2023: The Year the Influencer Bubble Burst (ft. Infinite Scroll Podcast)
Dec 4, 2023
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Lauren and Jordyn from the Infinite Scroll Podcast discuss the biggest influencer stories and controversies of 2023, including Mikayla Noguiera's 'Lashgate', Addison Rae leaving TikTok, the fallout involving Dylan Mulvaney and Bud Light, and Emma Chamberlain's podcast criticism.
In 2023, the influencer-audience relationship evolved, with fans outgrowing creators like Emma Chamberlain, raising questions about how influencers can adapt and cater to changing needs.
The Dylan Mulvaney and Bud Light incident highlighted the lack of understanding brands often have about the influencer ecosystem and the risks creators face when aligning with brands.
The controversy around family vloggers Ruby Frank and Colleen Ballinger sparked a critical examination of the ethics of family channels in 2023.
Deep dives
The Influencer Bubble: Changing Dynamics and the Outgrowth of Audiences
The year 2023 saw a shift in the influencer world, as audiences started outgrowing their favorite creators. This was evident in the Emma Chamberlain podcast discourse, where fans felt that they had matured beyond the content she was creating. The controversy highlighted the dynamic nature of the influencer-audience relationship and the challenges creators face as their audience evolves. It also raised questions about how influencers can adapt to keep their audience engaged and cater to their changing needs and interests. The situation with Emma Chamberlain served as a reminder that the influencer bubble is not bursting, but evolving, requiring creators to continually adjust and navigate new expectations.
Brands and Performative Activism: The Bud Light and Dylan Mulvaney Incident
The Dylan Mulvaney and Bud Light incident showcased the pitfalls of brands engaging in performative activism. Bud Light initially honored Dylan with a personalized can, but quickly retracted their support after facing backlash. The incident highlights the lack of understanding that brands often have about the influencer ecosystem and the risks creators face when aligning with brands. Bud Light missed an opportunity to stand by their decision and align themselves positively with Gen Z, causing them to lose potential long-term loyalty from a demographic that could have sustained their business. The incident also underscored the need for better PR management and a deeper understanding of the influencer world within brands.
The Ever-Changing Relationship Between Influencers and Audiences
The controversy surrounding Emma Chamberlain's podcast sparked a conversation about the evolving relationship between influencers and their audiences. The criticism centered around the idea that fans were outgrowing Emma and her content. This situation highlights the challenge that influencers face as their audience matures and their interests shift. It also raises questions about the expectations placed on influencers to continually produce engaging and relatable content. While there is no call for Emma to go to college, the discourse highlights the need for creators to adapt and find ways to connect with their evolving audiences to maintain their relevance and influence.
The Fallout of Mommy and Family Bloggers
The podcast episode discusses the fallout of incidents involving Ruby Frank, a family vlogger charged with abusing her children, and Colleen Ballinger, a popular mommy blogger. These incidents have led to a critical questioning of the ethics of family vlogging and the influence these channels have on children. The episode highlights the contrast between the perception of family vloggers as wholesome and family-friendly, and the darker controversies that can arise from this genre. It also suggests that 2023 might be a pivotal year in examining the ethics of family channels.
Changing Dynamics in Influencer-Audience Relationships
The podcast explores the shifting dynamics between influencers and their audiences, particularly among younger Gen Z viewers. It discusses how Gen Z entering the workforce and transitioning into adulthood has led to a disconnect between them and the influencers they grew up with. The audience's critical examination of influencers' content and ethics is highlighted, and there is a recognition that platforms like YouTube have a responsibility to moderate and protect children in family channels. The episode suggests that the influencer-audience relationship is evolving, and the era of blind adoration may be giving way to a more critical and discerning audience.
Was 2023 the year the influencer bubble burst? Today we are joined by the Lauren and Jordyn from the Infinite Scroll Podcast to talk about the biggest influencer stories and controversies of 2023 and how they will shape the industry for years to come.