Latest Influencer News in 2025
LinkedIn Influencer Slammed For Smiling Selfie On Post About Firing Employee
Matthew Baltzell, a prominent LinkedIn influencer known for his insights in real estate, recently ignited controversy with a post that sparked widespread backlash. In the post, Baltzell shared a smiling selfie alongside a discussion about his experience firing an employee for the first time. He described the experience as "illuminating" and offered a business lesson structured around four points. However, the post quickly drew criticism for its perceived lack of sensitivity and self-awareness. Commenters pointed out that Baltzell appeared to center himself in a story that should have focused on the impact on the terminated employee. The cheerful selfie juxtaposed with the serious topic of someone losing their job struck many as tone-deaf and inappropriate. The criticism extended beyond LinkedIn, gaining traction on other social media platforms like Threads and X (formerly Twitter), where users expressed shock and disbelief at the post's content. Despite being recognized as a "top real estate voice" on LinkedIn, Baltzell has not responded publicly to the backlash. Nevertheless, the incident has sparked broader discussions about influencer culture and the ethical responsibilities that come with sharing personal experiences online. Many commentators have highlighted the dangers of "main character syndrome," where influencers may inadvertently overshadow or trivialize the experiences of others for the sake of personal narrative or engagement. Moreover, the incident underscores the importance of empathy and understanding the broader implications of one's online presence, especially in sensitive contexts such as job terminations during times of economic uncertainty. It serves as a poignant reminder that influencers, regardless of their platform or audience, should prioritize empathy and consider the real-world impacts of their content. As the discussions continue, Baltzell's post now stands as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of influencer behavior and the necessity of maintaining integrity and sensitivity in all forms of online communication.
Woman Burns Her ‘Oesophagus’ After Following TikTok Influencer’s Health Advice
A woman has been hospitalized after following a wellness influencer's advice that resulted in a burnt esophagus. TikTok user Lutinii (@lutinii) shared her story, warning others to be cautious when following health hacks from influencers. This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with TikTok health trends today, as more people turn to social media for wellness advice. Lutinii said she followed a well-known health influencer on TikTok six years ago who promoted "holistic recipes" while claiming to be healing from a chronic illness. One of the influencer's videos suggested aiding digestion by eating an orange coated with cinnamon and cayenne pepper, peel and all, which has become part of some TikTok gut health trends. Lutinii tried the remedy but became severely ill, ultimately needing hospitalization. "I had to see a specialist. I got an endoscopy, and it turns out that I did, in fact, burn my esophagus," she said. "I suffered for MONTHS." This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of blindly following TikTok health trends in 2024. She expressed concern that the influencer continues to share similar tips and now has a much larger following. "While I do think it’s the content creator’s responsibility to be mindful, I think we have even more responsibility to discern and take everything we see with a grain of salt," Lutinii stated. "That is the last time I will listen to a health and wellness influencer." The video has garnered thousands of comments. One user wrote, "I will never understand why people listen to random strangers online about their health. I trust no one!" Another commented, "Those of us with chronic illness can feel desperate when we suffer so much. It’s a life of trial & error. I hope you have healed since this!" A third added, "The thing is people need to trust professionals, we need to look to dieticians and not influencers for diet and nutrition advice. Glad you’re okay!" As TikTok health trends continue to evolve, it is crucial for users to critically evaluate the advice given by health influencers on TikTok. While some trends can be harmless or even beneficial, others, like the one Lutinii followed, can have serious health consequences. The rise of TikTok gut health trends, in particular, requires careful consideration and professional consultation to ensure safety and efficacy.

