28 Row is a social-media-meets-influencer-marketing app aimed at helping college women connect, network, and turn their influencer dreams into a reality. Founded by Cindy Krupp and Janie Karas, 28 Row is a place where college women can connect over anything from their favorite TV shows to their career / education interests. Many have used the app to connect over their interest in social media influencing, opening them up to the business opportunities within the app. Since launching in September 2021, 28 Row counts 1,500 members, and describes the budding influencers who are part of the community as “social butterflies.” Unlike most influencer marketing platforms, no admission or minimum follower count is needed to connect on 28 Row; users only need a .edu email address. Young women have used the community to “come together…and bask in the realm of social media that is the content creation world,” while navigating brand deals and the trials of social media content creation together. The benefits are there for brands, too: 28 Row allows brands to skip the long vetting process that can come with scouting young, college-aged influencers by introducing them to the social app’s network of budding, ready-to-work content creators. YPulse research shows influencer / content creator is one of Gen Z’s top dream jobs. (NYT)
