Influencer Strategies – The Shelf Full-Service Influencer Marketing https://www.theshelf.com We're a creative + strategy influencer marketing agency running 🩄 campaigns. All the verticals. All the platforms. Fri, 29 Dec 2023 01:39:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.2 https://www.theshelf.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-the-Shelf-logo-orange-32x32.png Influencer Strategies – The Shelf Full-Service Influencer Marketing https://www.theshelf.com 32 32 10 Health Food Influencers to Inspire You This New Year https://www.theshelf.com/blogger-roundups/health-food-influencers/ https://www.theshelf.com/blogger-roundups/health-food-influencers/#respond Thu, 14 Dec 2023 19:17:54 +0000 https://www.theshelf.com/?p=19648 The dawn of 2024 swiftly approaches. It’s now only 18 days away. The air is buzzing with the spirit of renewal and transformation. The new year beckons with promises of fresh starts and the opportunity to embrace healthier lifestyles. Whether your aspirations include eating healthier, cooking at home or just making yummier foods, you’re in…

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The dawn of 2024 swiftly approaches. It’s now only 18 days away. The air is buzzing with the spirit of renewal and transformation. The new year beckons with promises of fresh starts and the opportunity to embrace healthier lifestyles. Whether your aspirations include eating healthier, cooking at home or just making yummier foods, you’re in for a treat! To kickstart your journey and infuse your kitchen adventures with inspiration, we’ve carefully curated a list of the top ten health food influencers. These culinary minds are not just about recipes. They embody a lifestyle that celebrates well-being, creativity, and the joy of eating right. Join us as we jump into their world, where each dish is a vibrant, flavor-packed testament to healthy living

1. Jade / Mostly Healthy Desserts @panaceas_pantry 468K on Instagram

Photos of three food items from health food influencer Jade: No Bake, Fudgy + Decadent Raspberry, Hazelnut, Chocolate Ganache Bars, Asparagus, Apple, + Hazelnut Salad, Banana Egg Pancakes
Source: @panaceas_pantry on Instagram

Jade is the creator behind Panaceas Pantry blog. She welcomes visitors with plant-based recipes that nourish and celebrate. As a former naturopath and nutritionist, and a mother of three girls, she emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet. She combines quality whole foods with the joy of cooking. Her blog caters to various dietary needs, offering some recipes free from major allergens. Jade actively shares her culinary adventures and other interests on Instagram, inviting followers to engage and share their experiences with her recipes. Living near Melbourne, Australia, in her childhood town, she spends her time outside the kitchen homeschooling her daughters, gardening, walking, and crafting. She eagerly awaits building her dream home. And she encourages visitors to try her recipes, like the much-loved tahini banana bread, and share their feedback. All of her recipes are on her blog Panaceas Pantry.

Featured Recipes: Asparagus, Apple, + Hazelnut Salad, Banana Egg Pancakes, and No Bake, Fudgy + Decadent Raspberry, Hazelnut, Chocolate Ganache Bars

2. Jacqueline Alwill @brownpapernutrition 97K on Instagram

Photos of food for the following recipes from health food influencer Jacqueline: Burrata, Berry, Watermelon, + Cherry Board, Spring Asparagus Tart, and Peanut Butter Protein Oats, Pineapple Lime Avocado Manuka Smoothie, + Berry Chia Mango Pots
Source: @brownpapernutrition on Instagram

In 2012, Jacqueline launched Brown Paper Nutrition. It was initially a Facebook page known as “The Brown Paper Bag Nutrition and Wellness.” There, she shared healthy recipes and nutrition tips, with a focus on women’s health. Fueled by her passion for cooking and health, Jacqueline set up a whole foods stall at the Bondi Farmers Market. She sold nourishing muffins, raw treats, super seed bircher, and various kitchen experiments. The venture was pivotal in connecting with her community and fostering growth. It led to opportunities in the corporate world, integrated whole foods catering into her business, and opened doors to work in media, including TV and magazines. This period was a significant start for Jacqueline, a single mother striving for success. Despite the challenges, the rewarding experiences and supportive community she built were invaluable to her both professionally and personally.

Featured Recipes: Burrata, Berry, Watermelon, + Cherry Board, Spring Asparagus Tart, and Peanut Butter Protein Oats, Pineapple Lime Avocado Manuka Smoothie, + Berry Chia Mango Pots

3. Sophie Fisher @coconutandbliss 406K on Instagram

Photos of food for the following recipes: Featured Recipes: Creamy Pistachio Pasta, Whipped Ricotta Toast, and Mango Cheesecake Smoothie
Source: @coconutandbliss on Instagram

Nine years ago, Sophie Fisher founded Coconut and Bliss. And one of our favorite health food influencers was born. She was driven by her passion for nutrition, recipe creation, and healthy food. Initially, she used the platform as a personal space to document and track her interests. But soon her audience grew. Followers were attracted by her content and healthy lifestyle habits, with many requesting more recipes. This interest sparked a significant turning point. It led to collaborations with various brands and individuals, as well as the publication of her own e-books. Over the years, recipe design has become intuitive for Sophie. It’s evolved from a process that initially required extensive research and trial and error. Now, she cooks with a natural flair, experimenting with ratios and ingredient combinations, often leading to successful outcomes. Though she admits to the occasional culinary mishap.

Featured Recipes: Creamy Pistachio Pasta, Whipped Ricotta Toast, and Mango Cheesecake Smoothie

4. Jess Hoffman @choosingchia 309K on Instagram

Photos of food from the following recipes: Featured Recipes: Spicy Thai Curry Butternut Squash Soup, One-Pan Mexican-Inspired Quinoa, and Blueberry Chia Pudding  
Source: @choosingchia on Instagram

Jess founded Choosing Chia following a transformative trip to India. There, she studied yoga and Ayurveda, eventually obtaining her yoga instructor certification from the Ajarya yoga academy. This experience ignited her passion for healthy, plant-based cooking and eating. Choosing Chia, her blog, mirrors her beliefs in a healthy lifestyle. It offers delicious, easy-to-make vegetarian recipes with a focus on fresh, wholesome plant-based ingredients. Jess aims to serve those seeking healthier eating options and stress-free ways to incorporate natural foods into their diets. The blog is a mix of whole food recipes, healthified desserts, and indulgent treats. She emphasizes simple and quick preparations for busy lifestyles. When not blogging, Jess can be found practicing yoga, enjoying the mountains, brunching, playing with her dog, and indulging in croissants. She loves sharing recipes, wellness and photography tips. And she believes in the philosophy that you cannot have both excuses and success.

Featured Recipes: Spicy Thai Curry Butternut Squash Soup, One-Pan Mexican-Inspired Quinoa, and Blueberry Chia Pudding  

5. Tieghan Gerard @halfbakedharvest 5.4M on Instagram

Photos of food from the following recipes: picy Miso Braised Beef Ramen, Shaved Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad, and Cheesy Gouda, Bacon, + Pumpkin Pizza  
Source: @halfbakedharvest on Instagram

Tieghan, the creator behind Half Baked Harvest, finds inspiration for her recipes from her loved ones and experiences. Growing up in a family of ten, she began cooking to help manage the mealtime chaos. Eventually, she took over the family’s meal preparations. This led to the birth of her blog, where she documents her cooking journey with photos and recipes. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she now resides in Colorado. She lives in a converted horse barn and works in a studio barn designed around her lifestyle. There, Tieghan experiments with new recipes, photographs her creations, and embraces the messiness of cooking.

She aims to inspire others to love food and have the courage to try new things. Since starting her blog in 2012, Tieghan has gained recognition on various platforms. She’s received accolades including, Readers’ Choice Favorite Food Blog by Better Homes and Gardens and awards from Saveur Magazine and Bloglovin’.

Featured Recipes: Spicy Miso Braised Beef Ramen, Shaved Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad, and Cheesy Gouda, Bacon, + Pumpkin Pizza  

6. Mia Elle @bitesbymia 724K on TikTok 

Photos of food from the following recipes: Featured Recipes: Protein Cookie Dough Cups, Vegan Dumplings, and Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich  
Source: @bitesbymia on TikTok

Mia Elle is known for her culinary creativity. She shares her favorite recipes on TikTok and Instagram under the handle “Bites by Mia.” Her content has range. Think nutritious smoothies, perfect for a healthy start or a post-workout refreshment. And also savory vegan dumplings, offering a plant-based alternative to a beloved classic. Her recipes are celebrated for their ease and accessibility. She uses ingredients commonly found in local supermarkets. And she accompanies each with clear, step-by-step instructions and engaging video tutorials. Mia’s approach goes beyond simple recipe sharing. She provides valuable cooking tips, ingredient alternatives, and kitchen hacks, catering to both beginner cooks and seasoned foodies. Her passion for cooking and friendly demeanor make her a popular figure in the online culinary community. She inspires her followers to explore new, healthy, and delicious culinary creations.

Featured Recipes: Protein Cookie Dough Cups, Vegan Dumplings, and Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich  

7. Michelle Tam @nomnompaleo 492K on Instagram

Photos of food from the following recipes: Featured Recipes: Pepper Steak, Chinese Garlic Green Beans, and Paleo Ambrosia Salad  
Source: @nomnompaleo on Instagram

Michelle Tam’s passion for cooking is rooted in her childhood experiences in her mother’s kitchen. It led her to pursue Nutrition & Food Science at Berkeley with an ambition to become a flavor scientist. Embracing the diverse food scene with her future husband, she reveled in the culinary richness of the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2010, she wholeheartedly adopted the Paleo diet. She cut out grains, legumes, sugar, and processed foods. This significantly improved her energy and mood. It was a vital change for managing her responsibilities. Which included raising two boys, working night shifts at a hospital, and maintaining a rigorous fitness routine. 

Her personal blog, Nom Nom Paleo, began with humble, amateur photography. But it evolved into a polished food site. It’s earned recognition including a Best Food Blog Award from Saveur Magazine. Over the years, Nom Nom Paleo expanded beyond a blog. It’s won two Webby Awards for its cooking app, a Best of Paleo Award for its podcast, and a James Beard Award nomination. Her first cookbook, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans, was a New York Times bestseller. It was followed by Ready or Not! in 2017, also a bestseller. The release of her third cookbook, Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go!, in January 2022, continued this success. However, Michelle’s greatest pride lies in the impact Nom Nom Paleo has had on home kitchens and dinner tables worldwide. Talk about health food influencers making a positive impact!

Featured Recipes: Pepper Steak, Chinese Garlic Green Beans, and Paleo Ambrosia Salad  

8. Dennis Prescott @dennistheprescott 743K on Instagram

Photos of food from the following recipes: Beef Shank French Onion Soup, Creamy Cupboard Tomato Soup, and Sundried Tomato, Arugula, Burrata, + Mortadella Sandwich  
Source: @dennistheprescott on Instagram

Dennis Prescott, a celebrated Canadian chef and cookbook author, has cultivated a substantial following of over 700,000 on Instagram. Initially a struggling musician in Nashville, his culinary journey began by self-teaching through Jamie Oliver cookbooks. This endeavor quickly evolved into a deep passion for food. It led to the creation of his popular Instagram account, featuring an array of mouth-watering dishes and diverse recipes. His growing expertise in the culinary field enabled him to work alongside chefs in various restaurants and even travel the world as a chef. He honed his skills through extensive experimentation with cooking techniques and recipes. Now he pays it forward, educating communities about cooking. Dennis has become an influential figure in the culinary world. His latest achievement includes a pivotal role on the show, Restaurants on the Edge. Not to mention the publication of his latest cookbook, Eat Delicious, which is currently available in stores.

