The Rise of the Influencer Voice: A New Trend That’s Changing the Way We Speak Online
In today’s world, social media has become a place where trends evolve rapidly, and language is no exception. One new trend gaining attention is what has been dubbed the “Influencer Voice” – a specific way of speaking that many influencers seem to adopt. This emerging speech pattern could be influencing the future of the English language in ways we might not even fully understand yet.
While this may sound dramatic, there’s no denying the power of social media in shaping communication. A scroll through your TikTok For You Page, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts is enough to encounter a number of influencers speaking in this very manner. But why is this happening, and what does it mean for language moving forward? Let’s dive deeper into the so-called “Influencer Voice,” the psychology behind it, and how it’s changing the way we communicate online.
What Exactly Is the “Influencer Voice”?
So, what is this “Influencer Voice,” and why is it attracting so much attention? The term refers to a specific pattern of speaking commonly found among social media influencers, especially those in the UK. It involves the following characteristics:
- Short, succinct sentences: Influencers often use simple, direct statements that are easy to digest.
- Slow speech pace: This helps ensure that their message is clear and allows viewers time to absorb what’s being said.
- Uptalk (or rising intonation): At the end of almost every sentence, the speaker raises their voice as though they’re asking a question, even when they’re not.
In essence, this speech pattern can make it sound like the speaker is constantly seeking confirmation or approval, even if that’s not the case. To see it in action, just check out some popular TikTok videos or Instagram stories.
Why Is the Influencer Voice Becoming So Popular?
The trend seems to be spreading like wildfire among influencers, but what is driving its popularity? British singer-songwriter Cassy Brooking, known by her stage name Cassyette, recently went viral after posting a video that poked fun at this new style of speaking. The video has garnered over 1.2 million views, sparking widespread discussion.
In her clip, Cassyette questions whether she’s missing something by not adopting this “Influencer Voice.” She humorously demonstrates the uptalk and wonders why so many influencers seem to speak in this way. The video gained traction quickly, with viewers agreeing that this trend was becoming increasingly noticeable, especially among English-speaking influencers.
The Influencer Voice appears to be everywhere now, and many are wondering if it’s here to stay. What’s driving influencers to adopt this style, and is it purely a linguistic fad, or is there a deeper reason behind its spread?
Linguistic Experts Weigh In
The rise of the “Influencer Voice” isn’t just a casual observation – linguistic experts are now weighing in on the phenomenon. According to Dr. Christopher Strelluf, a linguistics professor at the University of Warwick, the uptalk trend is being used as a “floor-holding strategy.” This means that speakers use rising intonation to maintain their place in the conversation and prevent interruptions.
Dr. Strelluf also notes that the way young women use language is often indicative of future linguistic trends. Since social media influencers are largely made up of young women, it’s not surprising that their speech patterns might set the tone for the future evolution of language. So, could this “Influencer Voice” be a glimpse into how we’ll all communicate in the coming years?
Dr. Laura Bailey, a lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent, also offered insights into the phenomenon. She explained that this speech pattern is often a product of the format of social media content. When influencers speak directly to a camera, they’re addressing an invisible audience, and their voice must be engaging enough to keep viewers’ attention. Using uptalk, short sentences, and a slow pace helps achieve that goal, making the content more engaging and relatable.
The Psychological Effect: Why We Feel More Engaged
As many viewers and experts point out, the “Influencer Voice” seems to have a psychological effect on the audience. For example, uptalk has been noted as a technique commonly used in sales. The rising intonation can make a speaker seem more approachable and engaged, which encourages interaction. When influencers speak this way, it can make the audience feel as though they’re having a conversation with a friend, which leads to a higher level of engagement.
One user on TikTok explained, “It’s called Uptalk, and actually, it’s a very common selling technique. I remember an old director teaching me it. It makes you feel more engaged with the speaker.” This technique is often used in sales and marketing to build rapport and keep the listener engaged. The influence of social media influencers, who are often also promoting products or services, may be why the Influencer Voice has become so widespread.
