The figures speak for themselves: 54% of 18- 60-year-olds would be willing to quit their current jobs to become a full-time influencer if they could afford it, according to a recent US survey.
Surprisingly, 45- to 60-year-olds are more likely than their younger counterparts to be tempted by this profession (60.1% vs 49.6% for 18- to 29-year-olds).
The appeal could be explained by the fact that 41% of respondents know someone who earns money by collaborating with brands. This could be a friend, family member, or coworker – in theory, anyone can become an influencer, whatever their age or social background.
Take, for example, MrBeast. This video maker began shooting videos in his bedroom, with no startup capital, when he was just 13. Success came his way years later when he launched his philanthropic videos, in which he films himself giving out money to people, from pizza delivery workers to the homeless.
The US influencer is now followed by 306 million subscribers on YouTube, making him the world’s leading content creator on the platform.
The success of MrBeast, and many other influencers, is prompting more and more internet users in the US and worldwide to try their luck on social networks in the hope of gaining notoriety and, above all, making money.
Indeed, the appeal of the influencer profession is largely based on its lucrative aspect: 36% of influencers surveyed say they earn between US$100,000 and US$199,000 a year. These are astronomical figures when compared to the average American salary, which is just over US$59,000.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that influencers’ incomes are often difficult to estimate. Some are able to make a living from their online activity (59% of influencers in this survey do so full-time), while others pursue this activity alongside another profession or while waiting to find work.
Indeed, the influencer world remains a crowded sector where relatively few achieve major success.
Whatever the case, young and old alike dream of being part of this world. Several surveys, particularly in English-speaking countries, show that the profession of influencer has risen to the top of the list of young people’s aspirations.