Manchester Emerges as Europe’s Influencer Hub as 20-24 Population Climbs 9.7%

2 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 5

Manchester’s rise as an influencer hotspot is being driven by a compact city centre, a growing young population and a creative economy that gives creators constant material and audiences.
9.7% growth in 20-24-year-olds since 2011 and about 70,000 students have helped fuel demand for TikTok content on food, fitness, apartments and dance classes.
1990s regeneration, new offices and tram links pulled in white-collar employers, shifting Manchester from manufacturing toward finance, law and creative industries and filling new high-rise districts with young residents.
Creators say that environment is turning online followings into businesses: Sufia quit her marketing job after seven months of sold-out dance classes, while Ruwaydah and Lamar built ventures around lifestyle and finance content.
The boom still has limits: one economist said productivity gains are overstated, inflation-adjusted median wages in Greater Manchester are up just 1% since 2019, and some high-rise blocks face safety repair concerns.