The concept of an ‘influencer’ isn’t a new one. As long as we’ve had public figures within communities, we have had people watching their every move in an effort to replicate them in some way. Whether it’s what they wear, what car they drive or how they go about their lives, it’s always been here. What has changed, however, is how accessible being an influencer has become.

Revered community members, experts in particular fields, artists and ultimately celebrities have been placed in the position of influencers by default. The growth and maturation of both YouTube and Instagram probably contributed most to the development of the modern-day influencer – someone that chose to share more than the average, built a significant following and now has people willing to take actions based on their recommendations.

Each iPhone release feels like a new boost to the influencer world. Bedroom content creators have increasingly better phones with more functionality, better cameras and more options to share their content in more media forms than ever before. It has meant that whether you like sharing what video games you are playing, what fashion brands you think are hot for this season or where to visit on holiday, you may be able to convince others to do the same.

With 2021 set to be the biggest year to date for influencers, there’s really no sign of things slowing down as more companies both big and small opt to collaborate with individuals that have built up their own engaged audiences and are able to speak directly to them about the things that they care about most. Brands clearly see this as a positive, as many are finding creative and fresh ways to get the word out about their products and services using their platform as a launching pad.

Content creators continue to keep coming up with new and innovative ways to draw in new people and get them to follow the things they are doing. Influencers such as Jennifer Wakumelo have mentioned how hooks like her seven-day health challenge are great ways to engage her audience. Other create mini courses, email newsletter or ebooks to give people a taster of what they can come to expect from their content going forward.

According to industry experts, we’re set to see yet more significant developments as this new decade just begins to warm up. For example, we’re likely to see more influencers making the effort to branch into video content. Many influencers have transitioned from blogs to micro blogs and video is the next natural progression to it.

The internet is a popularity contest and so long as that continues to be the case, we’re going to continue to see established influencers grow their numbers, and for more people to see ‘influencing’ as a potential path to pursue either as a hobby to supplement themselves or even potentially turn this side gig into their main income source, once they build up the PR contacts and collaborations to make this literally dream job – of brands paying you to live an enhanced version of your current lifestyle.