Italy's probe into whether Sephora and Benefit used micro-influencers to drive compulsive purchasing among children has taken the "Sephora kids" phenomenon from meme to regulatory matter – raising the question of whether the industry's attempts to self-regulate were ever going to be enough.

Apr 1, 2026

The first quarter of 2026 has been notably busy for the creator economy, shaped by a cultural calendar that pushed even the most hesitant brands to act. In a wide-ranging interview with The Daily Influence, Jack Reed and Max Litke of Millennial Entertainment reflect on a quarter defined by IP ambition, AI uncertainty and an intensifying competition for creator talent.

Mar 30, 2026

Months after Australia moved to restrict teenagers' access to social media, new data suggests the policy may be failing to curb usage, raising fresh questions as countries from the UK to Indonesia consider similar measures.

Mar 25, 2026

As platforms compete to attract proven talent, questions are emerging about how far the model can stretch.

Mar 23, 2026

The influencer marketing industry is ready for a certification layer that helps brands, agencies and creators navigate rising audience-safety risks, the founder of creator standards platform Stamp has said.

Mar 20, 2026

Meta is offering guaranteed payments and increased reach to attract creators from rival platforms, in its clearest move yet to compete more directly for talent in the creator economy.

Mar 19, 2026

Politicians are increasingly turning to social media creators to reach voters. For the creators themselves, however, the economics of political content remain uneven – shaped by a growing funding gap between left and right.

Mar 12, 2026

Sedge Beswick built SEEN Connects over eight years, navigated a £24 million valuation and walked away from a private equity deal two weeks before giving birth. Speaking to The Daily Influence, she discusses the micro versus macro influencer debate that won’t go away, what separates US and UK approaches to creator marketing, and why the right advisors can make or break a deal.

Mar 9, 2026

Sport has become an early testing ground for how the creator economy merges with traditional media. As leagues, broadcasters and platforms experiment with creators and athlete personalities, a simple lesson is emerging: it may be easier – and economically smarter – to work with creators than compete against them.

Mar 5, 2026