Gay Tucker Carlson Lookalike Goes Viral On TikTok: ‘This Is Frigging Hilarious’
A woman has gone viral on TikTok after a viewer pointed out her striking resemblance to a teenage version of former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson. The woman's name is unknown, but her video has been widely shared on social media, particularly on X, by user Dr. Jebra Faushay. In the TikTok video, the woman starts by saying, "Being a well-established gay, I never imagined myself on this side of TikTok that thinks I look like Tucker Carlson, but here we are." She admits she is not familiar with Carlson and decides to Google him to see if the resemblance is true. Upon seeing photos of Carlson, she appears puzzled and questions the comparison. Despite her confusion, viewers quickly flooded the comments on the viral video, noting the similarities between her and Carlson, including their brown curly hair and facial features. One user commented, "This is frigging hilarious. She legit looks like him," while another added, "When the multiverse collides." A third person noted, "Even the chins are identical. I thought at least she would have the sense to admit. She looks a lot like him. Dye her hair brown and she’s got a second gig." Tucker Carlson, a former Fox News anchor and political commentator, worked for the network from 2009 until his contract was terminated in 2023. His departure followed the leak of private messages in which he used vulgar language to criticize the network’s management, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Now, he has continued his presence in media with his own show on Twitter, titled "Tucker Carlson Twitter." This incident is not the first time a celebrity doppelganger has gone viral. In 2023, fans were shocked to see what appeared to be YouTube star MrBeast flying economy on a plane. However, it was soon revealed to be a man who looked strikingly similar to MrBeast. Currently, this Tucker Carlson lookalike is one of the hottest TikTok trends right now, capturing the fascination of viewers and sparking widespread amusement. The video is part of a larger pattern of TikTok trending content where ordinary individuals gain sudden fame due to their uncanny resemblances to well-known personalities.

Bella Poarch Cheated On Ex-Husband With Tyga? Influencer Finally Addresses Rumors
Bella Poarch has spoken out about rumors claiming she cheated on her ex-husband with rapper Tyga, revealing she has received death threats over the allegations. In a TikTok video posted on June 19, 2024, the TikTok star and music artist addressed the claims while making a cup of green tea. Poarch stated she has been receiving death threats for over a year due to the persistent rumor that she cheated on her now ex-husband with Tyga. "I never made a sex tape or cheated on him with Tyga," Poarch said. "I’ve only met Tyga once, and that was to film a TikTok, and that was something my team had set up." Despite their divorce, Poarch mentioned that she and her ex-husband remain close. "He’s literally been there for me through my darkest moments and has continued to be there for me during my worst days," she said. Poarch added that although they have grown apart since meeting in the Navy at 19, they still have a lot of love for each other. "The truth is that we’re both different people from when we met, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot of love for each other," she continued. "And that’s the tea." Her straightforward TikTok video has received mixed reactions, with some fans showing support and others making critical comments. One commenter joked, "Tyga smiling while rubbing his hands right now." The rumor stems from a collaboration between Poarch and Tyga in December 2020, when they filmed a TikTok duet to Tyga’s song "Money Mouf." According to Poarch, this was their only interaction. News of Poarch’s marital status emerged in 2022 when TMZ reported she had filed for divorce from her husband, Tyler Poarch, after nearly four years of marriage. This revelation led to intense backlash from fans, prompting Poarch to take a break from social media. She returned to the public eye in October 2023, discussing her separation on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast. Poarch explained that her rise to fame on TikTok and her desire to pursue a music career conflicted with her husband’s wish to avoid the spotlight. "Everything just happened so fast," she said. "TikTok happened, and he didn’t wanna be in the spotlight. I respect that, though." Despite their differing paths, Poarch emphasized that she and her ex-husband are still on good terms, countering critics' claims.

TikTok Celebrates Taylor Swift ‘Eras Tour’ With Limited Edition Swift-Themed Frame
TikTok has unveiled a special in-app experience to celebrate Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, offering fans a range of exciting new features. Users can now add digital TikTok profile frames and create virtual friendship bracelets by completing Swift-themed challenges. Those who successfully complete 11 weeks of tasks will be rewarded with a limited edition Swift-themed profile frame, a coveted digital badge for dedicated fans. This move makes TikTok the latest social media platform to develop custom features for the pop star, leveraging her vast online fanbase. The competition to attract Swift’s followers is intense. In April, Instagram introduced a feature on Swift’s account that allows users to access a secret countdown for her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” by swiping down on her profile. Last September, Elon Musk urged Swift to share content on his platform, formerly known as Twitter. “I recommend posting some music or concert videos directly on the X platform,” Musk tweeted. Swift has actively engaged with her digital audience as well. In 2022, she joined YouTube Shorts to launch a challenge inviting fans to share reaction videos to her album, “Midnights.” With 550 million followers across all social platforms, Swift is one of the five most-followed people globally, according to San Francisco analytics firm Exploding Topics. Swift’s influence extends beyond social media. Her concerts, such as the Eras Tour, have significant economic impacts on local economies and even cause measurable vibrations in the earth due to the excitement of her fans. Her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has also kept her in the spotlight, even at high-profile events like the Super Bowl. The new TikTok features, including the TikTok Taylor Swift profile frames and the TikTok Eras tour-themed challenges, aim to capitalize on Swift’s massive and dedicated fanbase. By integrating these custom experiences, TikTok hopes to further engage Swift’s fans and boost user interaction on its platform. This initiative highlights the growing trend of social media platforms creating bespoke features for major celebrities to harness their online influence. As Swift continues to dominate the digital landscape, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and others will likely keep finding innovative ways to collaborate with her and other high-profile figures to attract and retain users. The TikTok challenge 2024, centered around Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour 2024, is a prime example of how platforms are leveraging celebrity influence to enhance user engagement and create a vibrant, interactive online community.

