Latest Influencer News in 2026

Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!

image ofDonald Trump

Donald Trump To Get $1.3 Billion Richer From Truth Social Stock

Former President Donald Trump is on the verge of a financial coup, poised to amass a staggering sum of over $1 billion, all thanks to his social media venture, Truth Social stock. According to a CNN report, despite the platform\'s modest size and Trump Media & Technology Group\'s financial losses, Trump stands to gain an additional 36 million shares, valued at about $1.3 billion at current prices. This could significantly raise the Donald Trump net worth to over $4.7 billion, offering a hopeful outlook for his financial future. Truth Social is described as “America\'s Big Tent\" social media platform that encourages an open, free, and honest global conversation without discriminating on the basis of political ideology. Trump has been known for years as a very vocal personality on social media and has often found himself in hot water for incredulous statements. Trump Media\'s stock has been a wild ride since its public debut, earning it the moniker of a \'meme stock on steroids.\' Despite a significant drop from its peak in March, the share price remains above the threshold for additional share issuances to pre-merger shareholders like Trump, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this investment. The merger agreement\'s terms dictate that Trump could receive up to 40 million additional shares if specific price metrics are met. With the 20th trading day approaching and the share price consistently meeting the required level, anticipating whether the conditions for additional shares will indeed be fulfilled adds a layer of intrigue to the situation. If all unfolds as anticipated, Donald Trump’s Truth Social stake could surge to a commanding 65% of the total outstanding shares, with his ownership potentially reaching a staggering 114.75 million shares—however, the stock\'s extreme volatility and legal restrictions on immediate share cashing present formidable hurdles. Critically, experts caution that Truth Social\'s stock appears overvalued compared to industry peers. While the platform\'s popularity among specific population segments is undeniable, its valuation defies conventional metrics. Trump Media\'s stock\'s overvaluation is highlighted by its staggering price-to-sales ratio, which is significantly higher than that of its social media counterparts.

image ofMrBeast

Netizens React After MrBeast Reveals New Type Of YouTube Content: ‘The Real GOAT’

The online community is ablaze with discussions about the optimal length of videos, following a remark in a MrBeast newest video. The new post from the popular YouTuber resulted to various exchanges and debates online. The debate centers around the impact of video length on attention spans and mental health, triggering a wide range of responses from content creators and viewers alike. In a recent viral tweet, MrBeast shared that despite having ADHD, he managed to stay focused throughout for 40 minutes on the MrBeast YouTube channel, suggesting that longer videos could potentially sustain viewer engagement. This comment has sparked a conversation about how digital content influences attention spans, with many agreeing that a more extended format might contribute to a healthier attention span, thereby benefiting overall cognitive health. However, the discussion has also highlighted differing opinions, particularly among those with ADHD. Twitter user Simone Price expressed being offended by generalizations about attention spans and ADHD. She humorously noted that her lawyers suggested a non-disclosure agreement of around $45,000 due to the potential implications of such statements by influential figures like MrBeast. On the other hand, some users are advocating for shorter videos. Dustin Burnham argued that \"super short-form video is absolutely toxic to the human brain,\" emphasizing the harmful effects of rapidly consuming brief clips. This perspective aligns with concerns about decreasing attention spans in today\'s fast-paced social media environment. The conversation has extended beyond individual preferences, touching on broader implications for content creators. The pressure to adapt to various formats can be challenging, especially when balancing audience expectations with personal creativity and mental health considerations. As this debate unfolds, it is clear that video length is more than just a matter of taste; it\'s a complex issue affecting creators and viewers psychologically and socially. The diversity of opinions showcases the evolving nature of content consumption and the need for a deeper understanding of its effects on mental health and attention retention.

image ofTikTok Shop

TikTok Shop Launches Secondhand Luxury Marketplace In UK

TikTok is expanding its secondhand luxury fashion offerings to the UK via its Tiktok shop, escalating competition with other reselling platforms like The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, and Depop. This move comes after the successful introduction of a similar category in the U.S. almost half a year ago. According to TechCrunch, the secondhand luxury category on TikTok Shop UK will allow users to buy pre-owned high-end clothing, designer bags, and other accessories directly through the Tiktok shop app. At launch, the marketplace will feature items from five UK-based sellers including Sellier, Luxe Collective, Sign of the Times, HardlyEverWornIt, and Break Archive. Since its inception in 2022, TikTok Shop has reported sales surpassing $1 billion. However, the platform has faced criticism for issues such as counterfeit goods. In response, TikTok has implemented strict anti-counterfeit measures, including partnering with authentication services Entrupy and Real Authentication to verify the authenticity of luxury goods sold on its platform. A TikTok spokesperson highlighted that each of the UK brands involved has robust in-house processes to authenticate their goods, ensuring their quality and legitimacy. The expansion into the UK market taps into the burgeoning global secondhand luxury sector, which saw sales of approximately $49.3 billion in 2023. A shift towards sustainable fashion and the increasing acceptance of pre-owned items among consumers drives this sector\'s growth. The move also comes at a critical time for TikTok, as it faces potential challenges in the U.S. market. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill requiring TikTok\'s parent company, ByteDance, to divest the app or face a ban, a measure that could significantly impact TikTok\'s operations and its American sellers. With over 144,000 posts and 1.2 billion views under the hashtag #secondhandfashion, TikTok\'s venture into secondhand luxury fashion in the UK via the Tiktok shop seller center, is poised to capitalize on the platform\'s vast reach and popularity among fashion enthusiasts.

