WebsiteCompass 11 More typical is a total income of around $500 per month, and for seniors with limited resources, that amount can make a big difference. They may also get brand deals from big names—like skincare company CeraVe, Hyundai Motor Company, and yogurt company Chobani—that support them even more. Another benefit for granfluencers (and their followers) is the process of creating a better bond among generations. According to HypeAuditor, “In a world that can sometimes feel divided between generations, content from older individuals can bridge the gap and foster inter-generational understanding and empathy.” WhoWatches Them If you think fans of granfluencers are all fellow older folks, think again. Most fans of granfluencers are young adults who may view these elderly creators as wise mother or father figures. Granfluencers offer information, such as memories of past decades, that can help younger people gain valuable perspectives on the world. Another reason granfluencers are big with younger viewers is their genuine approach. According to The Social Standard, “We’re moving away from heavily planned, staged, and edited content to much more authentic content. Audiences are looking for content that lifts up new voices, shares new perspectives, and overall makes them feel good inside.” The Female Factor Female granfluencers in particular are getting a lot of attention for helping to counteract cultural messages that devalue women as they age. According to BuzzFeed, “There’s been a huge uptick in positive content around aging thanks to photos and videos offered by older women celebrities.” Women over 50 are showing up in ways that might have been unexpected in times past, including as finance experts, fashion influencers, fitness gurus, and proponents of natural aging. Given that there are more women over 50 now than at any time in history, this phenomenon could more accurately be called a movement than a trend. Granfluencers toWatch Check out some of these popular granfluencers: • Helen VanWinkle (@baddiewinkle on Instagram) – sharing glamour with fun photos and sassy captions • CookingWith Lynja (@cookingwithlynja on YouTube) – cooking everything from butterscotch brownies to babyback ribs • Babs (@brunchwithbabs on TikTok) – “internet grandma” sharing household and cooking tips • Ting Ma (@tingmystyle on Instagram) – offering fitness, fashion, and beauty tips • Grandma’s Garden (@msgrandmasgarden on TikTok) – gardening and cooking healthy food • Lindy’s Awesome Van Adventure (@l.a.v.alindysawesomevanadv3428 on YouTube) – sharing her adventures as a retired senior living in a van • Old Man Steve (@omsteve on TikTok) – sharing daily activities like completing puzzles and caring for plants How to Become a Granfluencer Are you an older individual who likes what granfluencers do? You can become one, too. Here are a few tips for getting started: • Find a topic you’re genuinely interested in and think about your unique take on it. • Create a high-level plan for what you want to communicate, then think about specific posts to support it. • Start with social media platforms you already use. Consider Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. • Create an inviting profile with a fun photo and succinct description of what you share. • Make your first post! See what kind of response you get and adjust your approach to make the next one better. • Build a following by responding to comments and engaging in private conversations with your viewers. • Keep at it long enough to find out if you’re gaining influence. Then evaluate if it’s something you want to continue. One great thing about being a granfluencer is the“gran”part. If you get stuck, ask the young people in your life for advice.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTMzNDE=