Content Creator vs Influencer: What’s the Difference (and Which One Are You)?

Let's be honest, if you're creating content online, you've probably been called an influencer at least once.. Maybe your mum calls you one, maybe your friends tease you about it, or maybe you even call yourself one (no shame, by the way) - but are you really an influencer? Or are you a content creator? Or both? Or neither?

The world of online content is evolving fast - and these labels get thrown around like confetti at a TikTok wedding, so, let's break it down. What's the actual difference between content creators and influencers? And, does it even matter?

Spoiler: You might be an influencer and a content creator without realising

Let's dive in.

What is a content creator?

A content creator, creates content.

Obvious, right? But being a content creator isn’t just about chucking up a random post and hoping for the best. It’s about making stuff people want to watch, read, listen to, or share.

Creators are entertainers, educators, storytellers, and niche experts. Their goal? To provide value - whether that’s making someone laugh, teaching them something, or building a community around shared interests.

Creators show up on all kinds of platforms:

• TikTok

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Twitch

• Podcasts

• Blogs

• Substack

• LinkedIn

Creators often focus on long-term connection over quick wins. They build trust with their audience through their content first. Any brand deals or product recommendations usually come second.

Think:

• MrBeast, making jaw-dropping YouTube stunts

• Lauryn Bosstick, building an audience via podcasts and blogging

• Nerd of the Rings, sharing niche Tolkien content on Patreon

Basically, if your main focus is creating stuff you love, telling stories, and connecting with a community- congratulations, you’re a content creator.

So, what’s an influencer then?

Influencers are a slightly different breed, though the line is blurred.

Influencers use their personal brand and social following to, well, influence. They promote products, showcase lifestyles, and partner with brands in a way that feels aspirational (or sometimes just straight up #ad).

Their content is often about them, their life, their style, and their opinions. Their audience follows them to get a peek behind the scenes. Classic influencers might have started as fashion bloggers, beauty gurus, or fitness coaches, but today you’ll find influencers in every niche.

Think:

• Huda Kattan showing off the latest beauty products

• Kayla Itsines sharing fitness routines and workout plans

• Eva Chen living her best life on Instagram Stories

Influencers usually focus on short-form content, lifestyle updates, product recommendations, and being super relatable.

Labels are useful - but not everything

At the end of the day, you don’t have to fit neatly into one box.

You might be a YouTube creator who loves the odd Instagram #ad. You might be a TikTok influencer who has a blog on the side. You might just be figuring it all out, and that’s absolutely fine.

What matters most is being clear on your goals:

• Are you here to entertain, educate, or influence?

• Are you building a long-term content brand - or growing a social following for partnerships?

• Do you want to work with brands - and if so, on your terms or theirs?

Whatever path you choose, keep showing up, creating stuff you love, and building a community that vibes with you. (And yes, you can call yourself whatever you like. Creator, influencer, professional Internet person - we won't judge.)