This new trend represents an interesting inverse approach – people who originally had no ambitions of becoming influencers are given a platform through television screens, where their personality can develop, and they begin to build their own brand.
A glimpse behind the scenes of reality shows: The bizarre draws people in
Reality shows are unique in that they give viewers a glimpse into the real lives of the participants, including their joys, struggles, and authentic moments that would otherwise remain hidden behind carefully curated online content. Let's set the format aside for now, because it will come as no surprise that there is a clear, direct correlation here: the more bizarre, the more popular.
Ordinary users who sign up for reality shows often enter the competition with various expectations and ambitions. However, the process they go through can become a transformative moment, and it’s up to the influencer to decide how to seize this opportunity. Reality shows are not just competitions; they are also intense training in personal branding. Participants learn to present themselves in front of the camera, to react to criticism, and to handle increased media attention. These skills are later crucial for building a long-term influencer career.
Authenticity and exposure – the key to success
This trend, where ordinary social media users become influencers through reality shows, demonstrates how dynamic and ever-changing today’s media landscape is. Reality shows have become a laboratory where new celebrities are born, and their stories can later be used within broader brand marketing strategies. On the other hand, the same dynamism is reflected on the other side of the equation: lifespan.
Behind every personality that gains an audience through a reality show, there is usually a production team. New influencers thus find themselves at a crossroads: to launch a career or settle for brief fame.
Today, it is common that behind every personality who gains an audience on social media thanks to a reality show, there is a TV network that produced the show. Newly minted influencers thus have the opportunity to launch a new career and follow in the footsteps of their successful predecessors or shorten their lifespan to five minutes of fame.
The journey from an ordinary user to an influencer through reality shows represents a modern phenomenon that blends elements of traditional television production with digital trends. Authenticity, increased exposure, and personal stories are the key ingredients to success.