# Fan-Funded Influencer Content creators are supported directly by peers as opposed to brands. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jun 18, 2018 | Category: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-media-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fanfunded-influencer ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.5/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: May 7, 2016 to Apr 2, 2019 - Published: Jun 18, 2018 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Fan-Funded Influencer trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Fan-Funded Influencer trend means for industry ### For 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 for Fan-Funded Influencer Trend score 5.5 out of 10, from popularity 86%, activity 70%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 86% - Activity: 70% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Fan-Funded Influencer trend 8 featured examples from May 7, 2016 to Apr 2, 2019. - [Gen Z Fashion Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superdown-by-revolve): 'Superdown' by Revolve Appeals to Youth with an Influencer-First Strategy (Category: Business) Implication: Revolve's success with Superdown highlights potential disruptive innovation opportunities for fashion retailers to incorporate influencer-first strategies and cater to younger dem… - [Paid Influencer Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagram-influencer): Heartbeat Helps Users Get Paid to Post on Instagram (Category: Marketing) Implication: 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… - [Influencer Marketing Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connect-with-influencers): 'SOCIAL BOND' Lets You Connect with Influencers for Campaigns (Category: Tech) Implication: Influencer marketing platforms like SOCIAL BOND offer innovative solutions for brands and advertisers to connect with influencers - [Content Creator Crowdfunding Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-media-content-creator): 'Peep' Raises Funds for Social Media Content Creators (Category: Tech) Implication: The social media industry can explore the use of crowdfunding apps like 'Peep' to create new revenue streams for content creators. - [Social Media Purchasing Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shopthat): SHOPTHAT Makes Buying Products on Social Media Easier (Category: Business) Implication: The e-commerce industry can explore partnerships with prominent social media influencers, capitalizing on their large followings to promote their products and boost sales. - [Blogger Payment Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rewardstyle): The RewardStyle Platform Helps Influencers Make Money from Social Media (Category: Tech) Implication: E-commerce businesses can connect with influencers and utilize platforms like RewardStyle to drive sales and increase brand visibility. - [Creator-Focused Browsers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brave-web-browser): The 'Brave' Web Browser Allows For Direct Funding Support to Creators (Category: Tech) Implication: The rise of creator-focused browsers like Brave opens up opportunities for innovation in the web browser industry, catering to specific user needs. - [Direct Cryptocurrency Messages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crypto-dm): Crypto DM Lets Streamers and Influencers Earn Ether from Fans (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Social media platforms should consider integrating direct payment systems to support streamers and influencers in earning income. ## 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 Social Media - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Nostalgic Dating App Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hily-dating) - [Weekly People's Choice Cookie Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/choice-menu) All articles: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia)