04 Sep 25 SHOCKING TRUTHS ABOUT HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION IN 2026
Money and followers have always had a complicated relationship, but in the world of influencers it feels more direct than anywhere else. People scroll past a photo of sneakers or a protein shake and probably don’t realize that the post cost a brand hundreds of thousands of dollars. The math behind it is both fascinating and a little absurd. Some celebrities are pulling in millions per post, which makes you wonder if social media has quietly become the biggest advertising channel in history. It’s not just the usual suspects like Ronaldo or Kylie either, though they top the list with jaw-dropping numbers.
There’s also the curiosity of how much each million followers is “worth,” which sounds cold but is the easiest way to compare. Think about it like buying bulk—only instead of rice or coffee, it’s access to millions of eyeballs. Amra and Elma has long analyzed these influencer rate cards and engagement metrics to estimate realistic payouts per million followers across industries. Sometimes the numbers seem too big to wrap your head around, like monopoly money that accidentally slipped into real life. In 2026, brands are allocating larger percentages of their digital ad budgets to creator partnerships, with top-tier influencers commanding six- and seven-figure deals tied directly to follower milestones.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS WILL SHOCK YOU
BRANDS ARE QUIETLY PAYING SIX FIGURES PER POST WHILE MICRO CREATORS OUTPERFORM WITH HIGHER CONVERSION RATES AND HIDDEN BACKEND DEAL STRUCTURES
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Updated for 2026: Influencers with 1 million followers are no longer earning a flat rate, and the numbers have split into tiers that most people never see. A single Instagram post now ranges from $10,000 to $85,000, yet backend deals like affiliate cuts and long-term licensing can push total campaign value past $120,000 per post. TikTok creators with the same audience often earn less upfront, around $5,000 to $30,000, but make up for it with viral reach, generating 3–5x more impressions and driving conversion spikes that brands track in real time. The real shock comes from conversion-based payouts, where some creators earn $150,000+ per million followers monthly through stacked deals, subscriptions, and product drops, turning what looks like a single post into a multi-layered revenue engine.
Influencer Earnings Reality 2026
Follower Scale vs Actual Money
25 Shocking Truths About How Much Money
Influencers Make Per Million in 2026
| # | Influencer | Followers | Est. Net Worth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | ~660M IG | ~$1.2B | Documented per-post fees are enormous, yet his per-million follower rate stays surprisingly low because brands pay for unmatched global scale, guaranteed reach, and rarity. Nike, Al-Nassr, and the benchmark $3.2M post estimate keep him in a category of his own. |
| 2 | Selena Gomez | ~554M IG | ~$1.1B | Her sponsored-post value matters less than the equity engine behind Rare Beauty. That is the real earnings story per million followers, because brand ownership compounds far beyond one-off campaign checks. |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | ~505M IG | ~$650M | His audience is monetised most powerfully through long-term guarantees like Adidas rather than isolated Instagram posts. Inter Miami, Mas+, Pepsi, and major contract income make his per-million economics look more like an annuity than a media buy. |
| 4 | Kylie Jenner | ~399M IG | ~$700M | Her post rate is huge, but Kylie Cosmetics, Khy, and Lemme make equity the real headline. Peak valuation math shows that each million followers can be far more valuable in ownership terms than in sponsored content terms. |
| 5 | Dwayne Johnson | ~393M IG | ~$800M | His audience earns far more through owned consumer brands than through post fees alone. Teremana, ZOA Energy, and long-term endorsement power turn each million followers into a recurring commercial asset. |
| 6 | Ariana Grande | ~378M IG | ~$240M | Her scarcity is part of the premium. She posts infrequently, so the value per post stays high, while r.e.m. beauty, Givenchy work, and major entertainment visibility add more weight than raw posting volume suggests. |
| 7 | Kim Kardashian | ~356M IG | ~$1.7B | SKIMS changes the entire earnings equation. Her audience is not just a content audience, it is a massive ownership and distribution base that produces per-million value far beyond the usual campaign model. |
| 8 | Beyoncé | ~319M IG | ~$540M | Instagram is only one slice of her commercial machine. Rare posting, major tour revenue, Cécred, and premium partnerships mean her real per-million follower value shows up in live entertainment and brand extensions more than in sponsored content. |
