Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
69% Of Influencers Charge At Least $250 Per Sponsored Post: Sprout Social
In the dynamic field of influencer marketing, understanding the financial dynamics is beneficial and crucial for brands looking to engage. A recent study by SproutSocial provides a detailed breakdown of how much influencers typically charge per sponsored post, revealing varied pricing strategies catering to different engagement and content complexity levels. Understanding sponsored post rates can empower brands to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively with influencers. The influencer marketing strategy of pricing for influencer posts shows a wide range, with almost half of influencers charging between $250 and $1,000 per post. The study details that 24% of influencers set their rates at $251 to $500, while 23% price their posts between $501 and $1,000. On the more affordable end, 17% charge between $101 and $250, and 9% have rates between $51 and $100. A smaller group, 6%, offers posts at a minimal cost of $1 to $50. Per a report, the upper echelons of influencer sponsorship cost show significant premiums, with 15% charging between $1,001 and $5,000 per post and an exclusive 7% commanding more than $5,000 per engagement. These figures underscore the influencers\' perceived value and audience engagement levels, which can justify higher rates due to the anticipated return on investment for brands. In addition to understanding the rate structures of influencer-sponsored posts, the survey underscores the potential benefits of long-term partnerships. 71% of influencers offer discounts for agreements involving multiple posts, indicating that both parties recognize the value of sustained engagements over one-off transactions. This approach helps brands maintain a consistent marketing presence and fosters a more authentic connection between influencers and their audiences, potentially leading to higher returns on investment. Regarding content types, the survey uncovers a clear preference among influencers. Short-form videos are the favored medium, particularly those spanning 15 to 60 seconds. A staggering 53% of influencers opt for 15-30-second clips and 50% choose 31-60-second videos. These formats not only boast high engagement rates but also perfectly align with the rapid consumption habits of social media users. This insight provides a reassuring path for brands in their influencer marketing strategies, highlighting the importance of incorporating short-form videos into their campaigns. By placing shared values, clear payment structures, and respect for creative input at the forefront, brands can confidently navigate the influencer marketing landscape. This strategic approach ensures that investments in influencer marketing are not only effective but also mutually beneficial, driving engagement and growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
Ex-Trump Campaign Manager Who Used Cambridge Analytica Launches Own AI Platform
Former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale has launched a new artificial intelligence platform, Campaign Nucleus, to enhance digital strategies for conservative political campaigns. Parscale, who played a pivotal role in Donald Trump\'s 2016 digital campaign strategy through targeted Facebook ads, introduced his latest venture, which proposes to use AI to revolutionize how political campaigns assess voter sentiment and target persuadable voters. According to Parscale, Campaign Nucleus will employ AI to analyze data to identify voter sentiments, subsequently pinpointing voters who can be swayed and creating customized outreach efforts, such as emails. Moreover, the platform claims to boost the visibility of social media content by \"anti-woke\" influencers, although specific details on how it navigates social media algorithms remain vague. This initiative follows Parscale\'s involvement with the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which accessed the personal data of approximately 87 million Facebook users without their consent to target U.S. voters. This scandal led to a substantial privacy settlement in 2018, costing Facebook $725 million and affecting nearly every U.S. Facebook user from mid-2007 to December 2022. Despite Donald Trump\'s mixed public statements on AI platforms, describing it as \"scary\" and \"dangerous,\" his campaign and other Republican entities have reportedly invested over $2.2 million in Campaign Nucleus. This sum also includes contributions from the Republican National Committee and related political groups. While Trump\'s current campaign expenses on Campaign Nucleus are a relatively minor portion of his political spending, Parscale actively seeks to expand his clientele. He has been working with various conservative leaders across Israel, the Balkans, and Brazil to implement his AI-driven strategies in their political campaigns. However, Parscale is reportedly not involved in the day-to-day operations of Trump\'s latest presidential campaign. The platform\'s operations in the U.S. are also linked to Lara Trump, Eric Trump\'s wife and the newly appointed co-chair of the RNC, who previously consulted for a company co-owned by Parscale. Despite its promises, Campaign Nucleus\'s effectiveness and ethical implications remain controversial as it begins to influence political campaigning in the U.S. and abroad.
