Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Chicago Pride Fest 2024 Performers Revealed: Gay Pop Icon Jojo Siwa Headlines Festival
Chicago\'s 2024 Pride Festival is set to dazzle attendees with an impressive lineup of artists, including Jojo Siwa, Natasha Bedingfield, Bob the Drag Queen, and Amber Riley, known for her role in \"Glee.\" This vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community will take place in Northalsted on June 22 and 23. According to CBS, the Chicago Pride Fest 2024, open to the public with free admission, suggests a donation of $15 to support its operations and the community it serves. The Northalsted area, historically significant for Chicago\'s LGBTQ+ community, will once again turn into a hub of celebration, featuring stages where these high-profile artists will perform. The Northhalsted website has details about the event\'s schedule and performance times for the Pride Fest Chicago lineup. This year’s guest stars are expected to draw large crowds, given the popularity of the performers and the festival’s reputation for fostering a supportive and celebratory environment for diversity and inclusion. The pride fest 2024 is part of a broader array of events during Pride Month, which seeks to promote visibility, equality, and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals through various forms of public expression and celebration. In 2024, the Pride Festival will illuminate Chicago and several other major cities across the United States, each bringing its unique flair and high-profile headliners to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. These festivals are not just events, but inclusive spaces that welcome and value every individual, regardless of their identity. In Los Angeles, the Pride Festival is scheduled for June 8 at the LA State Historic Park. Following the tradition of star-studded events, the festival organizers promise an impressive lineup of performances, continuing the legacy of past performers like Megan Thee Stallion and Mariah Carey. The LA Pride Parade, a historical march along Hollywood Boulevard that started back in 1970, is not just a parade, but a symbol of the rich history and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. New York City\'s Pride will culminate with its famous parade on June 30. As one of the largest and most well-known Pride celebrations globally, NYC Pride attracts millions of visitors annually, making it a testament to the global recognition and impact of the LGBTQ+ community. The events spread throughout the month include family movie nights, a human rights conference, and the iconic dance on the pier. San Francisco is preparing for its Pride celebration on June 29 and 30, with a theme focusing on \'Generations of Resistance.\' The SF Pride parade, known for its vibrant displays and community-driven floats, is a significant highlight, drawing participants worldwide. We encourage everyone to get involved and be a part of this celebration of our diverse and resilient community.
X TV App Looks Similar To YouTube; Will Offer \’Tailored\’, \’Personalized\’ Video Content
X, the social media company previously known as Twitter, is set to launch a new venture: the X TV app, aimed at enhancing the video viewing experience on smart TVs. CEO Linda Yaccarino announced the app, which promises to deliver real-time, engaging content directly to users\' televisions and features an interface that closely resembles that of YouTube. A report said that this upcoming app is said to be a YouTube alternative and will include a trending video algorithm designed to present users with tailored content that is currently popular, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest trends and topics. Additionally, the app will utilize AI to organize videos by subject, making it easier for users to find content that matches their interests. One of the key features of the new X TV app is its support for cross-device viewing. This functionality will allow users to begin watching a video on their smartphone and then seamlessly continue on their smart TV, providing a flexible viewing experience that caters to the modern, on-the-go lifestyle. Yaccarino highlighted that the app will feature an enhanced video search capability, making it simpler for users to navigate and discover new videos. While a specific launch date has not been confirmed, the app is expected to be available on most smart TV platforms soon. The announcement comes just in time when some experts believe that Threads, considered to be the main competition of Elon Musk X, is said to be overtaking the popular platform. The report shared that data from Apptopia is showing a steady increase in the number of daily active users for the Meta platform. In fact, their latest insights suggest that Threads may now have surpassed X in terms of daily active users - at least within the US market. This is a concern for X, which dominates when it comes to people\'s choice of platform for their daily sentiments.
