Dana White just turned a Trump victory speech into a surprising streamer shout-out session. The UFC president used his time on the mic to give props to internet celebs like Adin Ross, the Nelk Boys, and Joe Rogan.
White’s unexpected namedropping shows that streamers have become a part of pop culture. Adin Ross, who hosted a Kick stream with Trump himself in August, suddenly has become a relevant channel for the politician to connect to new audiences. The Republican’s plan to target young audiences apparently has contributed to their success.
This bizarre crossover highlights the growing influence of streamers on youth engagement in politics. It is a wake-up call for traditional political strategists who might be underestimating the sway of streamers, pranksters, and YouTubers.
The incident also puts Joe Rogan in the spotlight. As a podcaster with millions of listeners, Rogan’s inclusion in White’s shout-outs underscores the power of alternative media in shaping public opinion. There’s probably no better way to engage young male voters than via these channels nowadays.
Reaching voters now means tapping into online communities and leveraging the star power of internet celebrities. The political playbook is being rewritten and Twitch, Kick and other platforms are at the heart of their development.
