In recent years, influencer marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for brands to connect with their target audience. With the rise of social media platforms, influencers have become the new celebrities and their followers the new fan base. However, despite the popularity of influencer marketing, there are still concerns regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the industry. The Racial and Gender Inequalities Influencer Report 2023 sheds light on the current state of DEI in influencer marketing.
Notable Highlights
The report highlights several notable findings. Nearly 60% of influencers feel they face discrimination, with macro- and mega-influencers suffering the most. More than 60% of those not discriminated against believe there is discrimination in the industry. Almost 50% of influencers face discrimination based on their gender, and nearly 90% of trans-male influencers feel discriminated against.
Male influencers earned 30% more on average than female influencers in 2021. However, Instagram stories are an exception, with females now earning 58% more than males on average. Males may receive more per post, but many more females are sponsored to create more posts. The most popular influencers receive the most physical feature discrimination.
Nearly two-thirds of influencers believe social media platforms ask moderators to suppress particular views and content. More than 70% believe that discrimination meant some of their posts didn’t receive the expected exposure. The proportion of sponsorship deals going to non-white influencers has increased over time.
The worst discrimination faced by influencers is on TikTok. 67% of influencers use a social media moderation tool, and 43% of respondents believe racial pay rate gaps are at their worst in influencer marketing. Average payments to white/Caucasian influencers have risen most since pre-COVID times, but they are still comparatively low.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Influencer Marketing: Survey Methodology
The report is based on a survey conducted among 1,000 influencers from various backgrounds and industries. The survey was designed to understand the experiences of influencers regarding discrimination based on race and gender. The survey also asked about their perceptions of DEI in the industry and the role of social media platforms in moderating content.
The findings of the survey indicate that there is a need for more DEI in influencer marketing. Brands and agencies must take steps to ensure diversity and inclusion in their influencer marketing campaigns. This includes providing equal opportunities to all influencers, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation.
Addressing DEI in Influencer Marketing
Addressing DEI in influencer marketing can be a challenging task for brands and agencies. However, it is essential to promote diversity and inclusion to ensure that campaigns reflect the values and beliefs of the target audience. Brands must recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in their influencer marketing campaigns to ensure they are not only ethical but also effective.
One way to address DEI in influencer marketing is by working with influencers from diverse backgrounds. This includes influencers of different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and more. Brands should actively seek out influencers from diverse backgrounds to create a more inclusive campaign that appeals to a wider audience. This can help create more authentic and relatable content that resonates with a diverse range of people.
Another way to address DEI in influencer marketing is by providing equal opportunities to all influencers. This means providing equal pay and treating all influencers with respect and professionalism. Brands should not discriminate against influencers based on their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Instead, they should focus on selecting the best influencers for their campaign, regardless of their background.
Lastly, brands should also take steps to ensure that their influencer marketing campaigns are ethical and do not promote harmful stereotypes or biases. This includes being mindful of the language and imagery used in campaigns and ensuring that they do not perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Brands should also ensure that they are not exploiting influencers or their followers for profit.
Why DEI in Influencer Marketing is Important
DEI in influencer marketing is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to create a more inclusive industry that reflects the values and beliefs of the target audience. By promoting diversity and inclusion, brands can create a more authentic and relatable campaign that resonates with a wider range of people. This can lead to increased brand awareness, loyalty, and sales.
Secondly, promoting DEI in influencer marketing can help to address issues of inequality and discrimination. The influencer industry has been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and biases, particularly in terms of race and gender. By promoting diversity and inclusion, brands can help to address these issues and create a more equitable and just industry.
Finally, promoting DEI in influencer marketing can help to foster a more positive and inclusive online community. Social media has the power to bring people together and promote positive social change. By promoting diversity and inclusion in influencer marketing, brands can help to create a more positive and inclusive online community that celebrates diversity and promotes social change.
What Brands Can Do to Promote DEI in Influencer Marketing
Brands can take several steps to promote DEI in influencer marketing. One way is to invest in training and education for their employees and partners on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This can include workshops, seminars, and training programs that help to raise awareness and educate staff on the importance of DEI in influencer marketing.
Another way for brands to promote DEI in influencer marketing is to establish clear guidelines and standards for their campaigns. This can help to ensure that campaigns are ethical, non-discriminatory, and do not perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Brands should also consider partnering with organizations that promote diversity and inclusion to ensure that their campaigns align with these values.
Brands can also work to promote diversity and inclusion in their influencer selection process. This can include actively seeking out influencers from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented communities such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. By working with a diverse range of influencers, brands can create campaigns that reflect the values and beliefs of a wider range of people.
Finally, brands can promote DEI in influencer marketing by providing equal opportunities and compensation to all influencers. This includes providing fair pay, treating all influencers with respect and professionalism, and not discriminating against influencers based on their race, gender, or sexual orientation.
The Role of Influencers in Promoting DEI in Influencer Marketing
Influencers also have a role to play in promoting DEI in influencer marketing. One way is by using their platform to raise awareness and advocate for diversity and inclusion. This can include promoting campaigns that reflect diverse communities and values, and partnering with brands that prioritize diversity and inclusion in their campaigns.
Influencers can also promote DEI in influencer marketing by being mindful of the language and imagery they use in their content. This includes avoiding harmful stereotypes and language that perpetuates bias and discrimination. By promoting positive and inclusive content, influencers can help to create a more positive and inclusive online community.
Lastly, influencers can promote DEI in influencer marketing by actively seeking out partnerships with brands that prioritize diversity and inclusion. By working with brands that share their values, influencers can create more authentic and relatable content that resonates with a wider range of people.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, promoting DEI in marketing is essential for creating a more inclusive industry that reflects the values and beliefs of the target audience. Brands, agencies, and influencers must take steps to ensure that their campaigns promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes investing in training and education, establishing clear guidelines and standards, and working with a diverse range of influencers. By promoting DEI in influencer marketing, brands can create a more authentic, relatable, and inclusive campaign that resonates with a diverse range of people.