• A new study has identified the top states where people are hoping to make an income out of sharing their life on social media, with those in Georgia proving to be the second most eager 

• The study analyzed nationwide Google searches around launching a career in the industry to reveal where is the keenest to do so

• Home to many of the top influencers, the US was responsible for 75% of the global influencer marketing spend last year 

• Georgia residents appear the second most interested in putting themselves in the spotlight online, searching about a career in the industry 46% more than the typical American

New data has revealed which states are filled with the most wannabe social media stars, with Georgia dreaming of the influencer lifestyle the second most.

The research, pulled together by Online Casino Comparison Website Kajino, analyzed nationwide Google search volume for keywords related to becoming an influencer over the last 12 months, to identify which states are searching about how to effectively harness enough fame online to make a living.

It's no surprise many Americans are tempted by the concept as the industry is thriving, with businesses investing a significant amount of their marketing budgets in influencing marketing.

2023 saw the global influencer marketing value reach $21.1 billion, and - with the US boasting some of the most famous social media stars - the nation was responsible for 75% of the global influencer marketing spend. 

And it turns out the thought of being a big name online has the second biggest pull to those in Georgia. The state averaged 78.2 monthly searches per 100k residents, which is a huge 46% higher than the US average of 53.5. 

Florida takes the lead as the state most obsessed by the world of online influencing, with 79.8 searches per 100k – 49% higher than the national average. In third is New York, which is still 42% above at 75.9 searches per 100k. 

On the other end of the scale, New Mexico residents don't see the fascination with gaining that blue tick next to their username, with only 33.8 searches per 100k, which is 37% below the US average. 

Behind New Mexico as the second-least interested is West Virginia, with people in the state looking for information on the potential career 32% less than the average American, with 36.6 searches per 100k. Closely following in third is Montana with 36.9 monthly searches - 31% below the national average. 

While it’s unclear the exact reason for the difference between the states, it could reflect how heavily social media is integrated into the lives of those living in each area, and therefore how much it’s considered a valid career prospect by residents.   

The ten states least interested in becoming social media stars

Commenting on the findings, Hekima Yoshida from Kajino says: “Since its invention, social media’s presence in society has continued to grow – and it doesn’t look like it’ll slow down anytime soon. In fact, each year brings more opportunities for growth thanks to the creation of new social media platforms, and more brands willing to collaborate with influencers.  

“Not only – if done successfully – does an influencer lifestyle come with a generous salary, but it also has flexible hours that can often be carried out from anywhere in the world. It’s no wonder it’s an attractive prospect for many young people – especially the opportunity to create content about their interests.