Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Influencer Posts Drive 49% Of Consumer Purchases, New Study Reveals
In today\'s influencer marketing news, it seems like online personalities/ influencers are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping consumer buying habits, with nearly half of all consumers making purchases influenced by social media personalities monthly, weekly, or even daily. This is according to the latest findings from the 2024 Influencer Marketing Report by Sprout Social. Based on a survey of 2,000 consumers and 300 influencers, the consumer behavior in marketing report reveals a significant surge in trust towards influencers. A striking 30% of consumers now express more confidence in influencers than they did just six months ago. This trust is particularly strong among Gen Z consumers, who not only rely heavily on influencers for purchasing decisions but also prefer to engage with brands that collaborate with influencers beyond social media. This data should inspire confidence in the effectiveness of influencer marketing strategies. Scott Morris, CMO of Sprout Social, emphasizes the importance of influencers in contemporary marketing strategies. \"In a competitive market, trust is essential, and influencers are proving to be invaluable in building this trust, particularly among younger consumers,\" said Morris. He predicts that influencers will continue the influencer marketing strategy trend as their credibility and influence grow. The impact of influencers extends beyond simple product endorsements. The study found that influencers are increasingly involved in customer service processes, with consumers, especially from Gen Z, preferring to relay product feedback through influencers rather than directly to brands. This trend suggests that influencers are becoming integral in the dialogue between consumers and companies, providing real-time feedback and helping brands adjust their strategies accordingly. Moreover, the influencer marketing research sheds light on the rise of AI-generated influencers, noting mixed consumer reactions. About 37% of respondents are intrigued by brands that employ AI influencers, while an equal percentage views them with skepticism. This division highlights the evolving landscape of influencer marketing and the need for brands to navigate carefully. It\'s important to note that influencer marketing also comes with its share of risks, such as influencer fraud or brand misalignment, which can negatively impact a campaign\'s success. This consumer behavior research and engagement with influencers varies by platform and demographic. Instagram remains the most popular platform for influencer interactions overall, but Gen Z users show a stronger preference for TikTok. Preferences also differ across content types and topics, with genuine reviews and promotional discounts being particularly effective, while interests vary significantly.
Foor Locker Launches \’Store Of The Future\’ With Immersive New Features
In a significant bid to rejuvenate its brand and reengage with Wall Street, there\'s now an upcoming Foot Locker new store concept unveiled at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, New Jersey. This marks the first of five such innovative spaces planned to open this year. The newly designed stores, part of the retailer\'s aggressive \"Lace Up\" strategy announced in March by CEO Mary Dillon, aim to reverse a downturn in sales and maintain the loyalty of crucial brand partners. This Foot Locker \'store of the future\' concept is not just a store. It\'s an experience. It\'s a departure from the traditional mall setup, offering a dynamic \'drop zone\' for the latest sneaker releases, a communal try-on area, and advanced product displays known as \'sneaker hubs\' that allow for customization options like specialized lacing. These innovative features are designed to captivate sneaker enthusiasts, drawing them away from brand websites or other retail locations. Per CNBC, the Foot Locker Willowbrook Mall transformation includes modernizing its associates\' iconic black-and-white striped uniforms, reflecting a blend of contemporary style and personalization. According to Frank Bracken, Foot Locker\'s Chief Commercial Officer, this redesign is about aesthetics and enhancing the in-store experience to make it a destination brands are eager to be part of. Foot Locker\'s \'store of the future\' concept is not just a local phenomenon. It\'s set to expand to key cities, including New York City, Paris, Melbourne, and Delhi, strategically chosen ahead of major events like the Summer Olympics. This expansion plan showcases Foot Locker\'s astute planning and commitment to rejuvenating its physical store presence, which still accounts for 80% of its revenue. The revitalization of Foot Locker\'s stores is not a small-scale project. It\'s a comprehensive overhaul, with plans to revamp approximately 900 other stores between 2024 and 2025, incorporating similar design elements and merchandising standards. This extensive refresh, representing a symbiotic relationship between the new concepts and existing stores, is part of a substantial $200 million investment earmarked for this and next year. Despite the challenging retail environment and a 29% year-to-date decline in its stock price, Foot Locker remains steadfast and optimistic. The retailer\'s revamped approach coincides with a shift among sneaker brands like Nike, which recognizes the value of wholesale partners after focusing on direct sales. This renewed partnership support is crucial for Foot Locker\'s recovery and growth.
