Wait… May went by so fast?! It’s Influencer Chronicles time again Influencers at the White House (did you know about MAGA Malfoy already?), Met Gala gossip, Gay Fabulous Farms, and — of course — Justin Bieber’s never-ending drama. You’re not gonna want to miss this one.
On the radar
THE GUY WITH A MOVIE CAMERA
Viral creator, Reece Feldman, who made a name for himself online with his Guy With a Movie Camera accounts on TikTok and Instagram (totaling nearly 3 million followers), has directed a short film titled Wait, Your Car?It was only a matter of time that he lived up to his online name and picked up a camera to direct his first project. While not an official selection of the Cannes Film festival, Feldman’s short is getting a proper unveiling at a special event hosted by TikTok, who has supported his rise through the online ranks.
YAS, SPACE NK! INFLUENCER TRIPS DONE RIGHT
Influencer trips done right! Space NK has recently hosted an influencer trip to launch their ‘Summer Society’ collection of ice-cream inspired accessories collection. As we know brands tend to get a lot of stick when these things circle online. However, for the trip they hosted a diverse group of influencers – and ensured everyone’s needs were catered for, including their religious beliefs down to a T, and is a great example of how brands should approach representation..
MAGA INFLUENCERS AT THE WHITE HOUSE
MAGA-friendly influencers such as “Maga Malfoy” and ex-Mumford & Sons banjoist were invited to the White House for a press briefing.
Is Trump trying to avoid challenging questions from well-informed journalists?
What may appear to be an attempt to soften up the press actually began last year under President Biden.
Should influencers be involved in politics in a world already so polarized, where algorithms reinforce existing views?
Topics of the month
THERAPY PROGRAM FOR CREATORS
Influencers often face more negativity than most people experience in a lifetime, and with that comes a significant mental health toll.
To break down both financial and systemic barriers to mental health care, a program was designed specifically for social media creators – CreatorCare.
Cofounded by digital creator Shira Lazar and backed by Creators 4 Mental Health and Revive Health Therapy, CreatorCare will be available in California, though the ultimate goal is to expand the program nationwide.
The effects of Trump’s tariffs are already being felt in the influencer industry. As brands tighten their budgets, they’re also adapting the way they collaborate with creators. Recent reports have revealed how some brands are now opting for short-term partnerships, one-off vs long-term deals, or even pausing collaborations until they feel more confident. Meanwhile, creators have also reported that brands now expect a larger scope of work for less pay.
Amid economic uncertainty, beauty brands are rethinking their influencer marketing approaches to stay relevant to consumers. The focus is moving toward value-driven, authentic, and inclusive messaging. Rather than relying solely on traditional celebrity endorsements, brands are collaborating with creators who foster community-led conversations, promote personalised products, and transparent communication. The goal is to build deeper, long-term relationships with consumers through trust and shared values, not just product promotion.
If your algorithm ever presented you with a video of a girl effortlessly doing her makeup in a sun-soaked field, hanging off the side of a boat, or on her daily commute, it was likely Emily Wood. Self-described as a “face decorator”, Emily is a makeup artist known for her on-the-go makeup videos where she creates retro and colorful makeup looks, often without brushes, embracing imperfect textures and messy application.
Why you should follow them?
It’s no longer news that social media is shifting away from polished, perfect feeds. Emily Wood shows how authenticity and messiness can resonate with audiences. In addition to her raw-cut videos and unfiltered makeup tutorials, she frequently uses music that isn’t trending, demonstrating that originality still has a strong place on social media.
Zackeri Troi is a charismatic creator known for sharing bits of his life as a FaBuLoUs farmer.
He first started his farm during the pandemic and, encouraged by work colleagues, created a channel.
From dancing with farm animals like goats, pigs, and chickens to sharing workout routines and animal births, watching him is both entertaining and educational. His pig, Miss Ma’am, is a particularly well-known viral sensation. He also hosts livestreams on TikTok, creating a strong community with his followers.
Why you should follow them?
Zacheri isn’t your typical farmer. He breaks stereotypes and raises awareness in a society increasingly disconnected from how things are made. By sharing farming knowledge in a fun way he’s inspiring a new generation to see agriculture and career paths differently.
Spill the tea
1. Met Gala drops influencers
Is it us or was Emma Chamberlain the only influencer at this year’s Met Gala?
Fans were disappointed that some influencers, like Wisdom Kaye – who would have been perfect for this year’s theme – were not invited like in previous years.
Influencer attendance has faced criticism in the past, but while many argue that influencers aren’t celebrities with “real talents”, we can’t help but wonder: isn’t Kim Kardashian just an OG influencer, too?
2. Is it too late now to say sorry?
Justin Bieber just can’t help himself when it comes to adding drama to his and Hailey’s spotlight saga. In what can only be described as a self-sabotage special, he tried hyping her Vogue cover – only to admit he once told her she’d never land one. The caption was deleted faster than his PR team could blink, but not before the internet told him to log off, touch grass, and maybe revisit his Bible verses. Classic Biebs: one step forward, two cringe captions back.
3. Wig war drama
Spencer Pratt just delivered peak Spencer energy, clapping back at haters who dragged Heidi Montag’s AMA wig like it personally offended them. In true unapologetic fashion, he reminded everyone they don’t exactly have a $20K glam budget – and honestly, who does? Love him or loathe him, the man defends his wife like a hawk with a crystal collection, and it’s low-key iconic.
What have we learned?
INFLUENCE HAS NO LIMITS
From politicians inviting influencers to White House press briefings, to their expected presence at formerly A-list-only events, it’s clear they’re no longer just the audience; they’re both the medium and the message. At the core, most influencers are everyday people who’ve gained platforms to speak to wide audiences. While it democratizes access to spaces that were once off-limits, it also amplifies voices, for better or worse
WALK THE TALK
It’s not enough to shout about inclusivity if your brand doesn’t reflect it in the details.
Influencer marketing is a powerful way to show that your brand is respectful and open, not just by partnering with a diverse range of creators so people feel seen, but by adapting to them.
Tailoring a brand trip to respect Muslim customs so that your partners feel comfortable is the kind of intentional inclusion that builds real trust.
INFLUENCING IS A REAL JOB
While the highs of influencer culture are often glamorized, the “job” comes with many of the same challenges as any traditional profession.
What would typically be handled by a full team – writing, production, brand management, and finances – often falls on one person, leading to stress and burnout. And like any career, it’s vulnerable to external forces. Trump’s tariffs, for example, have impacted brands in ways that trickle down to the influencers they work with.
