How Deinfluencers Can Save You Money

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Apr 15, 2023

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In recent years, social media influencers have become a dominant force in the world of social media marketing and branding. TikTok influencers, in particular, often get a bad reputation, with many people claiming that influencers are just in it for the money, free stuff, and other perks from sponsors. The job of influencers is to try and convince consumers to buy things that they really don’t need because they’re getting paid lots of money.

Influencers use their platforms to promote products and services, often with a large following of dedicated fans, sometimes one million or more. However, as the influencer industry continues to grow, so do the concerns surrounding the authenticity and ethics of these online personalities. This has become particularly true with the rampant inflation that we’re all being hit with these days (trust me, I feel you).

With so many TikTok trends out there, this one stands out: The "Deinfluencer" – a new tribe of TikTok creators dedicated to calling out and debunking dishonest or unworthy product content from popular influencers. What does this emerging TikTok trend mean, and how can deinfluencers actually help you keep more cash in your wallet? Let’s break it all down and find out.

In this article

What are deinfluencers?

Deinfluencers are individuals who use their social media platforms to critique and criticize the practices of influencers. While influencers create videos telling you what to buy, deinfluencers are telling you what not to buy. These videos are about products or services influencers are marketing to their followers. And most importantly, deinfluencers give advice on which promoted products are not worth the hype, so you can keep more of your hard-earned money. You can almost think of deinfluencers as the “influencer police,” calling out the influencers who engage in shady practices and promote trends that are just not worth it.

This trend has gotten so much hype that in about one month since this trend exploded, #deinfluencing on TikTok reached 449.7 million views at the time of writing this article. A trend already garnered nearly half a billion views is surely one to pay attention to.

Overall, one of the key goals of deinfluencers is to promote transparency and honesty in the influencer industry. They aim to provide consumers with accurate information about products and services to help them make informed decisions. What’s even better? Deinfluencers seek to hold influencers accountable for their actions and encourage them to use their platforms responsibly.

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How popular are TikTok deinfluencers?

While #deinfluencing is still a growing trend, it seems to start with micro and mid-sized influencers, those that don’t yet have the attention from the biggest brands, with follower counts of roughly 10,000 to 500,000 each. There also tends to be a beauty and fashion theme as more influencers emerge. #Deinfluencing on TikTok showcases some of the most popular deinfluencers out there:

In one of @tamillionaire4eva's latest TikTok videos, she tells her followers that her number one rule to save the most money and get the best version of products is simple: Always wait until a second or third generation comes out. Her rationale? Later versions of products usually have fewer issues, lower prices, and more quality improvements.
@alyssastephanie has a lot of opinions about fashion, health, and beauty products as someone who spends lots of money on these items every year. She tells her followers about the TikTok cult products she hates: skin serums, hair products, creams, etc. She even decided to substitute her usual Supergoop sunscreen, which can cost about $48, for a similar alternative at Trader Joe’s that costs just $8.
In one of @chloe.chapdelaine's TikTok videos, she addresses her followers, saying, “I’m going to tell you what you don’t need.” Speaking out about beauty products, she recommends buying hair bands at your local dollar store instead of those expensive puffy headbands to do your makeup. She also recommends using baby oil to remove waterproof makeup instead of costly makeup removers.

As you can see, the importance of deinfluencers is on the rise. With the influencer industry continuing to grow, it’s more important than ever that individuals on social media are held accountable for their actions (and influence!) By calling out trends that are just not worth your time or money, deinfluencers help to promote authenticity, transparency, and positivity in social media consumer culture.

Are deinfluencers legitimate?

Yes!

Everyone tries to be a TikTok influencer; most tend to do it shamelessly. But, deinfluencers are striking out on their own paths toward TikTok success.

In an uncertain economy with rising rents, crazy inflation, high interest rates, and ridiculous grocery prices, consumers are more aware of what they spend and are cutting back on “extras.” So, deinfluencers are slowly but surely becoming an important force in social media. They help promote transparency in an unregulated influencer industry, holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially when telling consumers what to spend their money on.

Are deinfluencers trying to help you save money?

Totally.

If you take a closer look at all of the deinfluencers out there, this trend is actually meant to help the everyday consumer. While influencers often tout products to their followers that they may (or may not) actually believe in just because a brand is paying them to say good things about a product, deinfluencers are very much on the consumer's side.

Related: 21 Simple Ways to Save Money

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The bottom line

Deinfluencers have emerged and gained significant influence over their followers, using their platforms to give honest recommendations of what not to buy. They play an important role in a consumer culture increasingly driven by social media. In addition, they’re disrupting a culture of irresponsible influencers at a time when people want to (and need to) save more money. The world needs more deinfluencer creators in these troubling economic times, and it seems like deinfluencers are here to stay for good (for the greater good, that is!)

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Adam Palasciano graduated from Hofstra University and has worked in marketing and social media across media, telecommunication, real estate, and personal finance! A savvy shopper and saver, Adam is always on the hunt for a coupon, sale, or a good deal. He's also a strong advocate for the gig economy. Adam resides in the New York Metro area.

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