We're sunsetting PodQuest on 2025-07-28. Thank you for your support!
Export Podcast Subscriptions
cover of episode Influencer vs. Influencer
People
L
Lizzie O'Leary
M
Mia Sato
Topics
Mia Sato: 本案的核心在于两位亚马逊网红Sydney Nicole Gifford和Alyssa Scheel因内容过于相似而引发的法律纠纷。Sydney指控Alyssa抄袭其内容风格和整体美感，导致其经济受损。Alyssa则否认抄袭，认为她们的内容都属于一种常见的网络审美风格，即"clean girl"。这场诉讼不仅是两个网红之间的纠纷，也反映了内容创作机制、算法奖励以及人们在网络生活中的选择问题。两位网红都参与了亚马逊的网红项目，该项目为网红提供推广亚马逊产品的平台，亚马逊在网红推广的产品选择上具有很大的影响力。亚马逊通过提供产品清单、趋势产品信息和佣金奖励等方式影响网红推荐的产品。许多网红都面临着同样的激励机制，因此推广相同产品的情况并不少见。网红销售的是一种理想化的生活方式，这种生活方式往往是建立在对他人风格的模仿之上。Kim Kardashian的居家风格对这些网红产生了很大的影响。这场诉讼的核心在于对"风格"的界定，法院会考量作品中是否存在受保护的创意元素。网红内容的相似性也可能源于对平台算法和流行趋势的追随。网红内容的趋同性可能是由于算法和趋势的共同作用。无论诉讼结果如何，亚马逊都将从中获益。 Lizzie O'Leary: 这场诉讼虽然看似荒谬，但却反映了网红行业的高风险性。网红行业虽然价值巨大，但对创作者的保护却不足。女性主导的网红领域往往受到更少的重视。这场诉讼可能会引发更多类似的诉讼。法律专家认为Sydney的版权主张难以成立，但诉讼仍在进行中。 Lizzie O'Leary: 这场诉讼不仅是两个网红之间的纠纷，也反映了内容创作机制、算法奖励以及人们在网络生活中的选择问题。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why did Sydney Nicole Gifford sue Alyssa Scheel?

Sydney sued Alyssa for copyright infringement, claiming Alyssa copied her aesthetic, content, and even physical appearance, which led to Sydney losing income and followers. The lawsuit alleges that Alyssa’s content was so similar that followers mistook Alyssa for Sydney.

What is the 'clean girl' aesthetic mentioned in the lawsuit?

The 'clean girl' aesthetic is a popular online look characterized by neutral colors like beige, cream, white, and black, minimalistic decor, spotless homes, and a polished appearance. Both Sydney and Alyssa operate within this aesthetic, promoting products and lifestyles that emulate this look.

How does Amazon influence the content created by its influencers?

Amazon provides influencers with massive spreadsheets of products on sale during events like Prime Day or Black Friday, trending search terms, and specific product recommendations. Influencers are also incentivized with bonuses for promoting certain items, which leads to similar content across creators.

What role do algorithms play in the similarity of influencer content?

Algorithms on platforms like TikTok and Instagram reward content that performs well, leading influencers to create similar videos to maximize engagement. This results in a convergence of styles, trends, and products, making it difficult to distinguish between creators.

What are the potential implications of this lawsuit for the influencer industry?

If Sydney wins, it could set a precedent for similar lawsuits where creators sue others for having a similar aesthetic or vibe. This could lead to a wave of legal disputes in an industry that currently lacks clear protections for creators, especially in female-coded niches.

How does the lawsuit highlight the economics of the influencer position?

The lawsuit underscores the financial stakes for influencers, whose livelihoods depend on their ability to monetize content. It also reveals how platforms like Amazon profit from influencer-driven sales, regardless of individual creator disputes.

Chapters
This chapter introduces Sydney Nicole Gifford and Alyssa Scheel, two Amazon influencers who ended up in a legal battle. Sydney sued Alyssa for copyright infringement, alleging that Alyssa copied her content and aesthetic, leading to financial losses. The case highlights the complexities of content creation and the impact of algorithms.
  • Sydney Nicole Gifford and Alyssa Scheel are Amazon influencers.
  • Sydney sued Alyssa for copyright infringement.
  • The lawsuit centers on the similarity of their content and aesthetics.

Shownotes Transcript

One influencer working for Amazon sued another influencer who works for Amazon for creating content that looks too similar to theirs. But with how the algorithms work and reward, was this an inevitability? What does this mean for the economics of the influencer position?

Guest: Mia Sato), reporter covering platforms and communities for The Verge.

Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus) to get access wherever you listen.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices)