Recent research has highlighted the significant impact of celebrity endorsements in political campaigns, with Selena Gomez topping the list of influential figures. The study, which examined the effect of celebrity support on political candidates, revealed that Gomez’s endorsement of Kamala Harris has had a substantial impact on public interest.
Gomez, who boasts an Instagram following of over 424 million, has been a prominent advocate for Harris. Her endorsement, coupled with her previous support for Joe Biden in the 2020 election, has intensified public scrutiny and interest in Harris’s policies. The study showed a marked increase in global searches for ‘Kamala Harris policies’ following Gomez’s support, with searches for ‘What is IVF’ surging by nearly 3,000% after the topic was highlighted in her post.
Taylor Swift also made headlines with her endorsement of Harris. With a following of 283 million, Swift’s viral Instagram post has significantly boosted interest in Harris’s campaign. The post, which praised Harris’s policies on LGBTQ+ rights and women’s health, further elevated the public’s curiosity about Harris’s positions and the Democratic Party’s platform.
Elon Musk, with his 197 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), is another key figure in the study. Although Musk endorsed Biden in 2020, he has recently shifted his support to Donald Trump. His comments, including a sarcastic remark about Swift’s endorsement, illustrate the polarising effect of high-profile endorsements in political discourse.
Other notable celebrities in the ranking include Ariana Grande and Beyoncé. Grande, with 377 million followers, has been vocal in her support for Harris, mirroring her endorsement of Hillary Clinton in 2016. Beyoncé, who has supported various Democratic candidates including Obama and Clinton, ranks third with over 316 million followers. Her endorsement of Harris and her support for Biden have contributed to her influential status in the political arena.
The study, conducted by JeffBet., analysed the follower counts of these celebrities to gauge their influence on political campaigns. The results underscore the growing role of celebrities in shaping public opinion and mobilising voters, particularly among younger demographics.
A spokesperson for JeffBet. emphasised the importance of celebrity endorsements, noting that while the direct impact on election outcomes is hard to quantify, these endorsements play a crucial role in engaging young voters and raising awareness about political issues. The spokesperson also highlighted the need for celebrities to use their platforms responsibly, given their ability to influence millions.
In addition to the top five, the study also considered other celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and 50 Cent, who have made notable endorsements or comments on political matters. Aniston’s support for Obama and 50 Cent’s shifting endorsements reflects the diverse ways in which celebrities engage with political campaigns.
The findings of this study suggest that as the 2024 elections approach, celebrity endorsements will continue to play a significant role in shaping political narratives and public perception.