What in the World The growing trend of influencers fronting charity campaigns
Dec 17, 2025
Charity has transformed from bake sales to influencer-led campaigns like MrBeast's #TeamWater, which raised over $40 million. Makuochi Okafor discusses how influencers are reshaping philanthropy, while Ghanaian creator Gisela Amponsa shares her experiences and audience reactions. The conversation dives into criticisms of celebrity aid and the benefits influencers gain from partnerships. Could this trend represent the future of giving, blending outreach with entertainment in a relatable way? Discover the dynamics at play in modern charity.
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Scale Achieved By Influencer Coalitions
- MrBeast's Team Water partnered with WaterAid and 10,000 creators and raised over $40 million.
- The campaign aimed to give two million people clean water and became the largest influencer charity effort by participation.
Creator Shares Personal Campaign Success
- Gisela Amponsa used her fashion and travel platforms to promote Team Water and saw above-average reach.
- Her Instagram reached 335,000 people and her YouTube and TikTok posts doubled typical engagement with thousands of likes and positive comments.
Visibility Can Invite Criticism
- Influencers drive huge eyeballs and online conversation, but messaging can be perceived as self-serving.
- Some critics said MrBeast's framing made Malawi look helpless and overshadowed local efforts, while rural recipients remained grateful.