Featured Recipes: Beef Shank French Onion Soup, Creamy Cupboard Tomato Soup, and Sundried Tomato, Arugula, Burrata, + Mortadella Sandwich  

9. Susi Vidal @susi.vidal 3.6M on TikTok

Photos of food from the following recipes: Chicken Tacos, Remy’s Ratatouille, and Crispy Parmesan + Kale Salad 
Source: @susi.vidal on TikTok

Susi, a nursing graduate from the University of Arizona, discovered her passion for cooking during the challenging times of COVID. She found solace in the kitchen. She delighted in the joy her meals brought to others, using this as a respite from external chaos. This hobby turned into a productive outlet, leading her to start “OnlyPans.” The social media series aimed to portraying cooking as both fun and entertaining.

While continuing to post her culinary creations online, Susi completed her nursing degree. Then she worked as a nurse for a year before deciding to fully dedicate herself to her newfound passion. Grateful for the support that has turned her dream into reality, she shares her self-taught cooking skills — gained from cookbooks, YouTube videos, and cooking shows — on various platforms. Susi is excited to continue her journey as a home cook. She eagerly shares recipes and updates, along with her other interests like meeting new people, traveling, and snowboarding. She invites her audience to join her in this culinary adventure, promising new recipes and videos.

Featured Recipes: Chicken Tacos, Remy’s Ratatouille, and Crispy Parmesan + Kale Salad 

10. Dr. Rachel Paul, PhD, RD @collegenutritionist 788K on Instagram

Photos of food from the following recipes: Featured Recipes: Stuffed Pepper Skillet, Alfredo Chicken Skillet, and Spicy Pesto Skillet
Source: @collegenutritionist on Instagram

Rachel holds a PhD in nutrition and behavior change from Columbia University. But her food journey was not always an easy one. She overcame her own prolonged struggles with food. She transitioned from obsession to restrictive eating, which adversely affected her relationship with eating, body image, and self-confidence. Realizing the need for change, she pondered the idea of mastering mindsets around food to cultivate healthier bodies and lifestyles. Through her academic journey, Rachel discovered effective strategies for achieving freedom around food and making healthy eating effortless. She has since dedicated herself to helping thousands of women lose weight and feel their best, sharing her insights and methods through her program, Best Body, transforming the lives of many with her expertise and personal experience. 

Featured Recipes: Stuffed Pepper Skillet, Alfredo Chicken Skillet, and Spicy Pesto Skillet

That’s a Wrap on Our Fav Health Food Influencers

We hope our guide featuring the top ten health food influencers provides an invaluable resource for those aspiring to a healthier, more flavorful culinary journey. These health food influencers are more than recipe creators. They are ambassadors of a lifestyle that harmoniously blends wellness, creativity, and the pure joy of nutritious eating. Embrace this opportunity to transform your eating habits and kitchen skills. Let each vibrant, flavor-rich dish be a step towards a healthier and happier you in the new year. If you’d like assistance creating health-focused influencer marketing campaigns in the new year, book a strategy call with us today.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Abigail Welcom | Marketing Magician

Abby wins hearts and gains trust as our Brand Marketing & Outreach Coordinator. She puts her Film and Television Production degree to good use dreaming up visual marketing for The Shelf. When she’s not dazzling us with out-of-the-box ideas, you can likely find her at The Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland!


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2024 YouTube Audience Demographics: User Habits by Generation https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/youtube-user-habits/ https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/youtube-user-habits/#respond Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.theshelf.com/?p=13144 If you have a handful (or a bucket full) of YouTube questions, you’re not alone. YouTube demographics, usage, and statistics are popular search topics these days. How many users does YouTube have? How many videos get watched every month? And how do older consumers use the platform compared to younger buyers? We cover that and…

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If you have a handful (or a bucket full) of YouTube questions, you’re not alone. YouTube demographics, usage, and statistics are popular search topics these days. How many users does YouTube have? How many videos get watched every month? And how do older consumers use the platform compared to younger buyers? We cover that and a lot more in this article cataloging the latest YouTube demographics, habits, and usage stats.

What’s In This Post on YouTube User Stats?

Lots. We gathered a ton of stats on how each generation – Generation Z, Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers – uses YouTube. We included info on the number of YouTube users who are from each generation and checked out surveys released by Google to identify those differences and even the small nuances in how older people use YouTube compared to younger users. Plus, you can find a nice roundup of general stats on YouTube usage, penetration, and trends.

Pretty compelling stuff.

Oh, and if you’re looking for more general information about the platform, click over to this post on YouTube statistics!


YouTube Audience Demographics

There are between 2.49 billion and 2.7 billion users on YouTube, making it the second most-used social media app in the world. YouTube is probably the most commonly used social media app across demographics. There’s very little variance from age group to age group in the percentage of them who are on the platform.

According to Statista:

  • 94% of US internet users 13-14 years old say they’ve watched YouTube (this is a Pew Research stat)
  • 77% of US internet users 15 to 35 years old watch YouTube
  • 73% of 36 to 45-year-olds watch YouTube
  • 70% of 46 to 55-year-olds watch YouTube
  • 67% of those 56 and older watch YouTube, and
  • 80% of parents say their children under 11 watch YouTube

These numbers (the ones up here â˜đŸœ) show a consistency in use between generations. By contrast, the preferred platform may change depending on the age and gender of the users. For instance…

  • Men between the ages of 25 and 44 prefer Facebook (Digital 2023 Global Overview Report – Slide 185)
  • Women of the same age lean more toward Instagram (for 25 to 34-year-old women) and WhatsApp (for women 35 to 44 years old).
  • Teens 13-14 years old lean more toward YouTube followed by TikTok and Snapchat.
  • Teens 15-17 years old lean more toward YouTube followed by Instagram and TikTok.

Point is: most people who are online are also on YouTube, so you can rest assured the consumer you’re targeting is on the platform.


YouTube Usage Habits for the Over 60 Consumer

67% of Baby Boomers, ages 60 – 77, watch YouTube.

Many marketers seem sort of bent on getting Gen Z eyes on their products, but brands can reap huge rewards by targeting the mega-spending generation known as Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers should be a BIG DEAL to brands and marketers. According to Think with Google, they spend at least six hours a day online and own an average of five devices.

Be honest. Internet users over the age of 60 are probably the folks you expect would spend the LEAST amount of time watching YouTube videos. But in reality, the cool kids who make up the 55-and-up crowd account for 17.8 percent of YouTube viewers – that’s like 445 million folks.

HOW THIS COHORT CONSUMES YOUTUBE CONTENT

With an estimated 10,000 Baby Boomers retiring every day, you would think this generation had oodles of time on their hands. But, according to a survey run by Google of YouTube statistics, one of the big reasons more seasoned consumers love YouTube is because it helps them save time.

YouTube is a GREAT resource for getting a better understanding of a product. It’s sort of a mid-funnel buying guide they can easily use without having to go to a store, spend hours on with tech support, or call in a younger (know-it-all) relative. According to HubSpot, 26 percent of these sophisticated shoppers say they discover new products most often on YouTube.

That said
 mature consumers are far more likely to respond positively to data-driven product reviews (think “here is the product, here are the specs”) than opinion-based product reviews of another YouTuber’s experience with a brand or product (such as “My boyfriend has one of these and it works really great! Blah! Blah! Blah!).

Video content serves as a vehicle by which elder consumers can learn new skills – something a lot of Boomers are really into post- empty nest. So, whether they want to learn how to play guitar, pick up a new language, or even become a social media influencer themselves, they’re turning to video to learn how to do it.

WHY BABY BOOMERS HEAD TO YOUTUBE :

  • How-to videos for learning new skills
  • Entertainment roundups to keep up-to-date
  • Online tutorials that can save them time
  • Getting up on new music
  • Product demonstrations and walk-throughs (not necessarily reviews)


YouTube Usage Habits for Gen X Consumers Ages 45-59.

7 in 10 Generation Xers watch YouTube.

Born into a world that drastically changed around them as they grew up, Gen X is probably the most adaptable generation. When the older Gen Xers were the youngest people in the world, having a TV in the home was juuuuust becoming the norm.

Now, programmed TV is becoming obsolete as people spend more of their time consuming content online rather than watching live TV (and TV manufacturers were smart to make televisions essentially 50-inch monitors for watching ESPN+ and YouTube – that definitely kept electronics companies in the game).

HOW GEN XERS CONSUME YOUTUBE CONTENT

Gen Xers spend A LOT of time watching video, and especially old school content – stuff from their teen and adolescent years. In fact, 75 percent of Gen Xers use YouTube to get access to nostalgic videos.

While this generation is all about the nostalgia effect, they’re still spending more time watching video content on their computers and smartphones than they are on traditional TV. Gen Xers account for over 1.5 billion views on YouTube every day, so the incentive to engage with them is definitely there.

Gen Xers aren’t just spending time on YouTube though. While it is an important platform, Gen Xers share content – especially video – more readily to Facebook than any other site. I know. I know – doesn’t fall into the category of YouTube statistics. But…

Their propensity to want to share to Facebook is mirrored on YouTube and Instagram, showing that to reach this generation (well, any generation really), you’ll need to develop a multichannel approach.

WHY GEN XERS HEAD TO YOUTUBE :

  • Nostalgia-driven video to take them back to their childhood
  • DIY videos they can follow along
  • Current news and trending events

YouTube Usage Habits for Millennial Consumers Ages 28 to 44

3 in 4 Millennials watch YouTube.

Millennials – YouTubers who in 2024 will range in age from their late 20s to their early 40s – make up one-third of YouTube’s audience. YouTube reaches more 18 to 34-year-olds than any of the TV networks, and that’s just on mobile devices; we’re not including browser views.

Despite Instagram and Facebook essentially becoming video platforms over the past few years, YouTube is still the video platform of choice for most Millennials. And as YouTube’s been leaning into building out more social features since the pandemic, the platform is largely seen as a social network; it’s become a place where people can connect with one another through video since you can now follow your favorite commenters, it’s a hub for synchronized activities, and it’s the perfect spot for community-focused activites. Much of that synchronicity and community is driven by the 18 to 40 crowd.

HOW MILLENNIALS CONSUME YOUTUBE CONTENT

Millennials are avid YouTubers. Fifty-four percent of Millennials check YouTube every single day. While about 1 in 10 Millennials use ad blockers, and more than half only watch YouTube ads to the Skip Ad point, 29 percent of Millennials actually watch YouTube ads all the way through. And don’t forget our earlier stat about the 90 percent of people using YouTube for product discovery.

Sponsored Content and Creators: Contrary to popular beliefs about how Millennials relate to brands, many Millennials (especially Millennial women and moms) want and expect to see sponsored content (we talked about that a bit in the What Makes Them Buy post), AS LONG AS it’s the right ad targeting the right person on the right platform at the right time. And many Millennials are actually kinda sweet on well-targeted video ads.

Entertainment: Thirty-seven percent of Millennials admit to binge-watching a block of something every day, and upwards of 65 percent of Millennials binge-watch at least once a week. So, it’s good news to marketers that 62 percent of Millennials actually take action after seeing an ad.

Social Commerce: According to Klarna, 49 percent of Millennial YouTubers have used the platform to purchase a product.

MILLENNIALS ARE AVID CONTENT CREATORS AS WELL

I was trying to scratch an itch – and that itch was just my suspicion that Millennials are probably the most active content creators on YouTube. I didn’t find any specific data to support me. But I did find a few breadcrumbs that will push me to keep searching.

