In an article by Adweek, Instagram has become the new platform for high-end companies to exchange goods and services with posts in hopes of attracting wealthy consumers and millennials. Here are is an example of the latest wave:

Mercedes USA leveraged the winner of a $29,000 CLA model by asking them to post pictures of the CLA during their three-day road trip to Washington, DC. The winner of the CLA also used hashtag #Clatakethewheel and @mbusa, which received 3,400 likes.

For years, companies have been leveraging celebrities to promote and push products. However, bloggers have been proven to be a more credible source for consumers, as they are more relatable and honest about their thoughts and opinions. Bloggers convey an immense amount of authenticity, credibility, and relationship with their followers.  But most importantly, there is a level of trust.

Personally, I follow a few bloggers and the reason why I follow them is because they have built a level of trust with me and that they are more relatable than celebrities. I’ve followed these bloggers for at least a year and I feel that that their comments and opinions are always geniune, which is what really resonates with me. With celebrities, I feel like I can not really trust what they say about products and services because there are always strings attacted for them. I know that bloggers also receive free products, but I feel that they will always voice their opinion in order to stay loyal to their follwers.