The Rise of College Influencers: Dylan Huey’s Guide to Gen Z Marketing

Dylan Huey’s journey in social media began in 2016 on Musical.ly, where he quickly built a loyal following by focusing on creating a supportive community rather than chasing viral content. His dedication to authenticity and using his platform to combat bullying resonated with his audience, setting him apart from other influencers. As his reach grew, Dylan shifted from content creation to managing other creators, including prominent names like Little Huddy, helping them navigate the evolving influencer marketing landscape.

Through his experiences, Dylan noticed the rise of mid-sized influencers—those with 50,000 to 150,000 followers—who were increasingly trusted by Gen Z for their relatability and authenticity. He also saw college students emerging as powerful influencers, with unique access to campus communities and the ability to shape trends. Dylan stressed that successful brand partnerships were built on alignment with creators’ values, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections over simply leveraging big followings.

Looking ahead, Dylan believes that AI tools will continue to enhance content creation, allowing influencers to produce high-quality material more efficiently while fostering deeper engagement. For brands looking to tap into this dynamic, especially within the college demographic, connect with REACH explore how collegiate creators can help connect with Gen Z audiences in meaningful ways.

We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod?

• Visit our website!


• Start your trial on Simplified.

For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.

We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod?

• Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/
• Leave a rating and review on your favorite platform
• Follow @yourbrandamplified on the socials
• Talk to my digital avatar

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.