Content creation can be overwhelming. It takes dedication, motivation, and a dash of delusion (as my favorite TikTok proverb says, “delulu is the solulu”). Once you overcome the fear of being seen—not just by strangers but by friends and family who may not quite get what you’re doing—you still have to find a way to shine in an oversaturated digital landscape. With 56% of Gen Z wanting to be content creators of some sort, shaping your voice and defining your digital identity isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. One way to start? Ask yourself: are you an influencer, a creator, or a healthy mix of both?
What’s the real difference between the two? According to Angelica Martinez-Tejada, Senior Influencer Manager for Urban Skin Rx, an influencer “monetizes the credibility they’ve gained with their audience” and has “the ability to influence their community’s opinions, behaviors, or purchasing decisions.” Meanwhile, a creator is “a creative individual who monetizes their creative output.”
As a Gen Z girlie who grew up on the internet, I’ve been familiar with the concept of an influencer since my teen years. In high school, I was obsessed with India Love and Crystal Westbrooks. Instead of solving for “y” in algebra, I was scrolling through Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr, eyeing their outfits and wishing I could dress just like them.
Influencers are aspirational by design. They are motivated to share content and build an audience that can be monetized through brand partnerships. Think Jenee Naylor’s product recommendations (thanks to her, my Sephora cart is currently hanging on for dear life) or Nara Smith’s carefully curated cooking videos, where she makes literally everything from scratch in designer outfits that cost more than my rent. She once wore a $4,000 Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra dress to make a sandwich.
Creators, in contrast, are often driven by the act of creating itself. This is you if you’re passionate about a topic, have a skill to share, or just love entertaining people. Monetization might come through brand collaborations, e-courses, or digital products. The content is often more niche and specific. While reach might be smaller, the impact can be even more meaningful.
One of my favorite creators is Rian Phin. She discusses fashion in a way that completely reframes how you think about clothes and will probably inspire you to pick up a book or two. Another standout is Recho Omondi, host of The Cutting Room Floor. She does in-depth interviews with some of fashion’s most elusive figures. Last May—in a stroke of chaotic genius that rivaled the great Wendy Williams—she interviewed Steve Madden and cheekily asked him to name the brands that inspired his shoe designs.
Not everyone fits neatly into the box of creator or influencer. There are creators who influence, and influencers who create. Nara Smith, for example, produces niche-specific, highly original content showcasing her cooking skills. At the same time, brands pay her to wear their clothing, and her lifestyle is curated to feel aspirational. She is both.
Labeling yourself too rigidly—just creator or just influencer—can limit your potential. Understanding the difference, however, can help you identify your strengths and communicate them clearly. Martinez-Tejada emphasizes that this matters especially when pitching yourself: “You’re aware of what the brand will be expecting from you.” This distinction also helps you set realistic expectations and market yourself more effectively.
Naomi Parris, assistant shopping editor at Popsugar and a creator who’s worked with brands like MTV and Rosen Skincare, says her individuality is what draws brands in. “Authenticity can be discerned through content,” she says. “In the world of creating, it’s very easy to get lost in the trends and what brings in the money, but being yourself is what always wins the race.”
Whether you’re deep in your niche, ready to become the next Aaliyah Jay, or floating somewhere between, make sure that whatever you’re doing feels real to you. In the long run, that’s what sets you apart—and keeps people coming back.