Most influencers don't make a living from it

The influencer community gives the impression that having a mobile device and regularly posting content online is all it takes to earn a good income. The reality, however, is different when we look at the figures. This report from "Les Echos" clearly shows the disparity between the very big names in influence and the smaller, nanoinfluencers. For observers, a nano-influencer is defined as having 5,000 or more subscribers, which already means a good audience.

However, a large part of the money made comes from partnerships with brands. While the most important can pocket tens, even hundreds, of thousands of euros, most of France's 145,000 influencers will only be entitled, at best, to product donations if companies contact them. What's more, those who reach a targeted audience or are rarer earn more. Male influencers generally win more money, given that they represent only 29% of content producers.

In fact, even major influencers like Squeezie, Inoxtag, Léna Situations and others don't base their business model solely on network videos. They rely on various professional projects that they can promote with their popularity: clothing or cosmetics brands, books, restaurants, charity or sporting events, etc.

The real power of influence is to use it as a career gas pedal, and to bank on sectors that are not yet fully flooded online. People who want to get started can do so, since the platforms' algorithms can push videos and make them go viral. To maintain momentum, however, it's best to avoid saturated markets such as lifestyle.

Running time: 9min22

Image: Gracini Studios from Pixabay