Democrats give influencers ‘front row seat to history’, to boost Harris’ presidential bid
- Convention credentialed more than 200 ‘content creators’ in hopes viral videos boost Kamala Harris’ US presidential chances
Scores of social media influencers are fighting journalists for access, prestige and workspace at a national convention this week, where the Democratic Party is counting on the influencers’ viral online videos to boost Kamala Harris’ US presidential hopes.
The Democratic National Convention credentialed more than 200 “content creators” for this week’s four-day celebration of Harris at the United Center arena, home to Chicago’s basketball and hockey teams.
It’s a first-ever Democratic convention embrace of the power of YouTube, TikTok and Instagram users who reach tens of millions of Americans directly, many of them younger voters who don’t read or watch traditional news.
“We’re giving creators a front-row seat to history,” said Matt Hill, senior director of communications for the convention.
The media and information landscape has changed considerably since 2016, with the surge of social media platforms like TikTok, a convention official said in support of the decision. As of 2023, 83 per cent of US adults use YouTube, 68 per cent use Facebook, 47 per cent use Instagram, and 33 per cent use TikTok, according to Pew Research Center. Half of all US adults get news often or sometimes from social media, Pew found.
Unlike the thousands of journalists with newspapers, news websites and TV and radio networks, influencers receive DNC help connecting with Democratic leaders.