LA Unified School District Bans Phones, Social Media For Students Starting 2025
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second-largest school district in the U.S., has made a significant move by voting to ban cellphone and social media use for its 429,000 K-12 students during school days. This decision, made with a 5 to 2 vote on Tuesday morning, follows U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy's call for warning labels on social media platforms, akin to those on cigarette packs. Jessica Quindel, a math teacher at Venice High School, expressed strong support for the ban, highlighting the difficulties teachers face in managing students' smartphone use. She described it as an "uphill battle," likening the effort to "running a nonstop marathon." Quindel remarked, "It takes a lot of energy and it’s really hard to keep up." Following the vote, LAUSD has 120 days to develop and present updated cellphone and social media policies, set to be implemented by the spring semester of the 2024-2025 school year. These new policies will prohibit students from using cellphones and social media during school hours. Possible methods under consideration include locked pouches, cellphone lockers, and technological solutions. The policies will be shaped by best practices and input from experts, labor partners, staff, students, and parents. In developing these policies, LAUSD will take into account students who rely on cellphones for translation purposes and will evaluate the implications of social media use among youth. Medical experts, parents, teachers, and administrators have raised concerns about the negative impact of social media on children and adolescents. Dr. Murthy, in his op-ed, pointed to the mental health crisis among young people, identifying social media as a significant factor contributing to increased anxiety and depression. He noted that teens reported spending nearly five hours a day on social media last summer. Murthy also suggested implementing digital warning labels for social media, similar to those used for tobacco and alcohol. On "GMA3," he explained that these labels would appear regularly during social media use and would be scientifically tested for effectiveness, pending congressional authorization. He emphasized that similar labels have successfully raised awareness and changed behavior in the case of tobacco. LAUSD's initiative is part of a broader trend of schools banning phones. For example, the Manchester Public School District in Connecticut already mandates that students lock their cellphones in secure pouches until the end of the school day. With LAUSD banning cell phones and social media, this policy aims to create a more focused and less distracted learning environment, addressing growing concerns over the adverse effects of digital device usage during school hours.

Influencer Marketing Platform Captiv8 Launches Branded Storefronts: ‘Elevated Solution’ For Online Shopping
Captiv8, a leading influencer marketing platform, has launched Branded Storefronts to enhance social commerce for brands, creators, and consumers. Announced on June 17, 2024, Branded Storefronts leverages creator storytelling and personalized product curation to offer a seamless shopping experience outside traditional social networks. Krishna Subramanian, CEO and co-founder of Captiv8, stated that Branded Storefronts provide a solution to scale social commerce within the creator economy. The storefronts are designed to meet the demand for curated, relevant, and seamless online shopping experiences that connect influencers, brands, and consumers. This new feature allows creators to maintain a single storefront for all their social content, eliminating the need for multiple affiliate links across different platforms. This innovation aligns with Captiv8's comprehensive influencer marketing strategy. An analysis by Captiv8 influencer marketing of over 21,000 affiliate creators showed that creators are 2.5 times more likely to prefer storefronts over one-off affiliate links to boost their earning potential. The Branded Storefronts feature also enables brands to create a customizable, whitelabel solution that aggregates creator storefronts. These storefronts can be promoted across various online destinations, allowing brands to track, analyze, and optimize the entire shopping experience in real-time. Theja Suresh, Captiv8's Chief Product Officer, highlighted the perfect timing of this launch given the rise of social commerce and the significant impact of personalized creator recommendations on product discovery, basket building, and purchasing decisions. Data from Captiv8 shows that creators drive 230% higher average order value in affiliate campaigns, showcasing their strong influence on consumer buying behavior. Consumers benefit from a shopping experience curated by influencers they trust and admire, while brands enjoy increased linger rates, product discoverability, brand loyalty, and incremental sales. Captiv8's advanced measurement suite allows brands to leverage revenue-based purchase data to gain actionable insights for their influencer and affiliate marketing programs. This capability is a key aspect of the newly introduced Captiv8 Branded Storefronts. Captiv8 continues to empower brands to connect with consumers through authentic creator partnerships, using cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights. The platform has been rated the #1 Best Influencer Marketing Platform by the Influencer Marketing Awards and is recognized as the top choice for enterprise marketers by G2.

