South Africa, with its diverse voices and audiences, presents unique opportunities and challenges when it comes to influencer marketing.

The power of celebrity influencers

Celebrity influencers, with their massive followings and established fame, are often the go-to choice for brands aiming for maximum visibility.

When a celebrity like Trevor Noah endorses a brand, it generates immediate buzz and global recognition.

Advantages

Disadvantages

• High costs: Celebrity endorsements can be prohibitively expensive for smaller brands.
• Authenticity concerns: Audiences may view celebrity endorsements as purely transactional, reducing trust and engagement.

Nano influencers: authentic and relatable

In contrast, nano influencers — those with fewer than 10,000 followers — focus on authenticity and niche audiences.

Nano influencers often cultivate a sense of intimacy with their followers, making their recommendations more trustworthy.

Advantages

Disadvantages:

• Limited reach: Their smaller follower base makes them less effective for mass awareness campaigns.
• Scaling challenges: Coordinating multiple nano influencers requires more effort and resources.

What works best for consumers?

Nano influencers are authentic and relatable, resonating particularly with younger, tech-savvy audiences. Celebrity influencers, on the other hand, inspire aspirational appeal and excitement.

For long-term trust, nano influencers are the way to go. For short-term visibility, celebrities are unmatched.

What works best for brands?

Celebrity influencers shine in campaigns prioritising visibility, prestige, and luxury positioning.

Example: Mercedes-Benz benefits from celebrity endorsements to reinforce exclusivity and status.

Nano influencers, however, are ideal for brands seeking engagement, authenticity, and niche market penetration.

Example: A Soweto-based fitness start-up might achieve better results with local fitness nano influencers than with a global celebrity.

Hybrid strategies: the best of both worlds

Many South African brands are adopting hybrid strategies to maximise impact.

A celebrity like Siya Kolisi can headline a campaign for a sportswear brand, while nano influencers drive localised engagement and grassroots buzz.

IAB SA: 6 key trends impacting influencer marketing

Casey Mantle,Dashni Vilakazi,Jolene Roelofse & Sanesh Maharaj  17 Apr 2025

Data-driven decisions: the future of influencer marketing

Effective influencer marketing demands more than definitions; it requires data, collaboration, and evidence-backed practices.

As outlined in the IAB SA’s Influencer Marketing Committee’s white paper, locally relevant data is critical for informed decisions that reflect South Africa’s unique cultural nuances and audience behaviours.

The committee’s three-phase mandate underscores the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including advertising agencies, PR firms, influencer platforms, talent managers, and social media platforms.

Together, these efforts will unlock the full potential of South African influencer marketing.

Brand’s objectives and target audience

The choice between nano and celebrity influencers depends on a brand’s objectives and target audience.

For long-term engagement, nano influencers excel. For immediate visibility, celebrity influencers lead the way.

A hybrid strategy often offers the best of both worlds, leveraging the strengths of each to achieve a balanced and effective campaign.

With data-driven insights and collective effort, South African brands can navigate the complexities of influencer marketing and achieve unparalleled success in this dynamic space.