[hazz99]

> I think this is the most common understanding of the term, as well.

I'd be careful assuming that. My understanding is much closer to what the main post describes, as is most of the college students I know. It's definitely just a broad term for people with an online presence, typically through Instagram, who use their online popularity for advertising on behalf of companies.

Influencers often have a bit more depth than just "booth babes", like you described. Their popularity comes from a high level of expertise in something or a great online persona.

Consider your mum having a baking Instagram. She blows up in popularity, and then starts advertising, and potentially taking more care to cultivate her audience. She is definitely an influencer, but far from what you've described.