New Jersey Influencer Jay Mazini Sentenced For Fraud, Ponzi Scam On Muslims
Jay Mazini, a famous influencer from New Jersey known for his substantial social media following, has been sentenced for conducting a Ponzi scheme that defrauded members of the Muslim community. The sentencing occurred earlier this week following Mazini’s conviction on multiple counts of fraud. According to a Jay Mazini update, the influencer, also known as Jegara Igbara, rose to fame on social media platforms like Instagram, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers by flaunting his wealth and charitable acts as one of the New Jersey influencers that people look up to. He used his influence and claimed religious affinity to gain the trust of fellow Muslims, promoting investment opportunities that he presented as both lucrative and compliant with Islamic law, which prohibits interest. The influencer ponzi scheme orchestrated by Mazini involved him soliciting funds from investors, promising them significant returns on various business ventures, including COVID-19-related protective gear and other commercial products. According to court documents, Mazini managed to amass millions of dollars from community members, assuring them a share of the profits that never materialized. Per the report, as the scheme unfolded, it became apparent that Mazini was operating a classic Ponzi scheme, using new investors\' money to pay returns to earlier investors rather than generating any actual profit from business activities. The deception continued until the scheme collapsed under its weight, leading to significant financial losses for numerous families within the Muslim community, a community that had placed its trust in Mazini. The investigation, led by federal authorities, revealed that Mazini had lied about the state of his business ventures and forged documents and emails to sustain his fraudulent claims. His activities stopped when victims began demanding their money back, and inconsistencies in his explanations prompted a deeper probe. During the trial, prosecutors emphasized Mazini’s exploitation of religious and community ties, a manipulation that was instrumental in advancing his fraudulent schemes. In his defense, Mazini’s attorneys argued that he had intended to repay the investors but failed to manage the businesses successfully. Jay Mazini Now The judge sentenced Mazzini to a substantial term in federal prison, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the betrayal of trust within a community that had placed its faith in him. In addition to his prison sentence, Mazini was ordered to pay restitution to the victims, many of whom expressed relief at the case resolution.
Zach Sage Fox Says TikTok Algorithm Had \’Ominous Turn\’ That Supports \’Gen Terrorism\’
Social media influencer Zach Sage Fox has recently criticized TikTok for propagating antisemitic and anti-Israel content, notably since the October 7 attacks. Fox, speaking on \"America\'s Newsroom,\" expressed his concerns about the platform influencing Generation Z, whom he provocatively termed \"Gen T\" or \"Generation Terrorism.\" Zach Sage Fox\' TikTok highlighted a worrying trend on college campuses like Columbia and Yale, where anti-Israel sentiment and Israel war news have visibly increased among young Americans. This rise in hostility coincides with an uptick in hate speech and antisemitic content on social media platforms, becoming a TikTok algorithm for 2024. Fox pointed out the broad issue of misinformation across all social platforms but emphasized that TikTok, in particular, is a major source of misinformation for young people. According to a Pew Research Center study from November 2023, 44% of Americans aged 18 to 29 and 42% of younger teens consume news through TikTok, which shapes their perceptions and opinions significantly. Despite the positive potential of social media, Fox expressed severe reservations about its current trajectory. \"The moment I started getting terrified was when you saw Gen Z supporting Osama bin Laden,\" he said, indicating a disturbing shift in the discourse among the younger generation. He also noted widespread Holocaust denialism and misinformation prevalent on the app. Fox\'s activism against antisemitism and anti-Israel propaganda has intensified following his visit to Auschwitz, where a poignant encounter with a Holocaust survivor strengthened his resolve to combat hatred. His efforts are aimed at educating and correcting misconceptions prevalent among young users on TikTok. The influencer\'s critique comes as the U.S. Congress considers legislation to regulate TikTok more stringently. Fox suggested that selling TikTok to an American company might allow for better regulatory oversight, reflecting his conflicted feelings about a platform that has been instrumental to his success yet poses significant challenges in content management and societal impact
\’Soft Guy Era\’ Meaning: New TikTok Trend Wants Women To Financially \’Contribute\’ In Relationships