image ofSocial Media logos

Colorado To Restrict Kids\’ Instagram, TikTok Use; Limit \’Addictive Features\’ With New Social Media Bill

An unprecedented Colorado social media bill aimed at reducing excessive SocMed use by children is set to reach the governor\'s desk. The bipartisan bill, HB24-1136, introduces mandatory pop-up notifications for users under 18 after one hour of usage per day to combat the adverse mental health effects linked to prolonged social media engagement. In a report, Senator Lisa Cutter, one of the bill\'s sponsors, emphasized the urgency of addressing social media\'s addictive nature, particularly among the youth, prompting politicians to push for the social media bill 2024. “Three or more hours of social media use per day doubles adolescents’ risk of poor mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety,\" Cutter stated. She described the legislation as a \"commonsense measure\" that would empower parents and educators to manage better and mitigate the impacts of social media on teenagers, particularly the social media effects on mental health. In addition to the pop-up notifications, this social media bill in Colorado mandates the creation of a resource bank by the Colorado Department of Education. This collection will include evidence-based research, scholarly articles, and promising program materials focused on the mental and physical health impacts of social media use. These resources are intended for use in elementary and secondary schools throughout the state. Furthermore, the legislation calls for expanding local student wellness programs to encompass issues related to problematic technology use. This includes educational efforts to address how excessive use of technology can affect mental and physical well-being. The bill stipulates that from Jan. 1, 2026, all social media platforms must implement these changes to ensure compliance with the new regulations, particularly implementing pop-up warnings for young users. This legislative move reflects growing concerns about the influence of digital platforms on youth health and well-being and aims to provide tools for educators and families to help mitigate these effects. Colorado would be at the forefront of state-level efforts to regulate children\'s interaction with social media if signed into law.

image ofElon Musk

Australia Slams Elon Musk, X\’s Reaction To Sydney Stabbing Video; Will Tighten Social Media Laws

Elon Musk, the owner of social media platform X, is once more at the center of another controversy following his refusal to comply with an Australian order to remove graphic footage of a recent incident showing a bishop stabbed in Australia. The footage of the Sydney stabbing on the platform has ignited a sharp response from Australian politicians across party lines, and are now advocating for tougher regulations when it comes to social media content. In a report, the conflict arose after two violent stabbing attacks occurred in Sydney, leading the e-safety commissioner to issue a takedown notice to X (formerly Twitter). Musk challenged the order, labeling it as an attempt by Australia to impose \"global content bans,\" which he deems as overreach by the nation’s \"censorship commissar.\" In response to Musk\'s defiance, X announced plans to temporarily remove the content while pursuing legal action against what it calls the government\'s \"unlawful and dangerous approach\" to Australia social media law. This incident has prompted the Australian government to reevaluate its social media governance, signaling a potential overhaul of the Online Safety Act to strengthen enforcement capabilities. These changes could include legally binding voluntary industry standards and fines on platforms that fail to adhere to them. The issue has also highlighted the broader challenges social media platforms face regarding misinformation. In a related incident, a Sydney man was mistakenly identified as an attacker in a separate event, intensifying scrutiny on how platforms manage and disseminate user-generated content. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton expressed a bipartisan desire to hold social media companies accountable under Australian law, emphasizing the importance of applying local laws to content shown within the country. \"Australian law should apply equally in the real world as it does online,\" Dutton stated during an ABC interview. Amid these developments, politicians like Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt have criticized Musk’s attitude towards regulatory compliance. Watt accused Musk of neglecting public safety and civic responsibility, stating, \"The public has had a gutful of these narcissistic billionaires who think they are above the law.\" As the debate continues, the Australian government is poised to introduce reworked legislation that could impose stricter controls on social media platforms. This would ensure they act responsibly within the regulatory framework designed to protect public safety and prevent misinformation.

image ofBarzel Media

Pro-Israel Influencers Find Support From Barzel Media After Being Canceled By Brands, Fans