There are roughly 303 million content creators in the world and the average age of a content creator is 40 years old. Millennials represent 42 percent of creators globally. And roughly one in four of those creators say they create video content. That’s according to a report published by Adobe called “Creators in the Creator Economy.” In fact, the 2023 YouTube Culture and Trends Report, says that 40 percent of 18 to 44-year-olds identify as video creators.

WHY MILLENNIALS HEAD TO YOUTUBE :

  • News and human interest stories to keep up to date
  • Unboxing and product review videos to influence their spending
  • Quick and fun entertainment content
  • Fan content

YouTube Usage Habits for Gen Z Consumers Ages 12 to 27

77% of Gen Zers, ages 12 to 27, watch YouTube.

Enter Gen Z, the largest and most diverse generation in history. These social media natives are growing up in a world of selfies, influencers, and hashtags. They know how to navigate the online world better than anyone else, and their video consumption habits reflect this. Growing up, YouTube had more influence over this generation than big names like Oreo, McDonald’s, and even Lego.

YouTube is their most used platform, closely followed by Instagram or TikTok, depending on their age – all three video-first platforms. So, it’s safe to say that if you’re targeting Gen Z, you need to be targeting them through video. On YouTube.

HOW GEN ZERS CONSUME YOUTUBE CONTENT

Fifty-nine percent of Gen Z video consumption is through social media, where they spend twice as much time as they do on streaming services, and five times as much as on traditional media. What are they watching, though?

Entertainment – While YouTube isn’t the top music streaming platform (Spotify holds this spot), it’s a key channel for new music discovery. If your mind went to TikTok, you’re onto something! TikTok is a key player when it comes to introducing new music to the masses, but YouTube has TikTok beat with the under-25 crowd: 26 percent of this group rely on TikTok for new music discovery while 40 percent name YouTube as their go-to.

When it comes to streaming – listening to your favorite music – Spotify and Apple Music are the top music streaming services, with 60 percent and 26 percent (respectively) of teens using those platforms as their go-to.

Setting the Mood – One of the HUGE shifts that came out of the pandemic was repurposing YouTube as the app you can use to find the content that brings you joy. It’s not a typical social feed driven by what’s trending, but YouTube gives its users the chance to heavily curate the kind of content they watch.

  • 83 percent of Gen Z YouTubers have used YouTube to watch soothing content that helps them relax and cope.
  • 90 percent say they have watched a video that helped them feel like they were in a different place.
  • 53 percent of Gen Zers say like online horror content

Content Creators: This is a pretty big one – six in 10 Gen Z YouTubers say they tune into YouTube to keep up with content from their favorite YouTube creators. And we’re not always talking about your typical social media influencers. We’re talking about a pretty wide range of content creators.

  • 60 percent of YouTubers say they’re open to watching content from creators who use AI to generate their content.
  • 52 percent are already watching content created by virtual YouTubers
  • 47 percent of Gen Zers have watched videos made by fans of a topic or person

The data is pointing to younger YouTubers creating more immersive and all-encompassing experiences for themselves on the platform, heading to YouTube for the freedom to create and to find just about anything, and find it in a variety of different content formats.

WHY GEN Z HEADS TO YOUTUBE:

  • For the sheer joy and ease of it
  • Humor – They love videos that make them laugh
  • Following content creators
  • Setting the mood
  • New music discovery
  • Vibing with their community (often through fandom)
  • Short and snappy content to compete with their busy lives and busy minds
  • Unboxing and product reviews to keep on top of trends

That’s It for Our Roundup of YouTube User Statistics!

When you’re talking about online video, you should always begin with the powerhouse – YouTube. YouTube is packed with features that can really help you elevate your video marketing. YouTube has blazed a trail that other platforms have tried to follow, but it remains distinguished for its powerful recommendation engine and serves as a go-to platform for community, entertainment, product discovery, vibing out, and digging into moments.

If you happen to be considering YouTube influencer marketing to amplify your strategy this year, reach out! We’re a BOSS YouTube influencer marketing agency.

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How to Get Buy-In for Your Q1 Influencer Marketing Budget https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/influencer-marketing-budget/ https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/influencer-marketing-budget/#respond Thu, 07 Dec 2023 04:45:51 +0000 https://www.theshelf.com/?p=19525 The year’s winding down, and that means we’re already looking toward 2024. Q1 is right around the corner. Do you have your Q1 influencer marketing budget secured? If not, never fear. We wrote this whole article to help you do just that. Read on to get all the juicy info you need to wow your…

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The year’s winding down, and that means we’re already looking toward 2024. Q1 is right around the corner. Do you have your Q1 influencer marketing budget secured? If not, never fear. We wrote this whole article to help you do just that. Read on to get all the juicy info you need to wow your CMO and have your marketing leaders saying hey, they really know what they’re talking about! Let’s give them budget galore! (Results may vary, but you get the gist.)

We’ll break down why you need to secure an influencer marketing budget specifically and why Q1 is a great time to get it. Plus we’ve included strategies for how to make a case for influencer marketing specifically as it relates to your brand and stakeholder needs. Trust us, we know the importance of investing in quality influencer marketing. If you secure the right budget, you’ll likely have some successful campaigns and impressive ROI in your future. Happy New Year to you!

Let’s get started. 

Listen to a recap of this post.

Understand Why You Need a Q1 Influencer Marketing Budget in the First Place

If you’ve never had a dedicated influencer marketing budget, it may be time for that to change. And what better time to set the tone for your 2024 marketing strategy than right off the bat in Q1? Influencer marketing is an incredibly lucrative industry. When used strategically, it can make big bucks for your brand. With influencer marketing-specific dollars set aside in Q1, you’ll be able to ensure your influencer campaigns get the time and resources they deserve to move the needle for your brand. 

If your CMO isn’t down with allocating an influencer marketing budget, they’re likely behind the times. We can’t guarantee influencer marketing is right for every brand. But if you’re a marketer here reading this, it must be for good reason! And you’re not alone. A vast majority — 82 percent, to be exact — of marketing teams are setting aside dedicated influencer marketing budgets this year. And 67 percent are planning to increase their influencer marketing spending from last year. 

Clearly, something is working for those who invest in influencer marketing. And we’ll tell you what it is: Influencer marketing drives sales! Sure, you could spend your money on more traditional modes of marketing. There’s definitely a place for that, too. But here us out:

INFLUENCER MARKETING VS. TRADITIONAL MARKETING

Traditional marketing is outbound. It takes consumers out of their regularly scheduled program and interrupts it with an ad of some kind. Think a print advertisement, radio spot, commercial, billboard, etc. 

Influencer marketing is inbound. Instead of taking you out of your regularly scheduled programming, it is seamlessly integrated into it. The best influencer marketing is highly creative and entertaining. And perhaps most importantly, it feels like word-of-mouth advertising. 

Of course, influencer marketing is digitally native and involves creators proven to have influence over a consumer base. We call them influencers, duh. In today’s increasingly digital world, nearly everyone is exposed to influencers. The difference between influencer exposure and traditional marketing exposure is that in most cases, the consumer has chosen the influencers they want to see. So they’ve consented to the advertising rather than it being thrust upon them. As you can imagine, that makes a big difference in the path to purchase. 

To find out which strategy is best for you, check out our full breakdown post of the benefits and drawbacks of influencer marketing vs traditional marketing. Spoiler alert: There’s likely a place for both methods in your larger strategy. But the benefits of influencer marketing are undeniable. And a little allocated influencer marketing budget can go a long way. Plus, it’ll help you keep up with your competitors.

Appeal to Your Stakeholders

Of course, as with any marketing budget request, you need to know how this will serve your stakeholders. What are your consumers looking for in the new year? And where are they looking for it? What are your leaders’ goals and aspirations for the brand? How can you appeal to all of them using influencer marketing?

Chances are, your target audience is on social media. And if they’re on social media, they’re likely interacting with influencer posts. Why not meet them where they are, on the platforms they love scrolling on, and reign them in with thumb-stopping content that drives clicks for your brand? 

And we’re willing to bet your leadership wants to get the most bang for their marketing buck while spending the least. They want big results and small costs. Right? Influencer marketing can deliver. 

Every target demo is different. But we’re willing to bet yours has some exposure to influencer content. Find your niche in the influencer marketing sphere and speak to that when trying to get buy-in from marketing leaders. 

The world of advertising has gone digital. So much marketing happens on social channels, much to the benefit of consumers. Find out where your stakeholders are, and meet them there with exactly what they want. Chances are you’ll be able to do it using your influencer marketing budget for a fraction of what it would cost to go the traditional advertising route. 

Know the Numbers — Having an Influencer Marketing Budget Pays Off

Influencer marketing isn’t a rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar industry for nothing. The proof is in the pudding. The average ROI for an influencer marketing campaign is $5.20 for every $1 spent. Talk about a decent return! The average influencer marketer more than quintuples their money. If you’re looking for a selling point to get your CMO to buy into your Q1 influencer marketing budget, maybe lead with that stat. 

Graphic of woman dancing on an exponential line graph next to text: $5.20 the average ROI for every $1 spent on influencer marketing

As of 2023, influencer marketing is a $21.1 billion dollar industry. And it’s only projected to go up from here. It’s expected to reach $22.2 billion by 2025. We’re talking billions, people! As of this year, worldwide influencer marketing ad spend reached $30.8 billion. By 2027, that number is expected to be more like $47.8 billion. If you don’t have an influencer marketing budget yet, we’d advise creating one soon. 

Cha-Ching! Get Ready to Talk Cost

Of course, you can throw out industry stats and impressive average ROIs until the cows come home. And yes, we think having this data will help make your case. But when you’re speaking specifically to your marketing leaders, you need to provide the numbers that matter the most to them. Namely, how much influencer marketing budget are you asking for? What is this going to cost them?

Lean on your campaigns from years (or quarters) prior to gauge how much you need and why. If you’ve never run an influencer marketing campaign before, or you have, but you’ve never had a dedicated budget for it, never fear. The beautiful thing about influencer marketing is that it can be successful at nearly every price point for any kind of brand. You just have to get creative and know how to strategize. 

According to Influencer Marketing Hub’s The State of Influencer Marketing 2023: Benchmark Report, here’s how influencer marketing spending broke down this year: 

  • 43 percent of brands spent less than $10k
  • 22 percent of brands spent $10k – $50k
  • 14 percent spent $50k – $100k
  • 11 percent spent more than $100k

Lean on Your Results, Let the Data Back You Up

If this is your first influencer marketing rodeo, don’t fret. You can rely on market data to back up your request. Check out our success stories with influencer marketing clients here. Or throw out some of these impressive stats

  • The industry is expected to reach $22.2 billion by 2025.
  • Brands spent $30.8 billion on influencer marketing in 2023.
  • 25 percent of brands dedicate 10-20 percent of their marketing budget to influencer marketing.

If this is your second or third influencer marketing rodeo, yeehaw! You better dust off that data and bring it out of the stable. It’s time to show your leadership what you can do. Here at The Shelf, we’re always preaching the power of analytics and tracking. This is exactly why. The proof is in the pudding, people! 

Show your leaders where influencer marketing has helped your brand in the past and how you plan to increase your ROI with future campaigns. And don’t limit yourself to just sales. Give them the goods on brand lift, your mailing list, followers, clicks, and conversions. Influencer marketing is good for more than just making sales. Be sure to show them the results at both the top and bottom of the marketing funnel.

Go for Growth

Influencer marketing isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It’s a $21.1 billion dollar industry, for crying out loud. And it’s still growing! That’s good news for your brand. Especially if you choose to buy into influencer strategies now. Getting your CMO to buy in to your Q1 influencer marketing budget can set the tone for growth throughout the entire fiscal year. 