One of the TikTok trends this April 2024 is dubbed the \'soft guy era,\' meaning people are challenging traditional gender roles in financial responsibility within relationships. Influencers on the platform are advocating for a shift away from the expectation that men should be the sole providers. Leading the charge are TikTok users Scarfacemark and Lil Goodie, who have self-proclaimed themselves as co-founders of this movement. Their videos and statements have garnered significant attention this month, promoting a partnership-based approach to handling finances in relationships. \"You’re telling me you’re a grown woman, and you’re my woman, and you can’t put up 50% of the bills, you’re broke and lazy,\" said Lil Goodie in a video that has stirred both support and controversy. Scarfacemark added, \"We all know being a provider in 2024 is a scam. So we don’t care. We’re not doing that anymore.\" The influencers argue that in today’s economic climate, where dual incomes are often necessary to maintain a standard of living, financial contributions should be equal. This message resonates with a growing number of followers who echo the sentiment that economic responsibilities should be shared. The soft guy era \"drizzle drizzle\" meaning is associated with the movement, a playful counterpart to the \"sprinkle sprinkle\" advice previously popularized by creator Leticia Padua, who encouraged women to seek men who would financially provide for them. The \'soft guy era meaning\' discussions on TikTok also touch on broader economic issues. Rising costs for essentials like housing and groceries have intensified the dialogue about financial equity in relationships. In one of his videos, Scarfacemark expressed the financial pressures facing many, stating, \"I’m paying all of your bills, and I’m paying for your lifestyle. How the f--- are we going to send our kids to private school?\" The trend has sparked a mix of reactions, with some users misunderstanding the concept as advocating for women to bear all financial responsibilities. However, most discussions emphasize the importance of mutual financial participation in managing current economic challenges better. This social media movement reflects a growing awareness and adaptation to the realities of modern economic life, where traditional roles are increasingly viewed as outdated. As the cost of living rises, the \'soft guy era\' advocates for a more balanced approach to financial responsibilities in relationships.
Selena Gomez Says Time Off Instagram Was \’Most Rewarding Gift\’ To Herself
At the 2024 TIME100 Summit in New York City, renowned artist Selena Gomez spoke passionately about her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, emphasizing its commitment to mental health awareness. The brand, launched in Sept. 2020, has quickly risen to a $2 billion valuation, and, according to Gomez, there are no signs of slowing down. Selena Gomez\' net worth now stands at $800 million. During a session titled \"The Beauty of Impact,\" moderated by TIME Senior Editor Lucy Feldman, Gomez, alongside Elyse Cohen, Vice President of Social Impact and Inclusion at Rare Beauty, shared insights into the brand\'s mission-driven approach. \"I didn\'t want to enter the cosmetics world without a mission,\" Gomez stated, highlighting the brand\'s focus on fostering a community where mental health can be openly discussed. Selena Gomez\' Rare Beauty, which she describes as her \"pride and joy,\" has made mental health advocacy a core part of its identity. The actor shared her personal experiences with bipolar disorder, which she publically revealed in her 2020 documentary, \"Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me.\" Gomez noted that understanding her mental health condition was \"freeing\" and underscored the importance of alone time in her mental well-being. Cohen also shared her mental health priorities, emphasizing the power of community and storytelling in combating isolation. She detailed the achievements of the Rare Impact Fund, which has raised over $13 million to support youth mental health initiatives and partners with 26 organizations. Gomez has pledged that 1% of all Rare Beauty sales—not just profits—will go towards mental health action, demonstrating a firm commitment to making a tangible impact. In addition to discussing Rare Beauty\'s impact, Gomez opened up about her complicated relationship with social media. Selena Gomez\' Instagram followers reached 429 million, making her the most-followed woman on Instagram. Gomez recounted taking a four-year break from personally posting on Instagram, a period she described as \"the most rewarding gift I gave myself.\" She expressed the frustrations and pressures of social media, which occasionally led her to become defensive over the people she cares about. The TIME100 Summit brings together leaders from various sectors to promote solutions for a better world. It features a roster of influential figures, including Elliot Page, Tory Burch, and John Kerry.