| 9 | Justin Bieber | ~292M IG | ~$300M | His earnings per million are less tied to posting cadence than they were at peak. Drew House and catalogue-related income keep monetisation moving even during quieter public stretches. |
| 10 | Kendall Jenner | ~294M IG | ~$60M | Her post rates are strong, yet 818 Tequila makes the long-term story more interesting. Product ownership gives every new million followers the potential to become an ongoing customer channel instead of a one-time ad impression pool. |
| 11 | Taylor Swift | ~289M IG | ~$1.1B | She is proof that a massive Instagram following does not need sponsored posts to produce exceptional value. Tour demand, catalogue economics, and fan conversion make her live-event and music machine the real per-million revenue driver. |
| 12 | Virat Kohli | ~271M IG | ~$230M | His audience has exceptional commercial strength because of category fit and regional purchase power. One8, Puma, MRF, and Wrogn show how geography can make each million followers more valuable than global averages suggest. |
| 13 | Jennifer Lopez | ~253M IG | ~$400M | Her earnings case is built on conversion quality, not just audience scale. JLo Beauty, fashion partnerships, and a high-purchase-intent fan base make each million followers more useful when product sell-through is strong. |
| 14 | Rihanna | ~250M IG | ~$1.4B | Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty make royalties and ownership the core story here. Her follower base is valuable because it keeps feeding products and licensing power long after any single post loses relevance. |
| 15 | Nicki Minaj | ~229M IG | ~$150M | Her audience drives music and streaming behaviour as much as branded content. That makes recurring royalties and catalog-driven income a more durable per-million earnings source than headline campaign fees. |
| 16 | Kourtney Kardashian | ~224M IG | ~$65M | Her flat post rate trails some peers, but Lemme and Poosh add a stronger subscription and DTC angle. Over time, customer lifetime value can make that audience far more profitable than campaign-only math suggests. |
| 17 | Neymar Jr | ~221M IG | ~$200M | Performance-based partnerships make his audience worth more than a flat sponsorship fee would show. Gaming, betting, PUMA, and brand commissions create monetisation that can continue well beyond post day. |
| 18 | Miley Cyrus | ~216M IG | ~$160M | Her audience is commercially useful because it can convert directly into music consumption and cultural momentum. Streaming success, fashion partnerships, and catalogue strength make each million followers an ongoing revenue source. |
| 19 | Katy Perry | ~206M IG | ~$340M | Her commercial picture is blended across music, television, licensing, and product lines. That means the real per-million value of her audience comes from several revenue streams working together instead of any single sponsorship figure. |
| 20 | Kevin Hart | ~57M IG | ~$450M | He proves a smaller follower base can still produce huge wealth per million when backed by diversified ownership. HartBeat, LOL Network, and Gran Coramino make his audience much more profitable than raw size alone would imply. |
| 21 | Cardi B | ~168M IG | ~$80M | Performance-style deals are the key with her audience. Fashion Nova, Whipshots, and major brand campaigns show how speed of conversion can make each million followers worth more than a flat-rate CPM mindset would suggest. |
| 22 | LeBron James | ~159M IG | ~$1.5B | He sits near the top because every million followers can feed multiple businesses at once. Nike, SpringHill, Uninterrupted, and Fenway Sports Group turn his audience into a multi-layer commercial ecosystem. |
| 23 | Demi Lovato | ~156M IG | ~$40M | Her advocacy positioning gives her unusual value in health, wellness, and therapy-adjacent partnerships. That audience fit can command stronger per-million economics than broader but less targeted followings. |
| 24 | Zendaya | ~191M IG | ~$20M | Her current net worth looks modest next to the scale of her audience, but her luxury partnerships point to very high commercial value per million followers. Lancôme, Valentino, Bvlgari, and film visibility suggest the wealth curve is still catching up. |
| 25 | Ellen DeGeneres | ~138M IG | ~$500M | She closes the list as a reminder that follower count alone never tells the full money story. Media production, real estate, art, and legacy brand equity can keep wealth per million followers high even when public activity cools. |
HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION IN 2026 EXPOSED
HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is the most-followed person on Instagram, with over 633 million followers. His posts often mix football highlights with luxury lifestyle content, which attracts global brands. He reportedly earns more than $3.4 million per sponsored post. When adjusted, that’s about $5,420 per million followers. His influence makes him one of the most valuable athletes for endorsements worldwide.
