Forbes is at it again with the release of its first-ever “Top Influencers” global list. Making this Forbes list is like any other; elite and comprised of only the best of the best. These modern icons have used their social media audiences to launch themselves and their wallets into superstar status. The list ranks 30 social media icons across three categories: Beauty, Fitness, and Home. The list, which will be published quarterly with new categories and will recognize the top ten superstars from each of those categories.
In the press release issued today, Forbes staff chimed in on who these people are and the impact they're making. “These social innovators are creating markets around their lives, and passions – and fulfilling a need for millions of people who want to hear from them versus a traditional brand sponsor,” added Christina Vuleta, Vice President of Forbes Women’s Digital Network. “It’s time to recognize the influencer economy as a legitimate entrepreneurial pursuit.”
"For years, Forbes has ranked 'traditional' celebrities, like TV and film stars,” said Clare O’Connor, a staff writer for Women@Forbes who edited Forbes’ Top Influencers list. “This year, we decided it was time to take a look at folks using social media to earn both fame and, in many cases, multi-million dollar fortunes. We'll continue to track this burgeoning economy, which will evolve as platforms like Snapchat rise in prominence and brand new competitors inevitably emerge."
The list focuses on people from around the world who have become famous by building an audience online and leveraged their social media following to generate fortunes, some earning as much as $300,000 per post. The list will be published quarterly and feature three new categories each time. Forbes Magazine published the inaugural edition of its new series of global lists identifying the world’s Top Influencers.
Notable mentions in each category:
]Zoe “Zoella” Sugg (#1 in Beauty) – The 27-year-old British beauty vlogger has over 11.6 million YouTube subscribers and a bestselling line of candles, lotions and accessories at U.K. chain Superdrug.
Kayla Itsines (#1 in Fitness) – Her “Sweat With Kayla” app generated $17 million in revenue in 2016 (according to App Annie), making the 25-year-old Australian the Internet’s undisputed workout queen.
Grace Bonney (#1 in Home) – The New Yorker’s Design*Sponge blog reaches a million readers a month, with brands like Ann Taylor, West Elm and 3M paying to partner with her.
For the complete list, feature stories and exclusive videos, visit: http://www.forbes.com/top-influencers.
The next edition of Forbes’ Top Influencers global list is slated to launch in June and will feature the categories of Travel, Comedy, and Gaming. #TopInfluencers