Survey Says: Influencer Is Gen Z’s Top Career Choice—Here’s Why”
Survey Says: Influencer Is Gen Z’s Top Career Choice—Here’s Why”
Why Everyone Wants to Be a Social Media Influencer Now
Not too long ago, kids dreamed of becoming astronauts, doctors, or lawyers. But today? The top career aspiration for many young people is something entirely different: becoming a social media influencer.
According to a recent Morning Consult survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults, the influencer dream is especially strong among Gen Z. A striking 57% of young adults in this group say they’d choose being an influencer as their ideal career. And it’s not just a pipe dream—53% of them would leave their current jobs if they could make a living as a full-time content creator.
From Selfie Sticks to Serious Careers
A few years ago, the term “influencer” came with a bit of a stigma. It conjured images of people flaunting their looks, pushing questionable products, and chasing clout with selfie sticks in hand. But that perception is shifting—fast.
In 2019, only 51% of people said they trusted influencers. By 2023, that number had jumped to 61%. Even more telling: 53% of adults now consider being a social media influencer a “respectable” career path.
TikTok Changed the Game
So what sparked this shift? Many point to TikTok as the turning point. Unlike the polished, high-production content that once dominated Instagram and YouTube, TikTok thrives on authenticity. Its low-edit, real-time aesthetic has made content creation more accessible—and more relatable.
Thanks to TikTok, anyone can become an influencer. Grandparents, teachers, nurses, and even pets have found fame on the platform. It’s also why the White House now partners with influencers to reach younger audiences, and why brands are investing heavily in influencer marketing across all demographics.
When Your Kid Says, “I Want to Be an Influencer”
If your child tells you they want to be an influencer when they grow up, it might be a surprise—especially if you were hoping for a future doctor or engineer. But here’s the upside: content creation teaches real-world skills like branding, marketing, entrepreneurship, and communication. And for some, it can lead to six-figure incomes and flexible lifestyles.
The influencer economy is no longer just a trend—it’s a legitimate career path that spans generations. From kids to retirees, people of all ages are finding their voice (and their audience) online.