Last Call For Global Influencer Marketing Awards 2024 Entries, Submissions Accepted Until Friday
The countdown is on for the Global Influencer Marketing Awards 2024 (GMAs), with the final submission deadline looming this Friday, April 26th, at 10am GMT. This marks the last opportunity for various influencer marketing companies, brands, and influencers to enter this prestigious competition, which celebrates outstanding achievements in the influencer marketing industry. Hosted by Hello Partner, the GIMAs are gearing up for their sixth annual ceremony, set to be held at the luxurious five-star Londoner Hotel on July 18th. According to a report, the awards night promises to be a stellar gathering of industry leaders, offering a platform to showcase innovation and excellence in influencer marketing. This year\'s awards will include several new categories in its Global Influencer Marketing Awards 2024 nominations to reflect the latest industry trends, including \'Best Micro-Influencer Campaign,\' \'Best Use of User-Generated Content (UGC),\' and \'Talent Agency of the Year.\' These categories are designed to recognize the growing impact of micro-influencers, UGC\'s creative use, and talent agencies\' critical role in shaping the industry. Past winners, such as Rahul Titus of Ogilvy, who last year described winning as \"the absolute benchmark of the industry,\" emphasized the importance of participating in the GIMAs. Jessica Marshall from Awin also highlighted the awards as a unique opportunity for professionals to connect and celebrate the breadth of work across the industry. For those preparing their entries before the Global Influencer Marketing Awards 2024 deadline, the judges offer some advice: focus on robust data and analytics to back up your submissions. Danielle Goodall, a previous judge and Senior Advocacy, Partnerships & Events Manager for Volvo Cars, stressed the importance of including strong results and engaging content in the submissions, noting that these elements significantly influence the judging process. Key upcoming dates include the announcement of the judges on May 2nd, followed by the shortlist reveal on June 13th. Participants and attendees can look forward to a night of celebration and networking in July, where the best of the best will be honored. For further details on entry guidelines and to download the Entry Kit, participants are encouraged to visit Hello Partner\'s official website. The GIMAs represent a golden opportunity for those in the influencer marketing sector to gain recognition on a global scale and to showcase their contributions to the evolving digital marketing landscape.
Eva Evans\’ Cause Of Death Revealed: Influencer Hanged Herself Years After Dad\’s Suicide
Eva Evans, a popular TikToker known for her engaging lifestyle content and web series \"Club Rat,\" has died in what appears to be a suicide, authorities said. She was 29. Law enforcement sources confirmed that Evans was found late Saturday night by a friend who had a key to her New York City apartment. The friend, who had last seen Evans alive on Friday morning, was shocked to discover her body and immediately called 911. In a report from TMZ, responding officers found no signs of a struggle or unusual injuries at the scene. A note was found near Evans, although the details of its contents have not been disclosed. While the immediate evidence suggests Eva Evans cause of death is suicide, the official outcone is pending further investigation, including toxicology results. The news of Evans\'s death was first shared by her sister, Lila, on social media. In a heartfelt tribute, Lila remembered Eva as a \"sweet and loving sister,\" but did not provide details about the circumstances of her death. Eva Evans TikTok gained popularity for her candid portrayals of life as a 20-something in New York City and for \"Club Rat,\" a web series that explored the city\'s dating scene. Although she did not frequently discuss mental health on her platform, she had previously opened up about her personal experiences with it. In a story shared with the organization Don\'t Mind Me, which supports individuals struggling with mental health issues, Eva revealed that her father had died by suicide in 2018, an event that deeply affected her. Eva Evans COD is a poignant reminder of the hidden struggles that individuals may face and the importance of mental health awareness and support. It underscores the vital role of friends, family, and mental health professionals in providing support and intervention to those in need. Recently, some groups have questioned the role of social media when it comes to individual mental health, with some districts trying to do everything to minimize exposure, especially when it comes to younger people. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, a suicide prevention hotline is available. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or via chat at 988lifeline.org.
The Most Followed Person On Social Media Is Not Even On TikTok And YouTube
Who is the most followed person on social media? The social media sphere continues to be dominated by a select group of individuals whose massive online followings make them some of the most influential figures globally. A recent analysis has identified the top 30 social media influencers worldwide, spanning platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). These are the influencers with the most followers on social media. This comprehensive list, which includes celebrities from sports, music, and entertainment, reflects their broad appeal and widespread influence across diverse audiences. Cristiano Ronaldo, the most followed person on Instagram, leads the pack with over 732 million followers, underscoring his immense popularity as a sports icon and the most famous person on social media. One most followed person on TikTok, music star Ariana Grande, also ranks high on the list, showcasing dual talents in her music career and skillful engagement with fans online. Their substantial followings demonstrate the power of combining traditional celebrity with savvy social media, enabling them to reach millions worldwide. The ranking also highlights influencers who initially gained fame through social media platforms, such as Kylie Jenner and the renowned YouTuber MrBeast, whose innovative content creation has amassed hundreds of millions of followers. Their ability to captivate audiences underscores the shift in how people consume entertainment and interact with celebrities today. The influence of these social media titans extends beyond mere numbers. They drive trends, shape consumer behavior, and profoundly impact the marketing and entertainment industries. Brands continue to leverage these influencers to reach vast audiences directly, making them pivotal in global promotional strategies. This year’s list not only celebrates individual achievements but also signals the evolving dynamics of global influence. Social media platforms remain critical in determining who garners attention and why, reflecting a world increasingly driven by digital interactions. As social media platforms grow and adapt, influencers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between brands and consumers, offering authenticity and relatability that resonate with younger, digitally-savvy generations. The top influencers of 2024 exemplify the power of combining personal brand development with strategic content creation, setting the stage for the future of digital influence and marketing.
