Influencers
If You Can Identify All 12 Of These Famous Indian People On The Internet, You Are Probably Gen Z
You are either younger than 20 or chronically online.
This Fearless Video Journalist Is Livestreaming The French Street Protests To Millions Worldwide
Rémy Buisine, a 32-year-old from the Paris-based online media outlet Brut, has attracted fans from all over the globe.
This TikToker Used Color Correctors As Foundation. Then Huda Kattan Slammed Her For It.
“There's different application styles and we just have to leave it at that, I apologize and I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart,” Kattan said.
People Are Saying They’re “So Over” Mikayla Nogueira After The Makeup Influencer Was Accused Of Faking An Accent
Fans have shared increasing skepticism and confusion over the influencer’s persona online.
Fitness-Turned-Christianity Influencer Brittany Dawn Just Addressed Her Upcoming Trial For The First Time
Her debut podcast launched on Wednesday, and she talked about her upcoming jury trial after she was sued by the state of Texas.
Popular Finance YouTubers Who Hyped Crypto Company FTX Are Being Sued
Those named in the $1 billion class action suit included Meet Kevin channel operator Kevin Paffrath and Graham Stephan, a former real estate agent from Selling Sunset’s Oppenheim Group.
This Influencer’s 10-Pump Foundation Hack Went Viral On TikTok So It Is As Messy To Try As You Might Suspect
This week, social media made me do this.
Zendaya's Stylist Law Roach Said He’s Retiring Just Days After He Put Hunter Schafer In A Viral White Feather Top For The Oscars
“My cup is empty,” the A-list stylist wrote in an Instagram post shared Tuesday.
People Are Making Fun Of Jake Paul For Losing His First Fight With A Boxer But He's Handling It Surprisingly Well
“The Jake Paul curse is over.”
Bretman Rock Said “The Beauty Industry Became The Sorry Industry” And He No Longer Wants To Be Associated With It
“The beauty industry became the sorry industry,” the 24-year-old former makeup influencer said in a new interview.
The Only Woman In Twitch’s 100 Most-Viewed Streamers Said Dealing With Exploitative Imagery Is “Ridiculous” And “Hard”
“When that technology gets to the point where it's so good that it's actually causing issues and political campaigns, that’s when people are gonna finally get shit done about it.”
29 Pushy, Entitled Influencers Who Really Thought They Deserved Special Treatment
"It's cool, though. I won't expose your artwork to a few hundred more people, lol."
A Major Content House In New York City, Ur Mom’s House, Has Splintered
The excitable YouTubers have cut ties after drama, with three of the original members having posted back-and-forth statements about their friendship.
Adult Performer Amouranth Is Seeking “Legal And Emotional Counsel” After Sharing That Her Husband Controlled Her Money And Threatened To Kill Her Dogs
In a new video, Amouranth says the police visited her house after her livestream on Sunday where she outlined her husband’s abuse.
"There's No Need For Me To Pay You": 31 Out-Of-Control Influencers Who Need To Tone Down Their Entitlement A Billion Notches
"You guys will need to sponsor me a puppy of my choice."
“My Brother Is So Far Gone”: How Male Influencers Turned The Men In These People’s Lives Toxic
People told BuzzFeed News how their loved ones have embraced deeply hateful and misogynistic worldviews since listening to “alpha male” influencers.
Anonymous YouTuber Dream Announced That He Will Finally Reveal His Face
The Minecraft content creator has streamed to 30 million fans anonymously for years.
18 Wannabe "Influencers" Acting Like Entitled A-Holes, And Honestly It's So Embarrassing
They really think people care about their follower count!
Small Influencers Are Saying They’re Getting Fewer Brand Deals As Recession Panic Escalates
“It definitely feels like if you don't do this, if you don't do that new thing, you fall behind.”
#WorkingInTech Influencers Are Facing Backlash For Their Glamorous TikToks About The Industry
“Just because you break into tech doesn't mean like, your lifestyle is going to turn into this.”
Reddit, Snapchat, And TikTok Have Been Removing Content Featuring Andrew Tate And Other Misogynist Influencers For Months
“It's an enormous, massive group of people — mostly young, disgruntled straight men — who are at war with their own masculinity.”
Tell Us If Toxic Male Influencers Like Andrew Tate Have Changed The Boys And Men In Your Life
Tell us about the changes you've witnessed from men in your life who've listened to hypermasculine online content for a possible BuzzFeed News story.
Older Women Are The Only Aspirational Lifestyle Influencers I Want Now
“I haven't decided what my purpose is, but I also feel that I want to impart what I've learned.”
Medical Experts Are Becoming Influencers Amid All The Anxiety Over Monkeypox
Some are going viral for spreading misinformation, others are just trying to go viral.
