Who Was the First Influencer?
The term “influencer” has become a huge buzzword in the digital age. While it’s become increasingly popular in recent years, the concept of influencers has been around for much longer than you may think. So who was the first influencer?
The Origins of Influencers
The first influencers predate the internet since back then, word of mouth existed. In the days of old, influential people were called opinion makers, trendsetters, and thought leaders.
In the 1800s, Charles Dickens, a prolific English writer, has been credited as the earliest influencer. He used the power of print to reach a wide range of readers. His books were read all over the world.
Public figures, such as the likes of Winston Churchill, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Walt Disney, are some of the greatest influencers in the 20th century. These famous personalities inspired the world with their ideas and speeches.
The Rise of Social Media
The 21st century has seen a rapid rise in the power of social media as a marketing tool and platform for influencers. Up until the rise of the internet, influencers were largely limited to celebrities and public figures.
Social media gave everyday people the opportunity to reach massive audiences. It allowed people to become virtual celebrities and create a huge influence over consumers. In today’s world, influencers are everyone from content creators, bloggers, and brand ambassadors to celebrities, musicians, and lawyers.
Types of Influencers
There are numerous types of influencers in today’s digital age. Below is an enumeration of the different types of influencers:
•Lifestyle Influencers: These influencers usually share posts about their daily lives and activities. This can be anything from fashion and beauty to sports and travel.
•Micro-Influencers: These are influencers with a small following, usually less than 50,000 followers. They often have higher engagement rates than their larger counterparts.
•Nano-Influencers: These are influencers with a following less than 10,000 followers. They are starting to become more popular among companies, as they offer a more budget-friendly way to reach a targeted audience base.
•Business Influencers: These influencers have established online business empires for themselves. They share insights about their entrepreneurial journey, as well as tips and resources on how to operate a successful business.
•Public Figures and Celebrities: These influencers include traditional celebrities and those in the media. They post content related to their professional fields, while also giving fans a glimpse into their personal lives.
•Creators: Creators are influencers who produce content on a regular basis. These can include vloggers, bloggers, and YouTubers, who share content related to their passions and interests.
Top Influencers
When it comes to influencers, there is a wide variety to choose from. Some offer an insight into their lives and those of the organizations they work with, while others have amassed a large following for their unique approach. Here are some of the top influencers to watch out for:
•Kim Kardashian:Kim is one of the world’s most popular influencers. She has over 175 million followers across her various social media channels. Kim also has her own hugely successful mobile game, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, as well as her own beauty brand, KKW Beauty.
•Kylie Jenner:Kylie is Kim Kardashian’s younger sister and is also one of the world’s top influencers. She has over 180 million followers across social media and is the founder of the beauty brand Kylie Cosmetics.
•Lil Nas X:Lil Nas X is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and internet sensation. His hit single, “Old Town Road”, became a global hit and skyrocketed his social media presence. He has used this fame to continue to promote his music and brand.
•Cameron Dallas:Cameron is a social media personality who has built an impressive following of over 25 million people across his various platforms. He also starred in the Netflix original movie The Outfield and is an ambassador for Calvin Klein.
•Blake Lively:Blake is an actress, model, and influencer. She has over 25 million followers across her various social media accounts. Blake is also the founder of the lifestyle brand Preserve, which she has used to share her unique perspective with fans.
The concept of influencers existed long before the internet revolutionized the way we interact. Celebrities, public figures, and inspiring individuals have long been credited as early influencers.
These days, influencers can be anyone from content creators, bloggers, and brand ambassadors to celebrities, vloggers, and entrepreneurs. It’s no wonder so many people are turning to influencers to help spread their message and build a brand.
We’re sure to see even more innovation in the influencer space in the years to come. Who knows what type of influencer will come out on top? All we can do is wait and see.