The difference between a content creator and an influencer, explained

Since its beginning, the internet has opened digital doors for people to celebrate the things they love, connect with interesting people, and even turn art into paid work in a way that wasn't so readily available before.

You may have heard many of these online artists and performers referred to as "content creators." But you may have also heard some of the same people referred to as "influencers" -- which might have led you to question whether or not there is a difference.

Content creators vs influencers

Content creators and influencers share many common similarities. Both create an online presence that attracts fans or subscribers. Both create content that their fans (or prospective fans) will watch and interact with. One main common goal for each is growing their online platforms to generate more engagement on the content they create.

All influencers are content creators by definition, but not all content creators are influencers. The main difference between the two roles is that the end goal for a content creator is to create a community around the content they create. The end goal of an influencer is to use the content they create -- and the fans who support it -- to drive and maintain partnerships with brands who pay them to promote their products and services.

Many content creators work with brands to generate income from their content, but it is not the main driving force behind their work.

Are content creators who sell their own products influencers?

It has become increasingly difficult for online content creators to make money from ad revenue over the past decade. Content creators are often required to find other sources of income such as selling merch or creating their own products or services to sell. That's why you see many creators starting their own companies or launching product lines. Making content costs money.

This is slightly different from an influencer, however. Not all influencers create content full-time, but most are focused on partnering with other companies to promote products or services. They create a personal brand that may treat followers as important features of their business, but ultimately the goal of an influencer is to "influence" their audience to purchase something.

Many influencers still care deeply about their followers

The above description of influencers make it sound like they're all money-hungry, cold-hearted robots who care more about their income than the people they're influencing. And this may be true for some of them. But some influencers really are just people who push to make as much money as they can because they have no other choice.

Many influencers start out innocently as content creators and, once they find their way into an income source that allows them to make money from the following they've gained, stick with it. There's nothing morally wrong with wanting to make a living (if even that). When audiences lose trust in influencers, it's often because they're trying to promote something their followers don't support, or someth8ing they claimed not to support before they started making money off of it.

The most successful influencers with the most loyal fanbases are those who put their followers first, listen to their wants and concerns, and respond honestly and earnestly to the people who follow them. It's not easy to make a living on the internet. Many who do fall prey to the downfalls of greed. But not everyone does.