion to acquire the social media platform, which is facing a potential U.S. ban or forced sale due to national security concerns regarding its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The potential TikTok US ban has spurred various stakeholders to consider acquiring the platform to keep it operational in the United States. O\'Leary first mentioned his plan to buy TikTok during a Fox News interview in March. Now, he\'s pushing forward with the idea, claiming it could prevent the platform from being banned. His initiative is called \"Mr Wonderful\'s Plan to Buy TikTok\" and is designed to \"democratize the whole platform\" and ensure U.S. control over its user data. This effort could potentially establish a TikTok US sale, securing the platform\'s future amidst legislative uncertainties. This isn\'t the first crowdfunding bid for TikTok. Earlier this month, former L.A. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick also expressed interest in launching similar efforts. Meanwhile, TikTok is suing the government to overturn the ban-or-sale law, arguing against the legislative action that targets its operations. The looming TikTok ban has intensified these legal and financial maneuvers. O\'Leary\'s plan involves using StartEngine, a crowdfunding platform that allows people to invest in startups and early-stage companies. On his Instagram, O\'Leary linked to wondertiktok.com, directing users to StartEngine, where they can \"reserve\" their interest in investing in TikTok. The page highlights TikTok\'s impressive user base and revenue, describing it as the \"fifth-biggest platform on the planet.\" However, it\'s currently not accepting payments, merely gauging interest. The potential TikTok sale price has become a focal point, with estimates suggesting it could be in the tens of billions. O\'Leary\'s public persona and business acumen make his plan noteworthy. He\'s a well-known figure from Shark Tank and has a track record of running successful businesses. His social media presence could help garner support for his crowdfunding campaign. With Mr. Wonderful\'s net worth being substantial, his financial influence and reputation could play a critical role in the success of this initiative. However, as Business Insider points out, this effort may not be accessible to everyone. Due to U.S. \"qualified investor\" regulations, the crowdfunding might be limited to those earning over $200,000 annually or having specific financial qualifications. This creates a scenario where O\'Leary\'s plan appears to cater more to wealthy individuals rather than the general public, despite his intentions to \"democratize\" TikTok. The TikTok US sale would thus primarily involve affluent investors. One significant aspect missing from O\'Leary\'s bid is the fate of TikTok\'s algorithm. The algorithm is crucial to the platform\'s success, driving its recommendation engine and user engagement. Chinese authorities have stated their opposition to selling TikTok, particularly its algorithm, to foreign entities. It remains unclear how O\'Leary plans to address this issue, but he hints at developing a new U.S.-centric algorithm to replace the original. This uncertainty adds a layer of complexity to the potential TikTok sale price and overall feasibility of the acquisition.

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Meme Tech Is The Next Big Thing, Says Tech Founder

Alex Taub, a seasoned founder with multiple successful ventures, is pioneering the concept of meme tech, believing it to be the next big thing in the tech industry. Taub envisions meme technology as a significant category akin to health tech, proptech, or adtech. He argues that despite the integral role memes play in online communication, there has been minimal innovation in how they are organized and shared over the past decade. To address this gap, Taub recently launched Meme Depot, a platform aimed at becoming a comprehensive archive of memes. Unlike existing platforms, Meme Depot offers a visually intuitive interface, allowing users to easily navigate through meme collections, similar to browsing through Pinterest. The platform provides access to a vast meme database, featuring a wide array of meme templates that users can customize to create their own memes. Taub\'s vision for Meme Depot includes turning specific meme categories into communities, where users can engage in ephemeral, cursor-based chats called \"meme parties.\" These parties are designed to enhance user interaction and foster a sense of community around shared meme interests. However, what sets Meme Depot apart is its business model, which revolves around cryptocurrency. Taub sees cryptocurrency as a means to reimagine the internet and incentivize user engagement. Through features like meme parties and depot passes, users can participate in the platform\'s community while early pass holders have the opportunity to earn money as more people join. Yet, Taub acknowledges that monetizing memes raises ethical questions about ownership and compensation. Drawing parallels to the NFT boom, where viral meme subjects profited from their images, Taub emphasizes the importance of discussing who should benefit from meme monetization. He believes that Meme Depot can facilitate such conversations and potentially introduce new dynamics to meme culture. Despite potential controversies, Taub is confident in the cultural significance of memes and their entertainment value. Meme Depot operates under Truth Arts, leveraging a mix of venture funding, NFT royalties, and proceeds from previous ventures. For Taub, memes represent more than just internet humor; they embody cultural expression and serve as a gateway to understanding contemporary society. By incorporating advanced meme generator tools and a robust meme database, Meme Depot allows users to explore and create memes with ease. The platform\'s focus on meme technology underscores the evolving landscape of digital culture and the growing recognition of memes as a form of cultural currency. With Meme Depot, Taub aims to not only provide a platform for organizing and sharing memes but also to explore new avenues for community engagement and monetization. As the platform gains traction, it has the potential to reshape how memes are created, shared, and valued in the digital age, sparking conversations about ownership, creativity, and the intersection of technology and culture.

