Celebrities vs influencers: new research determines a winner
![](/content/dam/media/research/woman-takes-selfie.jpg)
New research from Swinburne's Department of Management and Marketing looks at who we trust more for product marketing: celebrities or beauty influencers
In summary
- New research shows that people prefer to get their beauty product marketing from influencers over celebrities
- Dr Oluwakemi (Kemi) Shobowale rated influencers and celebrities across three categories: attractiveness, trustworthiness and expertise
- Influencers ranked higher on trustworthiness and expertise for their perception as 'real people', genuine engagement, apparent transparency and expertise in beauty
New research from Dr Oluwakemi (Kemi) Shobowale shows that people prefer to get their paid mascara recommendations from influencers than celebrities.
Dr Shobowale is a social media enthusiast and recently completed her PhD on celebrity endorsement with a focus on beauty influencers. Her research found that ‘micro-celebrities’ – i.e. influencers who are popular within a niche or community – are ranked higher across three categories: attractiveness, trustworthiness and expertise. The second two categories tipped the scales.
We see influencers as ‘real people’
Unlike celebrities, influencers are seen as closer to the average person. They can be aspirational in a way that still feels achievable. This is a perception supported by the influencer model.
Influencers want engagement – and by interacting in their comments and messages, they participate in a feedback loop. This also reflects word-of-mouth where conversations on brands are carried on online.
“Usually these conversations are organic, based on personal experiences, and thus are more likely to be believable – mainly because they are coming from 'real people', that members of the target market can relate to and identify with,” says Dr Shobowale.
Moreover, influencers established in a niche like beauty are seen as relative experts – similar to how a beauty editor might have been perceived 20 years ago.
“Since the micro-celebrity has a voice in a niche, which is more likely to be the consequence of competence, it is very likely that they are listened to because members of that niche/community regard them as 'experts',” says Dr Shobowale.
In addition, followers may be able to see a genuine change as an influencer adopts a product – such as tooth whitening or straightening. A celebrity is perceived to have a team of personal trainers, nutritionists, makeup artists, dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and so on. So, any claim of improvement from a product is less convincing.
Of course, that doesn’t mean influencer marketing is genuine. There is an issue with influencer fraud, where influencers are not users of the product whilst misleading people that they are. This can be the case for both influencers and celebrities.
-
Media Enquiries
Related articles
-
- Business
Swinburne students bring home two Beta Alpha Psi award wins
Students from Swinburne's Xi Sigma Chapter of the Beta Alpha Psi honour organisation have won two awards at the 2024 BAP Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
Tuesday 13 August 2024 -
- Business
- Technology
Swinburne’s Luminate Pitch Night 2024 advances innovative ideas for a better world
Swinburne’s 2024 Luminate Pitch Night showcased market-ready ideas from 10 founders
Wednesday 12 June 2024 -
- Technology
- Business
Swinburne's Venture Cup unveils pioneering startups as entrepreneurs take centre stage
Swinburne University’s annual Venture Cup pitch night shines a spotlight on remarkable startups by students, staff and alumni.
Thursday 11 January 2024 -
- Business
Is linking time in the office to career success the best way to get us back to work?
In what some employees consider an aggressive move by their bosses to get them back where they can be seen, some companies are now linking office attendance to pay, bonuses and even promotions.
Monday 22 January 2024 -
- Business
6 questions you should be ready to answer to smash that job interview
With the new year underway employers are beginning to resume normal business activities and restart their hiring process. Similarly, many school and university graduates are beginning their job search after a well-earned break.
Wednesday 17 January 2024