# Companionate Influencer Viral canines parlay Instagram fame into meaningful brand partnerships. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 19, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/companionate-influencer ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Companionate Influencer trend? **Companionate Influencer:** In a curious progression of direct-to-consumer marketing by way of social media influencer campaigns, Insta-famous dogs are parlaying viral buzz into prosperous brand partnerships. This intriguing progression speaks to the evolving nature of the pet economy, while it also serves as an example of how influencer marketing is expanding beyond the more obvious iterations in fashion, beauty and experiences such as music festivals. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 13, 2016 to May 9, 2017 - Published: Jun 19, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Companionate Influencer trend ### Pet Influencers Social media's popularity has led to the rise of pet influencers who help brands reach wider audiences, providing opportunities for businesses to partner with them for direct-to-consumer marketing. ### Canine Fashion As Instagram dogs gain popularity, brands are finding opportunities to capitalize on trends and provide custom streetwear for pets as well as pup-themed merchandise for their humans. ### Pet-centric Campaigns Brands are designing campaigns that focus on pets, providing ample opportunity for innovation and disruption for businesses in the pet industry. ## What the Companionate Influencer trend means for industry ### For Pet Fashion Industry The rise of pet influencers and fashion-savvy dogs have led to increased demand for custom streetwear and branded merchandise for pets. ### For Consumer Goods Industry Social media campaigns featuring pets not only make for shareable content but also provide an opportunity for businesses in the consumer goods market to promote their products. ### For Pet Care Industry The rise of viral pet influencers is changing the nature of the pet economy, pushing the industry to expand beyond traditional product offerings and services. ## Workshop question What emerging niches within the influencer economy can your brand be exploring in order to better grasp the more unexpected applications? ## Trend signals for Companionate Influencer Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 71%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 71% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Companionate Influencer trend 6 featured examples from Jul 13, 2016 to May 9, 2017. - [Promotional Pet Couches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lint-rollers): Scotch-Brite Showed Off its Lint Rollers with the #WorthTheMess Campaign (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Developing innovative cleaning tools and solutions specifically designed for pet owners who need to manage pet hair and messes. - [Puppy Proposal Photoshoots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sebastian-loves-luna-engagement): The Sebastian Loves Luna Engagement Album Showcases Canine Love (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Photographers and videographers can explore offering pet photography services and expand marketing efforts towards pet owners. - [Canine Food Bloggers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foodie-dog): Popeye is the Foodie Dog Starring in This Popular Instagram Account (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Brands in the pet food industry can explore partnerships with pet food influencers to promote their products and reach a wider audience. - [Canine Streetwear Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pawkier): Pawkier's Clothing for Pets Draws Inspiration from Popular Brands (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The pet retail industry can capitalize on the trend of canine streetwear by offering a wide range of stylish and branded apparel for pets. - [Disabled Dog Social Accounts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mrs-flans): Mrs. Flans' Owner Prompts Those Online to Adopt Rescue Dogs in Need (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Implement virtual adoption services and online platforms for connecting potential pet owners with rescue organizations, making the adoption proc… - [Viral Fashion-Savvy Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinkerbelle-the-dog): Tinkerbelle the Dog is an Internet-Famous Model, Actor and Travel Blogger (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: As more and more pet owners create social media profiles for their pets, the pet industry must find ways to capitalize on the trend and offer new and innovative products and servi… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)