Social media pets are in the money
Dogs, cats and other animals join Internet ‘influencers’
Along with the escalating number of ‘influencers’ making their millions on social media sites such as Instagram are a growing legion of furry and even feathery ‘petfluencers’ who are making their owners some serious cash.
And as more people than ever keep up the lockdown trend and become pet owners for the first time, recording their fourlegged friends’ every antic on the Internet, pets’ social media accounts have become something of a phenomenon.
Animals flaunt their achievements, adopt strange gaits and expressions, model hats and coats or simply look ridiculously cute.
The making of a pet influencer owner involves first owning a pet, then setting up their Instagram account, editing selected photos and, crucially, developing their ‘voice’, social media presence and personality.
Investment in terms of time and money, dogged persistence, and a sprinkling of luck coupled with conversion talent, can, it seems, bring huge financial rewards in some cases.
It was revealed in research conducted by Asda Money, that the trend for animals online has well and truly caught on, with a whole swathe of new hopefuls set to try their luck in creating an internet sensation, with the launch of something akin to a canine Kardashian.
Whatever the outcome, social media accounts are a great and easy way to save pet pics, and to engage with other pet owners and their online profiles.
But be warned, photoshoots involving pets can be challenging, as the old adage ‘never work with children or animals’ impresses.
Many owners admit to having to cajole or distract their pets during photo sessions, usually using treats or toys to get the particular shot that they want.
A quarter of people surveyed said that their pampered pets have a very luxurious lifestyle indeed.
Around 43 per cent of owners say they buy presents for their pets’ birthdays, and 13 per cent celebrate their ‘joining the household’ anniversary.
Layla Flaherty, director of the animal modelling and influencer agency, Urban Paws UK, said: “Creating a pet influencer channel is a fantastic way to share your furry friends with the world.
“However, it can also be a lucrative business venture.
“We have many petfluencers on our books, some of whom can earn thousands of pounds with every post, review, or story. It all depends on the size of their social media following.
“For example, some of our ‘micro’ influencers, who have between 10,000 and 50,000 followers, can make between £200 to £1,000 per post.
“Those in the ‘macro’ category with between 50,000 and a million followers will earn much more, and if you’re a ‘mega’ influencer, with a million plus followers, then you’re looking at major financial earnings and bookings from only the highest-profile brand collaborations.”