Russia Sentences Zuckerberg’s Meta Spokesperson To 6 Years In Prison For Claims He Encouraged Russian Violence
A Russian court has handed down a six-year prison sentence to Andy Stone, the communications director at Meta, after convicting him in absentia of justifying terrorism. The charges, reported by Mediazona, stem from comments Stone made regarding Meta\'s temporary changes to its hate speech policy during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response to the conflict, The Andy Stone Russia issue stemmed from his announcement that Meta would allow certain forms of political expression on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, that would normally breach its rules, such as statements like \"death to the Russian invaders.\" However, he made it clear that calls for violence against Russian civilians would continue to be prohibited. Despite these specifications, Russian authorities pursued charges against Stone, accusing him of making illegal calls for violence and killings of Russian citizens. The situation escalated as Russia declared Meta an extremist organization and blocked access to Facebook and Instagram within the country. These platforms, along with X (formerly Twitter), which was also blocked, were previously popular among Russians but are now only accessible via VPNs. The trial was conducted swiftly, beginning on a Friday and concluding by Monday with only two hearings. Andy Stone Meta, who resides in the U.S., was represented by a government-appointed lawyer, emphasizing the trial\'s expedited and contentious nature. The decision is seen to put Stone in a Russian prison. Besides the prison sentence, Stone has been barred from administering websites for four additional years. This case highlights the escalating tensions between Russia and international technology companies, particularly those like Meta, that have taken stances on geopolitical issues. It also underscores the broader crackdown on free speech and the suppression of dissent within Russia, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The trial and conviction of Stone in absentia marks a significant moment in the complex relationship between global tech firms and Russian regulatory and judicial systems.
Facebook Scam Uses Death Notices To Gain Access To Your Account In New Phishing Attack
As social media becomes increasingly woven into our daily lives, it also grows as a fertile ground for cybercriminals, with phishing attacks becoming more prevalent on platforms like Facebook. Users are currently being targeted via Facebook scams by deceptive posts with emotional appeals via Facebook death announcements such as \"Look who died?\" or \"I can\'t believe you\'re gone. May you R.I.P,\" which lead to fake login pages designed to steal personal information. These Facebook death scams or Facebook phishing scams are digital fraud techniques where attackers pose as legitimate institutions to lure individuals into providing sensitive data. On Facebook, this often involves posts or messages that mimic genuine requests from the platform but lead to malicious sites. To safeguard against these threats, it is crucial not to click on suspicious links. Recognizing phishing attempts can be challenging, but sure signs can help identify fraudulent activity: Messages demanding money, promising extravagant gifts, or threatening account deletion. Requests for personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers. Links that look unusual or out of character for the sender. Here are additional indicators specific to email phishing: Unusual greetings or tone, spelling and grammar mistakes, and inconsistent email addresses or domain names. Emails that convey urgency contain suspicious attachments or ask for personal data. Facebook recommends several proactive measures to enhance security: Enable alerts for unrecognized logins to detect unauthorized access attempts. Use two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. Ensure that all communications regarding your Facebook account come from official domains like fb.com, facebook.com, or facebookmail.com. If you suspect you\'ve fallen victim to a phishing attack on Facebook, immediate actions include: Resetting your password and logging out of unfamiliar devices that can access your account. Reviewing your account\'s recent activity and the legitimacy of any emails from Facebook. If locked out of your account, use the \"Find Your Account\" feature on Facebook to initiate recovery, using known devices and following on-screen instructions to reset your password. By staying vigilant and informed about these potential scams, Facebook users can better protect their personal information and maintain the integrity of their online presence.
Ohio GOP Looking To Ban Social Media On School Wi-Fi, Phones In Class
In a move aimed at enhancing educational focus and mental health among students, Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill that would lead to an Ohio ban on social media use and limit electronic device usage in schools. The proposed legislation, spearheaded by State Rep. Tom Young (R-Washington Township), seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of social media and promote a healthier learning environment. Observing the impact of social media on his children, Rep. Young described the emotional toll it takes, from increased pressure to concerns over privacy despite parental controls. \"The pressure, the tears—it\'s just not worth it,\" Young remarked, highlighting a common sentiment among parents witnessing the anxiety and distraction linked to constant digital connectivity. The bill, known as House Bill 485, would not only lead to phone ban in schools, and prohibit the use of personal electronic devices like computers during class, but would also block access to social media sites through school Wi-Fi. Exceptions would be made for emergencies, healthcare needs, or specific learning accommodations. Echoing the sentiment, Parma City School District Superintendent Charles Smialek shared positive feedback from existing policies that restrict phone use. Smialek supports the statewide initiative but expressed concerns about preserving local decision-making authority in schools. Critically, the legislation also requires middle and high school students to attend courses highlighting the negative aspects of social media, ranging from the potential for addiction and misinformation to cyberbullying and privacy issues. This educational component aims to equip students with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the digital world responsibly. Despite the proposed benefits, the bill faces challenges, including concerns about its implementation without additional funding. Public schools, already grappling with budget constraints, are expected to absorb the costs associated with the new policies. The initiative has sparked a broader debate on the role of technology in education and its impact on student wellbeing. Recently, a mom from Arkansas lobbied for social media platform TikTok, to be more responsible with their content. The mom\'s son is said to have committed suicide because of videos found on the platform. Hers is just one of the many cases that suggest social media has a strong impact on the Youth\'s mental health. As Ohio stands alone without statewide health education standards, the move to integrate digital literacy and safety into the curriculum could set a precedent for addressing modern challenges in student health and education. The bill\'s progress and its implications for Ohio\'s educational policies will be closely watched in the coming months, with potential nationwide implications as other states observe the outcomes of Ohio\'s bold step towards redefining the use of technology in classrooms.