Twitch Alternative In South Korea CHZZK Surges In Q1; Active Channels Up 740%
The South Korean game livestreaming market is in a state of flux since Twitch’s departure in February 2024. In this vacuum, local platforms SOOP, operated by AfreecaTV, and Naver\'s CHZZK have emerged as frontrunners, each with their unique offerings and vying to be a Twitch alternative in South Korea and capture the former\'s audience and broadcasters. Despite the overall drop in viewership across all gaming streaming sites in South Korea by 18% from January to March 2024, SOOP has demonstrated remarkable resilience. It experienced a growth of 6.6% in viewership hours compared to the previous quarter, standing strong amidst the industry shake-up. This is a testament to the platform\'s potential and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances, instilling confidence in its future. Per this report, CHZZK\'s performance during the same period was nothing short of remarkable as well . According to StreamElements and its data partner Streams Charts, CHZZK\'s total hours watched more than doubled from January to March. Furthermore, the number of active channels on CHZZK increased eightfold, signaling a swift and enthusiastic adoption by the streaming community. This exponential growth and acceptance hint at the platform\'s promising future. CHZZK\'s surge comes at a strategic time as well as a Twitch alternative player, as the platform had just launched its open beta on December 19, 2023. This well-timed move allowed CHZZK to seize a substantial portion of the market previously dominated by Twitch, providing a new platform for displaced streamers and their followers. Or Perry, co-founder of StreamElements, commented on the shift, saying, \"This past year, the discourse on live streaming platforms has been rooted in Twitch, YouTube, and Kick as content creators weigh options for reaching the broadest audience. In South Korea, AfreecaTV’s SOOP and Naver’s CHZZK are two other players who might join the conversation.” He added that both platforms are planning global launches with English-language support in 2024, which could further expand their reach. The potential global expansion of SOOP and CHZZK as possible gaming streaming platforms is part of a broader trend in which South Korean digital content, like K-pop and K-dramas, begins to impact global markets significantly. This expansion offers content creators more options and holds the potential to reshape the global landscape of live streaming games and be part of the growing gaming influencers today - painting an optimistic future for the industry.
WhatsTheStatus Banned From WWE2K24 Without Clear Reason; Influencer’s Fans Make #FreeStatus Trend
In an unexpected move that has sparked considerable unrest within the gaming community, 2K has banned a prominent creator of WWE 2K24 Twitch content, known online as \"WhatsTheStatus.\" This decision came to light when WhatsTheStatus revealed on social media that his account was abruptly deactivated on April 22, along with the removal of all his uploaded content, including dozens of wrestlers. WhatsTheStatus, in WWE 2K24, is a revered figure in the gaming community. He is known for his ability to make typically inaccessible content available, such as hidden models and intergender wrestling capabilities, but he was suddenly banned. He shared his shock on social media, revealing that his account was deactivated on April 22, and all his uploaded content, including dozens of wrestlers, was removed. The community, who held him in high regard, was left without an explanation or a chance to appeal the decision. A 2K spokesperson justified why \'WhatsThesStatus banned\' happened by stating that the creator had violated the game\'s End User License Agreement by uploading mods that adversely affected others\' gameplay experience. According to the spokesperson, these mods included unauthorized changes to the game\'s code and assets, leading to imbalances and glitches. However, the specifics of the content deemed inappropriate have not been disclosed. The ban has triggered a powerful response from the WWE gaming community, with hashtags like #FreeStatus trending in the U.S. and Canada. The community, united in their dissatisfaction, has voiced their concerns about the perceived unfairness and inconsistency in enforcing rules regarding community-created content. In a report, prominent community creator @OmegamanX44 commented, “What I’m seeing happen to WhatsTheStatus is extremely upsetting and disappointing. @WWEgames, this is a massive mistake that is alienating a large chunk of your community.” The controversy highlights broader issues within the WWE 2K24 community, particularly concerning the lack of content filtering. Reports indicate that explicit images and other inappropriate content are easily accessible through the community creations tab, raising questions about the overall management and oversight of user-generated material. As the community rallies behind WhatsTheStatus, the incident has not only spurred discussions about transparency and fairness in content regulation but also led to other creators, including Defract, distancing themselves from 2K’s influencer programs. This signals potential shifts in the relationship between the developers and their most engaged users, with some community members questioning the value of their contributions and the level of respect they receive from the developers. This could potentially lead to a reevaluation of 2 K\'s influencer programs and a more collaborative approach to content creation and regulation. In WhatsTheStatus Twitter, he mentioned how grateful he is for the online support, with the hashtag #FreeStatus going viral online. https://twitter.com/WhatsTheStatus/status/1782796795984130495
