Influencer Impact: Creator Edition | People First’s monthly roundup of creator trends, campaigns, and people to watch.
What’s up y’all, Influencer Impact is back with your January recap of everything you missed last month. Nearly 230 million people are kicking it with Winter Storm Fern, which means many of us are experiencing ice, snow, extreme cold, power outages, cancelled flights, and Wegmans stores that look broken down and beaten.
Val
VP, Influencer & Partner
Industry News
2026 is the new 2016
By: @Val Cheney
This month brought a full-blown blast from the past: 2016. Across platforms, Gen Z creators resurfaced their favorite Snapchat memories, throwback outfits, hairstyles, makeup looks—and yes, the unmistakable eyebrows that defined the era.
If you’re anything like me, you might’ve even opted to sit this trend out—because the photos sitting on my phone from 2016 aren’t exactly ones I love revisiting.
Nostalgia for 2016 has been bubbling up for years, but its upcoming 10-year anniversary has turned casual reminiscing into a full-on trend that’s got everyone involved.
So what is it about 2016 that makes us feel so….homesick?
For many, 2016 represents a more carefree chapter of social media. Creators and everyday users alike were openly experimenting with their style and content. Feeds became curated, cool, and aspirational as social media shifted from something you shared mainly with close friends and family into a space for forming new connections with people across the country.
But the nostalgia with 2016 is probably due in part because it represented the end of an era. With Trump taking office in January 2017, the infamous Brexit, and the return of Pauline Hanson, it became clear that populism was on the rise. Feeds increasingly became battlegrounds, and platforms shifted from spaces of shared inspiration to arenas of debate and division.
In hindsight, 2016 feels like the last moment before the storm—the final chapter of a more optimistic, less hostile internet. Will we get to return to that side of the internet? Only time will tell.
This week, the country has been forced to reckon with another incident in which federal immigration agents killed a US citizen.
On Saturday January 24th, video footage shows Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, filming agents and responding to an altercation before he was pepper sprayed, pinned to the ground, and shot multiple times.
His death marks the second fatal shooting to take place in Minneapolis between immigration agents and U.S. protestors.
To understand how we got here, we have to zoom out and remind ourselves of the absurdity of what’s going on in this country: border patrol agents are coming into American cities, masked or in unmarked vehicles, and detaining people with little to no explanation.
But why isn’t border patrol at the border? And why are they suddenly policing American cities?
Well, in the case of Minnesota, a viral Youtube video claimed the largest fraud scandal in U.S. history was taking place. But rather than sending in the FBI or even the IRS to investigate these matters, the Department of Homeland Security sent in ICE to manage a daycare licensing dispute.
TikToker, Dan Harumi, helps make sense of this by comparing this situation to a park ranger busting you for tax evasion, or a TSA agent pulling you over for expired tags. Sure, you are a federal agent, but that doesn’t mean I have to listen to you.
A lot of the response from the left has been to call out Trump supporters for the violence: “Well, this is what you voted for, right?.” But on the other hand, I’m not fully convinced that this is what conservatives really had in mind when they attempted to slow immigration.
After all, Renee Good’s murder forced a lot of conservatives to argue in favor of big government. This is coming from the party that has fought tooth and nail to ensure that power stays with local and state authorities.
Now, the killing of Alex Pretti has forced their hand once again. The only way to spin this is to blame Pretti for carrying a gun that he was legally permitted to hold. As @tiktok.maddiee puts it, “you guys have compromised so much on the principles you claimed to stand on, that you are now in opposition to the second amendment.”
So, how much more is MAGA willing to give? Will there be a breaking point? Or will Trump supporters continue going along with this absurdity because it’s easier than admitting that has gone too far.
If you’re interested in showing support for Minnesota, there are several meaningful ways to take action.
Contact your local representatives and urge them to call for Kristi Noem to step down and to abolish ICE — resources like 5calls.org offer scripts to help guide those conversations.
You can also write a Letter to the Editor for your local newspaper; the ACLU has a helpful guide on how to draft one.
Consider sending words of encouragement or solidarity to those in Minneapolis pushing back against ICE, whether through messages, social posts, or community channels.
For more ways to get involved, visit standwithminnesota.com/actions-to-take.
Campaign Spotlight
Browse our current campaign listings and apply to the ones that feel like a fit for you.
Heads up: Some campaigns may only be available to users in certain regions.
Your Personal Health Companion – Do you have cardiometabolic health concerns? Join our campaign to help those managing chronic conditions to check out Verily Me: a free, groundbreaking app designed to make managing your health easier than ever.
Power in the Journey – Every cancer journey is unique, but no one has to face it alone. Share your story of strength during treatment and show how American Cancer Society programs support patients and caregivers.
Strong Hospitals, Strong Communities – Join the American Hospital Association to raise awareness about how funding lapses impact hospitals, care access, and the health of local communities.
Protect What’s Human – Join “Protect What’s Human. Regulate AI.” Celebrate progress while keeping AI under human control. Share your story and show what it truly means to be human in a world increasingly shaped by AI built to replace us.
The Future of America’s Energy – Southern Company is powering the future of America’s energy by meeting rising demand and keeping costs low. We’re seeking individuals to highlight the strength of the Southern Company’s reliable, affordable energy market.
Voter Dollars: Influence for Everyone – Join the movement to put voters above corporate donors and special interests! We’re calling on YOU to learn more about Voter Dollars proposal and share this common sense plan with your followers for support.
Spark Good in the Heart of Texas– We’re inviting Texans in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio to share real stories about food, community, and how Walmart supports families and local food access across Texas.
Arizona for Clean Energy– Arizona energy costs are climbing and we need your help to share how clean energy can lower bills and protect families. Speak up and help push for a more affordable Arizona.
A Gentler Menopause – If you’re currently navigating menopause, we want to hear your lived experience during this chapter of your life. Help bring awareness to Utiva Menopause Relief as a supportive addition to your journey.
Creators to Watch
Meet Brian Baez
Brian Baez is a political content creator and independent media voice from Newark, New Jersey. His passion for politics began early, sparked by a sixth-grade debate class that sharpened his critical thinking and set the foundation for a lifelong commitment to civic engagement.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brian found his platform through Twitter Spaces, where his clear, direct political takes quickly built a large following. Inspired by fellow creators, he transitioned to video content, going viral and catching the attention of major political campaigns, including Stacey Abrams’ run for governor in Georgia.
Brian’s work goes beyond commentary and into real-world impact. His coverage of a low-profile Georgia Public Service Commission election helped spotlight corporate influence over rising utility costs—contributing to a historic outcome where two Republican-held seats flipped to Democrats for the first time in 20 years.
As a member of the People First Creator Community, Brian uses independent media to challenge misinformation, expose hypocrisy, and advocate for equity and justice—unbought, uncensored, and people-centered. Despite facing harassment and backlash, he remains grounded in history, committed to responsible storytelling, and focused on creating change that puts people first.
Need more People First?
That’s all for this month, but if you’re interested in keeping up with People First throughout February, keep an eye on your inbox to join us for our upcoming creator webinar, where we’re discussing how to activate and engage with Latino communities in time for the mid-term elections.
Otherwise, be sure to follow us on our socials, and check out our sister-substacks, The Month in Digital & Influencer Impact: Strategist Edition
Ciao for now!
People First