Google Bans AI Porn Ads, Deepfake Pornography
Google has announced a strict ban on advertisements for deepfake porn, addressing the growing concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence to create and distribute fake sexually explicit content. The new Google ads policy, which takes effect on May 30, 2024, will prohibit ads on any site or app that creates, instructs, or endorses deepfake pornography. The policy targets a sinister trend that has seen the faces and bodies of individuals digitally altered to appear in non-consensual, pornographic material. High-profile victims have included celebrities and public figures, illustrating the broad and damaging implications of this technology. In a statement to The Verge, Google spokesperson Michael Aciman emphasized the company\'s commitment to ethical advertising standards, saying, \"This update is to explicitly prohibit advertisements for services that offer to create deepfake pornography or synthetic nude content. We consider violations of this policy egregious.\" Under the new guidelines, any advertiser found in breach of these rules will face severe repercussions, including immediate suspension of their Google Ads accounts without prior warning. The company also stated that violators would be permanently banned from using its advertising services. Google\'s decision comes amid increasing instances of deepfakes, which have not only targeted celebrities like Taylor Swift and Jenna Ortega but have also affected political figures such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Moreover, the spread of such content has reached educational institutions, with reports from Los Angeles schools of deepfakes involving students circulating locally. The tech giant’s crackdown follows a year in which nearly 2 billion ads for AI porn were removed under its sexual content policies. This latest move is part of a broader effort by technology companies to tackle the darker aspects of AI influencers and maintain the integrity of digital advertising while protecting the privacy and dignity of individuals online.
Woman Goes Viral On TikTok For Finding Her Friend A Date By Giving Out Her Business Card
In a unique twist on modern dating, New York content creator Natalie Abatemarco has turned to a novel method to help a friend find romance—by printing 500 business cards designed to introduce her friend to potential dates. This creative approach, blending traditional networking tools with social media connectivity, quickly captured the internet\'s attention, amassing over 550,000 views and becoming a TikTok trending video. The cards feature a photo of Abatemarco\'s friend, who prefers to remain anonymous, along with a QR code linking to her social media profiles and a short biography. Abatemarco, 25, spent just $20 on this inventive project, which she described as a humorous \"secret Santa\" gift meant to bring a little fun into the often daunting world of dating. The duo distributed these cards while socializing in New York City, targeting men they found appealing. Abatemarco told SWNS that while the cards have yet to lead to any dates, they served as an excellent icebreaker, sparking many amusing interactions and enhancing their social outings. The activity has become one of the top trends on TikTok. \"We were parading around New York City handing out the cards to people she thought [were] cute,\" Abatemarco explained. \"It makes our evening so much better when we go out,\" she added, noting the funny situations that often ensued from their card distribution antics. This isn\'t the first time singles have gotten creative with their dating strategies. Several other videos which have become TikTok trends, can be found in the platform. In a similar vein, Karolina Geits walked the streets of New York last September with a cardboard sign stating she was \"looking for a husband,\" a stunt that gained substantial traction on social media. Another inventive dater, Michelle Arshad from Toronto, used a custom stamp as her conversation starter, imprinting a playful message and her Instagram handle on the hands of potential suitors. Meanwhile, others like Carly Galluzzo from Long Island are opting out of the dating game entirely, with Galluzzo proclaiming herself \"boy sober\" after growing tired of the pressures associated with continuous dating, regardless of the quality of her dates. As modern dating continues to evolve, these stories highlight the diverse and sometimes unconventional approaches people are willing to explore in the quest for companionship.