Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Fan-Funded
Influencer
Content creators are supported directly by peers as opposed to brands.
5.5
Trend score
Trend
What is the Fan-Funded Influencer trend?
Fan-Funded Influencer: Up until this point, the formula for successful influencer marketing was fairly cut and dry; a person becomes an influencer by creating engaging content, gains brand partnerships, and monetizes content as an ambassador. This model is turned on its head with peer-to-peer funding platforms that enable fans to send money directly to content creators. The shift to a many-to-many model speaks to the true intended nature of social media influence, placing more focus on truly entertaining content than the influence or exposure of a third party.
Trend themes
Themes within the Fan-Funded Influencer trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Peer-to-Peer Funding Platforms for Content Creators
The use of peer-to-peer funding platforms, like Patreon, enables fans to directly fund content creators as opposed to relying on brand partnerships.
02
Direct Payment and Crowdfunding Tools for Influencer Marketing
Tools like Peep and Crypto DM allow for direct funding and payments for influencers, thereby disrupting traditional forms of monetization like brand partnerships and ad revenue.
03
Influencer Payment and Marketing Platforms
Platforms like RewardStyle and SOCIAL BOND streamline the process of connecting with influencers for marketing campaigns and payment for influenced purchases.
Industry implications
What the Fan-Funded Influencer trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Social Media
Social media will need to adapt to the growing demand from content creators and influencers who want direct funding and payment options.
For
Marketing and Advertising
Marketing and advertising professionals need to find new ways to connect brands with influencers beyond traditional partnerships and sponsored content.
For
E-commerce and Retail
E-commerce and retail companies can benefit from the rise of direct payment options and influencer marketing as consumers look to social media for product discovery and recommendations.
Workshop question
How could consumer-generated content become a threat to your company, and how are you preparing?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Fan-Funded Influencer
Trend score 5.5 out of 10, from popularity 86%, activity 70%, freshness 8%.
Popularity86%
Activity70%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Evidence
Examples of the Fan-Funded Influencer trend
8 featured examples from May 7, 2016 to Apr 2, 2019CategoryBusiness
Gen Z Fashion Brands
'Superdown' by Revolve Appeals to Youth with an Influencer-First Strategy
Revolve's success with Superdown highlights potential disruptive innovation opportunities for fashion retailers to incorporate influencer-first strategies and cater to younger dem…
CategoryMarketing
Paid Influencer Apps
Heartbeat Helps Users Get Paid to Post on Instagram
The rise of paid influencer apps like Heartbeat presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the social media marketing industry, creating new ways for brands to reach and enga…
CategoryTech
Influencer Marketing Platforms
'SOCIAL BOND' Lets You Connect with Influencers for Campaigns
Influencer marketing platforms like SOCIAL BOND offer innovative solutions for brands and advertisers to connect with influencers
CategoryTech
Content Creator Crowdfunding Apps
'Peep' Raises Funds for Social Media Content Creators
The social media industry can explore the use of crowdfunding apps like 'Peep' to create new revenue streams for content creators.
CategoryBusiness
Social Media Purchasing Platforms
SHOPTHAT Makes Buying Products on Social Media Easier
The e-commerce industry can explore partnerships with prominent social media influencers, capitalizing on their large followings to promote their products and boost sales.
CategoryTech
Blogger Payment Platforms
The RewardStyle Platform Helps Influencers Make Money from Social Media
E-commerce businesses can connect with influencers and utilize platforms like RewardStyle to drive sales and increase brand visibility.
CategoryTech
Creator-Focused Browsers
The 'Brave' Web Browser Allows For Direct Funding Support to Creators
The rise of creator-focused browsers like Brave opens up opportunities for innovation in the web browser industry, catering to specific user needs.
CategoryLifestyle
Direct Cryptocurrency Messages
Crypto DM Lets Streamers and Influencers Earn Ether from Fans
Social media platforms should consider integrating direct payment systems to support streamers and influencers in earning income.
