Influencers took over the Super Bowl commercials—are they the new celebrities?
Photo: Poppi / Alix Earle
The Super Bowl commercials this year felt less like traditional ads and more like my TikTok feed on steroids. Every time I blinked, another influencer popped up, and honestly? I’m here for it.
Poppi’s ad was basically an influencer block party
Let’s start with the ad that turned heads and dominated conversations — Poppi’s influencer-stacked masterpiece. If you haven’t seen it yet, imagine a neon dreamscape where traditional sodas are so last season, and Alix Earle, Jake Shane, and Rob Rausch pop up to tell you that the only acceptable way to hydrate is with a probiotic soda. It was fresh, fun, and genius marketing. Poppi clearly understands that Gen Z doesn’t want a celeb telling them what’s cool—they want their favorite influencer to do it.
Alix Earle got her bag
Speaking of Alix Earle, was she contractually required to be in every other commercial?! Girl was collecting Super Bowl ad appearances like Infinity Stones. Brands aren’t wrong for making her the face of their campaigns. She’s the ultimate “hot girl next door” (as clearly displayed in that early 2000s-era Carl’s Jr. commercial), effortlessly influencing millions with every GRWM she shares on TikTok.
This really got me thinking—are influencers officially the new celebrities? Super Bowl ads used to be dominated by A-list movie stars and athletes. Now? Brands are putting their money behind people who built their fame through iPhone front cameras. We’ve entered the Influencer Era, and there’s no going back.
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show
Okay, quick sidebar: Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show? Absolutely legendary. The "Say Drake" smirk?? DEAD. Also, bell bottom jeans are officially back, and I’m not mad about it.
Final thoughts: influencers are here to stay
This Super Bowl made it clear: brands are ditching old-school celebrity endorsements in favor of social media stars. Why? Because influencers feel real. They’re relatable. They build trust in a way that a Hollywood A-lister just can’t.
So don’t be surprised when next year’s Super Bowl ad lineup looks more like your Instagram feed than a red carpet.
Let me know what you think—are influencers really the new celebrities, or do we still need our Brad Pitts and Beyoncés?