Are NYC Influencers Boring Now?” – Viral TikTok Trend Sparks Culture Debate
Introduction
In May 2025, a viral TikTok by creator @MartiniFeeny ignited an unexpected firestorm:
“Why are all NYC influencers… the same?”
In just under 60 seconds, this video sparked millions of views and an intense debate about diversity, aesthetics, and influencer culture. The comment sections exploded. Articles were written. Creators clapped back. And the phrase “NYC influencers are boring” became a full-blown online moment.
But what does it mean to be a “boring” influencer? Is it about style, privilege, race—or the changing expectations of audiences? In this post, we break it all down: what happened, why it matters, and how this viral debate may reshape the future of digital fame.
What Did the Viral Video Say?
TikTok user @MartiniFeeny, known for satirical takes on influencer life, posted a short rant on May 11, 2025, claiming:
“NYC influencers are all rich girls from SoHo with the same claw clip, neutral tones, iced coffee, and sad poetry captions. I’ve had enough.”
He went on to list:
- The same aesthetic (beige, minimalism)
- The same brands (Aritzia, Skims, Celine)
- The same content (apartment hauls, Pilates routines)
The video wasn’t just sarcasm—it was a critique on influencer sameness, and many viewers agreed.
🧠 Viral Stats:
- Over 5.1 million views
- 430,000+ likes
- 100,000+ shares
- #NYCBoringInfluencers trended for 4 days
Community Reaction: The Clapback
NYC-based creators quickly responded. Some agreed, acknowledging that the scene was oversaturated with copy-paste aesthetics. Others pushed back hard, accusing Feeny of:
- Generalizing women
- Mocking femininity
- Ignoring POC, LGBTQ+ creators, or lower-income influencers struggling for visibility
🔁 Creator Responses:
- @TiaInTech: “He’s not wrong, but NYC creators aren’t a monolith.”
- @JessFromBrooklyn: “Try being a Black influencer in NYC. We’re never included in this convo.”
The debate morphed from comedy into serious cultural analysis.
What Makes an Influencer “Boring”?
According to digital culture expert Dr. Mya Chen, there are a few key reasons audiences may perceive influencers as boring:
1. Algorithmic Homogenization
Platforms reward what’s already working. So when one content formula (beige aesthetic, minimalist skincare, vlogs) goes viral, everyone copies it to grow.
“The algorithm turns individuals into patterns,” Dr. Chen says.
2. Over-Commercialization
Influencers increasingly work with brands, which limits spontaneity. Carefully curated content feels less real, more scripted.
3. Class Privilege & Lack of Relatability
The NYC “influencer look” often reflects a wealthy, white, private school elite lifestyle—alienating millions of diverse followers.
Why NYC? Why Now?
NYC has long been the fashion and cultural capital of the U.S. But on TikTok, it’s increasingly associated with:
- Gentrified “downtown cool” aesthetics
- Homogeneity among lifestyle influencers
- Lack of regional representation (vs. LA, Atlanta, etc.)
In 2025, younger viewers are seeking authenticity, diversity, and real-world content—and NYC’s influencer scene isn’t always delivering that.
Influencers Respond: “We’re Not All the Same”
To counter the trend, underrepresented creators began sharing videos titled:
“I’m a NYC influencer. Am I boring?”
They showcased:
- Immigrant narratives
- Queer fashion
- Life in outer boroughs (Queens, Bronx, etc.)
- DIY entrepreneurship and small brand collabs
This moment became less about being “boring” and more about being unseen in mainstream influencer coverage.
Brands Are Watching
Brands are rethinking who they work with. With backlash against sameness, marketers are pivoting to more authentic, underrepresented creators with real storytelling.
Trending Brand Strategy:
- Focus on creators with niche, loyal followings
- Hire diverse voices beyond traditional beauty/lifestyle mold
- Prioritize engagement over follower count
In other words: boring isn’t just a trend callout—it’s a revenue problem.
FAQs
Q1: Who started the “NYC influencers are boring” trend?
A TikToker named @MartiniFeeny posted a viral video that kicked off the debate in May 2025.
Q2: Why did the video go viral?
It struck a nerve by calling out repetition in influencer content and sparked a broader cultural conversation.
Q3: Are NYC influencers really boring?
Some are, but many underrepresented voices don’t get visibility. The trend revealed algorithm bias more than reality.
Q4: Has this affected influencer brands?
Yes—brands are now looking to diversify campaigns and prioritize authentic, non-cookie-cutter creators.
Q5: What’s the broader takeaway?
Influencer culture is shifting. Audiences want real people, real stories, and real diversity.
Conclusion
The “boring NYC influencer” trend is about more than just claw clips and iced lattes. It’s a mirror held up to influencer culture—and the audience is speaking loud and clear. Authenticity is in, sameness is out. Brands, creators, and platforms should take note.
This isn’t a cancellation—it’s a course correction. And for influencers who dare to be different, it’s a massive opportunity.