In what’s considered a brave move in Israel news and within the influencer marketing niche, Barzel Media has stepped up as a pioneering agency dedicated to supporting social media personalities who have faced backlash for their pro-Israel views. Brian Spivak founded the agency following the financial and professional challenges many influencers, known collectively as pro-Israel influencers, encountered after the Oct. 7 attacks. Barzel Media, which takes its name from the Hebrew word for \'iron,\' aims to provide a platform for influencers whose mainstream brands have dropped due to their political stances regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. This initiative is a testament to the resilience of these influencers who, despite facing brand severances that left them without a source of income and, for some, a dim future in the industry, are determined to continue their advocacy even amidst the Israel-Hamas war. The agency offers these influencers and even pro-Israel celebrities a new beginning and ensures alignment with brands that share their ideological perspectives, particularly Jewish and Israeli-owned companies. This strategic alignment not only fosters a supportive environment but also reassures these influencers that they can freely express their support for Israel without jeopardizing their careers. Spivak, the CEO of Barzel Media, explained his motivation, saying, \"After volunteering with the Hostage Families Forum in Tel Aviv, I encountered numerous creators whose professional contracts were terminated due to their vocal support for Israel. This compelled me to establish Barzel Media to guarantee that influencers advocating for Israel have the backing needed to thrive.\" Bianca Jade, a former television host and influencer, is among those on the pro-Israel celebrity list who have benefited from Barzel Media’s support. After expressing her support for Israel, Jade experienced significant professional setbacks, including losing a major brand deal. She shared, \"When I stood up for the victims of the October 7th attacks, I was abruptly dropped by my sponsors, losing all my income despite my previous success with these brands.\" Barzel Media plays a crucial role in rebuilding the careers of these influencers, demonstrating its commitment to championing the cause of free speech within the digital influence. By connecting influencers with compatible brands, the agency ensures a stable environment where these individuals can continue to advocate for their beliefs, instilling hope for a brighter future in their professional fields. As the digital space continues to evolve, Barzel Media sets a precedent for how agencies can support influencers in navigating the complex interplay of politics and professional stability. The agency is currently open to partnerships with brands and influencers who align with its mission, promising opportunities for those who have been marginalized in their professional fields due to their political views.

image ofInfluencers killed in Greece

Two Influencers Have Plunged To Death While Filming Content In Just One Month

An influencer falls to death in a tragic incident while exploring an abandoned village in Calabria, Italy, recently. Giorgi \'Tzane\' Janelidze, a 23-year-old fitness influencer, fell to his death, making him one of the unfortunate cases of people being harmed because of social media. His friend, Chris Kogias, confirmed his death. Janelidze is known for his engaging content on TikTok and Instagram, where he boasted over 103,000 followers. According to a report, he was filming a video with friends in Roghudi Vecchio, a ghost town left deserted since the 1970s due to severe flooding. This is where the influencer falls into a reservoir. The group was on an unstable balcony when Janelidze slipped and plummeted into a deep ravine below. The remote and rugged terrain complicated rescue efforts, requiring firefighters from the Melito Porto Salvo detachment and the SAF unit to deploy a helicopter from the Lamezia Terme del Corpo flight department. They were forced to use a helicopter to lift his body from the scene due to the inaccessibility of the ravine. Local authorities in the coastal town of Saline Joniche are now handling the case, as Janelidze\'s father travels from Greece to Calabria to identify his son\'s body and arrange for its repatriation. This incident marks the second time an influencer fell to his death in similar circumstances within a month, raising concerns about the risks associated with filming in hazardous environments. Janelidze\'s death underscores the potential dangers of venturing into unstable and abandoned locations for social media content. Janelidze, originally from Georgia and residing in Greece, was celebrated as one of the top fitness influencers on Greek TikTok. He recently ventured into business with a friend, selling fitness-related products online. His loss has left his family, friends, and fans mourning a vibrant life cut tragically short. His girlfriend, Elena Margariti, expressed her grief on Instagram, describing Janelidze as \"the most beautiful person inside and out\" and lamenting the future they had planned together.

image ofTikTok Ban Update

TikTok Ban Update: Top Exec To Be Fired After US House Requires Chinese Owners To Sell App, Insider Claims

