"Shillfluencer" is a term that combines "influencer" and "shill." It is used to describe an influencer that participates in "access journalism" and "influencer marketing". It is typically applied to
internet influencers who dishonestly provide a review or
opinion on a product without disclosing that they have been paid or biased in the seller'
s favor. Companies use shillfluencers to astroturf positive feedback for their products without the need for traditional advertising. The following are some telltale symptoms of a shillfluencer.
- Not stating that they have a
relationship with members of the product's company.
- Not identifying themselves an employees of the company.
- Giving an excessive amount of favorable praise while offering no or
little criticism.
- Not disclosing their sponsorship.
- Receiving
free early access to the product or exclusive access.
- Assigned a pre-approved script to be conveyed.
- Avoiding any controversial topics that could jeopardize access to the company.
Guy 1: Whoa, have you
seen this
influencer pushing a product that has just been shown to be fraudulent? Do you think they were a shill?
Guy 2:
Yeah, I guess you could call them a shillfluencer.
