A recent study reveals that a significant portion of the population, spanning from Gen Z to baby boomers, is open to quitting traditional jobs to become social media influencers. According to the influencer study 2024 by IZEA Worldwide, Inc., about 54% of social media users aged 18 to 60+ would consider a career in influencing for the right price. Notably, 64% of this group would accept payments to promote brands on their channels.
Despite the perception that Gen Z is leading this trend, the influencer marketing study found that older generations are also intrigued by the influencer lifestyle. In fact, 60% of social media users aged 45 to 60 would leave their current jobs to become influencers, compared to 50% of users aged 18 to 29.
The Influencer Study 2024 highlights that heavy social media users have a better chance of monetizing their online presence. Individuals who spend more than five hours a day on social media are 4.4 times more likely to be paid for their posts. This points to a growing desire for the flexibility and freedom associated with influencing, as influencers are 1.5 times more likely to be self-employed than casual social media users.
However, the influencer economy does not yet provide a primary income for most content creators. The influencer statistics 2024 show that 59% of influencers maintain full-time jobs, and only about 53% have been compensated by brands through payments or products.
“This research underscores the seismic shift in career aspirations driven by the thriving creator economy,” said Ted Murphy, CEO and founder of IZEA. He emphasized that nearly half of young consumers are ready to leave traditional employment for full-time influencer roles, underscoring the growing appeal of this industry.
Moreover, 26% of social media users already consider themselves influencers, indicating that influencer marketing is not just a passing trend but a significant cultural phenomenon shaping the future of work and commerce. The percentage of influencers on social media continues to rise, reflecting this shift in career aspirations and the burgeoning opportunities within the influencer economy.
