The rise of social media has created new opportunities for self-expression and entrepreneurship, with the aspiration of becoming a social media influencer captivating young Americans and transforming their career goals.
A recent survey conducted by computer software company Adobe revealed that one in three individuals, between the ages of 18 and 30, are interested in pursuing content creation as a profession.
On average, these hopefuls recognized their desire to become influencers by the age of 20, with 40% indicating that they were actively pursuing this career path.
Some kids are developing their proclivity for social media influencing at an even younger age. Interestingly, around 25% of the parents surveyed have observed their child role-playing as an influencer during playtime, and the same proportion have reported that their child has expressed interest in becoming a content creator.
The allure of the influencer lifestyle has been driven by the desire for flexible work hours, creative expression and the potential for higher earnings compared to traditional jobs, according to the Adobe research.
The influencer industry is currently valued at approximately $250 billion, and Goldman Sachs forecasts that this figure could nearly double to around $480 billion by 2027, Forbes reported.
These aspiring content creators are particularly drawn to platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, with content niches ranging from gaming and lifestyle to food. Notably, men show a significantly higher interest in becoming influencers on platforms like Twitch and X (formerly Twitter) compared to women.
However, this career path is not without challenges, as these young adults face obstacles growing their follower base, standing out in a crowded field and navigating the complexities of social media algorithms. Success in this field requires self-discipline, dedication, creativity and the ability to adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscapes.
Downsides Of The Creator Economy
As children show interest in pursuing careers as influencers, parents are trying to find a balance between encouraging their ambitions and addressing the potential challenges of this profession. Only 38% of parents consider becoming a content creator to be a wise career choice.
Their concerns about the influencer industry encompass issues such as a loss of privacy (80%), safety risks (79%), adverse effects on mental health (74%), the possibility of encountering cyberbullying (71%) and the danger of fostering unrealistic expectations regarding success and fame (61%).
The Potential TikTok Ban Exposes Income Vulnerabilities
Additionally, aspiring social media influencers should be acutely aware of the inherent volatility in this career path, as the income flow for influencers can be highly unpredictable and subject to sudden disruptions.
Case in point: TikTok faces an imminent ban in the United States following a federal appeals court’s decision to uphold a law requiring the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest or cease operations by January 19. This ruling, which TikTok is expected to challenge, has sent shockwaves through the creator economy, potentially disrupting the livelihoods of millions of content creators who have built their careers on the platform and made it their primary source of income.
The potential ban stems from concerns raised by U.S. officials regarding national security risks associated with TikTok’s Chinese ownership. Critics argue that ByteDance could be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government or manipulate content to influence American users. Despite TikTok’s assertions that it operates independently and does not share information with Chinese authorities, the court rejected the company’s claim that the ban violates users’ First Amendment rights.
For content creators, the consequences of a TikTok ban could be severe. Many have built substantial followings and lucrative careers on the platform.
In response to the uncertainty, creators are attempting to diversify their online presence and replicate the success and earnings potential of TikTok on alternative platforms such as YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels and Snapchat.
Source: Forbes