Half Of Influencers Earn Just $15,000 Or Less Per Year On Social Media: Report
Many people dream of making a living as social media influencers, but the reality can be tough. A recent report by The Wall Street Journal highlights the challenges faced by influencers trying to earn a stable income. According to data from Goldman Sachs, around 50 million people are earning money as influencers, with this number expected to grow by 10% to 20% annually through 2028. Despite the growth in influencer marketing, the vast majority of these influencers earn very little. In 2023, nearly half of all creators earned $15,000 or less, based on figures from NeoReach, an influencer marketing agency. Only 13% made over $100,000. This stark contrast highlights the disparity in influencer earnings, revealing how difficult it is for most to reach a substantial influencer salary per year. One such influencer is Clint Brantley, who creates content about the online game Fortnite on TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube. Despite having over 400,000 followers and averaging 100,000 views per post, Brantley earned less than the U.S. median income of $58,084 in 2023. At 29, he still lives at home and is hesitant to move out due to the unpredictable nature of his social media earnings from tips and sponsorships. “I’m vulnerable,” Brantley said, expressing concern about his financial stability. The report also touches on influencers' fears about a potential ban on TikTok in the U.S. This platform is a significant source of income for many creators. Fiona Co Chan, CEO and founder of the skincare brand Youthforia, with over 190,000 followers on TikTok, shared her concerns. She believes that a TikTok ban would bring new challenges for small businesses like hers. Despite this, she is confident that the style of content introduced by TikTok—quick, engaging, and informative—will continue to be popular across other platforms. Financial challenges are also a significant hurdle for influencers. PYMNTS highlighted the difficulty creators face in accessing financial resources compared to traditional business owners. James Jones, founder and CEO of the wealthTech and financing platform Bump, explained that most creators struggle to get business loans or lines of credit because they lack traditional paystubs or W2s, and their income is often too unpredictable for conventional financial institutions. This unpredictability makes it hard to determine how much influencers make consistently. “Most creators are denied access because they don’t have paystubs or W2s, or because their income is just too unpredictable for traditional institutions with very little appetite for risk,” Jones said. In summary, while influencer marketing is a booming industry with growing numbers of participants, the financial reality for most influencers is challenging. With social media earnings often being inconsistent and financial resources hard to come by, many influencers face significant hurdles in achieving a stable and substantial income.

‘Rude’ Influencer Blasted For Skin Care Video Inside Plane Bathroom, Keeps Queue For 15 Minutes
An influential skincare influencer has sparked outrage on TikTok after she occupied an airplane bathroom for nearly 15 minutes to perform her multi-step plane skincare routine. Kate Elisabeth, a beauty influencer with 657,000 followers, posted a now-viral video showing her beautifying process, which included washing her face, brushing her teeth, using an eye mask, and applying various skincare products. The video, captioned “oops,” quickly drew criticism from viewers who labeled her behavior as “inconsiderate” and “rude.” In the video, Elisabeth claimed she told a woman waiting in line that she would only be two minutes. However, the expedited time-lapse video indicated that she spent close to 15 minutes in the cramped aircraft bathroom. This has infuriated viewers who noted that airplane bathrooms are limited and essential for all passengers. “Bro if I had to pee and you were in here doing this…” one user commented, while another added, “I’d be pissed if someone took 15 min in an airplane bathroom doing what they could do at their seat. Brush your teeth then allow others to use the bathroom.” Many agreed that the beauty influencer's actions were disrespectful, pointing out that much of her routine could have been done at her seat. “This isn’t a flex. Be respectful of other people in public places. Half of this routine could have been done at your seat,” one user stated. Another commenter criticized her lack of manners, saying, “Some people have no manners.” Despite the backlash, Elisabeth seemed to enjoy the controversy. She responded to one commenter who said, “I love how much these annoy people,” by replying, “Literally it’s so funny.” Elisabeth later noted that “y’all are so easily fooled,” suggesting that her video was intended as “rage bait”—content designed to provoke anger and boost engagement through comments, views, and likes. The video has ignited a debate about appropriate behavior in public spaces, especially confined ones like airplane bathrooms. It also highlights a growing trend where skin care influencers create provocative content to increase their social media interactions, regardless of the potential inconvenience or disrespect towards others. This incident sheds light on the impact of skin care TikTok trends and the lengths to which influencers will go to maintain their beauty routines, even in the most inconvenient of settings.

