In China, livestream sales flourish in time of COVID-19

Jul 27, 2020
Struggling retailers hope livestreaming will provide a lifeline. Aspiring influencers don't always strike it rich.
Former livestreaming influencer Sam Tian says making it in the industry is largely a matter of luck.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

The influencer model has taken a hit during COVID-19. Can Instagram help?

May 28, 2020
Instagram is introducing new features, like ads on its IGTV, so influencers can keep making money.
Can the social media app keep its influencers in the face of competition from TikTok?
AFP via Getty Images

Inside a 6-hour e-commerce livestream in China

Jan 16, 2020
Eva Wang and Sam Tian quit their jobs to make a go of it selling on Alibaba's Taobao livestreaming service.
Sam Tian and Eva Wang during a livestream show. The couple quit their ad sales and teaching jobs last year to become Taobao influencers.
Courtesy of Sam Tian

Met Gala red carpet faces challenge from influencers

May 7, 2019
"Camp" was the theme this year. Some designers are rethinking their participation in the charitable event that's the highlight of the fashion calendar.
Lady Gaga attends the 2019 Met Gala celebrating camp at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6 in New York City.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

That dog you love so much on Instagram? His owner is probably making thousands of dollars a post

Nov 22, 2018
Pet owners flocked to the second annual PetCon to learn how to turn their pets into social media stars.
A dog poses for a portrait at the 2018 PetCon held at the Javits Center in New York City. 

 
Jana Kasperkevic for Marketplace

How Univision's talent scout finds the next social media star

Jul 17, 2018
The network focused on Latino and Hispanic audiences launched its Creator Network nearly three years ago.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)