Graphic of two sparkling coins next to text: $21.1B the influencer marketing market size in 2023

The industry itself is projected to grow 29 percent year over year as we head into 2024. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that pie? Whether your brand is new to influencer marketing (hurry, hop on!) or you’re hoping to increase your budget from last year, a hearty Q1 budget is a recipe for success. Successful influencer marketing leads to growth. And we have all the resources to help you create your most successful campaigns yet. 

So go for growth. Show your CMO what dreams are made of, and get that Q1 influencer marketing budget locked down. Check out this blog post for all the deets on how to grow your influencer marketing on social media in 2024.

Get Outta Here! Go Secure that Q1 Influencer Marketing Budget 

There you have it. Now you’ve got all the goods on how to approach your CMO and internal leaders to ask for the Q1 influencer marketing budget you need. You know as well as we do how lucrative influencer marketing can be for your brand. Now all you have to do is make your case, wow your higher-ups, and secure the funds to go out there and work your marketing magic! 

Here at The Shelf, we do a lot more than write blogs full of must-know-info. We help brands like yours run kick-ass campaigns. If you’d like assistance running influencer marketing campaigns in Q1 or beyond, please schedule a strategy call today. One of our experts will help you discover the best way to utilize our full-service agency. We love to see our brand partners succeed. 

Can’t wait to see all the influencer marketing magnificence you dream up. Wishing you a happy, generously budgeted Q1!


Ariana Newhouse B2B Writer

About This Author

Ariana Newhouse | B2B Writer

I am a freelance writer and comedian based in Los Angeles. While making people laugh is my jam, it’s not always the company brand. So, I strive to make people feel something. My writing philosophy is collaborative, empathetic, and humanistic. At the end of the day, no matter the message, there are real people on both ends of the process.


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23 YouTube Statistics for 2024: The Stats and Trends That Drive YouTube https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/youtube-statistics-and-trends/ https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/youtube-statistics-and-trends/#respond Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000 http://34.239.214.20/?p=11334 A few years ago, the pandemic fundamentally changed the way most of us YouTube. The YouTube statistics don’t lie. It went from being everybody’s favorite video app to being a bonafide social media platform that people were using to engage in synchronized activities, attend worship services, and fulfill some of their entertainment needs. Since then,…

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A few years ago, the pandemic fundamentally changed the way most of us YouTube. The YouTube statistics don’t lie. It went from being everybody’s favorite video app to being a bonafide social media platform that people were using to engage in synchronized activities, attend worship services, and fulfill some of their entertainment needs.

Since then, other significant changes have happened on and around YouTube. Communities are thriving on the platform. Short-form video’s become a thing. Super long-form video? Also a thing. So, we’ve been keeping an eye on YouTube because it’s constantly changing, and marketers have to make a conscientious effort now to stay up to date with what’s happening on the platform. So, we’ve got YouTube statistics for you.

In this post, we’ve cataloged a list of YouTube stats that will help you understand all the basics about everybody’s favorite platform — how many folks are on the platform, who’s on it, how long they’re spending on the app, and what they’re doing while they’re there. We cover that, and a lot more in this post of the 2024 YouTube statistics, demographics, and usage data. Woot! Woot!!

Essential YouTube Statistics for 2024 Marketing Pushes

#1 YouTube has about 2.5 billion monthly users.

YouTube is the OG of video content platforms. Launched back in 2005 (on Valentine’s Day), YouTube now has over 2.49 billion unique users every month. I’ve actually seen this number as high as 2.7 billion on a trusted site recommended by Google.

Google knowledge panel of YouTube statistics

Whether you’re leaning more toward 2.49 or 2.7, YouTube is the second most popular social media platform after Facebook. To put that in perspective, there are 5.3 billion people on the internet, and 47 percent of them are using YouTube. That is A LOT of people.

#2 Roughly 90% of YouTubers are outside the U.S.

Only about 10 percent of YouTube users are in the United States. Still, US-based users represent the second largest audience, after India, where 18.5 percent of YouTubers (462 million people) reside. The platform’s available in 100 countries and in 80 languages.

#3 YouTube is the 2nd most-visited website in existence.

Right? No surprise there. YouTube is the second most visited website in existence after Google AND the second largest search engine in the world… also after Google.

#4 A billion hours of UGC and branded content are watched on the platform daily.

And that’s not even hyperbole! The range of content across YouTube is phenomenal, namely because it’s all user-generated content. Over a billion hours of video are watched every day on the platform, and you can find videos on a crazy range of topics from



. Learning how to boil an egg so it’s easy to peel


. To getting a behind-the-scenes look at a movie  you don’t want to admit you firggin’ love (Shut-up! You’re crying!).


 Or listening to the munching sounds of a guy who’s gotten kinda famous for eating on camera

… Me watching my kids watch other kids play games with their parents

… Or kids watching grownups play with dolls.

#5 YouTube reaches more young adults than all the TV networks combined.

On mobile alone a good look at YouTube statistics reveals that the platform reaches more viewers between the ages of 18 and 34 years old than any of the TV networks. In part, because… đŸ‘‡đŸœ

#6 About 1 in every 15 YouTubers is watching the channel on a TV.

That’s right. On their big screens. Though 3 in 4 YouTubers access the app from their mobile devices (even when they’re at home), YouTube has 150 million connected TV (CTV) viewers in the U.S.

#7 Most Americans ages 5 and up watch videos on YouTube.

Seriously, if I’m not on there goofing off or using The Huberman Lab as the soothing white noise that blankets my day, my 1st grader is watching The Fun Squad and my 3rd grader is obsessing over episodes of Mr. Beast. And we’re the norm.

In truth, YouTube usage stats confirm that YouTube is unanimously the MOST popular social media app when you take all the age groups into account. The top preferred or top used app changes from demographic to demographic. For instance, young adult men between the ages of 25 and 44 prefer Facebook, while women of the same age lean more toward Instagram (for 25 to 34-year-old women) and WhatsApp (for women 35 to 44 years old). But YouTube is the one app that all generations use just about daily.

According to Statista:

  • 77% of US internet users 15 to 35 years old watch YouTube
  • 73% of 36 to 45-year-olds watch YouTube
  • 70% of 46 to 55-year-olds watch YouTube
  • 67% of those 56 and older watch YouTube, and
  • 80% of parents say their children under 11 watch YouTube

So, your audience is probably on the platform.

.

#8 40% of adults describe themselves as video content creators.

This is one of my favorite YouTube trends because it signals an important shift in both who is creating video and how video is being created. Similarly, four in ten YouTube users between the ages of 18 and 44 would consider themselves content creators. That’s not insignificant! The Future of Creativity: Creators in the Creator Economy, a study published by Adobe, reports that there are roughly 303 million people in the world who identify as content creators — 165 million of whom joined the creator economy since 2020.

#9 More than 500 hours of content are uploaded to YouTube every single minute.

According to the 2023 YouTube Trends Report, 82 percent of people online (18 to 44 years old) say they’ve posted video content to one of the major video platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Stories, Snapchat). What this means is that content creation is becoming the norm, not just limited to a select few content creators who do it for a living.

Technology, cool YouTube features, creative filters, and generative AI are really pushing content creation to the next level, and in so doing, making video creation a more easily accessible and widely used form of expression.

#10 87% of adults are watching at least 4 content formats on YouTube.

Shorts, long-form video, podcasts, livestreams — most adults are grabbing content from YouTube in whatever way they see fit. And that’s a good thing. And with 18 to 24 year-olds, they’ve come to expect it with 67 percent of Gen Zers saying they like when their favorite creators create content in multiple formats.

#11 YouTube Shorts are now racking in more than 70 billion views every day.

YouTube’s short-form video app first rolled out in India after the Indian government banned TikTok back in 2020. Shorts arrived in the US a few months later in the spring of 2021, and has since grown exponentially. From 2022 to the end of 2023, daily views on the app grew from 1.5 billion to 70 billion views a day. And the best part — no one’s had to complain about their YouTube feed being inundated with Shorts — YouTube just kinda went with the flow and users got a chance to discover Shorts on their own. Very cool.

#12 People watch more YouTube on their TVs than they watch Netflix.

People are watching YouTube on their TVs 80 percent more than pre-covid numbers. Over 94 percent of consumers who stream services to their TVs watch YouTube, compared to 75 percent of those who stream Netflix.

And we’re spending more than 40 minutes each session watching content on our mobile devices, too. The platform is steadily spreading throughout our lives to become one of our main sources of video content. When it comes to YouTube statistics, this is an impressive one. In fact…

#13 The data says YouTube is currently outperforming Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video.

Yeah. YouTube has more users than each of those streaming services, and YouTubers spend more time watching video content on the platform than they do watching video on Netflix, Disney Plus, or Prime Video. In my Elon voice, “Hey, Bob!”

Surely, I’m not the only one who has fallen into a suggested-video-fueled rabbit hole and lost (or invested depending on how you look at it) HOURS to a random, yet interesting, parade of YouTube videos. People are watching more than one billion hours of YouTube videos every day. That’s more than Netflix and Facebook combined

Source: Data Reportal

#14 Nearly a quarter of the time people are watching video is now spent viewing live content.

Live streams have become an integral part of the digital environment allowing people to leverage different content formats across platforms to meet different content needs. Live video became a huge deal during the pandemic, and it’s still a staple personally and professionally:

  • 42% of people in the US say they’ve watched a live stream
  • 40% of marketing execs say they expect to attend work-related conferences and events that are completely virtual
  • 52% of live video viewers stream live content via social media networks
  • 39% of YouTubers regularly watch live streams

#15 79% of people say they achieve deeper connections when they watch YouTube TV. 

YouTube lends itself well to community building. A few years ago, the idea of virtual presence became a thing — just knowing other people are participating in the same activity. This is true even if the only way of knowing others are participating is by the view counter and the stream of comments on the right side of the screen. It’s sufficient enough to make people feel closer and more connected to one another.

Case in point


When I grabbed this video embed đŸ‘‡đŸŒ, 38K people were tuned in to the live stream. At 1:33 PM on a random Wednesday.

YouTube’s Trends Report talks a bit about this: the community that vibed around Lofi Girl’s hiphop channel helped pave the way for a Lofi Girl synthwave channel to be introduced to much anticipation by leveraging the Community tab.

LofiGirl - community built on YouTube

The creators of Lofi Girl have built a virtual community around the age-old idea of a study group. And that community engages on YouTube and Discord.

LofiGirl community question

#16 Watching YouTube is considered time well spent.

76 percent of YouTubers agree the platform’s the best place to get a variety of opinions on a topic. It gives users the chance to conduct simple searches to find the content they want to watch, and provides a pretty good catalog of thoughtful perspectives and in-depth commentary. That’s according to data published by Think With Google.

Nearly 7 in 10 YouTubers (69 percent) have gone on a deep dive into a movie, music, or fan theory on YouTube. And believe it or not, 54 percent of those surveyed say they would rather watch YouTube creators break down a major event rather than watch the event itself.

I happen to be an MCU buff, but I never read comic books growing up. So, every superhero movie I watch is just a big surprise to me. “Holy crap! Is Howard Tony’s dad?” Actual quote. I’ve found that an important part of my experience connecting with the massive community of Marvel fans — many of whom watch all the things and read all the comics — is watching Easter egg videos on YouTube to help me understand what the heck I just watched, and to infuse the appropriate amount of excitement and anticipation into my experience ahead of Marvel’s new movies and shows.

Screenshot of New Rock YouTube channel. Deep dives into movies and Tv shows and fandom.

