We’re living in the TikTok, Insta and YouTube era where people like Hannah Balanay, JoshDub and the Rybka Twins turn dance clips, vlogs and chaotic gaming content into full time work. So it’s pretty normal to look at your own For You Page and think, could I actually do this as a job?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: you need to know what you’re really signing up for.
A career in influencing isn’t as simple as posting a cute outfit or a funny storytime and waiting for sponsorships to magically appear. The people you see online have usually spent years building an audience, figuring out what works and treating their platforms like a mini business. It looks effortless, but that’s kind of the point. The work happens behind the scenes.
What Influencers Actually Do All Day
Influencing is a mix of creativity, admin, planning and borderline scientific levels of content testing. A normal week might involve things like filming reels, editing on your phone at midnight, negotiating brand briefs, chasing invoices, planning what to post next and replying to comments so your engagement doesn’t tank. It’s fun, but it’s not just vibes and ring lights.
How Influencers Make Money
Most creators don’t rely on one stream of income. They combine:
- Brand deals
- Ad revenue on platforms like YouTube
- Affiliate links and discount codes
- Merch or digital products
- Live events or appearances
The bigger your audience and the more engaged they are, the more you can earn. But even small creators can make money if they have a niche that brands care about.
How Long It Actually Takes
Here’s the truth. Some people blow up overnight, but most creators grow slowly. Think months or years, not weeks. Consistency matters more than going viral once. You need thick skin, patience and a solid plan for what you want your content to be about.
The Perks
There’s a lot to love.
You get to be creative every day.
You build a community that actually cares about what you make.
You get cool opportunities you never would have found on your own.
And yes, sometimes you get free stuff, which never stops feeling slightly surreal.
The Not So Fun Bits
There’s pressure to always be on. Your income can go up and down. The comments can get rough. There’s no paid leave or someone telling you what to do next. The job is flexible, but you’re the one holding it all together.
Skills That Actually Help
If you want to get serious about influencing, build your skills in:
- Filming and editing
- Writing captions that feel like you
- Understanding analytics
- Basic business and finance
- Staying consistent even when the views dip
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing to learn and try again.
Where to Start If You’re Keen
- Pick a niche or vibe you actually enjoy.
- Post regularly.
- Watch what works and adjust without overthinking it.
- Treat comments like conversations, not chores.
And remember that every creator you love once posted their first awkward video.
Influencing is a real career, but it’s a real commitment too. If you want it badly enough, and you’re willing to treat it like more than a hobby, there’s space for you. The internet is huge, and someone out there is waiting for your version of things.
