In today’s digital age, lots of people are getting famous on the internet, whether with a well-timed viral video or with a more strategic effort as a content creator or influencer. But while your boomer parents might use the terms interchangeably (likely with more than a hint of disdain), are they really the same? Let’s dive into what sets these two groups of internet fame-seekers apart.
Put very simply, a content creator is anyone who produces and posts their own work, or content, on the internet. Content creators make all different types of content and post it over a variety of platforms. They can be visual artists, actors, dancers, singers, comedians, chefs, or experts/enthusiasts of a certain topic. (Whether books, music, art, fashion, history, fitness, woodworking, or birdwatching, you name it, someone’s got an account about it.)
Content creators post on many different platforms, ranging from social platforms like TikTok and Instagram to media platforms like YouTube or Spotify. When content creators start posting content, they may prioritize carving out a very specific niche in order to stand out among the seemingly infinite number of creators on the internet.
An influencer is an internet personality who uses their following to, well, influence others, doing their best to paint themselves as interesting, likeable, knowledgeable, or (ideally) all three. While influencers usually have niches (such as entertainment, fashion, events, etc.), they usually keep things a little broader than their content creator cousins, in order to appeal to as many people as possible.
Influencers can also post on a variety of platforms, but the personal nature of their work means that they generally begin their journeys on social media. They usually only branch out to other platforms after amassing a following, instead of trying to grow a following on those websites initially.
Still confused? Read more about influencers (and how to become one!) here, or find our guide to content creation here.
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The line between content creator and influencer is blurry at best—and sometimes, it almost feels invisible. There are a few ways to tell the two apart, but it’s less about what they do and more about why they do it.
1. Type of content
Since all influencers create content, all influencers are technically content creators. They are usually more focused on content that’s off-the-cuff or personal—as opposed to the more curated and scripted aesthetic of the stereotypical content creator.
However, not all content creators are influencers. Although a key hallmark of being an influencer is being the brand, many content creators choose to keep their own opinions and feelings away from their content. Still, as neat and tidy as that differentiation might be, it isn’t quite so simple.
2. Relationship to the audience
Another thing that sets these two groups apart is the relationship that they have with their audience. Content creators see their content as the star of the show—they’re merely the person behind the content itself. Alternatively, influencers see themselves as the product; while they may have an area of expertise or a unique job or POV that makes them stand out, ultimately their personality is the thing that they’re selling.
For example, a content creator who is also an actor may post videos of performances, original sketches, or content featuring acting tips and advice. An acting influencer might post “get ready with me” videos about a recent audition, promote products that they’ve found helpful in their acting journey, or promote fellow actors’ upcoming performances or classes. Same niche, different approach.
3. Use of sponsored content
Generally, both content creators and influencers participate in sponsored content (including brand deals, paid ads, etc.) at a similar rate—but it’s the function of that content that sets the two groups apart. For an influencer, these deals and sponsorships are usually the goal, both in order to build a following and to work with brands that they believe are worth promoting. Conversely, it’s difficult for content creators to make money off of content alone, so they often see brand deals as more of a means to an end in order to make their content creation self-supporting.
4. Number of followers
Though it may seem elitist, in order to be considered an influencer, you probably have to have some kind of influence—in other words, a substantial following. Generally, the more, the better. (Forbes considers anyone with fewer than 100,000 followers a “micro-influencer.”) Having followers is also important for content creators (nobody posts their work on the internet hoping no one watches it), but it’s not a requirement to call yourself a content creator. In fact, some creators may find having a more manageable number of followers or subscribers helpful for maintaining relatability and fostering personal and professional relationships.
5. How they see themselves
At the end of the day, the difference between the two groups might not be very stark, but it does seem that most people with an internet following have a vision about which one they are. So, if you really want to know if someone is a content creator or an influencer, you might just have to ask them.Are you a content creator or an influencer (or both)? Check out our call board here.