Instagram Listened To All The Complaints And Is Rolling Back Changes To The App
Complaining works. At least if you're Kylie Jenner.
Meme Creators Want Instagram To Change Its Content Moderation Policies And Stop Deplatforming Them
“We want to survive as creators and influencers. Our livelihoods really do depend on it.”
Retirement House Is On A Mission To Change People’s Ideas Of Aging Through TikTok
They know you’re laughing at them because they’re older people doing youthful things. They’re just happy you’re laughing.
African Influencers Hope Khaby Lame’s Rise Will Mean That Global Success Is Attainable For More Of Them
“When people talk about influencers, I don't believe African creators are mentioned at all, except for Khaby and maybe Elsa.”
What Happens To Christian Influencers When They Get Married?
Some purity influencers are posting sexual content after years of promoting abstinence.
Why Is Genital Herpes Still So Stigmatized? Influencers Are Working Hard To Change That.
Genital herpes is one of the most common STIs out there, yet the stigma still harms those living with it. These influencers are trying to change that.
Millennials, Look Away: Gen Z Influencers Are Bringing Y2K Style Back
“There weren't any rules. You could wear pointless scarves in the summertime and put a dress over your jeans, and it was considered cool.”
TikTok Star Charles Gross Doesn’t Want To Be Messy For The Content Anymore
Let’s talk about it.
Indian Celebrities Are Killing It At The 2022 Cannes Film Festival, And Here's Proof
Talk about serving looks!
When The Supply Chain Failed Parents, “Formula Influencers” Stepped Up
"I've just been trying to work around the clock as much as I can with two kids of my own to try to provide people with strategies for what to do.”
The Rights And Privacy Of Children Are Due To Take Center Stage In Influencer Culture, And It’s About Time
“Would some of those creators even be there if it wasn't for the kids? The answer's no.”
The “It’s Not The Vibe, Stop” Creator Doesn't Care If You Think She’s Problematic
“I am harsh. I’m very blunt. I don’t care if I’m misunderstood.”
I Went To Former Fitness Influencer Brittany Dawn’s Conference And I Guess I Understand Her Now
Fellow attendees told me they were ready to “get wrecked.”
Male Fashion Influencers Are Saving Basic Men Everywhere
In this edition of Cleanse the Timeline, we talk about basic bro fashion influencers, Chlöe Bailey, what we're reading, and more.
YouTuber Tee Noir Is Educating The Internet On Black Womanhood
"I think the best gift I can give to those who come after me is to have a table already be set for them."
The Potential Dangers Of The Himbo Food Influencer
Bon Appétit’s dual botulism concerns may make you question who you trust.
Coachella Is In Its Flop Era
“It felt like one of those museums where you only go to get selfies, rather than a music festival.”
26 Gen Z Celebrities Who Attended Coachella And Wore Some Pretty Cool Outfits
Just 'cause I don't recognize most of them doesn't mean I can't appreciate their outfits!
We Got Real Advice From A Content Creator On How To Avoid Burnout When Working From Home
"I feel uninhibited as a creator"
Russian Influencers Are Cutting Up Their Chanel Bags To Protest “Russophobia”
They're also spreading disinformation to their millions of followers.
We Spoke With Tanya Compas And Ibrahim Kamara About The Importance Of Community, Authenticity, And Controlling Your Own Narrative
"I want community to be in everything I do — bringing people together and then also I want to have the legacy of helping people."
34 Screenshots That Prove Influencers Are Out Of Touch And Out Of Control
Please, just make it stop.
We Spoke With Content Creator Bri Hall About All Things Podcasts, Natural Hair, And Mental Health
On being inspired by living, avoiding burnout, and having no regrets.
26 Screenshots That Expose "Influencers" Who Tried To Get Free Stuff In Exchange For "Exposure"
Influencers or freeloaders with followers?
These Influencers Are Quitting Instagram, And They Want Others To Join Them
After dealing with burnout and frustrations over Instagram’s policies, these influencers are rebuilding their businesses on their own terms.
Lifestyle Influencers Are Going Dark With Their Content, But How Long Is This Trend Going To Last?
The low exposure aesthetic is tipped to be a big trend for 2022, but I can’t see anything.
TikTok Wants You To Come Dine With Them, But Who Wants To Order Cold Pesto Eggs?
In this week's newsletter: how TikTok is bringing food trends to a delivery app near you, and at close look at a new book on the influencer economy.
People Are Pointing Out Things They're Sick Of Being Glamorized, And I Agree With Every Single One
"Several aunts of mine always post about how it’s 'wine o’clock.' They are functioning alcoholics and pass it off as hilarious."
28 Screenshots That Prove Influencers Are Absolutely Out Of Control
They must be stopped.