Watch: Influencer Makes Money Rain On Beach; Drops Wads Of Cash From Helicopter
In today\'s bizarre influencer news or extraordinary display of generosity (whichever way you see it), social media influencer Bel Ponciano made headlines by dropping over £1,500 from a helicopter to unsuspecting beachgoers in Balneário Camboriú, Brazil. The fitness influencer, known for her dramatic gestures, was filmed scattering banknotes from the sky as tourists and locals scrambled on the sands to collect the fluttering cash. The incident took place on a sunny morning, with Ponciano captured grinning broadly as she released notes of various amounts through the helicopter\'s small window. The beach, typically a scene of leisurely sunbathing and relaxation, quickly turns into a frenetic treasure hunt as the influencer drops money from the helicopter. As seen in her Instagram, people gathered the money under the clear blue skies. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6CBJ4bRrQt/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet Ponciano, who has a following of 100,000 on Instagram, later shared the video of her airborne cash giveaway, which has since gone viral, attracting nearly 50,000 views and hundreds of enthusiastic comments from fans. Followers praised her for her selflessness and the joy she brought to an ordinary day at the beach. One fan remarked, \"Well done warrior, success shines brightly, you are a good person.\" This is not the first time Ponciano has been involved in public money giveaways. Earlier this year, she was seen throwing cash from a building window and later from a supercar - actions that have cemented her reputation as a benefactor with a flair for the dramatic. Her acts continue to inspire her followers, with one commenting, \"You can earn money as it falls from the air while taking a beautiful walk in our wonderful city!\" Ponciano\'s latest stunt not only highlighted her penchant for grand gestures but also sparked conversations about the role of social media influencers in public life. As she continues to challenge the norms of influencer engagements, Ponciano remains a figure of fascination and controversy. Her parting message to her followers: \"Never give up on your dreams! Only God can stop you, nobody else! Next time, it will be from a rocket.\"
Tesla Layoffs: Entire US ‘Growth Content’ Team Fired As Elon Musk Changes Mind On Advertising
A substantial Tesla layoffs is currently underway in the Elon Musk-owned company, Tesla Inc., impacting its newly established marketing team and other departments, as part of a broader company restructuring. This move marks a significant reversal from its brief venture into more traditional advertising approach initiated under Musk less than a year ago. The Tesla layoffs have profoundly impacted the entire U.S. \"growth content\" team, a group formed just four months ago and comprised approximately of 40 employees. According to Bloomberg, this team, led by senior manager Alex Ingram and global team leader Jorge Milburn, was among those who were let go. While the U.S. marketing team has been significantly reduced, a small marketing staff remains active in Europe. Tesla Marketing Team Fired Additional job reductions were reported in Tesla\'s design studio and its facilities in Hawthorne, California. These cuts are part of what Musk has described as the \"largest-ever job cuts\" at Tesla, aimed at reducing the global workforce by more than 10%. Bloomberg recently reported that Musk is pushing for a 20% reduction in staff, which could translate to over 20,000 job losses. This Tesla marketing layoffs coincide with a challenging period for Tesla. Its stock fell 3% by midday Monday in New York, contributing to a year-to-date decline of over 40%. Tesla\'s performance ranks second-worst in the S&P 500 Index for this year. Musk commented on the effectiveness of the disbanded marketing team\'s efforts on social media platform X, noting that the advertisements created were \"far too generic\" and could have been associated with any car brand. This reflection follows a period of experimentation with traditional advertising, which was a departure from Tesla\'s longstanding reliance on word-of-mouth for brand promotion. The cuts and strategic reversals occur amidst broader challenges for the company, including a slowdown in global EV sales and heightened competition in the market. Additionally, Tesla\'s advertising shift had overlapped with Musk\'s acquisition of the company formerly known as Twitter, which has been struggling with a significant drop in advertising revenue amid controversies over content moderation and Musk\'s public statements.