How Instagram Influencers Are Misleading Their Audience for Profits | by Nathan Chen | Jul, 2023

Breaking down the glossy illusion of influencer marketing, one hashtag at a time

Hello there, reader. Let’s pull up a virtual chair and pour a fresh cup of digital coffee, because it’s time to chat. And the topic of the day? Instagram influencers.

You know the type. You’ve seen them. Hell, maybe you even follow a few — don’t worry, I’m not here to judge. But have you ever stopped to think about how these people are making money? Like, really raking in the dough, all while making us believe that their life is the ultimate aspirational fantasy?

So, let’s get into it, shall we?

First, let me paint a picture for you. A trendy influencer, let’s call her Cherry. Cherry posts daily pictures of herself sipping piña coladas on a private beach, hopping between lavish parties on Ibiza, and brushing shoulders with celebrities in Hollywood. Her life looks like a glittering dream. You see it, and for a moment, you wish you could be Cherry. But hey, let’s snap back to reality.

Most of these photos? They’re not spontaneous, candid shots of her fabulous life. They’re meticulously planned and staged, often taking hours, even days to perfect. And that vacation in the Maldives? It was a work trip.

Yup. You heard me right. A work trip. The brand that sponsored Cherry’s trip, they’re not doing it out of the goodness of their heart. They want Cherry to make their resort look like paradise on earth, so you’ll be tempted to book a room there. Clever, isn’t it?

Ever noticed how Cherry always has the latest handbag or the trendiest fitness gear? And she always seems to have a handy promo code just for her followers? Yeah, that’s not coincidence, folks. It’s a calculated marketing tactic.

Brands reach out to influencers like Cherry because she’s built a large, engaged following. These brands are willing to pay, often substantial amounts, for a spot on Cherry’s Instagram feed. What we see as…