The Animal Influencer Industry

Hello animal friends and the humans who (don’t) feed them (enough)!

Ella the goat here, starting off our series on animal influencers.

I want to start today’s issue by giving a big heart felt thank you to our friend Geoff Herrle for his generous contribution. Thank you Opa! We love you.

When I originally proposed this series to our publisher, it was largely a ploy for me to get more attention. As a goat, I’m used to people loving me, and as the best looking goat in my herd, I figured I’d be a natural influencer.

This is why I was kinda disappointed when I took a few moments to check the Internet (using the smart phone we keep hidden in the barn for moments when the humans are asleep or distracted) and found that there are not a lot of goat influencers.

A few goats that are heavily monetized include a herd in the UK called “The Goats that Cud”

They are represented by a UK based animal talent agency:

Perhaps this is an opportunity for my herd. After all, we’re always hungry, and apparently someone has to pay for the hay we all love.

Which begs the question, how do animal influencers make money?

Pet influencers make money in various ways, including through paid or sponsored posts, where they can earn anywhere between $25 and $1,000 per post depending on engagement, location, and other factors. They also receive free products, which they may have the option to sell. Additionally, pet influencers can earn money through ads on social media platforms, with potential earnings ranging from $50 to $5,000 per month based on their popularity. Some pet influencers also work with pet influencer agencies, which can be lucrative, and they may earn a commission for any sales generated through affiliate marketing. The highest-paid pet influencers, such as Jiffpom and Nala Cat, can make tens of thousands of dollars per post through brand collaborations and sponsored content.

The following are estimates from 2022. These numbers would be even higher now that we’re in 2024.

Posting Patterns: How Often Do Animal Influencers Appear Online?

Consistency is key in the world of social media. Most animal influencers' accounts post regularly, ranging from daily to a few times a week. This frequency helps maintain audience engagement and ensures a steady stream of adorable content.

The Wellbeing of Animal Influencers: A Concern Not to be Overlooked

As entertaining as these accounts are, it's crucial to consider the wellbeing of these animal stars. Ensuring that they are not stressed or overworked is important. Responsible handlers prioritize their animals' health and happiness, ensuring that their social media activities are safe and enjoyable.

This isn’t always the case with animal influencers, and we should be skeptical of the situation unless we have reason to believe otherwise.

This is a subject close to me, as I love attention, and want more in the future. So expect future posts on this wild and crazy subject of professional animal influencers!

Love and bleats, Ella 🐐