In 2026, Ronaldo signed a renewed multi-year partnership with Nike reportedly valued at over $200 million lifetime, while leading Al Nassr’s global commercial campaigns tied to AFC competitions that further inflated his per-post brand value.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has more than 503 million followers on Instagram, making him one of the most recognizable athletes globally. His posts focus on football, family, and brand partnerships. He earns an estimated $2.7 million per post, translating to about $5,420 per million followers. Messi’s reach gives him consistent partnerships with luxury and sports brands. His global appeal extends far beyond football fans.
In 2026, Messi’s extended Adidas lifetime deal and Inter Miami’s global preseason tour sponsorship activations significantly boosted his branded content rates across North America and Asia.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #3. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez has 426 million followers, and her feed blends personal updates with brand collaborations. She earns an estimated $2.56 million per post. When divided by her following, that’s around $6,000 per million followers. Gomez has partnered with beauty, fashion, and wellness brands, strengthening her digital presence. Her authenticity has made her one of the most trusted influencers.
In 2026, Selena expanded Rare Beauty into new international retail markets including Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with limited-edition product drops selling out within hours and driving massive engagement spikes.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #4. Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner has nearly 399 million followers, sharing lifestyle, fashion, and cosmetics content. She earns about $2.39 million for each sponsored post. That translates to approximately $6,000 per million followers. Her influence is tied to her Kylie Cosmetics empire and luxury collaborations. Kylie’s posts often set beauty and fashion trends globally.
In 2026, Kylie scaled Kylie Cosmetics through exclusive Sephora capsule launches and a viral fragrance collaboration that reportedly generated eight-figure launch-week sales.
@kyliejenner @Kylie Cosmetics ♬ It girl, Fashion, Glamour – Athostvz
HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #5. Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has 396 million followers, posting fitness, film, and tequila brand content. He earns around $2.38 million per post. This equates to roughly $6,000 per million followers. Johnson’s charismatic personality drives strong engagement across industries. His brand power spans entertainment, fitness, and business ventures.
In 2026, Johnson expanded Teremana Tequila distribution into additional European and Asian markets while promoting a new blockbuster film release backed by a global cross-platform marketing campaign.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #6. Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande boasts over 378 million followers, sharing music, personal, and lifestyle updates. She earns an estimated $2.27 million per post. That’s about $6,000 per million followers. Grande’s influence comes from her global music career and collaborations. Her online presence connects with fans beyond music.
In 2026, Ariana launched a deluxe edition of her latest album alongside a REM Beauty holiday collection that drove record-breaking e-commerce traffic during launch week.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #7. Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian has 361 million followers and posts about fashion, beauty, and her SKIMS brand. She earns around $2.17 million per post. That averages $6,000 per million followers. Kim remains a dominant figure in the influencer and business world. Her posts regularly shape online conversations and consumer behavior.
In 2026, Kim expanded SKIMS into new menswear and performance categories, securing additional luxury retail partnerships that pushed the brand’s valuation further into the multi-billion-dollar range.
@kimkardashian ALL’S FAIR COMING SOON @All’s Fair on Hulu ♬ original sound – Kim Kardashian
HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #8. Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé has more than 317 million followers on Instagram. She earns an estimated $1.9 million per post, equaling $6,000 per million followers. Her feed highlights performances, fashion, and cultural moments. Beyoncé’s rare posts create massive engagement whenever she shares. She balances artistry with digital influence in a unique way.