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Dr Disrespect Kick Deal: Why The Streamer Rejected A $10 Million Contract?

Dr Disrespect, the renowned YouTube streamer, disclosed on a recent YouTube stream that he turned down a staggering $10 million per year offer from the streaming platform Kick. Speculation about Dr Disrespect joining Kick had been rife since the platform snagged Twitch\'s top talents, including xQc and Amouranth, in 2023. In response to xQc\'s $100 million deal, Dr Disrespect had previously stated that he would consider joining Kick for $50 million. However, negotiations between his team and Kick fell through as they couldn\'t reach an agreement. During his May 29 stream, Dr Disrespect revealed that Kick had made a generous offer of $10 million per year, without any gambling obligations. Despite acknowledging the offer and expressing gratitude, Dr Disrespect remained steadfast in his demand for $50 million, asserting that he wouldn\'t settle for less. He emphasized his loyalty to YouTube, citing his strong community, established presence, and impressive viewership numbers as reasons to stay. Dr Disrespect also highlighted his ongoing projects, including his gaming studio and the upcoming release of his Black Steel Bourbon, as additional factors influencing his decision to stay on YouTube. Dr Disrespect\'s kick deal was a hot topic among his fans and the wider streaming community. The proposed Dr Disrespect kick streaming arrangement would have placed him alongside other high-profile streamers on the platform, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of online content creation. Kick\'s Head of Strategic Partnerships, Andrew Santamaria, previously commented that Dr Disrespect\'s $50 million contract demand was unrealistic, suggesting that his joining the platform for its V2.0 launch was unlikely. Despite Dr Disrespect\'s openness to the possibility of joining Kick under the right conditions, it appears that Kick is not willing to meet his demands. As a result, Dr Disrespect and his loyal followers, known as the Champion\'s Club, will remain on YouTube for the foreseeable future. Dr Disrespect\'s decision to turn down the lucrative offer from Kick underscores his commitment to his community and the belief in his own brand value. With a thriving presence on YouTube and various entrepreneurial ventures in the pipeline, Dr Disrespect appears confident in his position and unwilling to compromise his terms for anything less than what he deems appropriate. While Kick may have courted some of Twitch\'s biggest names, Dr Disrespect\'s refusal to budge from his demands sends a clear message about his priorities and the importance of maintaining his autonomy in the streaming world.

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Famous Influencer Calls MrBeast A \’F*cking Loser\’ For Not Helping Lift YouTube Ban On His Account