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew Walks Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and his wife, Vivian Kao, made a notable appearance at the Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 6, 2024. The prestigious event, a convergence of influential figures from various sectors including Hollywood, business, and fashion, saw the couple in the spotlight amidst ongoing legal tensions between TikTok and US lawmakers. TikTok CEO Chew, who was an honorary chair of this year\'s Met Gala 2024 alongside Loewe\'s creative director Jonathan Anderson, has been at the center of a significant legal battle concerning US data privacy and the safety of minors on the platform. His testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in March 2023 highlighted these issues, particularly focusing on a national security bill that threatens to force ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to divest the platform or face a possible ban. This legislation could impact TikTok\'s 170 million American users, with Chew vowing to contest any such ban vigorously. The personal history of Chew and Kao adds a rich layer to their professional endeavors. The couple first met through email in 2008 during their time at Harvard Business School and later in person when they both landed summer internships in California—Kao at a clean energy startup and Chew at Facebook. Both hold MBAs from Harvard, and their close partnership is often highlighted by their ability to complete each other’s sentences. Currently residing in Singapore, where Chew was born and raised, the couple shares three children. They have lived in multiple major cities across the globe, including London, Hong Kong, and Beijing. Their household maintains a cautious approach to social media, with restrictions placed on their older children, aged seven and nine, from using TikTok. Vivian Kao, who is Taiwanese-American, brings her own distinguished career background to the table. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and Chinese studies from Wellesley College and has held positions as an independent non-executive director at several companies. The TikTok CEO Met Gala presence not only underscores their significant influence in the tech and business worlds but also highlights their ongoing navigation through complex legal landscapes concerning digital privacy and security.
Ex-TikTok Exec Claims CEO Shou Chew A \’Conduit\’ For Chinese ByteDance Leaders
In a significant legal development, Katie Puris, a former executive of TikTok, has escalated her allegations against the social media giant. She claims that its parent company, ByteDance, wields a much larger influence over TikTok than previously acknowledged. This revelation comes at a time when TikTok\'s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is grappling with the imminent threat of a TikTok ban in US. Puris, who initially filed a lawsuit against TikTok in February citing age and gender discrimination, has now broadened her claims. She asserts that TikTok ByteDance\'s influence seeps into the company\'s day-to-day operations, contradicting previous statements by the platform\'s legal representatives who denied such ties. Puris alleges that several ByteDance executives are the true decision-makers, dictating crucial aspects of TikTok\'s operations such as marketing, branding, and staffing. This, she claims, undermines the supposed independence of TikTok’s leadership. The TikTok lawsuit even goes as far as accusing the company of providing false information to the U.S. Congress about Chew\'s autonomy from ByteDance\'s directives. Further allegations note that after ByteDance executives criticized her supervisor’s marketing strategies, dismissal followed—an action Puris believes was dictated by ByteDance to safeguard its interests with other tech firms in China. Adding to the controversy, an unnamed senior leader within TikTok reportedly communicated to Puris post-termination that Chinese influence over the platform has intensified, with directives increasingly being issued directly from China. This lawsuit further fuels the mounting scrutiny under which TikTok finds itself, particularly regarding the security of American user data and its Chinese affiliations. Despite TikTok’s efforts to allay concerns through data management changes, including a partnership with Oracle to handle U.S. data, skepticism among U.S. lawmakers persists. This led to the recent legislation signed by President Joe Biden, mandating ByteDance to divest TikTok unless substantial progress is demonstrated within a set timeframe, with the potential for a complete ban. TikTok has yet to respond to these renewed allegations as the situation on the TikTok ban continues to develop.