Super important. Channels like New Rockstars help me decode the significance of events that transpire in the MCU and imbue me with all kinds of geek knowledge about the mythos and ethos of superhero fandom. It’s my version of filling my wine tumbler with fermented goodness.

Coincidentally, superhero movie fans — we’re the most likely fan group to watch livestreams on YouTube.

#17 Young adults lean into YouTube to help them achieve or enjoy different moods.

YouTubers — especially younger users — leverage the platform to help them find the right content for whatever mood they’re in.

  • 83% of young YouTubers have used the platform to watch soothing content that helps them relax and cope
  • 90% say they have watched a video that helped them feel like they were in a different place
  • 53% say they like watching online horror content

YouTube Statistics: It’s Effectiveness As a Marketing Channel

#18 70% of the content people watch on YouTube are recommendations from YouTube.

YouTube’s algorithm is STELLAR when it comes to matching user behavior with the types of content they are most likely to find interesting. The beauty of this is it nicely positions brands to be found by their audience when they invest in YouTube influencer marketing. Just sayin’.

#19 YouTube is a MAJOR product discovery source for users.

It’s not going to be super shocking to learn that 90 percent of YouTubers say they discover new brands or products when they watch YouTube videos.

Case in point: I started seeing Baerskin Hoodie ads a few months ago. Yeah… no, none of these people are African American moms like me… but then I watch A LOT of content about sci-fi and action movies, off-grid living, and surviving the Northern Territories. So, I get why I’m seeing the ads. To the algorithm, I’m sure my watch habits overlap the watch habits of a dude who would be into this product.

Or a mom who would be into this. I’m actually planning to buy one for me and my little girls. Because we hate coats. And I hate carrying a bag. And… yeah… good job sizing me up.

#20 70% of people say they bought a brand after seeing it on YouTube.

Now, compare that to the 40 percent of users who said they had purchased something after seeing it on YouTube just a few years ago. That’s a pretty big jump.

#21 Video ads get 3X the eyes of regular TV ads.

This is important because people are 3X more likely to pay attention to online video ads over television ads. They are twice as likely to give their attention to a YouTube video ad, even over Instagram and Facebook video ads. No doubt that has a lot to do with the platform’s targeting capabilities.

#22 YouTube ranks 3rd with marketers as a preferred social media marketing channel.

Facebook has been the leader in social media marketing since forever. And Instagram is the primary platform for influencer marketing efforts. YouTube occupies a sweet spot that more than half of marketers say makes it worth leveraging. In fact, according to The State of Marketing 2023, a report released by HubSpot, 57 percent of marketers were leveraging YouTube as part of their marketing strategy. Because these are the type of YouTube statistics they know how to leverage.

HubSpot chart: What Social Media Platforms are marketers leveraging? 

YouTube for social media marketing

#23 YouTube also ranks 3rd with marketers for social media platforms that offer the highest ROI.

Brands and marketers continue to allocate resources to YouTube marketing. YouTube ranked third among influencer marketers for most popular platforms and third as the social media platform that offers the highest ROI when selling products directly in the app, according to HubSpot’s 2023 Global Social Media Trends Report.

2024 YouTube Statistics in Conclusion

I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve seen a marketer acting like video is the only strategy out there. YouTube probably isn’t the only channel that comes to mind when video marketing is mentioned, but it’s a pretty effective one for running influencer campaigns, amplifying reach, and diversifying the content of your multichannel marketing push.

Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and LinkedIn all have video features that can breathe new life into repurposed content and pivot your brand from being a name in the network to being a human-centered collective of professionals that other organizations know, respect, and admire.

Take these YouTube statistics as proof. The platform can add a touch of mid-funnel magic to the sales cycles of marketers and brands. It allows for creative, high-impact storytelling that your team can personalize AND scale.

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January 2024 Social Media Calendar https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/january-social-media-calendar/ https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/january-social-media-calendar/#respond Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:51:53 +0000 https://www.theshelf.com/?p=14102 Happy (almost) New Year! đŸ„ł The January 2024 social media calendar is packed with quirky hashtag holidays that provide the perfect opportunity for your brand to forge those important connections with your audience. As an added bonus, we’ve included some marketing tips and strategies to help you usher in the new year. But first, the…

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Happy (almost) New Year! đŸ„ł The January 2024 social media calendar is packed with quirky hashtag holidays that provide the perfect opportunity for your brand to forge those important connections with your audience. As an added bonus, we’ve included some marketing tips and strategies to help you usher in the new year. But first, the calendar…

January social media calendar for 2024 with festive graphics and icons

COPY and PASTE THIS 👇 CODE to EMBED THIS ☝GRAPHIC.


New Year Marketing Is All About Targeting

January is the time when many marketing teams are reviewing what worked in the previous year and assessing the opportunities that lie ahead. Many of the next big retail events on the horizon don’t fit on our January social media calendar. And they present an interesting mix of opportunities for marketers: 

Purple festive graphic featuring celebrating characters and a snowman above the text: January 2024 Hashtag Calendar + Marketing Ideas
  • Official holidays: Easter and Mother’s Day
  • Sporting events: The Super Bowl, March Madness 
  • Traditions: Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day festivities, spring cleaning, and spring break


Believe it or not, it’s already time to start thinking about your spring campaigns. And the best spring campaigns require for more specific targeting: 

Valentine’s Day targets friends and couples. March Madness targets college basketball fans. St. Patrick’s Day targets fun-loving party-goers. Easter targets families with kids. And UK and US Mother’s Day both target older children and spouses. 

Building effective spring marketing campaigns requires you to get good at using different types of content on different platforms for different audience segments.

The key is knowing which platforms to target and identifying the best types of content to use so you can loop the right influencers into the mix to create content that resonates.

January 2024 Social Media Calendar – Holidays Worth Noting

The arrival of January will bring with it some pretty interesting hashtag holidays that are perfect for your social media content marketing, including:

  • National Blood Donor Month
  • National Soup Month
  • Sugar Awareness Week
  • National Irish Coffee Day
  • Cuddle Up Day
  • National Popcorn Day

Want more topical marketing insights to guide your campaigns through every month of the year? Book a strategy call with one of our experts today!


Konstantin Smirnov Illustrator

About This Creator

ĐšĐŸĐœŃŃ‚Đ°ĐœŃ‚ĐžĐœ ĐĄĐŒĐžŃ€ĐœĐŸĐČ | Wizard of Design

Konstantin Smirnov has a knack for dreaming up fantastical illustrations that convert complex concepts into really cool visuals. He has created an amazing catalog of magnificent illustrations and designs that help bring The Shelf branding to life. You’ll find his work on just about every creative asset we publish.


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How to Build an Influencer Campaign That Converts and Drives Sales https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/campaigns-for-conversions/ https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/campaigns-for-conversions/#respond Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:57:12 +0000 https://www.theshelf.com/?p=19394 Driving sales with influencer marketing is easy once you have the tools to build winning campaigns. We’ve broken down everything you need to know to run a top-notch influencer marketing campaign for conversions.  We’ll dig into the best platforms and strategies to drive traffic and turn those clicks into sales. Plus, we break down the…

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Driving sales with influencer marketing is easy once you have the tools to build winning campaigns. We’ve broken down everything you need to know to run a top-notch influencer marketing campaign for conversions. 

We’ll dig into the best platforms and strategies to drive traffic and turn those clicks into sales. Plus, we break down the five steps to creating a campaign strategy that works for you and your goals. And, we reveal the optimal influencer marketing ROI and how you can measure a successful campaign. 

Influencer marketing is a hot topic right now for good reason. The vast majority of marketers plan to utilize it this year and take advantage of the industry’s 29 percent projected growth year over year. Best to optimize your campaign strategies now while the market is hot.

Jack Harlow isn’t the only one who can put you in first class. With the help of The Shelf, you and your influencers can drive sales and get you one step closer to marketing luxury.

Let’s dive in!

Listen to a recap of this post.

Which Platforms Deliver the Best Influencer Marketing for Conversions?

When it comes to building the perfect influencer marketing strategy, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is which platforms to use. The most popular influencer platforms include Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, Blogs, and Podcasts. Twitch and Clubhouse are also popular with specific audiences. 

When influencer marketing for conversions, we suggest turning to Instagram and Blogs first. 79 percent of marketers consider Instagram essential to their campaigns. And it’s no surprise — 87 percent of scrollers take action after seeing product information in an Instagram post. That means more conversions!

Bonus points for working with influencers who are present on Instagram and also have their own blogs. These influencers can drive sales from both platforms, which can be a huge help considering the lifespan of an in-feed Instagram post is two days, compared to the two-year longevity of blog posts.

If you’d like a deep dive into choosing the right channels to maximize your influencer marketing impact, download our ebook. It breaks down the benefits, features, and demographics of each platform so you can make an informed decision on which channels to use for your next campaign. 

What Should an Influencer Strategy Include?

There are five key steps to creating a successful influencer marketing campaign strategy that will lead to conversions and drive sales. Let’s break them down.

STEP 1: Define your goals. 

Because you’re here reading our influencer marketing for conversions post, I’m going to assume your goal is just that: conversions! So congrats, you’re already done with step one. Go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back. 

STEP 2: Choose a campaign type. 

Once you’ve identified your goals, it’s time to zone in on your audience and the type of influencer campaign that will be most likely to get them to convert. Because you’re here for help on conversions, I’m willing to bet you’ll want to run a traffic/clicks/sales campaign on Instagram or a similar platform. 

STEP 3: Find the right influencers. 

Macro influencers with well-trafficked Instagram pages and blogs are best for conversion campaigns.  (Quick reminder: Macro influencers fall in the 300k to 1M follower range.)

But finding the right influencers doesn’t just mean finding someone with the right size audience. You also need to consider who will be the best fit to fulfill your influencer brief. You’ll get the best content when you play to your creator’s strengths, so make sure you find someone who can create work that aligns with your campaign vision.  

STEP 4: Promote and optimize your content.

When striking up a deal with your dream influencer, it’s important to get usage rights for the content they create so you can optimize their creative genius for your campaign. This means scaling content by resharing to brand channels, reposting on different platforms, and even repurposing content at different stages of the campaign. 

Make sure you get the most out of your influencer-generated content by optimizing each post and promoting posts using dark posts, boosting, or allowlisting.

STEP 5: Track your results.

If your goal is conversions, of course, you’re going to want to track just how well you’re driving sales with influencer marketing. Use these seven metrics to get an accurate picture of your influencer impact on sales. 

How Do You Structure an Influencer Marketing Campaign?

The structure for each influencer marketing campaign differs based on your goals. For example, a brand awareness campaign is going to look different from your campaign for conversions. 

Structure your campaign for what you want to achieve. Influencer marketing for conversions generally means structuring around optimizing and retargeting posts. You may not convert visitors the first time, so make sure they’re encountering your products at multiple touchpoints. 

We recommend focusing on strategic, aspirational product placement. That means skipping the boring ad-like product placements. Keep your imagery fresh and enticing so it’s more likely to go viral. And don’t forget about the power of SEO to help beef up those influencer click-through rates. 

(Word to the wise: Make sure to keep your SEO suuuuper natural, especially on social platforms like Instagram. You can get away with a little clunkier SEO phrases in blog posts, but it’s important to make sure Instagram captions sound like they’re coming from a real person and not an SEO bot.)

What Is the ROI of Influencer Marketing?

Because you’re interested in influencer marketing for conversions, it makes sense to measure your ROI in revenue. The average influencer marketing ROI is about $5.20 for every $1 spent. Not too shabby. 

