Who is classified as a social media influencer?

The classification of a social media influencer primarily revolves around their ability to impact the purchasing behaviors of their followers. These individuals have built a relationship with an audience that often trusts their opinions and recommendations. This trust and connection enable the influencer to sway their followers' decisions, making them powerful in marketing and brand promotion.

While creating original content is a common trait among influencers, purely being a content creator does not inherently mean they influence purchasing decisions. Furthermore, influencing is distinct from merely accumulating a number of followers or owning multiple accounts without actively engaging in a way that fosters trust and affects consumer choices. The essence of being a social media influencer lies in the established influence over an audience, which directly relates to purchasing behavior, making this the correct definition.