Married At First Sight\’ Star Signs With Talent Agency To Be Launched As Australia\’s Next Biggest Influencer
Married at First Sight cast Lauren Dunn, the unforgettable star of the 2024 reality TV show, has made a major stride in her career. She\'s now under the management of Sharon Finnigan, a prominent figure in SF Celebrity Management, a renowned celebrity talent agency in Australia. Banking on Dunn\'s quick wit and candid personality, this is the next step for the reality star to explore opportunities that resonate with her vibrant character and public image and is now in the running to become AU\'s next big influencer. SF Celebrity Management recently shared their excitement about their new partnership with Dunn, citing her dynamic presence on the reality show as a key factor. \"Lauren\'s energy and strong opinions made her a standout this season,\" the management\'s statement emphasized. \"Her sharp wit and ability to handle tough situations demonstrate her intelligence and charisma, qualities that we are proud to have on our team.\" Amidst a flurry of activity in Sydney, Dunn\'s signing has sparked a buzz. She\'s been attending business meetings and socializing with fellow MAFS star Sara Mesa. According to reports from Yahoo Lifestyle, multiple agencies are vying for their attention, eager to position them as Australia\'s next leading fashion and beauty personalities as part of the effort in influencer marketing in Australia. Adding a delightful touch to her rising profile, Dunn was recently overheard sharing a light-hearted exchange with paparazzi in Sydney. Upon leaving Bills Cafe in Double Bay with Mesa, she quipped about their search for new partners. \"You know what they say? Out with the old, in with the new... just trying to find a new [partner] if you know anyone,” Dunn said. Both she and Mesa playfully encouraged potential suitors to \"slide into our DMs,\" with Dunn jokingly adding, \"You better be rich.\" Lauren Dunn, as a MAFS talent, marks a significant and exciting shift from a reality TV contestant to a potential influencer. It signals new ventures that align closely with her public persona, promising to keep her in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
New York Has Least Number Of OnlyFans Creators In US
In a surprising twist, a recent study by Bedbible, a sexual wellness company, unveiled a unique aspect of New York\'s digital landscape. The state, despite its reputation as a hub for those seeking fame, ranks last in the United States in terms of the number of OnlyFans creators per capita. This revelation, with a notably low figure of only 0.25 creators per 100,000 citizens, stands in stark contrast to the leading state in the study. Despite its status as one of the most populous states and a hub for many seeking fame, New York\'s low interest in participating in the subscription-based platform known for its adult content, OnlyFans, is a puzzle. The platform allows content creators from various niches, including fitness and music, to monetize their offerings behind a paywall. Yet, per a recent OnlyFans creator statistics, it seems to attract fewer creators from New York, possibly due to the high cost of living and the potential long-term consequences such as social stigma, professional repercussions, and legal issues of posting adult content online. The study, which compares OnlyFans creators by location, shows the number of active participants to the population size of each state. Connecticut emerged as the top state with 68 creators per 100,000 citizens, translating to over 2,460 active profiles that have collectively amassed more than 15.7 million likes. Connecticut, Nevada, and Hawaii took second and third place, respectively. These states, known for their high living costs and limited job opportunities, might see more residents turning to OnlyFans as a viable source of income. North Dakota and Maine rounded out the top five, suggesting a trend where states with smaller populations or limited job opportunities might see more residents turning to OnlyFans as a viable source of income. Conversely, other populous states like West Virginia, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and South Carolina also ranked at the bottom of the list, similar to New York. These states reported low OnlyFans participation rates, defined as the number of creators per 100,000 residents. West Virginia, for instance, had just 0.34 creators per 100,000 residents. As revealed by this study, the relatively low interest in OnlyFans among New Yorkers could have significant implications. Factors such as the high cost of living and the potential long-term consequences of posting adult content online can deter individuals from using the platform as an alternative income source despite financial pressures. This underscores the importance of understanding the complex interplay of factors that influence online behavior. This study highlights the significant regional differences in the adoption of digital platforms for adult content and provides a deeper understanding of the pivotal roles that cultural, economic, and social factors play in shaping online behavior. It\'s a reminder that the digital landscape is not a one-size-fits-all but a complex tapestry woven by various influences, potentially reshaping our understanding of online behavior.
