Before the pandemic came knocking on our doors, influencer marketing was expected to be a $10 billion industry in 2020.

But, does this data still hold true in the era of social distancing and lockdown? We believe yes!

Brands and influencers still want to stay relevant. Clearly, now is the best time to be digital. But wait, this time, being digital has taken a different route altogether because of the pandemic. Influencers are getting creative with their stay at home content by making it look glamorous instead of the dull old ways.

Just like that, the entire scenario of influencer marketing changed over a span of 4-5 months and left the world, awestruck. 

So, here’s us decoding what changed in the industry to help you plan your content calendars accordingly. 

Be Relevant

Ever since the lockdown, influencers have shifted strategies to make their content more conducive to the present-day scenario. 

What are influencers up to?

• Building on new trends
• Creating content that pops!
• Exploring new platforms to experiment 
• Doing good via fund-raising digital activities and supporting social causes
• Most importantly, moving out of their comfort zones 

Influencers are doing things that they have never done before, and that has become the new normal. 

Be Meaningful

Budget cut? Not to worry, as today’s marketers are welcoming influencer collaborations, despite it. They believe in its potential.

The only difference, though, is the messaging.

Brands are now focused on:

• Building relationships 
• Crafting meaningful stories
• And, focusing on authentic marketing, all with influencers. 

After all, consumer behavior has changed. At a time like this, brands are navigating their influencer marketing strategies by focusing on their customers’ new needs. By tapping into the creativity of influencers, brands are able to scale up digitally. Creators, on the other hand, are making the most of it by jumping on trends, and giving brands the opportunity to experiment in these times.

Brand-influencer collaborations are happening, but they have become more conversation and circumstances-driven.

Be Innovative

If there’s one social media platform that has exploded in terms of popularity, it’s definitely Instagram Reels. 

Ever since the ban on Tik-Tok, Instagram Reels has become a household name. With the feature, users can now create 15-second videos using various filters and effects to make it more eye-catching. 

Instagram Reels give you videos that are:

• Fun to watch
• Make you go ROLF
• More compelling and eye-catching 
• Endlessly entertaining
• Encouraging new challenges
• Short bursts of distraction

Many influencers are finding their way to the feature on the app, exploring content, and gaining popularity by a new set of audiences. Influencers are making use of the opportunity to expand their reach by experimenting with new content on Instagram Reels.

Be Human

We are definitely seeing a rise in new brand-influencer partnerships. Apart from brands, various organizations and Governments are investing in influencer marketing to promote social causes. 

Brands have slowly started to venture into the Instagram Reels space to create brand awareness amongst new masses while leveraging on the massive engagement of influencers present on the app’s feature. 

Let’s just say,  it can get brands more bang for their buck, especially if they’re on a tight budget.

Be Relatable

Influencers are considered as everyday people. That’s what makes them highly relatable. Influencers too are experiencing the brunt of the new normal, like any other person. Therefore, they understand the qualms of their own audiences because they are living through it. In light of the situation, influencers have started to engage with their audience more emphatically, while giving them content that resonates with them at the same time. 

They are creating moments of comfort, entertainment, connection, and inspiration through their content.

What are you waiting for? The possibility of making it big starts with us.