Is the Influencer Voice Here to Stay?
The rise of the “Influencer Voice” isn’t just a passing trend. As experts like Dr. Strelluf and Dr. Bailey point out, linguistic changes often start with younger generations and gradually spread throughout society. If this trend continues, the Influencer Voice could become a permanent feature of English communication.
Moreover, with social media platforms becoming an ever-growing force in our daily lives, it’s likely that this way of speaking will influence not just influencers, but regular users as well. After all, social media often dictates how we present ourselves to the world, and adopting certain speech patterns can help us fit in with online communities.
Some even argue that the Influencer Voice might be part of a broader shift in how we communicate in an increasingly digital world. With more people communicating through short-form content like TikTok’s and Instagram Reels, the need for clear, engaging communication is greater than ever. Influencers who master this style are often the ones who gain the most attention and followers.
Social Media Reactions to the “Influencer Voice”
As the Influencer Voice continues to capture attention, social media platforms have become a hub for people discussing, mimicking, and critiquing the phenomenon. Influencers themselves are not only adopting the style but also commenting on the rise of uptalk and the changing way we speak online. Here are some of the best social media posts highlighting the trend:
TikTok User @SocialSophie shares her thoughts:
“Is anyone else noticing how influencers are ALL starting to speak like this?? It’s honestly getting a little creepy 😂 but also, kinda fun to listen to. Like, why do we need to raise our tone at the end of every sentence?? #InfluencerVoice #Uptalk #TikTokTrends”
Check out Sophie’s TikTok here.
Instagram Post from @CassetteMusic
Cassyette, the British singer who originally sparked the viral conversation, posted:
“No shade, but do I need to start talking like this too? 😂 Apparently, this is the new way to talk if you’re an influencer in 2025. What do you think? #InfluencerVoice #Uptalk #ViralTrend”
See Cassyette’s Instagram post here.
Twitter Discussion from @DigitalVibesUK
Twitter user @DigitalVibesUK chimed in with an insightful comment:
“I think the ‘Influencer Voice’ is just the new version of customer service speak – polite, engaging, and designed to keep you hooked. Is it annoying or effective? You decide! 🤔 #InfluencerVoice #Uptalk #SocialMediaCulture”
Join the conversation on Twitter here.
YouTube Comment from a viewer on an influencer’s video:
“I’ve noticed all my favorite influencers talking like this. At first, it was just one or two, but now it’s everywhere. Do we have to talk like this now? 😂 #InfluencerVoice #SocialMedia #TrendyTalk”
Watch the YouTube video that sparked the comment here.
These posts reflect how the Influencer Voice has sparked conversations across multiple platforms, with people sharing their experiences, curiosity, and even humor about the growing trend. Social media is, after all, a space where language evolves at lightning speed, and this new way of speaking is a perfect example of that.
The Future of Language: What This Means for Communication
If the Influencer Voice continues to grow in popularity, it could have lasting effects on the way we communicate, both online and in real life. As Dr. Strelluf mentioned, changes in the way young women speak are often a harbinger of how language will evolve. This means that the uptalk, slow speech, and rising intonations could become more common in everyday conversations.
It’s not just about influencers anymore – it’s about how this style of speaking could shape future generations’ way of communicating. If the Influencer Voice becomes normalized, will we all start speaking like influencers? Will this shift in communication lead to new norms around how we express opinions, ask questions, and engage with each other in both personal and professional settings?
The Bottom Line: Is the “Influencer Voice” Here to Stay?
There’s no denying that the Influencer Voice is a new and intriguing phenomenon in the world of social media. While some might dismiss it as just another passing trend, it’s clear that this style of speaking is having a significant impact on language and communication. Whether it’s here to stay or just a fleeting moment in time, only time will tell.
But as more and more influencers adopt this speech pattern, and as linguistic experts point out its potential to shape the future of English, it’s safe to say that the Influencer Voice is more than just a trend – it’s a sign of how language is evolving in the digital age.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image