Most marketing teams evaluate the value of their influencer marketing based on conversions and sales. But you can also measure ROI based on impressions and engagement, depending on the goals of your campaign. 

Do Influencers Yield Conversions?

To put it simply, HECK YES! Influencer marketing is a $21.1B industry for a reason. According to The State of Influencer Marketing 2023: Benchmark Report, a whopping 82 percent of brand marketers are setting aside dedicated influencer marketing budgets this year, and 67 percent are planning to increase their influencing marketing spending from last year. You don’t see those kinds of numbers unless you know your influencers can drive sales. 

Graphic of two shining coins next to text: $21.1B the influencer marketing market size in 2023

One of the most valuable tools in the influencer toolbelt is their audience’s trust. Consumers are more likely to try a product recommended by someone they consider a knowledgeable peer or talented expert than a product recommended by the brand that sells it. That’s why influencer marketing is so great for conversions. Consumers want to be influenced and they want to be able to relate to the creators sharing the content. 

What Is a Good Conversion Rate for Influencer Marketing?

The general consensus is that a good influencer marketing conversion rate is 3 percent. Of course, this is a blanket statement applying to campaigns of all lengths and brands of all different industries and sizes. 

While it’s great to strive for 3 percent, the best way to determine if your influencer marketing for conversions is successful is to compare your traffic, conversions, sales, and all other KPIs to past campaigns you’ve run. That’s why it’s so important to track your results, so you can use them to inform your next, even better campaign. 

What Is a Good ROI for Influencer Marketing?

It’s important to remember that although there is great potential to get a killer return on your investment, upwards of 18 percent of influencer marketing campaigns fail to generate any profit at all. If this is your first rodeo for driving sales with influencer marketing, a good ROI will be any return on your initial investment. The closer you creep to that $5.78 for every $1 spent, the better off you’ll be. 

Remember, each campaign is a learning experience. Track your progress and don’t be afraid to experiment. Find what works for your brand and your audience, and lean into your most successful posts. Even if your first conversion campaign doesn’t yield incredible sales, it may garner follower growth, site traffic, and help you build your email list. These are all testaments to the success of your campaign, and they will help you get more sales on your next one!

Running Campaigns for Conversions in Conclusion

Driving sales with influencer marketing can be a breeze once you have the right strategies, influencers, and performance metrics established. I hope this post answers all of your burning questions on how to effectively run an influencer marketing for conversions campaign. If you’re itching for more info, there’s a lot more where that came from. 

Subscribe to The Shelf newsletter Tactical Influence to stay up to date on all the hottest influencer marketing trends. Or schedule a strategy call with one of our influencer marketing experts. We’ve got the goods to help you drive sales and crush your quarterly goals. Happy marketing!


Ariana Newhouse B2B Writer

About This Author

Ariana Newhouse | B2B Writer

I am a freelance writer and comedian based in Los Angeles. While making people laugh is my jam, it’s not always the company brand. So, I strive to make people feel something. My writing philosophy is collaborative, empathetic, and humanistic. At the end of the day, no matter the message, there are real people on both ends of the process.


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7 Holiday Insights for the Most Wonderful Marketing of the Year https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/holiday-insights/ https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/holiday-insights/#respond Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.theshelf.com/?p=19374 It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And that means it’s time to pull out all the best influencer marketing tips and tricks for holiday shoppers. We’ve compiled seven holiday insights to help your campaigns succeed this holiday season.  Whether you already have a holiday campaign in the works (look at you, planning ahead),…

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Pink festive graphic above text reading: 7 Holiday Insights for the Most Wonderful Marketing of the Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And that means it’s time to pull out all the best influencer marketing tips and tricks for holiday shoppers. We’ve compiled seven holiday insights to help your campaigns succeed this holiday season. 

Whether you already have a holiday campaign in the works (look at you, planning ahead), or you’re hoping to whip one up in the next few weeks, these holiday insights can help. These insights will help you build strategies stronger than age-old holiday traditions. Our goal here at The Shelf is to warm your marketing hearts with helpful info that will make your holiday campaigns sing. With holiday insights this good, even the carollers will be jealous. 

So let’s get into it. These holiday insights will help you craft campaigns that make your bosses jolly. Deck the halls with deals. Express gratitude for hitting all your goals. And become enwreathed in impressive ROI. Grab some cookies and milk because it’s time to dig into the secrets of the season. 

Listen to a recap of this post.

1. Early Birds Get Deals, Not Worms

The best time to start thinking about your holiday campaigns was last month. Many shoppers are already working through their lists. And I’m not talking Naughty and Nice. They’re buying gifts, travel, and decorations. And they’re starting their shopping early. 

A whopping 92 percent of Americans are planning to celebrate one or more winter holidays this year. And 95 percent of consumers plan to make a holiday-related purchase this season. 

With so much shopping to be done, deals take precedence. Shopping early helps consumers stretch their holiday budgets over several months and snap up deals as they arise. This year, 46 percent of shoppers planned to start their holiday spending earlier than last year. For 41 percent of shoppers, that meant starting their holiday shopping before October. And even if they’re not yet making purchases, 96 percent of holiday shoppers are looking for gift inspo in October and November.

While it may be a little late to capitalize on the early shopping trend this year, it’s good info to put in your back pocket for 2024. Holiday shopping seems to start earlier and earlier every year. And it’s a trend we don’t see stopping anytime soon. Nearly half (48 percent) of high shoppers were set to start shopping before the end of October. So if you haven’t started advertising your winter holiday sales, start now. 

2. Think Digital

It’s 2023, and online shopping is alive and well — especially for the holidays. 58 percent of shoppers plan to do their holiday shopping online this year. That makes it the most popular shopping destination for the season. Department stores take second place with 49 percent of shoppers opting for them. Discount stores follow close behind with 48 percent shopping there.

Shoppers are logging online for good reason. That’s where the deals are! Or at least, it’s an easy place to discover deals and strike at the right time. 85 percent of those shopping online have several tabs open at once waiting for holiday sales to begin. Tech-savvy shoppers know how to use online shopping to their advantage to get the most bang for their buck. 

And they’re not just using the internet to make purchases. Holiday shoppers are looking online for gift inspiration. In fact, 17 percent of shoppers have reported using generative AI for purchase inspiration. 45 percent say they get gift inspiration from retail websites and apps. And 13 percent get their ideas from store emails. 

For those shopping online, 70 percent forgo the desktop in favor of mobile. That number is even higher for Gen Z, 85 percent of whom report using their mobile device for online shopping. That’s great for your influencer marketing campaigns. Focus on creating thumb-stopping content that will encourage mobile shoppers to buy.

3. Authenticity Should Not Be Forgot 

Cue “Auld Lang Syne.” Authenticity is our old friend in the influencer marketing world. She’s the one who brings followers and influencers together. And the holidays are her time to shine. Authenticity moves the needle, especially this time of year. 

The holidays are all about coming together. Celebrating the year we’ve had and the one to come. People are feeling the spirit of gratitude and giving in equal turns. There’s a lot of heart wrapped up in people’s purchasing this time of year. And that means marketing has to ring true and authentic or it will fall to the wayside. 

Influencer campaigns are a great way to infuse more authenticity into your brand this time of year. Remember the best influencer marketing is laid on a foundation of trust. Find influencers who have earned the trust of their following. And partner with influencers who trust your brand and who you trust, of course! 

4. Get Merry on Social Media

One of our most tried and true holiday insights is that social media drives decision-making for the holiday season. This is great news if you’re planning to run a holiday influencer marketing campaign. 

Shoppers want to see UGC of products they’re interested in. Half of holiday shoppers say UGC makes them more likely to buy. And half of Gen Z says social media is the most relevant channel for ads to reach them. So whether you’re running paid ads or a UGC campaign, you’ve got a good chance of reaching holiday shoppers.

If your target demo includes millennial women, you’re in even more luck. A staggering 81 percent say social media is the best way for brands to reach them. So roll out those holiday campaigns!

When it comes to inspiration, 18 percent of shoppers say they get holiday inspo from social media ads. And 7 percent say their holiday inspo comes directly from influencer recommendations. 

Holiday insights graph titled: Social media is still primarily being used for holiday research and inspiration

5. Shoppers Go Gaga for Gifting

It’s the season of giving and gifting. 69 percent of shoppers say gifts for others are the first thing they buy for the holiday season. This year, shoppers expect to spend an average of $620 on gifts alone. So what gifts do our loved ones really want to receive?

The top gifts consumers want to receive in 2023 are:

  • 55 percent want gift cards
  • 49 percent want clothing or accessories
  • 28 percent want books, video games, or other media
  • 25 percent want personal care or beauty items

While it’s a generous time of year, shoppers are tempted to spend on themselves as well. In fact, 58 percent of shoppers are tempted to buy gifts for themselves while holiday shopping. Don’t underestimate your consumers’ tendency toward self-gifting. 

If your brand is more focused on services or experiences rather than physical products, don’t fret. There’s still a place for you to make sales this holiday season. In fact, 23 percent of shoppers plan to gift an experience this year. Gifts come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. It’s up to you to figure out how your brand fits into the gifting economy.

6. Keep Inflation Top-of-Mind

Consumers are feeling the effects of inflation this year, with shoppers expecting to spend 14 percent more this year than last thanks to rising prices alone. Hunting for deals is a priority for many this year to offset the effects of inflation. 62 percent of holiday shoppers say deals and promotions are more important to them this year than last year. And 66 percent of shoppers are planning to participate in the Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals. This is up from 49 percent in 2022. So savings are top-of-mind. 

Shoppers are also intending to buy fewer gifts. In 2022, the average shopper intended to purchase nine gifts. This year, the average is down to eight. But don’t fret. This isn’t all bad news for your brand. 

Holiday shopping is important to consumers. So much so, they’re willing to cut costs in other areas to make sure they have enough for the holiday season. 27 percent are buying less for themselves, and 36 percent are cutting back in other areas to cover the cost of holiday spending. 

7. Get to Know How Gen Z Holidays

This year’s youngest demographic of shoppers (ages 18 to 29) is gearing up for some serious spending. But their shopping habits aren’t always in step with shoppers at large. Overall, Gen Z is the most likely to go online for their holiday shopping. And the most eager to turn to social media for inspo and purchasing. They’re planning to spend more on holiday shopping than in previous years. And hunting for the best deals and payment plan options.

Check out this infographic with all the juiciest holiday insights on Gen Z shoppers.

Courtesy of The Shelf

That’s a Wrap on Our 2023 Holiday Insights

It’s the season of giving, and these holiday insights are our gift to you. Hungry for more? Check out our 2023 Holiday Spending & Trends infographic. It gets into the nitty-gritty details you need to make your Winter Holiday campaign sing fa la la la all the way to the bank.

We hope this post taught you something that will inform your holiday influencer marketing campaign strategy. Whether you’ve been running holiday campaigns for years or it’s your first time marketing during the jolly season, we’ve got your back. Trends are always changing, but our love for all things influencer marketing remains the same. 

Still not sure how these holiday insights fit into your upcoming campaign? No worries! We’ve got your back. Schedule a strategy call with us today, and one of our experts will guide you with the accuracy of whatever GPS Santa uses on his sleigh. You know what we mean. We know our stuff. And we’d love nothing more than to share our knowledge with you. 

Happy holidays and merry marketing! 


Ariana Newhouse B2B Writer

About This Author

Ariana Newhouse | B2B Writer

I am a freelance writer and comedian based in Los Angeles. While making people laugh is my jam, it’s not always the company brand. So, I strive to make people feel something. My writing philosophy is collaborative, empathetic, and humanistic. At the end of the day, no matter the message, there are real people on both ends of the process.


