The social media world is buzzing with the upcoming mass unfollowing event targeting TikTok influencer Vexbolts, sparked by users rallying around the thought of leaving him behind as the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2024. This unprecedented phenomenon demonstrates not just fan culture but the immense power of collective action on digital platforms.
Vexbolts, the 19-year-old content creator whose catchphrase "let him cook!" became iconic through viral Fortnite clips, has captured the attention of millions on TikTok. Surprisingly, as the unfollow event garners traction, his follower count has spiked dramatically. Just weeks ago, his following jumped from 1.5 million to 8.5 million within mere days, according to analytics from SocialBlade. This increase has been fueled by various influencers, most notable being YouTube star Jimmy 'MrBeast' Donaldson, who joined the campaign's chatter with humor and participation.
MrBeast, known for his engaging content and massive online presence, humorously addressed the situation, saying, "I’m passing the phone to the guy we’re leaving in 2024." Vexbolts, caught off guard, quipped back, "Bro can you sneak me to 2025 please?" This exchange was part of his collaboration with MrBeast, which quickly went viral, amassing over 74 million views and provoking over 138,000 comments. Users flocked to the comments section to voice their sentiments about the mass unfollowing, commenting remarks like "Count your minutes lil bro," and prompting discussions about Vexbolts's fate on the platform.
While many anticipate December 31 for the dramatic unfollowing, reports indicate users have already begun this transition as different time zones ushered in the new year. Around two million users were noted to have unfollowed Vexbolts during the early hours as the mass movement ignited across TikTok.
But beyond the social media spectacle, there's speculation about whether this event serves as more than just fan-driven chatter; many observers suggest it could be part of a broader PR stunt. The creator economy, particularly on platforms like TikTok, hinges on audience reach and engagement, both of which this campaign leverages to transform Vexbolts from just another internet personality to a fixture sought after by brands.
This strategic timing is not lost on brands eyeing younger demographics. Vexbolts's recent collaborations, especially with MrBeast, promote marketing products profitably aligned with the influencer's tightly-knit fanbase. His rise has catalyzed partnerships with big names, pulling attention from other notable influencers and even sparking participation from communities interested in the ensuing content results.
FaZe Rug, another influential figure, weighed against the wave of followers intending to leave Vexbolts behind, creating content to rally his followers with the statement, "We are not leaving Vexbolts in 2024." This highlighted not only internal disputes among influencers but the community dynamics at play within the TikTok ecosystem.
Despite the humor and viral nature of the campaign, it serves as a case study on the fluid dynamics of fame and engagement, tailgated by audience participation and digital mobilization potential. Whether the mass unfollowing is realized or not, Vexbolts has successfully secured his place on the roster of internet stars worth watching as we inch closer to 2024.
Some observers argue the surge of attention Vexbolts has enjoyed precisely because of the unfollow campaign might indicate higher interest from advertisers and brands eager to engage with younger users, making this mass event clever marketing. The rising tide of online content activations aligns perfectly with the desires of companies eager to capture the interest of engaged audiences. Whether Vexbolts retains his followers after this event remains yet to be seen, but the implications of such mass mobilization reveal the new dimensions of influencer marketing.
The stage is set for Vexbolts as the world can’t help but speculate how this unfollowing will play out come midnight, forever altering the way we think about social media influence and audience dynamics.