Analyzing the effects of influencer marketing on consumer behavior: Insights from social influence theory in TikTok Campaigns
Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 24(03), 2116-2131
Publication history:
Received on 08 November 2024; revised on 18 December 2024; accepted on 21 December 2024
Abstract:
This study examines the impact of influencer marketing on consumer behavior through the lens of Social Influence Theory, focusing on campaigns conducted on TikTok, a platform renowned for its unique algorithm and highly engaged Gen Z audience. Employing a qualitative case study methodology, the research analyzes three successful TikTok campaigns: Chipotle’s #GuacDance Challenge, Gymshark’s fitness influencer initiative, and e.l.f. Cosmetics’ #EyesLipsFace campaign. Findings reveal that influencers play pivotal roles as agents of both normative and informational influence. Normative influence fosters conformity and participation in viral trends, as demonstrated by Chipotle’s campaign, which led to unprecedented digital sales. Informational influence builds trust in influencer expertise, evident in Gymshark’s ability to enhance brand loyalty through fitness content. TikTok’s features, such as user-generated content and virality potential, amplify these effects, making it a powerful tool for brand promotion. Thematic analysis highlights how influencer-driven strategies affect purchase decisions, brand loyalty, and user engagement. While these campaigns underscore TikTok’s transformative role in digital marketing, the study acknowledges limitations, including its platform-specific focus and the use of a limited number of case studies. Future research could explore comparative analyses across different social media platforms to generalize findings. These insights offer theoretical contributions to understanding digital consumer behavior and practical recommendations for brands to optimize influencer collaborations on TikTok by selecting suitable influencers, crafting authentic content, and leveraging the platform’s algorithm for maximum reach and engagement.
Keywords:
Influencer marketing; TikTok; Social Influence Theory; Consumer behavior; Digital marketing; User-generated content
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Copyright information:
Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0