The word ‘millionaire’ often brings to mind images of luxury cars, gold bars, and mansions. Traditionally, it was believed that you were either born into wealth or worked tirelessly to build it. However, social media has forever changed this notion.
Social media is transforming brand advertising, from sponsored posts in newsfeeds to influencers being paid to promote products. But how much do these influencers earn per post? In the UAE, influencers now command between AED 3,600 and AED 18,300 per post. One notable influencer is Rashed Saif Belhasa, aka MoneyKicks, with 1.6 million Instagram followers. His feed features photos with celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo, Akon, and Shahrukh Khan, making him a top local influencer.
Take Mohamed Beiraghdary, known for his gaming channel Hitspeko. He transitioned his talent for witty remarks and comedic expressions into Mo Vlogs, which boasts around 4 million YouTube subscribers. His annual income from social media is estimated at AED 598,000. In a 2017 video, he gave viewers a tour of his new mansion, complete with a Lamborghini Huracan, a Ford Mustang, and a Ferrari 458 Spider.
This rise of ‘part-time millionaires’ is inspiring a new generation to rethink their future aspirations. The traditional path of obtaining a college degree followed by a 9-to-5 job is increasingly being replaced by multimedia careers that could fund college as a leisurely pursuit. While opportunities are abundant, success is not guaranteed.
Today’s youth are exploring various avenues, from starting their own ventures to returning to school, both of which can be costly and challenging. The shifting global landscape is prompting young adults to seek new paths and demand a future on their terms. The long-term impact of this shift remains to be seen, but it has already started to herald a new era of opportunities.