New Social Network App Butterflies Lets Humans, AI Interact With Each Other
Butterflies, a new social network app where humans and AIs interact, launched publicly on Tuesday for iOS and Android after five months in beta. Founded by former Snap engineering manager Vu Tran, Butterflies allows users to create AI personas, called Butterflies, which generate posts and engage with other users and AIs. Tran created Butterflies to fill a gap in AI consumer products beyond simple generative AI chatbots. Unlike traditional AI chatbots offered by companies like Meta and Snap, Butterflies provides a more dynamic and creative interaction. Each Butterfly has a backstory, opinions, and emotions, making the experience richer and more engaging. “When you’re talking to an AI through a text box, there’s really no substance around it,” Vu told TechCrunch. “We thought, OK, what if we put the text box at the end and then try to build up more form and substance around the characters and AIs themselves?” This AI-powered social app builds on the concept popularized by Character.AI, but it aims to create a social ecosystem where AI personas coexist and interact in a traditional social media feed. Users might see posts from a Butterfly who is a woodworker showing off their latest creation or a Butterfly CEO of a fictional Costco determined to keep hot dog prices low. During its beta phase, Butterflies attracted tens of thousands of users who spent an average of one to three hours daily interacting with AIs. Vu observed that some users created hundreds of AI personas, using the platform as a creative outlet and a means to connect with others. In one case, two friends created AI personas with intertwined backstories to see how they would interact. Another user created a version of themselves living in the Game of Thrones universe, while someone else became a Dungeons & Dragons character. Vu believes Butterflies offers a wholesome way to interact with AI, potentially helping people who find it difficult to connect in traditional social settings. He shared his own experience of forming meaningful connections in online gaming forums, suggesting that AI can play a similar role in this AI social network. While Butterflies is free at launch, the company may introduce a subscription model in the future. Vu also envisions opportunities for brands to interact with AIs on the platform, similar to Instagram’s discovery feature. In November 2023, Butterflies raised a $4.8 million seed round led by Coatue, with participation from SV Angel and former Snap product and engineering leaders. The startup aims to continue enhancing user experiences and expanding its capabilities in this innovative AI social media space.
Meta Layoffs: Reality Labs Staff Laid Off Amid ‘Biggest Restructuring In Years’
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is undergoing a major reorganization. The company announced the creation of a new "Wearables" group, focusing on developing hardware and software for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) products. This move comes amidst a wave of Meta layoffs in 2024, affecting thousands of employees. Andrew Bosworth, Meta's chief technology officer, will lead the new Wearables group. The formation of this group underscores Meta's commitment to the AR/VR market, despite recent setbacks and cost-cutting measures. Meta has heavily invested in its Metaverse vision, with the Oculus Quest VR headset as a key component. The reorganization and establishment of the Wearables group occur amidst significant layoffs. Meta has been reducing its workforce across various departments, including Reality Labs, the division responsible for AR/VR products. The Reality Labs Meta layoffs are part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on core growth areas. The new Wearables group will consolidate teams responsible for hardware, software, and research related to AR/VR products. This consolidation is intended to foster greater collaboration and streamline development processes, accelerating Meta's progress in the AR/VR space. Meta's decision to create a dedicated Wearables group amidst the 2024 layoffs indicates a strategic shift towards prioritizing AR/VR technology development. This move signals Meta's commitment to the future of the Metaverse, despite the challenges and uncertainties in the market. Additionally, Meta's reorganization is seen as a response to the competitive pressures in the tech industry, where rapid advancements in AR/VR technology are critical for staying ahead. By focusing on wearables and consolidating its efforts, Meta aims to innovate faster and deliver more integrated and advanced AR/VR experiences to its users.
