# Mainstream Influencer Online influencers are hired by unexpected brands to target younger buyers. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jul 19, 2016 | Category: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-media-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mainstream-influencer ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Mainstream Influencer trend? **Mainstream Influencer:** Moving beyond collaborations, social influencers are being sought out to represent brands and retailers that don't typically target demographics like Millennials or Gen Z. These online influencers are not only helping to bring a youthful edge to typically low-key, traditional brands, but they’re showcasing the growing necessity of online integration in mainstream media, particularly among more conventional, established brands. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 20, 2015 to Feb 6, 2017 - Published: Jul 19, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Mainstream Influencer trend ### Unexpected Influencer Collaborations Collaborating with influencers in industries outside fashion or beauty can help bring a younger audience and online integration to more traditional brands. ### Blogger Curated Collaborations Curating and collaborating with bloggers gives brands a more authentic voice and can help them tap into current trends in home decor, fashion and beauty. ### Social Media Star Collaborations Collaborating with social media stars and vloggers is a powerful way for brands to connect with younger demographics and promote products through influencer marketing. ## What the Mainstream Influencer trend means for industry ### For Fashion Fashion brands can collaborate with unexpected influencers to target new demographics and promote their products through authentic, influential voices. ### For Home Decor Home decor brands can collaborate with bloggers and influencers to tap into current trends and styles, bring an authentic voice to their brand, and utilize influencer marketing. ### For Food and Beverage Food and beverage companies can collaborate with bloggers and social media stars to create unique packaging designs, promote products, and tap into current flavor and ingredient trends. ## Workshop question How can you generate trust with younger consumers by tapping into influencer marketing? ## Trend signals for Mainstream Influencer Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 59%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 69% - Activity: 59% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Mainstream Influencer trend 7 featured examples from Aug 20, 2015 to Feb 6, 2017. - [Blogger-Curated Retail Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blog-collaboration): This Blog Collaboration Set Up Stations Inside Crate and Barrel (Category: Marketing) Implication: The retail industry can leverage the trend of blogger-curated retail displays and in-store events to offer consumers personalized and memorable shopping experiences. - [Gardening Blogger Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-garden-projects): Miracle-Gro and Oh Joy! Team Up to Share DIY Garden Projects (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for gardening and home improvement brands to collaborate with bloggers and influencers to connect with consumers who may not have prior gardening knowledge. - [Designer Yogurt Pots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blogger-design): Mullerlight Sourced Julien Macdonald for Blogger-Designed Yogurt Packaging (Category: Marketing) Implication: Brands in the food and beverage industry are embracing blogger design partnerships to create unique packaging designs that resonate with consumers. - [Youth-Focused Furniture Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rh-teen): This RH Teen Commercial Promotes the Brand's Newest Product Range (Category: Marketing) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate experiential retail elements and digital technology to enhance the shopping experience for young consumers. - [Vlogger-Starring Beauty Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lily-beauty): Chinese Vlogger Papi Jiang is Set to Star in a Lily & Beauty Ad (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Beauty brands can benefit from partnering with influential vloggers and leveraging their large online following to promote their products and reach a wider audience. - [Collaborative Vlogger Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swamp-queen): Tarte Created a Special 'Swamp Queen' Palette with grav3yardgirl (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The cosmetics industry can leverage the trend of collaborative makeup palettes by partnering with influencers to create unique and trendy products. - [Social Media Star Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cameron-dallas): Umami Burger Has Teamed Up with Cameron Dallas to Create a New Burger (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food and beverage brands can tap into the trend of influencer collaborations to create limited edition products and boost brand awareness. ## 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)