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INFOGRAPHIC: 2023 Holiday Spending and Trends + Marketing Ideas and Tips https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/holiday-marketing-infographic/ https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/holiday-marketing-infographic/#respond Thu, 16 Nov 2023 22:45:00 +0000 http://34.239.214.20/?p=1147 This year, nine in ten US adults will celebrate the Winter Holidays, according to the National Retail Federation. They’ll spend an average of about $875 each. If you want to reach the one in three shoppers planning to use social media for holiday shopping this year, influencer marketing can be a powerful tool. Influencers can…

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This year, nine in ten US adults will celebrate the Winter Holidays, according to the National Retail Federation. They’ll spend an average of about $875 each. If you want to reach the one in three shoppers planning to use social media for holiday shopping this year, influencer marketing can be a powerful tool. Influencers can help boost the visibility of your products. Especially while people are searching for gift ideas. Plus they can streamline the purchase process when shoppers are ready to buy.

Holiday Shopping Began Much Earlier This Year

Every year, shoppers start grabbing stuff a little earlier. But this year, Black Friday sales OFFICIALLY kicked off November 1st. This came after a Mega Sale period that extended beyond the normal two-day Prime sales. Instead, It began with Target’s Circle Week, which ran from October 1st – 7th,. It then went through Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days from October 10th – 11th. And it ended with Walmart’s Holiday Kickoff Sale from October 9th – 12th.

Many of us are finally settling in a bit after the economic shifts brought on by the pandemic. And we’re still grappling with inflation. In fact, Moody Analytics’ Chief Economist Mark Zandi says that inflation is costing consumers $709 a month more this year than two years ago. Yikes!

This year, 41 percent of holiday shoppers planned to start their shopping by October or earlier. And they’re mostly doing it to spread out their holiday budget.

Cool Takeaways from This Year’s Holiday Strategy

Nearly half of Gen Zers plan to use social media to shop this year.

For years, Facebook has been the leader in social commerce, and a favorite platform for marketing (and holiday marketing!) and paid advertising. But as the buying power of the world’s young adults increases, marketers would be well-advised to keep their eye on them. This year, 48 percent of Gen Zers say they’re planning to do a little social shopping via TikTok and Instagram.

Most popular social commerce platforms among digital buyers in the United States in 2022: Facebook 19%, Instagram 12%, YouTube 9%, TikTok 8%, Snapchat 6%, Pinterest 6%, Twitter 5%

Those are two HUGE platforms shoppers use to find ideas. Thirty-seven percent of shoppers defer to social media before making a purchase. And 85 percent of Gen Zers say social media influences their purchase, at least to some degree.

Online retailers with physical stores can woo customers with convenience and speed.

Believe it or not, younger consumers shop in-store as much as they shop online. And while older consumers are shopping online more, they are suckers for a great in-store experience. (With some friendly and knowledgeable help on standby in case they’re needed.) Add to that the impact social media can have on fueling sales and the word is your brand needs to have multiple touchpoints. In marketing lingo from the brand perspective, or in the minds of consumers, you need multiple destinations.

Social ads are a welcome interruption for shoppers, especially for holiday marketing.

Forty-two percent of Millennials and 50 percent of Gen Zers say social media is THE MOST RELEVANT channel for ads. Millennial women surveyed by Bustle say they expect to see brands represented on social media. Gen Zers say sponsored content resulting from partnerships between brands and their favorite influencers Is an acceptable way for brands to approach them.

Eighteen percent of holiday shoppers get their gift ideas from social media ads. And seven percent say influencer recommendations are a source of gift ideas this time of year. They make room for the unintrusive way in which social media ads and sponsored content show up on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest because users visit those platforms to source ideas. Interestingly, on Pinterest, eight in ten users ARRIVE on the platform with purchase intent. But only three percent of searches are branded.

That means
. shoppers are looking for products, not necessarily specific brands.

Influencer marketing is a go-to strategy for getting holiday sales.

Most marketers identify the primary BENEFIT of social media marketing on platforms like Instagram and TikTok as increased exposure. But both are also highly shoppable. Instagram is the preferred platform for product discovery, whereas Pinterest is the platform pinners use to plan purchases.

Eight in ten marketers say influencer marketing is an effective strategy. In just the last five years, influencer marketing has gone from being a $500 million industry to being a $21B industry.

No kidding.

So, if you’re still grappling with whether or not you should incorporate social media marketing into this last-minute holiday push, the answer is absolutely.

Without further ado, here is the step-by-step guide to holiday social media marketing.

COPY AND PASTE THIS CODE TO EMBED ON YOUR SITE

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Amazon Influencer Marketing 101 https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/amazon-influencer-marketing-10/ https://www.theshelf.com/the-blog/amazon-influencer-marketing-10/#respond Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.theshelf.com/?p=19293 E-commerce has become synonymous with influencer marketing. For some consumers, it’s almost impossible to shop online without first considering what their favorite influencer has to say about any particular product or service. Both brands and consumers have come to realize why understanding influencer marketing is key. In this Amazon influencer marketing guide, we’ll explore the…

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Graphic of characters greeting each other under the Amazon logo above the text: Amazon Influencer Marketing 101

E-commerce has become synonymous with influencer marketing. For some consumers, it’s almost impossible to shop online without first considering what their favorite influencer has to say about any particular product or service. Both brands and consumers have come to realize why understanding influencer marketing is key. In this Amazon influencer marketing guide, we’ll explore the wide world of Amazon influencer marketing. And we’ll dig into why it’s not going anywhere any time soon.

We’ve become quite familiar with YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok influencers. But many of us still ask, “What’s an Amazon influencer, anyway?” Similar to those on other platforms, Amazon influencers promote and or recommend products to their audience. 

Kev Blackburn put his engineering career on hold to become an Amazon influencer. He’s since solidified his place in Amazon influencer marketing for sellers. He’s not only an influencer but a mentor. Using his Amazon influencer marketing program, he teaches aspiring e-commerce entrepreneurs how to start, scale, and systemize their Amazon FBA businesses.

Listen to this post.

Marketing Agencies for Amazon Influencers

Influencers can serve as the go-between for brands and consumers. Meanwhile, influencer marketing agencies work to bridge the gap between brands and influencers. Amazon influencer marketing agencies are expert matchmakers of brands and influencers — helping to flawlessly align their goals and values. These agencies also offer a vast array of services. They offer everything from influencer identification to campaign management. And they work to ensure a seamless, effective collaboration using data-driven strategies. This helps them understand the dynamic influencer marketing landscape and digital marketing trends. 

Why Do Brands Work with Amazon Influencers? 

Amazon has 310 million active users and over 600 million products on the marketplace. These numbers are growing daily. Amazon is the most popular marketplace in the world! In April 2023, Statista reported that Amazon.com had 4.8 billion visitors. In addition to having access to this growing audience, there are other reasons why brands want to collaborate and take advantage of the Amazon influencer marketing platform. 

Influencers have the unique ability to connect with their audience with ease and authenticity. This authenticity causes the influencers to appear to be trustworthy and credible to their audiences. This is, of course, incredibly valuable for brands.

Data highlights the impact of influencer marketing, confirming impressive returns on investment and increased brand awareness. The influencer marketing industry became an approximately $21.1 billion industry this year. Studies have shown that influencer marketing campaigns can deliver 11x ROI over all other forms of digital media. That’s over 1,100 percent more effective. 

Graphic of two sparkling coins next to text: $21.1B the influencer marketing market size in 2023

When influencers create genuine connections with their audiences, brands also benefit. The result is a beautiful community of like-minds with shared values. This makes for more relatable marketing messages that resonate with consumers on a much deeper level. And that drives brand success and customer loyalty.

On September 26, 2023, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and 17 states sued Amazon. They accused Amazon of creating a monopoly that hurts small businesses. The purpose of the suit is to address practices that “block competition, stunt rivals’ growth, and cement its dominance.” The plaintiffs seek to restore the lost promise of competition, benefiting consumers with lower prices, better quality, and greater innovation.

Amazon’s response points to its role in creating a competitive marketplace that supports its millions of merchants. However, a significant aspect of the case revolves around anti-discounting strategies that restrict the sellers’ pricing freedom on third-party platforms. For current and future Amazon sellers, the outcome of this case could be changes in Amazon’s operations. The hope is these changes will create fair competition and enhance UX. It’s also proof that adopting diverse marketing strategies works. It makes sense to utilize influencers on alternative platforms to adapt to changing regulations and shifts in the marketplace.

Amazon Influencer Marketing in Conclusion

Amazon influencer marketing has an undeniable impact on the e-commerce landscape. If your brand is preparing to navigate the ins and outs of Amazon Influencer Marketing, we understand that this is a huge undertaking. That’s why we’ve created a checklist of essentials to get you started. Let’s take a look at what we’ve covered:

  • Recognize Influencer Marketing’s Impact: Understand the undeniable influence of influencer marketing in the e-commerce world.
  • Embrace Authenticity and Trust: Value the authenticity and trust that influencers bring to your brand’s image.
  • Consider Marketing Agencies: Explore the role of marketing agencies in connecting brands with influencers.
  • Stay Informed About Legal Landscape: Keep an eye on legal developments, like the ongoing legal battle with the FTC, and its potential impact.
  • Diversify Your Marketing Strategies: Acknowledge the need to diversify marketing approaches, including considering influencers on alternative platforms.

Ready to ignite your Amazon influencer marketing strategy, and learn how to find Amazon influencers? Great! We’ve got you, and we’ll help take your brand to the next level. Schedule a strategy call today. Together we’ll help you unlock the full potential of Amazon influencer marketing. 


Lira Stone content strategist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lira Stone | Effective, Magnetic Strategist

For over a decade, my focus has been ensuring that professionals stay ahead of the curve in the most time-efficient, task-prioritized, and stress-free manner possible. My extensive experience has equipped me with the knowledge to design a concise, company-culture-relevant, methodical approach to internet sales and marketing.


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11 Holiday Influencers Ready to Deck the Halls https://www.theshelf.com/blogger-roundups/holiday-influencers/ https://www.theshelf.com/blogger-roundups/holiday-influencers/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:14:30 +0000 https://www.theshelf.com/?p=19262 It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With jack-o’-lanterns and costumes now nestled away, we eagerly embrace the cheerful transition from spooky season to the enchanting warmth of the winter holidays. As our holiday influencers wait in the wings, the air buzzes with the promise of joy. The world seems to sparkle with a…

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With jack-o’-lanterns and costumes now nestled away, we eagerly embrace the cheerful transition from spooky season to the enchanting warmth of the winter holidays. As our holiday influencers wait in the wings, the air buzzes with the promise of joy. The world seems to sparkle with a special kind of magic that only this season can bring. It’s time to deck the halls and ignite the festive spirit within us. 

Get Into the Festive Spirit with Holiday Influencers

Our favorite way to embrace the season is by tuning into the content of holiday influencers. These creative minds are set to fill your feeds with beautiful, engaging holiday content that promises to add an extra sparkle to your celebrations. From DIY decorations to heartwarming traditions and everything in between. Let the festivities begin. Let’s make this holiday season the most memorable one yet!