‘Bridgerton’ Tiktok Scandal Filter Goes Viral
TikTok users are flocking to try out the new Bridgerton scandal filter, sparking a viral trend on the platform. Released alongside the second half of Bridgerton on June 13, the filter assigns users a scandal they would face if they were characters in the Bridgerton universe. This new addition has quickly become one of the hottest TikTok trends right now. The Bridgerton scandal filter operates through a random generator, attributing users with various scandalous scenarios inspired by the popular Netflix series. Scandals range from becoming Lady Whistledown to mysteriously disappearing from one's family, adding a whimsical twist to user-generated content. Since its launch, more than 15,000 users have already participated in the trend, with many videos gaining viral traction. To join in on the fun, TikTok users can easily access the filter by following these steps: Open TikTok and click on the plus icon to access the camera. Navigate to 'Effects' located in the bottom left corner of the screen. Use the magnifying glass icon to search for 'Bridgerton Scandal.' Select the filter named 'Bridgerton Scandal' from the search results. Return to the camera interface and tap on the screen to apply the filter. Wait for the filter to load and reveal your assigned Bridgerton scandal. The filter has garnered popularity among fans eager to explore fictional scandals they might encounter in the Bridgerton universe. It's part of TikTok's broader efforts to engage users with interactive and themed content tied to popular culture moments, ensuring ongoing excitement and participation from its diverse user base. As anticipation builds for Bridgerton season 3, fans are using the platform to express their excitement and creativity. The Bridgerton filter trend highlights TikTok's role in capitalizing on cultural phenomena to foster community engagement and user creativity. By integrating themed filters like the Bridgerton scandal filter, TikTok enables users to participate in playful, imaginative scenarios inspired by beloved series and films. This approach not only boosts user interaction on the platform but also strengthens TikTok's appeal as a hub for entertainment and shared cultural experiences. As the trend continues to gain momentum, more users are expected to join in, further amplifying the reach and impact of the Bridgerton-inspired filter across social media. With TikTok trends right now being heavily influenced by popular shows like Bridgerton, the platform continues to be a dynamic space where fans can connect, create, and celebrate their favorite cultural moments.

Sabrina Carpenter Apologizes For NSFW Song After Influencer’s Son Sings Iconic ‘Please, Please, Please’ Lyric
Sabrina Carpenter apologizes to a TikTok mom after her young child sang an explicit lyric from her latest song in a viral video. The incident occurred after the release of Carpenter's new single "Please Please Please," which features a chorus including the line, "Heartbreak is one thing, my ego’s another / I beg you, don’t embarrass me, motherf**ker, oh / Please, please, please." The TikTok clip, posted by user Brielle Cherie, showed her applying makeup while singing along to Carpenter's song. However, when her young son innocently sang the explicit word "motherf**ker," Cherie's shocked reaction was captured on camera. The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 10.3 million views, prompting Sabrina Carpenter to respond. In the comments section of the viral TikTok, Carpenter apologized to Cherie and informed her followers that a clean version of the song had been released in response to the incident. Her comment garnered significant attention, accumulating over 461,000 likes as Cherie humorously replied, "I’m afraid there’s no going back at this point it’s a bop he will not forget." The clean version of "Please Please Please," released on June 15, substitutes the explicit lyric with the phrase "little sucker" instead of "motherf**ker." Fans can now find the "Please Please Please clean version" available across streaming platforms. This alteration has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with many finding the situation amusing. For those interested in the lyrics, they can easily look up "Sabrina Carpenter Please Please Please lyrics" or "Sabrina Carpenter Please Please Please clean lyrics" to see the differences between the two versions. This incident has highlighted the need for clean versions of songs, especially for younger audiences who admire artists like Sabrina Carpenter. Following the release of her pop ballad, Sabrina Carpenter has also teamed up with Van Leeuwen ice cream to introduce a flavor inspired by her previous hit single "Espresso." This collaboration further extends Carpenter's presence beyond music into the realm of branded partnerships, demonstrating her ongoing influence and reach in popular culture. In addition to addressing the viral TikTok incident and releasing a clean version of her song, the influencer continues to engage with her fan base across social media platforms. Known for her upbeat and versatile music style, Carpenter has maintained a strong presence in the pop music scene, consistently connecting with audiences through her distinctive blend of genres. Her proactive approach to managing the situation reflects her commitment to both artistic integrity and maintaining a positive relationship with her fans, highlighting her professionalism amidst unexpected challenges in the public eye.