U.S.-based general counsel for TikTok and its parent company ByteDance, Erich Andersen, is set to make haste and leave as the social media giant continues to suffer increased scrutiny from the U.S. government over national security concerns. This development comes as a pivotal bill now dubbed the ‘Tiktok ban bill’ progresses through Congress that could force the company to sever ties with its Chinese ownership or risk being banned in the United States. According to this Bloomberg report, Andersen has been at the forefront of negotiations with U.S. officials, aiming to demonstrate that TikTok has sufficient safeguards against potential data breaches and undue influence from the Chinese government. Despite these efforts, a government panel reviewing the security implications of TikTok’s operations in the U.S. remains unconvinced, calling for a Titkok ban vote The move to phase out Andersen’s role coincides with the recent approval by the U.S. House of Representatives of a bill mandating that TikTok be divested from ByteDance unless it wants to face prohibition nationwide. This supposed ‘Tiktok ban’ update is highlighted amidst escalating concerns about data privacy and foreign interference and is expected to be enacted into law shortly. Sources close to the matter, who preferred to remain anonymous, indicated that while Andersen is still currently employed by TikTok, his departure from the general counsel role is imminent. The exact reasons for the shift in his professional status at TikTok have not been disclosed. Still, they are closely tied to the ongoing legislative and public relations challenges facing the company. This change in leadership comes at a critical time for TikTok as it navigates one of its most significant crises on U.S. soil. The company has been under intense pressure to prove its platform does not pose a national security risk, particularly regarding user data and content management. As the situation develops, TikTok’s strategy in the U.S. is expected to undergo significant changes to align more closely with U.S. regulatory expectations and to mitigate further governmental pushback.

image ofDavid Beckham sues Mark Wahlberg

David Beckham F45 Lawsuit Claims Mark Wahlberg\’s Company Didn’t Pay Him $10M For Endorsement

David Beckham has filed a legal action against F45 Training, the fitness company partly owned by actor Mark Wahlberg, saying that the company failed to fulfill its financial promises. The lawsuit was filed by Beckham\'s DB Ventures Ltd, claiming that F45 actually misled him into signing a deal under false pretenses, which was supposedly a Mark Wahlberg F45 investment. The David Beckham F45 lawsuit highlighted Mark Wahlberg\'s F45 ownership at 36% stake and where the actor, who serves as the chief brand officer, appointed Beckham as its Global Ambassador. Beckham, who developed a close relationship with Wahlberg while playing for the L.A. Galaxy in California, was expected to leverage his substantial social media following to enhance the company\'s global reach. However, the partnership soured as Beckham claims he did not receive the $10 million promised, coinciding with a significant drop in the company’s stock value. According to TMZ, the dispute escalated after F45 requested the court to dismiss the lawsuit, labeling it \"fraudulent.\" Nonetheless, the judge has decided to let the case proceed, rejecting the company\'s plea to terminate the legal challenge. This legal battle is not the first for F45 Training, as former NFL star Terrell Owens sued the company in 2017. Owens alleged that F45 failed to pay him $700,000, echoing Beckham\'s current grievances with the fitness firm. The cases have imposed a major problem for Wahlberg. The outcome of Beckham’s lawsuit could potentially tarnish F45 Training\'s reputation in the fitness industry, with significant implications for its business operations. This legal battle could also significantly boost David Beckham\'s already impressive net worth. The case continues to develop as both parties prepare for further legal proceedings. David Beckham is a renowned British football talent who brought a fresh wave of enthusiasm to the sport of soccer in the United States. Recognized globally, along with his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, David is regarded as one of the most iconic personalities in soccer, both on and off the field. David Beckham’s net worth is said to be around $450 million.

image ofqueen elizabeth

Sarah Ferguson Messes Up Sweet Queen Elizabeth\’s Birthday Tribute; Netizens Quick To Call Her Out

Royal enthusiasts and netizens were quick to point out that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, messed up what was supposed to be a touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s birthday. According to a report, the mistake was discovered in Sarah Ferguson’s Instagram account, where the duchess shared her birthday greeting along with a photo of the late queen. Apparently, Ferguson mistakenly said Queen Elizabeth’s age is 97 instead of 98. Queen Elizabeth’s birthday is April 21, 1926, making this year her 98th birthday. She passed away in September 2022. The error in Queen Elizabeth\'s age was quickly spotted by followers, with several pointing out the miscalculation in the comments section of Ferguson’s Instagram post. The report mentioned one user referencing a personal connection: \"She would have been 98. My dad was born the same year, 1926.\" Another added, \"1926 to 2024 should be 98.\" Despite the blunder, followers were still quick to defend the Duchess, suggesting the error was merely a typographical mistake. One comment read, \"To all those correcting Sarah Ferguson, I\'m sure she knows exactly how old HM Queen Elizabeth would have been. It can only be a typo.\" It seems that there are more people who showed appreciation of the duchess\' message, even if she has long been divorced from her royal husband. Sarah Ferguson, or Fergie, despite her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996, has consistently expressed her deep admiration and respect for Queen Elizabeth II. She has often referred to the late monarch as her \'total idol\' and has maintained a strong bond with the Royal Family. The minor blunder in the birthday tribute did not overshadow the profound sentiment of the post, which was a heartfelt celebration of Queen Elizabeth\'s birthday. Ferguson\'s message underscored the late monarch\'s role as a \'steadfast leader and dear friend\' and acknowledged her significant impact and legacy. She was definitely missed by the duchess.