Health Influencers Featured In Time 100 Health List
Time Magazine\'s recent release of the \"Time 100 Health\" 2024 list is a global celebration of influential figures who are making significant strides in the health sector. This list, which spans from traditional medicine to advanced genetic research, is a testament to the global nature of health challenges and the collective efforts to overcome them. The Time 100 health list included Dr. Hadiza Shehu Galadanci, a distinguished OB/GYN and professor at Nigeria’s Bayero University, who is a beacon of hope in the fight against maternal mortality. In a country where these rates are alarmingly high, Dr. Galadanci\'s innovative systems, such as the blood-collecting drape, are not just reshaping maternal care standards but also saving lives. Also featured in the Time 100 health influencers are Mike Curtis, President and CEO of eGenesis, advancing organ transplant methods through genetic editing. Curtis’s company utilizes CRISPR technology to modify pig genes to closely resemble human genes, enhancing the viability of pig organs for human transplants. This groundbreaking work was highlighted with the successful transplant of a genetically edited pig kidney into a patient in March, marking a significant step forward in addressing organ transplant shortages. The health influencers also includes celebrities like Olivia Munn and Michael J. Fox, who have leveraged their platforms to advocate for health issues. Munn shared her battle with breast cancer, which dramatically increased public engagement with breast cancer screening tools. Meanwhile, Michael J. Fox, known for his foundation dedicated to Parkinson’s research, has significantly influenced advancements in the field, including developing a biomarker test for early Parkinson\'s detection. These individuals, among others listed in \"Time 100 Health,\" exemplify the diverse impact that dedicated professionals and public figures can have on health and medicine. Their work advances scientific and medical practices and enhances public awareness and education, highlighting the power of influence in the fight against global health challenges.
New Influencer Marketing Study Reveals What Consumers Look For In Creator Content
A new study released by Snapchat and MCN, “Unleashing Influence: A Marketer’s Guide to Influencer Success,” underscores the current significance of a sound influencer marketing strategy and paints a promising picture for the future. It projects that global media spending on influencers could hit a staggering $6 billion this year, indicating a potential for substantial growth. The research delves into user perceptions and preferences regarding influencer content across five key markets: Australia, France, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Participants from various generations and demographics contributed to the study, providing valuable insights into influencers and the impact of brand sponsorship on social media content. The research underscores a crucial point: while users are generally receptive to content creator ideas and influencer brand partnerships, trust is the linchpin for engagement. This finding should reassure marketers that building trust with their audience is a key strategy for success in influencer marketing. Rasha El Ghoussaini, Head of Agency at Snap Inc. MENA, underscores the role of Snapchat in promoting authenticity, a key element for influencers. She emphasizes that Snapchat provides a platform for creators to cultivate genuine connections and develop their businesses while staying true to themselves. The report further reveals that Snapchat is a pivotal part of daily interactions among users in the GCC, with the app being accessed over 45 times a day. In Saudi Arabia, product-related content, such as tutorials and restaurant reviews, is viral, presenting a lucrative opportunity for local marketers. However, the study also found a significant trust gap, with 64 percent of social media users expressing low trust in content creators. This highlights the need for influencers to prioritize honesty to improve audience engagement. Rami Gholmieh, Regional Director of Influencer Marketing at MCN, pointed out the lasting value of authenticity in influencer campaigns. \"Authenticity is and will remain the ultimate influencer currency, facilitating long-term and authentic connections between brand and consumer,\" said Gholmieh. The research further identified not only relevant influencer marketing statistics but pointed out honesty as the most crucial trait for influencers but also creativity and charisma, with 78 percent of participants favoring this quality. In Saudi Arabia, realistic portrayals, evidence-backed content, and personal experiences were top factors for trusting creators, with 89 percent of respondents saying that transparency about sponsorships significantly boosts brand engagement. The study underscores that for influencer marketing to be impactful, brands must ensure their partnerships are built on authenticity and transparency. This is crucial to instill trust and establish a connection with consumers, a key takeaway from the research.