The word “influencer” has been around for centuries, but its meaning has changed over time. Here’s a quick breakdown:
📌 1600s-1800s: Early Use of “Influencer”
- The word “influence” comes from the Latin “influere,” meaning “to flow into.”
- By the 1600s, “influencer” was used in English to describe someone who had power or sway over others (e.g., politicians, religious leaders).
- Example: “He was an influencer in the royal court.”
📌 1900s: Influencer as a Thought Leader
- The term was not widely used but referred to people who shaped opinions in politics, business, or culture.
- Marketers used “celebrity endorsements” rather than calling them influencers.
📌 2010s: “Influencer” Becomes a Social Media Term 📱
- With the rise of Instagram, YouTube, and blogging, the word “influencer” started being used to describe people who had an online following and could promote products.
- 2015: The term “influencer marketing” became mainstream.
- 2019: “Influencer” was added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, officially recognizing it as a profession.
📌 Today: Influencer as a Full-Time Career 💼
- 2020s: Influencer marketing is now a billion-dollar industry.
- The term influencer applies to celebrities, micro-influencers, TikTok stars, and even AI influencers.
📍 Conclusion: The word “influencer” has existed for centuries, but its modern meaning (social media personalities promoting brands) became popular in the 2010s. 🚀