In 2026, Beyoncé’s global tour film distribution deal and limited Ivy Park revival collaborations triggered immediate sell-outs and record-setting streaming numbers across platforms.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #9. Khloé Kardashian
Khloé Kardashian has 308 million followers, showcasing her lifestyle, fitness, and business projects. She earns about $1.85 million per post, which is $6,000 per million followers. Her posts often tie into her Good American clothing brand. Khloé has built a loyal following with candid updates. Her mix of relatability and glamour strengthens her influence.
In 2026, Khloé expanded Good American into activewear and international department store chains, reporting significant year-over-year digital sales growth tied directly to social campaigns.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #10. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber has 293 million Instagram followers, mixing personal moments with music and brand promotions. He earns an estimated $1.76 million per post. That’s about $6,000 per million followers. Bieber’s content appeals to fans across generations. His global fame ensures lasting brand partnerships.
In 2026, Bieber teased a new studio album and headlined a global brand campaign with a major fashion house, driving renewed engagement across Gen Z and millennial audiences.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #11. Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner’s Instagram reaches 292 million followers. She earns roughly $1.75 million per post. That equals about $6,000 per million followers. Kendall’s modeling career and brand collaborations drive her influence. Her posts blend luxury, lifestyle, and high fashion.
In 2026, Kendall secured additional runway exclusives during Fashion Month and fronted high-budget luxury beauty campaigns that amplified her international modeling dominance.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #12. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift has 283 million followers and earns around $1.7 million per post. This comes out to about $6,000 per million followers. Her content combines personal updates, music promotions, and behind-the-scenes moments. Swift’s highly engaged fan base boosts her brand value. Her influence extends across music, culture, and marketing.
In 2026, Taylor launched a new album era with record-breaking first-week streaming numbers while expanding The Eras Tour into new international dates tied to exclusive brand sponsorships.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #13. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has 270 million followers, mainly sharing cricket, fitness, and lifestyle content. He earns about $1.46 million per post. That’s $5,420 per million followers. Kohli is India’s top sports influencer, with global appeal. His mix of athletic credibility and lifestyle branding drives engagement.
In 2026, Kohli renewed key endorsements with Puma and Audi while leveraging major ICC tournament visibility to secure high-value digital campaigns across India and the UK.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #14. Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez has 252 million followers, combining music, acting, and fashion posts. She earns approximately $1.5 million per post. That equals about $6,000 per million followers. JLo’s content blends glamour and business ventures. Her reach spans multiple entertainment industries.
In 2026, JLo released a new visual music project and expanded her JLo Beauty product line with high-profile retail exclusives across North America.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #15. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj has 229 million Instagram followers. She earns around $1.37 million per post, translating to $6,010 per million followers. Nicki’s content highlights music, fashion, and her bold personality. Her loyal fan base boosts her engagement and influence. She consistently drives online trends.
In 2026, Nicki headlined a global arena tour tied to new single releases and secured premium fashion collaborations that trended worldwide within hours of announcement.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #16. Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney Kardashian has 223 million followers. She earns about $1.34 million per post, equaling $6,000 per million followers. Her posts feature lifestyle, family, and her Poosh brand. Kourtney’s aesthetic approach appeals to health and wellness audiences. Her influence blends family fame with personal branding.
In 2026, Kourtney expanded Poosh into premium wellness supplements and exclusive collaborations that drove significant subscription-based revenue growth.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #17. Neymar
Neymar has 222 million followers, sharing football, lifestyle, and fashion content. He earns about $1.2 million per post. That’s $5,420 per million followers. Neymar is a major sports influencer with strong international presence. His personal style strengthens his off-field brand.
In 2026, Neymar leveraged major international tournament appearances alongside high-profile Puma and luxury fashion collaborations that boosted his cross-market sponsorship value.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #18. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus has 216 million Instagram followers. She earns an estimated $1.29 million per post. That translates to about $6,010 per million followers. Her feed mixes music, fashion, and personal expression. Miley’s bold style keeps her consistently relevant online.