1. Helena Löfstedt @mylittleredhouse 406K on Instagram

Three images of holiday decorated home (table, kitchen, living room) connected with graphic tinsel next to the text: International Allure: Celebrated influencer from Northern Sweden
Home Style: Masterfully combines minimalist Scandinavian and cozy farmhouse aesthetics
Christmas Magic: Nature-inspired designs with soft colors, handcrafted ornaments, and Nordic folklore tales create a harmonious winter tableau
Source: @mylittleredhouse on Instagram

Helena Löfstedt is a celebrated holiday influencer from Northern Sweden. She masterfully curates her home with a blend of minimalist Scandinavian and cozy farmhouse aesthetics. Her nature-inspired designs are characterized by soft colors mirroring Sweden’s serene landscapes. They take on an especially magical dimension during Christmas. Helena’s festive decor features delicate snowflakes, handcrafted natural ornaments, and tales of Nordic folklore. All these elements converge in beautiful images that seamlessly meld tradition with her profound love for nature

2. LIVING WITH LANDYN | LIFE + STYLE @livingwithlandyn 349K on Instagram

Collage of holiday images featuring the holiday influencer posing with Santa, holiday cocktails, and a beautifully wrapped present next to the text: Southern Charm: Nashville-based blogger and influencer
Digital Journey: Started by consigning clothes online, then built a platform to share her style, recipes, and more
Devoted Community: Cultivated a loyal following with style tips, cosmetic recommendations, and dinner recipes, with a special focus on the winter holidays
Source: @livingwithlandyn on Instagram

Landyn is a Nashville-based blogger and holiday influencer. Over the years, friends frequently inquired about her style choices and recipes. Eventually, she took the hint and realized her flair for curating could resonate beyond her inner circle. She began consigning clothes online and eventually built a platform to share everything she adores. Today, she’s cultivated a devoted community of enthusiastic women (and a few of their husbands) who look to her for style tips, cosmetic recommendations, and foolproof dinner recipes. Landyn cherishes this bond. She believes in the mutual support and love she and her followers share. During the winter holidays, her content shines the brightest.

3. Taryn Newton @tarynnewton 761K on Instagram

Collage of holiday influencer and her family in two sets of matching Christmas pajamas in a graphic ornament and snow globe next to the text: Embracing Chaos: Taryn embraces life's beautiful chaos, which has been essential for her business, family, and community
Transparency and Humility: Showcasing challenges behind triumphs, maintaining an intimate connection with her followers
Holiday Highlights: Featuring festive family pajamas and stunning home decor
Source: @tarynnewton on Instagram

Taryn embraces the beautiful chaos that comes with life. Acknowledging the mess was crucial for her to establish her business, nurture her family, become a homeowner, and initiate this thriving community. She believes in showcasing the challenges behind every triumph. Her humble blog has blossomed into a vibrant hub. But its sense of intimacy remains intact. It’s evident how profoundly thankful Taryn is for every individual who’s part of it. Her content especially shines during the holiday season with festive family pajamas and stunning home decor. 

4. Mallory Ervin @malloryervin 976K on Instagram

Collage of celebrating holiday influencer in festive outfits with graphic sparkles next to the text: Multifaceted Talent: based in Nashville with a YouTube channel, popular blog, and bestselling book
Eclectic Journey: From Miss America runner-up to two seasons of The Amazing Race
Transformational Content: Combines life lessons with topics like fashion, beauty, and motherhood, aiming to guide others toward a fulfilling life, particularly during the inspiring and creative holiday season
Source: @malloryervin on Instagram

Mallory Ervin is a Nashville-based, multifaceted talent with a successful YouTube channel, popular blog, and bestselling book. She came into the spotlight after securing a runner-up position in the Miss America Pageant. After that, she competed in two seasons of The Amazing Race. Her journey has been both eclectic and inspiring. While her pursuit of perfectionism once took a toll, intensive introspection helped Mallory redefine success. Her content now mirrors this transformation, blending life lessons with lighter topics like fashion, beauty, and motherhood. Mallory’s ultimate goal is to guide others from mere existence to a fulfilling life. As a holiday influencer, she creates content that is inspiring, stunning, and creative! 

5. Elsie + Emma @abeautifulmess 655K on Instagram

Collage of two holiday influencers in matching pjs with cookies and a Santa mug connected with graphics of presents and ribbon next to text: Dynamic Duo: Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman are co-creators of the blog, A Beautiful Mess, launched in 2007
Diverse Content: Over 4,500 posts featuring recipes, craft projects, room tours, and more
Holiday Highlights: Offer tutorials for handmade cards, front door decor ideas, and festive celebration inspiration
Source: @abeautifulmess on Instagram

Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman are the creative geniuses behind the blog, A Beautiful Mess, established in 2007. With over 4,500 posts to date, they offer an array of recipes, craft projects, room tours, and more. Their content particularly shines during the holiday seasons. They provide everything from handmade card tutorials to front-door decor ideas, ensuring readers have all they need for festive celebrations.

6. Kara Whitten @kailochic 167K on Instagram

Collage of colorful holiday crafts (ornaments and snowflakes) encircled in graphic sparkles next to text: Texas-Based: Product designer and maker behind Kailo Chic
Vibrant Craft Projects: Known for colorful and vibrant craft projects featured on A Beautiful Mess
Multifaceted Talent: Shares design and crafting insights — particularly eye-catching and inspiring Christmas decorations with a beautiful rainbow twist
Source: @kaliochic on Instagram

Kara is a Texas-based product designer and maker. She’s the creative force behind Kailo Chic. Her vibrant and colorful craft projects have been prominently featured on Elise and Emma’s blog A Beautiful Mess. In addition to her design prowess, she passionately shares her work and insights, showcasing her multifaceted talents in the world of crafting. Her Instagram is filled with stunning rainbow crafts and recipes for all of the holidays. Around November and December, her content really shines. Her Christmas decorations feature a beautiful rainbow twist that is eye-catching and inspiring. This less-than-traditional aesthetic makes her a standout holiday influencer.

7. Sam Ushiro @aww.sam 326K on Instagram

Collage of colorful and floral holiday decor featuring the holiday influencer decorating her tree accented with graphic flowers next to the text: Innovative Force: Creator behind the blog, Aww Sam, infusing everyday life with joy
Dessert Lover: Passionate about finding the best donuts in New York City and experimenting with delectable dessert recipes
Unique Style: Defines her look as "retro style with a modern twist" and offers vibrant, rainbow-inspired spins on traditional holiday aesthetics
Source: @aww.sam on Instagram

Sam Ushiro, the innovative force and dessert lover behind the blog Aww Sam, infuses everyday life with joy. Beyond her celebratory projects, she’s passionate about seeking the best donuts in New York City, experimenting with delectable dessert recipes, and immersing herself in French films. She defines her look as “retro style with a modern twist.” During festive periods, she offers a vibrant, rainbow-inspired spin on traditional holiday aesthetics we cherish.

8. Anne @thestylevisitor 567K on Instagram

Photo of chic holiday influencer in neutral winter outfit with graphic of someone delivering a present next to text: Holiday Faves: Her favorite brands to shop during the holidays include H&M and Zara
Shoppable Looks: Jump over to her LTK profile to shop her looks 
Style Savant: Feed features chic looks with neutral color palettes and pops of festive red
Source: @thestylevisitor on Instagram

Anne Britt de Wit is the style icon behind the Instagram account, The Style Visitor. Coming to our screens from Amsterdam, she is a freelance social media manager, copywriter, content marketer, content creator, and Instagram specialist. Her feed is filled with outfit ideas and inspiration for the holiday season that anyone can recreate! 

9. Kiel James Patrick @kjp 1.2M on Instagram

Collage of festive holiday images (pine tree chopping, sleeping dogs on festive blanket, winter lights) framed in graphic snowflakes next to text: Distinguished Social Media Figure: Highly celebrated among Christmas enthusiasts and creators for his captivating photos and videos
Quintessential New England Christmas: KJP's content radiates timeless elegance and picturesque winter wonder, masterfully combining sophistication with seasonal allure, offering an artistically refined view of Christmas in New England
“New England Holiday”: New special nook on their website where every season, story, and tradition they cherish comes alive
Source: @kjp on Instagram

Every December, KJP unveils an Instagram Reel adorned with twinkling lights and snowy winter landscapes. It heralds the imminent embrace of the festive season. Kiel James Patrick, known as KJP, is a distinguished holiday influencer. He’s celebrated among Christmas enthusiasts and creators who revel in winter content. Each year, as snow blankets the ground and the atmosphere fills with holiday cheer, KJP unveils enchanting visuals portraying Christmas in New England. His content masterfully combines sophistication with seasonal allure, presenting a delightful and artistically refined view for all aficionados of this magical season.

10. Nabela @nabela 7.6M on TikTok

Collage of holiday treats (gingerbread house and Santa pancake) connected by graphic stars next to text: Inclusive Clothing: Her clothing brand, Zeba, reimagines clothing sizes for all
Her Book: In 2021, she introduced, Beautifully Me, a children's book promoting early self-worth
Noor House: Founded alongside her husband, Seth, Noor House supports girls' education in Bangladesh
Accolades: Featured in Architectural Digest and Rolling Stone
Source: @nabela on TikTok

Nabela Noor, a first-generation Bangladeshi American, is a multi-faceted designer, author, and entrepreneur. Motivated by a lack of Bengali and South Asian representation during her youth, she’s now a beacon for over 10 million followers across platforms. She’s amassed over 1.5 billion views and champions self-love and representation. She launched Nabela Noor Home, offering modern homemaking tips and artisan-crafted products from Pennsylvania and Bangladesh. Her brand, Zeba, reimagines clothing sizes for all. And in 2021, she introduced Beautifully Me, a children’s book promoting early self-worth. Alongside her husband, Seth, Nabela founded Noor House, an organization supporting girls’ education in Bangladesh. Now, as a new mother, she continues to evolve, with accolades from Architectural Digest, Rolling Stone, and more.

11. The Elf on the Shelf @elfontheshelf 298K on Instagram

Collage of elf on the shelf toy in different festive scenarios (with holiday influencer, next to toys, with drawing of a Christmas tree) connected by graphics of holiday card and snowflakes next to text: A Family Affair: A toy founded on the wonder of a mother and daughter team
More than Christmas: The Elf’s Jewish equivalent is called “Mensch on a Bench”
Over the Years: Elf on the Shelf is 17 years old was originally named “Frisbee”
Source: @elfontheshelf on Instagram

Elf on the Shelf has become a household name, bringing festive mischief to countless homes during the holiday season. While many associate him primarily with Christmas antics, a glance at The Elf on the Shelf’s Instagram reveals that this playful character is busy throughout the year. On their feed, the little elf embarks on a series of delightful escapades, proving that his adventurous spirit isn’t confined to just the winter months. Whether it’s summer or spring, the elf ensures there’s always a touch of magic and fun in the air.

Create Content Worth Celebrating with Holiday Influencers

It’s time to embrace the cozy, twinkling allure of the winter holidays. These holiday influencers will guide us by the vibrant tapestry of content they create. Their creativity has adorned our feeds like the finest tinsel, each post a bauble of inspiration to make our celebrations shine a little brighter.

As the days grow shorter and we gather closer to the warmth of hearth and home, we carry with us the merriment and the memories created. By holiday influencers like these, and in the heart of our own traditions.

May the magic spun by these holiday influencers linger, like the softest snowfall, as we look ahead to a new year brimming with possibility. Let’s raise a glass to the moments we’ve shared and the ones yet to come, cherishing the most wonderful time of the year that has, once again, united us all in celebration and cheer. 

If you’d like help selecting holiday influencers for your upcoming campaigns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experts are here to help. Schedule a strategy call today.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Abigail Welcom | Marketing Magician

Abby wins hearts and gains trust as our Brand Marketing & Outreach Coordinator. She puts her Film and Television Production degree to good use dreaming up visual marketing for The Shelf. When she’s not dazzling us with out-of-the-box ideas, you can likely find her at The Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland!


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