Men Trust Influencers on Social Media More than Women, GRIN Survey 

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Influencer marketing platform studies online attitudes and buying habits between male and female groups to find men are more likely to spend higher amounts if an influencer recommends it. 

GRIN released the results of its survey revealing a divergence in attitudes and habits on social media for male and female consumers. The data details specific consumer preferences on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, highlighting interesting disparities in the way the two groups interact and engage with the influencers they follow. 

As many organisations’ digital footprints continue to expand, this gender divide on social media will impact the way DTC brands communicate with their audiences – giving brands a look into what type of content, post, or influencer makes the most noticeable impression on one group compared to another.

Also Read: Platform War: TikTok v/s Reels

Women Are More Hesitant to Purchase High-Ticket Items

The data also shows that men are willing to spend much more when making purchases sight-unseen through social media if the influencer was one they trusted, signifying men place a higher reliance on authenticity while online than women.

• Half of women said they wouldn’t spend more than $50 on a product sight-unseen that was promoted by an influencer they trusted.
• Conversely, nearly 70 per cent of men indicated they would spend over $50 on a product given the same parameters.
• Women are also less likely to purchase a product or service via social media just because their favorite influencer is promoting it. While 80 per cent of men indicated they were likely to do so, only 70 per cent of women said the same.
• Nearly 25 per cent of men said they are bothered by influencers who do not specify that they are being paid for the product or service they are promoting and would go as far to unfollow that influencer because of it; only 18 per cent of women expressed the same.

“The creator economy has grown exponentially over the past year and we’re seeing its development and popularity impact certain groups in different ways,” says Brandon Brown, CEO and Co-Founder of GRIN. “No matter the audience or subset, it’s clear that social media, and specifically influencer marketing, will play a major role in DTC brands’ ability to not only market, but also increase reach, loyalty, and secure repeat buys effectively.”

Men Are Generally More Trusting Online 

The survey additionally highlights men are typically more trusting on social media than women. However, women prefer to follow ‘real’ influencers, as opposed to celebrities – revealing somewhat of a dichotomy. Women would rather follow influencers that appear ‘real,’ yet simultaneously don’t possess the same level of trust as men that prefer following celebrities leading more unattainable lifestyles. 

• More than a quarter of men indicated they are completely trusting and would buy anything an influencer recommended, compared to only 10 per cent  of women.
• Women prefer to follow “real people” influencers – with more than half of female respondents stating this was their preference. On the other hand, less than 40 per cent of males felt similarly.
• Men are more likely to just follow celebrities (15 per cent) than women (seven per cent).
• Men are also far more trusting of celebrity influencers. In fact, 50 per cent of men said they would purchase anything a celebrity influencer recommended without reading reviews, whereas only 32 per cent of women said the same.

“While user behaviour and attitudes may differ based upon any number of qualifiers such as gender, background, or job role, the function an influencer plays in elevating a brand’s visibility is universal,” Brown continued. “There’s no question the brand and influencer relationship is central to heightening credibility and authenticity across social media platforms. This type of synergy will remain critical to successfully reaching the current and next generation of digital consumers.”