Who doesn’t want to be rich and famous? Certainly plenty of people have dreamt of getting rich and obtaining fame as a singer, actor, or athlete. In the case of younger Americans – those in Gen Z – currently one in four now wants to become an influencer.

Driven by the success of such social media influencers as Charli d’Amelio, Zach King, and Camera Dallas, many younger people are hoping to take a similar path. According to a recent survey from HigherVisibility, 16% of respondents even said they’d pay money to become one.

Apparently, they’re taking the notion of “you have to spend money to make money” to heart. 

Can One In Four Actually Be Influencers?

While the more famous celebrities can make big dollars posting on social media, it simply isn’t possible for one-quarter of young Americans to all become influencers!

Some will succeed but the odds are likely stacked against the masses.

“There will always be a need for sales and ‘education’ about products, services and their ‘amazing’ benefits or outcomes even if it’s snake oil,” warned Susan Schreiner, principal analyst at C4 Trends, which tracks social media and influencers. “Similarly, education including ‘how to get rich’ or ‘self-improvement to get ahead’ always sells.”

One issue is that no one truly becomes “famous for being famous,” yet there are those whose influence can be greater than the average young person taking to social media to share their insight. Those with fame also have a built-in advantage.

“Celebrities and others are hire phalanxes of PR teams to create a positive image – and within this context hiring social media stars to promote their latest album or movie is just part of the communications package,” Schreiner explained.

One issue is that no one truly becomes “famous for being famous,” yet there are those whose influence can be greater than the average young person taking to social media to share their insight. Those with fame also have a built-in advantage.

“Celebrities and others are hire phalanxes of PR teams to create a positive image – and within this context hiring social media stars to promote their latest album or movie is just part of the communications package,” Schreiner explained.