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew Vows App Isn’t ‘Going Anywhere’ Amid US Ban Crisis
On Wednesday, TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew, revealed that the company is set to challenge a recently enacted U.S. law that poses to get TikTok banned in US. The law, which grants TikTok\'s parent company ByteDance a nine-month period to sell the app, was signed by President Joe Biden as part of a comprehensive $95 billion national security package that includes aid for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. This legal battle\'s outcome could significantly impact TikTok\'s future and the broader landscape of social media platforms. In a TikTok ban update for users, Chew declared, \"Rest assured, we aren\'t going anywhere. We are confident, and we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts. The facts and the Constitution are on our side, and we expect to prevail.\" The video swiftly gained significant attention, amassing about 176,000 likes within an hour of posting, showcasing the public\'s strong support for the platform. TikTok has previously demonstrated success in legal battles over proposed bans. In 2020, the company successfully challenged an executive order issued by then-President Donald Trump that sought to prohibit the platform in the U.S. A federal judge deemed Trump\'s order \"arbitrary and capricious,\" effectively blocking the ban. More recently, in November, a federal judge in Montana sided with TikTok against a state law that aimed to ban the app, ruling it unconstitutional as it \"oversteps state power and infringes on the constitutional rights of users.\" The ongoing debate over TikTok centers on issues of free expression, data security, and the influence of foreign powers on American digital platforms. Critics of the platform argue that TikTok\'s Chinese ownership could allow the Chinese government to access the personal data of U.S. users and manipulate content to advance China\'s foreign policy objectives. In response to these concerns, TikTok has taken steps to mitigate fears by storing U.S. user data domestically. However, doubts remain among proponents of the ban regarding the effectiveness of these measures. As TikTok prepares for its legal challenge, it underscores broader tensions between the U.S. and China over technology and data security, highlighting the complex intersection of international politics and global business operations.
Mark Zuckerberg\’s Meta Salary Is Just $1 But Received $24.4 Million In 2023
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, maintained his nominal $1 salary in 2023. However, his total earnings significantly exceeded this due to $24.4 million in \"other compensation,\" primarily for security and private aircraft use. Details from a recent Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proxy filing revealed that a substantial portion of Mark Zuckerberg\'s salary was allocated for enhanced security measures for the CEO. This increase in security spending comes as no surprise as the company had previously upped its security budget for Zuckerberg from $10 million to $14 million in the past years - this, despite of Mark Zuckerberg\'s salary of $1. The additional security funds are utilized for \"additional personnel, equipment, services, residential improvements,\" and other safety-related expenses. This heightened security investment occurred during a challenging period for Meta, notably during Zuckerberg\'s \"year of efficiency,\" which saw the company reduce its workforce by 13% — approximately 11,000 employees — in an effort to streamline operations. Moreover, according to a report, the SEC filing disclosed that Zuckerberg’s compensation package also included expenses related to the personal use of private aircraft. This part of his compensation reflects the trend among leading tech executives prioritizing security and privacy, even in their travel arrangements. So why is Mark Zuckerberg\'s salary only $1? Executives often use this strategy to demonstrate commitment to their companies during financial adjustments or public scrutiny. Despite the minimal salary, the substantial \"other compensation\" illustrates how executive remuneration can extend beyond basic salary figures to include significant benefits that address personal security and mobility needs. This approach to executive compensation, particularly in Silicon Valley, underscores the complex nature of remuneration packages at top levels of big tech firms, balancing optics with necessary expenses that support the safety and effective operation of their leaders. Despite the humble salary, Mark Zuckerberg net worth remains one of the highest at $169 Billion.