Content creators and influencers might look slightly the same, but in reality, they are quite different. What makes them different exactly? Read on to find out the differences and similarities between a content creator and an influencer.
Every day you see, hear, and read these terms roaming around social media:
Content creators & influencers.
The rapid conversation on social media has made them lose distinction.
Many questions, “Are content creators & influencers the same thing? Are their roles ”
The answer is: no, they are actually different.
What content creators do are producing content while influencers are building followers.
But are those the only content creators’ & influencers’ differences?
Do they not have any similarities?
By clicking this article, you will find a comprehensive explanation of the differences between a content creator and an influencer.
It’s 2023 and you must not miss such basic information to keep up with social media trends.
Let’s get into it and learn what makes content creators and influencers different from each other.
What is a Content Creator?
Content creators, as stated in the name, are someone who produces content not limited to social media, but also for other digital platforms.
So when you ask what is a creator on Instagram?
They are people who produce helpful & informational content on IG. The creator economy itself is booming nowadays.
They usually create entertaining photos or videos or share educational information in a form of digital content with their audience.
Based on the definition, content creators are content writers, Instagram creators, YouTubers, TikTokers, bloggers, etc.
One thing is for sure: content creators will always create digital content.
That’s why they’re also often addressed as digital creators.
Is that what creators only do? Let’s find out in the next section.
What do content creators do?
Since creators are more focused on making content, they put their efforts mostly into the content.
The content they produce is generally original and they also monetize their content.
There are so many ways to make money from their content,
From advertising the content on YouTube to selling e-books,
Or even benefit their growing account by inserting a brand endorsement.
Very similar to what an influencer does.
Now let’s try to understand influencers and what they do.
What is an Influencer?
An influencer is a social media user that grows their accounts to the point where they can influence other people to purchase a product or service by promoting or recommending the items.
Influencers are popular individuals on social media that has a certain amount of follower base.
When you see someone with 35k followers full of reviews about beauty products and skincare, they’re probably an influencer.
While top influencers are considered the ones with massive followers.
What do influencers do?
The first thing an influencer does is grow their followers and engagement.
To do so, they build their account by creating content, exactly, like what a content creator does.
Once they have reached a certain level of the audience,
They build partnerships with brands & businesses to promote their products/services.
The ultimate goal for influencers is grow-to-influence.
Influencers are needed by brands since they can persuade others to at least be interested in the promoted item.
Influencer marketing is more prominent these days, especially for businesses.
While content creator can monetize their content in many ways,
Most influencers rely on brand deals to make money.
What’s the difference between Content creators and Influencers? Are they the same?
Content creators and influencers work differently.
Content creators produce original content for sharing knowledge or building a brand,
While influencers post branded content for money and popularity.
I call creators “the producers” and influencers “the persuader”.
There are also differences in terms of strategies on social media between the two.
Content creators develop content strategies like doing keyword research,
audience targeting, and overall social media plan.
On the other hand, influencers are focused on increasing engagement on each content.
That way, they can “sell” their account and have brands put their products to the influencer.
To put it simply, content creators are more focused on creating and publishing content,
While influencers are more focused on engagement, community-building, & promoting brands.
Do content creators & influencers have similarities?
Of course, some have already been mentioned before.
Two things for sure: both creators & influencers consistently create & publish content
And receive brand sponsorships.
In terms of brand partnerships, both can also be an option.
Creators with high-quality content will be helpful for brands that need to boost their awareness.
While influencers with excellent influence ability are beneficial for brands that need to generate leads & increase sales.
Some work from influencers & creators might be overlapping, but their goals are different from each other.
So, which one is better for my brands, content creators or influencers?
Depends on your brand’s needs and goals.
The thing is, both influencers and content creators have something to offer.
Creators stand with their engaging & high-quality content.
While influencers have a dedicated follower base and strong “persuading” ability.
You have to carefully consider your brand needs before choosing the figure.
Remember your goal, is it to raise brand awareness, generate leads, or increase sales?
If you need to build an engaging marketing strategy, a collab with a content creator will help.
But if you want to target users, and generate more leads, influencer marketing will be the best choice.
My best advice: pick the ones that represent themselves as both content creators and influencers.
Do you understand now the difference between digital creators & influencers? And which one is the best for your influencer marketing?
If not, comment down below your confusion.
Note: Contact us & contribute your thoughts if you think we miss something to talk about.
Answering Questions about Creators VS Influencers
How to become a digital creator on instagram?
Pick your niche, create a creator account on Instagram, then start building your profile. Don’t forget to create content strategies to launch effective brand building. Now, you can start producing content and grow your account. Remember that you are a content creator so a high-quality post will be awaited.
Are YouTubers content creators?
Yes, absolutely. YouTubers are content creators that choose YouTube & video as their platform and type of content. Popular YouTubers with medium to large subscribers usually have their own brand. So, when they create an Instagram account, they already have a dedicated fanbase and they can become influencers easily.
Are content creators or influencers important for brands?
Definitely, yes. They are the best “extension” for brands. Influencers are needed to influence others to buy the products/services. While content creators are important for brands that want to spread more brand awareness. Their best-in-class quality content is also perfect for brands that want to present their creative approach to the target audience.
Article By
Gregory Taslaud
Founder and Full time Blogger at INSG. Inbound Marketing enthusiast since 2001, I love data, test and review Tools. On a mission to build Media & eCommerce projects with various Brands and Creators.