Instagram handles with between 10,000 and 1 million followers can range in price from US$300 to US$200,000

social-media campaign promoting awareness of alcoholism among young people, grew her Instagram account to 65,000 followers by posting two or three carefully curated images each day during peak traffic times and strategically following and liking posts from influential teenagers. The metrics and engagement were off the charts—and the Louise Delage campaign became a case study for what’s possible in terms of targeted microinfluence. For an ordinary person, the takeaway here is that a studied aesthetic based on target audience demographics and preferences combined with a consistent posting schedule can be the difference between zero and 65,000 followers in one month. paid for. This, unfortunately, mars the credibility and integrity of a peer-review system, as well as undermines online trust.”

The internet is vast—and social-media platforms serve as tiny corners of the universe where communities are built and relationships are fostered. “I think there’s a space for everyone [on Youtube],” Taylor R says. “Literally there’s everything you could ever be into on Youtube and everyone has their own community. So I think it comes down to people who are just being themselves. If you focus on numbers or if you try to follow a trend—i think you can use someone as inspiration, but you can’t copy someone. It can help you be successful in the short term, but mentally it’s a nightmare. You have to be really true to yourself, speak to people, not focus on numbers, not look to be perfect or for approval, and find your tribe of people who want to listen to you. It’s like a marriage—some people get married quickly and that works for them, but most people need to take time to nurture and grow the relationship and build trust and loyalty, and then it lasts a long time. Anyone can do it as long as they’re being themselves and creating something that they’re happy with while being authentic.”