Influencer Verena Prechtl: Is it all fake on social media?

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Photo: Maximilian Hörl

Verena Prechtl is followed by around 170,000 people on Instagram. The channel's topics: self-love, body acceptance, fashion tips. Prechtl is currently also building up a community on YouTube with her authentic content. Here she consciously shows her everyday life far away from influencer events and fake glamor.

Ms. Prechtl, what do you think: Do we need a new kind of influencer?

Verena Prechtl: Definitely! The classic influencer existence, which focuses on flawless aesthetics and a seemingly perfect life, is increasingly losing credibility. People have learned that social media often only depicts a curated version of reality. They are looking for authentic personalities who tell real stories. A new generation of influencers should show less perfection and more authenticity. Authenticity and approachability are incredibly important.

  

The community on social media: Users long for real stories

 

What do people want to see on Instagram and co. today?

Prechtl: People long for content that they can identify with. They want inspiring stories, honest insights and authentic emotions. Humor, added value and a dose of reality are what appeals to many people today. I've also changed my content a bit and show more everyday life alongside fashion: I cook, clean - and get great feedback from the community.

Which content is best received by your community?

Prechtl: My community is particularly interested in topics such as self-acceptance, fashion and a realistic image of beauty. Recipes are also very popular. Posts in which I talk about personal experiences or critically question social issues often have the greatest response. Authentic, unfiltered content is particularly well received - in other words, things that are not staged in a perfect Instagram setting.

“My message is that we are all good just the way we are - with rough edges. I want to show that it's not always about perfection, but about authenticity.”

Verena Prechtl

What does it mean for you to be authentic on social media?

Prechtl: For me, authenticity means showing weaknesses from time to time, not pretending and saying openly when something isn't going perfectly. It's about keeping my own voice and also giving a voice to others who perhaps don't yet have one. For me, authenticity also means responsibility: communicating consciously, not just for clicks, but for real added value.

What message would you like to pass on to your community as a “meaningful influencer”?

Prechtl: My message is that we are all good just the way we are - with rough edges. I want to show that it's not always about perfection, but about authenticity. Through my content, I want to take away the pressure to constantly compare yourself with unrealistic ideals. I address topics that really make a difference instead of just posting pretty pictures.

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