What’s An “Influencer?”

In my most recent YouTube video (linked below hehe), I challenged myself to live a day like a social media influencer. This was a super fun day and I recommend you try it too if you have free time btw!

I touched on this before, but it made me think about what makes someone an “influencer.” Obviously, this person would have a large following, but what really creates this following?

I’m sure many people wonder on the daily how people get famous, in what seems like overnight. And honestly, if I could tell you the exact formula of how to, I would! But I really have no clue!

However, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from scrolling on social media, it’s that the people I follow the most are the ones who seem the most authentic to me. I think there‘s a huge difference between someone who’s being themself with a camera just in the same room as them, versus someone who’s let the camera consume who they are. 

Now I know that’s super easy to say and that there are many factors that could go into this “authenticity” I’m searching for. For example, I know some people struggle with public speaking (myself included) or are camera shy. Someone might have a bigger natural personality and better editing skills, making it easier for them to mask insecurities. Someone else who has a quieter personality and maybe not as strong editing skills could potentially be seen as awkward, even if they are a more authentic person than the previous big personality I mentioned. 

These are real struggles people face and I’m aware of that. So I’ve challenged myself to look for the authenticity regardless of the external factors. I know this might sound corny, but I look for the feeling I get when watching a person. I like to think I’m a good judge of character, and if I watch someone who seems like they’re being their true self, I’ll follow them more! Simple as that! 

I think people put a ton of emphasis on being perfect and having intense video effects which, don’t get me wrong, are extremely impressive (I’m a sucker for cinematography and special effects). But for me, as long as you’re having fun and being who you truly are, I would value that over editing any day!