New Mexico Tourism Department Taps Abbi Agency As Influencer Marketing Agency
The Abbi Agency, an integrated marketing and public relations firm, has been selected as the Public Relations Agency of Record for the New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD). The agency will manage both public relations and influencer marketing strategies for New Mexico. "We are excited to bring our 20+ years of collective experience in travel and tourism to our work with New Mexico," said Abbi Whitaker, Co-Founder and CEO of The Abbi Agency. "We look forward to showcasing the culture, people, and places that make the destination unlike any other." New Mexico, often referred to as the Land of Enchantment, is celebrated for its multicultural heritage, natural wonders, and renowned arts scene. The Abbi Agency aims to highlight these aspects through strategic media coverage and partnerships with content creators, as part of their comprehensive influencer marketing strategy. Cody Johnson, Director of Communications for the New Mexico Tourism Department, expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to promote the state. "Through their proven success with destinations and hospitality brands, we believe The Abbi Agency, an experienced influencer marketing agency, will help us continue to tell the story of the Land of Enchantment through secured coverage in quality travel media and strategic partnerships with content creators." The addition of New Mexico to The Abbi Agency’s portfolio comes shortly after the agency added Carnival Cruise Line, Aramark Destinations, and Pacific Surfliner. The agency’s approach to travel and tourism involves fostering deep relationships with journalists and influencers to create compelling and unique narratives. The Abbi Agency is committed to bringing New Mexico's lesser-known attractions to the forefront through performance public relations, brand partnerships, and influencer relations. By utilizing intentional strategies and leveraging longstanding media relationships, the team plans to enhance the presence of New Mexico True, the state's tourism brand. Additionally, The Abbi Agency will collaborate with its sister agency in the UK, Brass Tacks Media, to promote New Mexico as a travel destination to international audiences in Germany, Australia, and beyond. The goal is to highlight the state's uncurated culture, exceptional outdoor experiences, and unforgettable road trips, further supported by their robust influencer marketing strategy.

Insider Reveals ‘Biggest L’ In YouTube Marketing History: Company Passed Up MrBeast Promotion For Just $50,000
In a newly revealed story, a brand missed a monumental opportunity to collaborate with MrBeast, the now world-famous YouTuber, back in 2018 for a mere $50,000. At the time, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, was an emerging content creator with one million subscribers. Fast forward to today, he has become the most subscribed YouTube creator globally, boasting over 281 million subscribers. The missed opportunity was recounted by Daniel Cordas, a London-based artist, on TikTok. Cordas described it as “the biggest L in YouTube, consultancy, and marketing history.” He explained that in early 2018, a company approached him for advice on promoting a new game. Cordas suggested a YouTube promotion with MrBeast, then charging around $10,000 per promotion, which was a typical YouTube sponsorship rate for emerging influencers at the time. Cordas contacted MrBeast via the email provided in his YouTube bio and showed screenshots of their conversation. Despite Cordas's strong recommendation, the company balked at the $50,000 fee when MrBeast upped his price. “They definitely had the budget but they didn’t see the value,” Cordas lamented. He emphasized that if the sponsorship had gone through, the brand's promotion would have remained on MrBeast’s YouTube channel, gaining immense value as his popularity skyrocketed. Reflecting on the missed chance, Cordas speculated on the current MrBeast sponsorship cost, acknowledging that it would be exponentially higher now. MrBeast, now a titan on YouTube, is renowned for his big-budget videos, massive challenges, and generous prize giveaways, making his sponsorships highly coveted and much more expensive. Recently, MrBeast teased what he described as his "biggest video ever" on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a picture with some of the biggest names on the internet. His rise from an up-and-coming YouTuber to the most subscribed channel, surpassing even T-Series, is marked by his innovative YouTube marketing strategy and engagement with viewers. The story serves as a stark reminder of the potential value in early investments in digital influencers, a lesson underscored by the incredible success of MrBeast. Today, partnering with him would require a significantly higher budget, reflecting his immense influence and reach on the platform.