In 2026, Miley released a new album supported by a headline festival circuit and high-fashion editorial partnerships that reignited her global streaming dominance.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #19. Katy Perry
Katy Perry has 206 million followers. She earns approximately $1.24 million per post, equaling $6,000 per million followers. Her posts highlight music, lifestyle, and family moments. Perry’s content keeps her connected with fans worldwide. Her influence spans entertainment and philanthropy.
In 2026, Katy launched a Las Vegas residency extension paired with a major beverage brand endorsement that intensified her digital promotional activity.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #20. Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart has 179 million Instagram followers. He earns about $1.07 million per post, or $6,000 per million followers. His feed blends comedy, movies, and business ventures. Hart’s energy resonates with a wide audience. His digital presence complements his global comedy career.
In 2026, Kevin Hart expanded his HartBeat media network with new streaming deals and global comedy tour dates backed by large-scale corporate sponsorships.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #21. Cardi B
Cardi B has 166 million followers, earning about $1 million per post. That averages $6,000 per million followers. Her content focuses on music, lifestyle, and outspoken commentary. Cardi’s unapologetic personality attracts high engagement. She remains a cultural force online.
In 2026, Cardi B teased a long-awaited sophomore album while securing major beauty and fashion partnerships that drove viral campaign impressions into the hundreds of millions.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #22. LeBron James
LeBron James has 159 million Instagram followers. He earns around $866,000 per post, which equals $5,420 per million followers. His posts highlight basketball, family, and business. LeBron balances sports excellence with entrepreneurial ventures. His influence extends across athletics and culture.
In 2026, LeBron expanded SpringHill Company’s media slate with new streaming originals while renewing global Nike campaigns tied to milestone NBA achievements.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #23. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato has 156 million followers. She earns an estimated $937,000 per post, equating to $6,010 per million followers. Her posts focus on music, personal journeys, and advocacy. Demi’s openness strengthens her bond with fans. Her influence blends artistry with activism.
In 2026, Demi launched a new studio album alongside advocacy-driven brand partnerships that significantly increased engagement across music and wellness audiences.
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HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #24. Rihanna
Rihanna has 151 million followers, earning about $909,000 per post. That equals $6,000 per million followers. Her feed showcases fashion, beauty, and her Fenty brands. Rihanna’s business ventures amplify her digital presence. She remains a powerhouse in both entertainment and entrepreneurship.
In 2026, Rihanna expanded Fenty Beauty into additional emerging markets while launching limited Fenty x Puma drops that sold out within minutes online.
@rihannaM 💋 V 💋 P 💋♬ original sound – Rihanna
HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCERS MAKE PER MILLION FOLLOWERS #25. Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres has 138 million followers. She earns about $834,000 per post, or $6,000 per million followers. Her content highlights comedy, talk show clips, and causes she supports. Ellen’s approachable personality boosts her brand partnerships. Her influence bridges entertainment and philanthropy.
In 2026, Ellen produced new digital-first comedy specials and partnered with lifestyle brands for cause-driven campaigns that amplified her philanthropic reach online.
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CONCLUSION
Looking at the numbers side by side, it’s hard not to feel a mix of awe and disbelief. A single post can be worth more than most people’s yearly salary, which feels wild when you’re just double tapping on a picture of shoes or a vacation view. The gap between everyday life and these figures is almost comical, but that’s probably why people can’t stop talking about it. Some argue it’s too much money for too little work, yet the demand from brands proves otherwise.
Influence has become its own form of currency, and it’s traded faster than stocks. What’s funny is how fragile it can be—lose engagement or fall out of favor and those numbers can plummet. On the flip side, one viral moment can boost someone into a whole new bracket. There’s also the human side of it, like whether fame and endless sponsorships are even enjoyable. Maybe it’s glamorous, maybe it’s exhausting. Either way, the money per million followers says more about how the world values attention than anything else. In 2026, global influencer marketing spending is projected to surpass $24 billion, with brands allocating larger performance-based budgets directly tied to engagement rates and follower milestones.
Sources:
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https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/topics/influencer-marketing/
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https://www.socialinsider.io/blog/instagram-engagement-rate/
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https://www.businessofapps.com/data/influencer-marketing-statistics/
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https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/influencer-marketing-statistics/
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