šŸ˜Ø Is TikTokā€™s ā€˜Scar Girlā€™ Faking Her Scar for Clout?

CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER

Issue #103 | Jan. 26, 2023

This week for Passionfruit, writer Rebekah Harding explores the case of a TikToker known as ā€œScar Girlā€ who sparked a viral debate this month. Gaining notoriety for her viral lip-syncing videos, the TikToker, Annie Bonelli (@wtmab), garnered praise from viewers for proudly flaunting a thin scar across her cheek.

However, others voiced suspicions about whether her scar was real or just a ploy to set herself apart from the oversaturated community of lip-syncing accounts on the app. Users cited dramatic changes in the size, color, and placement of the scar, with criticisms picking up traction in January.

While ā€œScar Girlā€ denies these allegations, she seems to be cashing in on the views, comments, and responses generated from the controversy she sparked regardless. Read more about her story below.

– Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor

THE DARK SIDE

ā€˜It never fully went away, and neither did my insecuritiesā€™: People think influencer known for facial scar is faking it for clout

ā€œNot trying to be a bully, but it’s just hard to believe.ā€

By Rebekah Harding, Passionfruit Contributor

ā†’ READ THE FULL STORY

Become a speed demon with the fastest keyboard on the market

The next stage of keyboard evolution is here. The Razer Huntsman lineup has redefined the boundaries of precision and speed for a performance youā€™ve never seen before. Learn more about each Huntsman to find your weapon of choice.

GEAR UP

ONE GREAT TIP

ā€œPeople donā€™t care if you mess up something, misspell a word, etc. They have their own lives to worry about. No one is churning through your content with a fine-toothed comb. If you made something entertaining, then youā€™ve done well, and being a perfectionist ends up working against you.ā€

ā€”YouTuber Ice Cream Sandwich on avoiding perfectionism. Read more in our March 2022 interview.

TIPS AND TRICKS

YouTube icon Lachlan Power shares business tips for creators

ā€œFlexibility and speed were crucial for me in my early days.ā€

By Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor

READ THE FULL STORY ā†’

TOKWATCH

‘Why aren’t influencers honest anymore?’ Mikayla Nogueira accused of misleading viewers with false lashes in sponsored mascara TikTok

ā€œThe tendency of the beauty industry is emotionally driven consumption.ā€

By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY ā†’

IN THE BIZ

  • Twitch released a letter about its 2023 plans, including new tools and analytics features.
  • Creator boxing tournament ā€œCreator Clashā€ is returning in April. (via Tubefilter)
  • Meta is paying BuzzFeed millions to attract creators to its platform. (via the Wall Street Journal)
  • Gaming creators Ludwig, Quarter Jade, and NorthernLion are helping to develop a racing game for Twitch and YouTube. (via Tubefilter)
  • Metaverse land developer LandVault signed to Creative Artists Agency. (via the Block)
  • The internet is enraptured with a Tarte-sponsored influencer trip to Dubai. (via Time)
  • YouTube legends Hank and John Green are promoting lower-cost higher education through YouTube courses. (via BuzzFeed News)
  • A menswear Twitter influencer appears to be on everyoneā€™s feeds. (via the Daily Dot)
  • TikTok is expanding its direct messaging tools. (via the Information)

TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

The Office nostalgia audio is fueling our TikTok feeds.

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • šŸ“ˆ Adobe Shares Its Biggest Trends for Creators

    šŸ“ˆ Adobe Shares Its Biggest Trends for Creators

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue #90 | Dec. 8, 2022 2022 has some unforgettable trends. The resurge of shows like Euphoria, the Y2K aesthetic, and the slice-of-life social media app BeReal are just a few viral moves that shook the internet this year. This week, Adobe, a technology company that makes some of the most popular…

    By

    Grace Stanley

  • šŸ§‘ā€šŸ”¬ Can Science Creators and Brand Deals Co-Exist?

    šŸ§‘ā€šŸ”¬ Can Science Creators and Brand Deals Co-Exist?

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue #89 | Dec. 6, 2022 Creators who make science content need to make a living like the rest of us. But unlike creators in some other fields, science creators face serious ethical questions when it comes to monetizing through brand partnerships. This week, Passionfruit contributor Sabina Wex spoke with multiple creators…

    By

    Grace Stanley

  • šŸ˜° Should Creators Complain About Their Jobs?

    šŸ˜° Should Creators Complain About Their Jobs?

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue #88 | Dec. 1, 2022 While many creators face unpredictable income, pay disparity, and burnout, the public perception of the influencer lifestyle is often luxurious. Because of this, creators can face a lot of heat when they complain about their jobs. This week, Passionfruit contributor Eve Upton-Clark spoke with creators and…

    By

    Grace Stanley