The Growth Of Influencers Has Impacted The Photography Industry In A Major Way
In this week's newsletter: the mutual aid between influencers and photographers.
A Sponsored Disaster Is A Sponsor Disaster
In this week's newsletter: How the Travis Scott x BetterHelp partnership could have better served those in need of therapy, instead of it reading like a big promotional opportunity. (And how fun some influencers made the NYC marathon!)
Here’s An Explainer On Rachel And Dave Hollis’ Social Media Meltdowns
“It’s been an interesting thing to see someone rocket to the success that can kind of be brought down by their own hubris.”
Aesthetic YouTubers Are Now Turning Entire Vlogs Into Ads
In one part of this week's newsletter: Content and commercials are getting prettier, but the line discerning them is getting blurrier.
Why Are These Influencers Turning On The Billie Razor?
Many are claiming that the product has changed.
A Dog Attack Disfigured Her Face But Didn’t Stop This Skateboarding Influencer
“I don’t want to go on social media and feel like I’m not a whole person looks-wise.”
People Are Calling Out Scams That Are So Normalized, You Don't Even Notice Them, And There Are No Lies Detected
"The fact that existing customers aren’t automatically moved to better deals once their contract ends."
Young People, Especially Young Women, Are Reporting Concerning Medical And Behavioral Changes Due To Social Media, And I Hope We’re Paying Attention
In part one of this week's newsletter: Why people are already dismissing a Wall Street Journal article about teens developing severe tics after watching numerous TikToks from influencers diagnosed with Tourette syndrome.
15 Screenshots From "Influencers" Guaranteed To Annoy You In 0.5 Seconds
"Exposure" doesn't pay the bills, honey.
A Viral TikTok Can Be The First Step Of Real Policy Changes — But It Is Only A First Step
In one-part of this week's newsletter: Anna Sacks used a tongue-in-cheek "unboxing" video to galvanize people to tag @Coach and put pressure on the company to speak to its questionable practices. But she reminds us that social media activism is only a starting point.
A TikToker Has Some Comprehensive Theories About Mormonism And Instagram Influencers
In one-part of this week's newsletter: Emily Kim delivers an epic thesis about piety and a certain kind of lifestyle influencer in under three minutes.
Instagram Sponsored The Met Gala, But Snubbed The Fashion Influencers Who Built Its Platform
In this week's newsletter: IG missed a big opportunity to mint its own creators on a worldwide stage, and imagining how Apple Fitness+ will learn from/come for Peloton.
Dear Influencers, Always Sign A Contract
In this week's newsletter: These misfortunes revealed how many handshake deals are still taking place between brand and influencer; And an ode to fitness YouTuber Chloe Ting, who said she feels like she's being chased off of the platform.
Influencers Say A Sex Toy Company Has Been Hiring Them To Market Its Products But Delaying Paying Them
Creators who have worked with Ooh! Companion on sponsored content deals told BuzzFeed News they have spent weeks or months chasing down payments from the brand, with some saying they were only paid after threatening legal action.
The OnlyFans Sex Ban — And Then The Reversal — Was A Huge Slap In The Face To Its Creators
In this week's newsletter: OnlyFans missed two opportunities to acknowledge the damage it caused to creators who helped bring them to investors' tables. Plus, Taylor Swift is on TikTok and I am optimistic about it.
Influencers Are Taking Desperate Measures To Recover Their Instagram Accounts
People who operate on the fringes of Instagram’s community guidelines say they’ve resorted to desperate measures after losing their accounts, turning to dealers who say they have a back door to the platform.
How One Influencer’s Handling Of Her Mom’s Serious COVID-19 Case Turned Into Backlash That Is Threatening To Ruin Her Career
The scandal tells us a lot about the minefields internet celebrities face and how they are held accountable for their actions.
Peloton Is Becoming A Surprisingly Good Pipeline To The Influencer Industry
In one part of this week's newsletter: The fitness company is prioritizing personalities first, and it's kind of brilliant, IMO.
Naming And Shaming Anti-Mask Influencers May Be Backfiring
When dealing with low-level influencers spreading lies, I’m just not sure calling them out is a net positive.
Don’t Piss Off Trisha Paytas
For nearly 15 years, Trisha Paytas has been one of YouTube’s most prolific and complicated creators. Now they say they’re done trolling — or are they?
A Big Young Living Influencer Has Jumped Ship And Followers Are Stunned
Influencers who run MLMs are actually starting their own businesses.
Fans Loved Amanda Kloots’ Vulnerability. Then Her Memoir Came Out.
One of the first major memoirs of the COVID era reveals how different the pandemic has been for the wealthy and well-connected.