YouTube star SteveWillDoIt, a member of the Nelk Boys, has publicly accused MrBeast of being a “f*cking loser” who ignored him when he asked for help after his YouTube channel was permanently banned in 2022. This accusation has intensified the SteveWillDoIt vs MrBeast feud that has been simmering for some time. SteveWillDoIt\'s YouTube channel was banned due to gambling concerns, leading him to sign a new contract with Rumble, a platform known for less stringent content policies. He claims that he reached out to MrBeast, YouTube\'s second most-subscribed creator, for help during his conflict with the platform but was ignored. \"MrBeast is a f*cking loser, guy doesn’t care about helping people actually,\" Steve wrote on X, formerly Twitter. \"We were in group chat talking about my YouTube videos a month before my channel got deleted. When I reached out to get help, he ignored me. Just shows he truly doesn’t care about helping people. My opinion. Could be wrong.\" Steve continued to criticize MrBeast, saying that he \"only cares about views\" and that he doesn\'t think he\'s a \"nice person.\" He called MrBeast a \"fake phony loser,\" adding that his gut feeling tells him that the YouTuber is a \"bad person.\" This public outburst has added fuel to the ongoing SteveWillDoIt vs MrBeast feud, making waves in the YouTube community. MrBeast, known for his extravagant giveaways and charitable projects, has previously faced criticism for his philanthropic endeavors, with some netizens accusing him of performing these acts to benefit his own image and pocketbook. He responded to these criticisms in 2023 by tweeting, \"Twitter – Rich people should help others with their money. Me – Okay, I’ll use my money to help people and I promise to give away all my money before I die. Every single penny. Twitter – MrBeast bad.\" While MrBeast continues to be a divisive figure in the online space, he maintains his charitable work on his secondary channel, MrBeast Philanthropy. His latest video focused on The Ron Clark Academy, a non-profit middle school, where MrBeast and partners paid for 200 teachers to attend to learn from its educators. SteveWillDoIt\'s comments come on the heels of MrBeast\'s latest project, a website called Viewstats, which gives users an in-depth look into YouTube statistics. Steve seemed unimpressed by the project, further indicating the rift between the two YouTubers. MrBeast is not the only major personality to receive SteveWillDoIt\'s wrath. In early May, the Nelk influencer called out rapper 6ix9ine in a viral video, labeling him a \"deadbeat dad\" and giving his daughter $100,000. As of now, MrBeast has not responded to SteveWillDoIt\'s accusations. It remains to be seen whether this will spark a public feud between the two prominent YouTubers, further escalating the tension surrounding the SteveWillDoIt YouTube channel\'s ban and his subsequent move to Rumble under a new contract.

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Is Influencer Hayden Hopkins Pregnant With Billionaire Raiders\’ Owner\’s Baby? Pat McAfee Sets Record Straight

Pat McAfee issued an on-air apology for spreading a false claim that influencer Hayden Hopkins, 26, was expecting a baby with Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, 69. The ESPN personality mentioned the incorrect information during a WWE Raw broadcast, leading to widespread speculation. Hopkins recently announced her pregnancy, prompting social media accounts, including aggregator Dov Kleiman, to link her unborn child to Davis. These rumors gained traction after Hopkins was seen with Davis at a Raiders game in 2022. Although they were rumored to be dating, Hopkins had clarified that their relationship was purely platonic. During a WWE Raw segment, McAfee said, \"Mark Davis is 70 years and is expecting a child with a 26-year-old. Anything is possible in this modern world!\" This statement added fuel to the false rumors. Hopkins quickly disputed the claim, stating Davis was not the father. On his Tuesday ESPN show, McAfee addressed his mistake, apologizing for perpetuating the false narrative. \"I apologize for perpetuating a lie,\" McAfee said. \"I understand how happy you guys should be at this moment. It would suck to have a 70-year-old billionaire looming over it. So I’d like to apologize to Hayden and let the world know, hey, we gotta make sure we get these things right.\" He admitted to spreading the false rumor during a wrestling match between Braun Strowman and JD McDonagh. \"I spread lies in the middle of the Braun Strowman-JD McDonagh match last night. Mark Davis is not the father.\" Hopkins also addressed the rumors on X, formerly known as Twitter, emphasizing that the reports were false. \"Reports of Mark Davis being the father of my child are wildly untrue. I was pictured sitting next to him at a game in 2022 and have endured false rumors of a romantic relationship since,\" Hopkins wrote. \"I was just a guest sitting in the owner’s box with other friends. These continued media stories are negatively affecting what should be my happiest days. Joey and I are excited to welcome our baby in the fall.\" Hopkins has been a Las Vegas resident since 2017, where she performs as La Belle in Treasure Island’s Cirque Du Soleil’s Mystere. She has over 200,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares her life and professional updates. The incident underscores the need for accuracy and responsibility in reporting, especially regarding personal and sensitive matters. Pat McAfee’s apology and Hopkins\' clarification highlight the challenges and impacts of misinformation in the digital age, especially for public figures. With millions of followers and the pervasive nature of social media, false rumors can quickly spiral out of control, causing personal and professional distress. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it publicly. Both McAfee and Hopkins hope this experience will encourage others to approach such matters with caution and respect, ensuring that false narratives do not overshadow the truth. In another part of her life, Hayden Hopkins has been linked to professional baseball player Joey Gallo. The couple is looking forward to their new chapter together. Despite the erroneous rumors involving Mark Davis, Hayden Hopkins and Joey Gallo have been focusing on the joy of their upcoming addition.

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