Instagram Wants Influencers To Love It Again And Is Putting $1 Billion Where Its Mouth Is
After years of a laissez-faire approach to the popular users who power its apps, the company is now desperately trying to show influencers it cares about their success.
Listen: “Black Widow” Is Worth The Wait — But It Should’ve Come Out Years Ago
“I think this movie does a great job of giving fans of that character a place where they see the character they’ve always wanted to, and I’m just kind of sad it came at the end of Scarlett Johansson’s run in the MCU.”
A Lot Of Influencers Are Toning Down Their Coverage Of The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
After years of complaints that influencers have “ruined” the sale once called the “Super Bowl of swipe-ups,” many are moving on.
The NCAA Decision To Finally Allow College Athletes To Profit Off Their Own Likenesses Has Schools Now Actively Recruiting Them As Influencers
In this week's newsletter: How college athletic programs have dramatically embraced new NCAA NIL policy changes, and how TikTok's new feature is a direct threat to Cameo's entire business.
Ever Wondered Which Disney Princess You're Most Like? Just Live Like An Influencer For A Day To Find Out
"Welcome back to my YouTube channel!"
What The Anger About Influencers Getting PPP Loans Is Really About
Like it or not, influencers run their own businesses, too.
Influencers In Norway Will Legally Have To Disclose Their Photoshopped Images
Enlarged lips, pronounced muscles, and waists that have been narrowed will require declaration when the law comes into effect.
These Travel Influencers Pivoted During The Pandemic
“I watched my career shift from being the busiest I had ever been to obviously have everything come screeching to a halt.”
What VidCon Could Become If TikTok Continues To Take It Over
In this week's newsletter: Imagining the future of VidCon if it continues to have TikTok's influence, and how common it's become for creators to take short and long breaks from the internet.
The UK's Advertising Regulator Is Naming And Shaming Influencers Who They Say Keep Breaking The Rules
"It’s not difficult: be upfront and clear when posts and Stories are ads."
Instagram Is Asking Influencers To Love It Again With New Moneymaking Features
By announcing new tools to help people make money, Instagram seemingly wants to woo back some of its disgruntled influencers.
The Quick Success Of Hailey Bieber’s YouTube Channel Is Both Validating And Invalidating To The Platform’s Biome
In this week's newsletter: How YouTube can pay better homage to the platform's original creators, and how Arielle Charnas is paying homage to her own brand by naming her baby after it.
How We Feel About Bella Poarch Says Everything About Us, As We Still Don’t Know Much About Her
In this week's newsletter: Bella Poarch's dullness is surprising and comforting, and an influencer announced she's taking a break and reassessing if she wants to make her "life available for public consumption."
These Influencers Say A Popular Marketing Agency Owes Them Thousands Of Dollars For Unpaid Brand Deals
Mediakix is a leading influencer marketing agency, but creators say it is signing contracts with them for sponcon, then ghosting when it’s time to pay up.
Some TikToks Are More Creative And Better Produced Than Feature Films
In one part of this week's newsletter: Really, really cool and really, really impressive videos under 60 seconds that should both be a threat and inspiration to Hollywood.
Listen: Instagram Is Helping Make Therapy Less White
“Seeing advice geared toward someone specifically who is the child of immigrants really made all the difference in how I was thinking about mental health treatment.”
Listen: That Bucket List Family Video Proves Youtube Culture Is Toxic
“It really exposed a side of them that I think a lot of people didn’t see. And then they really didn’t help themselves either with how they responded.”
Don’t Meet Your Heroes. It Won’t Make Your Parasocial Relationship More Genuine — It’s Already Real!
In this week's newsletter: I write about how superfans are often shamed and told to form relationships with people "in real life," but the relationships they have with their faves are very, very real.
I'm Sorry, But If You Can't Name 14/20 Of These Celebrities, You're Officially Old
You should know who these people are.
Am I Getting Too Old To Write About The New Internet?
In one half of this week's newsletter: I ramble about my newest existential crisis being an aging digital media writer for a young audience and their ever-changing online ecosystem.
I Can’t Imagine The New Netflix Reality Shows About Influencers Will Do Any Good For The Industry’s Reputation
In this week's newsletter: shows about influencers may continue to be two-dimensional, and the already-controversial IG Loop giveaways just reached new toxic heights.
Listen: My Boyfriend Is Taking Family Vacations With His Ex—Should I Be Suspicious?
“I don’t know that I have enough information to tell you to dump this man, but it sounds like your gut is telling you that something might be amiss here.”
Influencers Getting Vaccinated Are New Targets For Right-Wing Conspiracy Theorists, But Many Are Rising To The Challenge
In this week's newsletter: Instagram influencers are trying to stand up for science, and another round of teen TikTok drama — except it's not as satisfying anymore.
