How streamers are taking over reality to attract Gen Z viewers

I’m A Celebrity’s AngryGinge has proved social media stars are taking reality TV by storm after he was crowned King Of The Jungle on Sunday.

The carefully curated move to book influencers and social media stars on mainstream reality shows like I’m A Celebrity is an attempt to attract younger viewers to tune in. 

It’s a strategy that worked during the finale, as of the 7.1 million viewers who tuned in to watch the final – a whopping 74 per cent were in the 16-34 age bracket.

Twitch streamer and YouTube sensation AngryGinge, 24, followed in the footsteps of influencers Nella Rose and GK Barry, both of whom have excelled in their careers since leaving the jungle with a string of TV deals.

AngryGinge, real name Morgan Burtwistle, is better known to Gen Z’ers by his online names Angryginge and Angryginge13.

He grew to prominence on the live streaming platform, Twitch, on which his five million followers watch him shout expletives at a video or football game for more than 10 hours a day from his bedroom.

He earns £1million a year on what is known as ‘the Gogglebox of the internet’ but is set to make far more after his jungle stint with ITV bosses, and other major broadcasters, eyeing him up as the future of television. 

Celebrity PR Specialist Kayley Cornelius told the Daily Mail: ‘For AngryGinge, a move into television feels like the logical next step. 

‘He has already reached the peak of online success and while his following is massive there is always the danger of stagnation if he does not begin exploring new avenues. 

‘His appearance on I’m a Celebrity was likely part of a conscious strategy to reposition himself to a wider audience and show he can deliver far more than short form viral content.’

Speaking on behalf of Casino Games provider Genting Casino, Kayleigh added:  ‘There is also a wider movement happening in the industry. This new wave of digital first celebrities is becoming the driving force behind the revival of traditional television. 

‘They bring younger and highly engaged audiences who hold enormous cultural influence and broadcasters are increasingly reliant on that cross platform pull. 

‘Figures like AngryGinge and [fellow campmate] Aitch are exactly the kind of talent capable of bridging the gap between online culture and mainstream TV.’

And it’s not just ITV who have jumped on the Gen Z bandwagon. 

BBC bosses at Strictly have also successfully lured teenagers back to mainstream TV with their decision to book George Clarke, 26.

The humble social media star landed a spot in the semi-finals this weekend with his pro partner Alexis Warr.

The podcast host – who has amassed 3  million followers across his socials –  has had a huge fanbase backing him over the past two months by watching the BBC show.

George launched his TikTok account in December 2019 and began posting on YouTube thereafter.

He also co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast alongside Max Balegde, which has proven so popular that it has led to a series of live shows across the UK. 

It casts doubt on whether celebrities are the main priority for reality shows to scoop up or if influencers and social media stars are the way forward.

The craze first started with YouTube icon KSI, who has gone on to hitting big time after starting out streaming from his bedroom.

While KSI has been much-loved by younger generations for years, his decision to move into mainstream television – most recently Britain’s Got Talent – has now also earned him the respect of an older age group. 

Saffron Barker is another prime example of influencers dominating reality shows in a bid to attract Gen Z viewers. 

The 25-year-old, who has over 5 million followers across her platforms, was one of the first female social media stars to appear on Strictly.

Even at the most prestigious events, it appears influencers – and their phones – are taking over the place.

The Daily Mail’s Influencer Correspondent Molly Clayton visited Pretty Little Thing’s first ever Christmas party in Mayfair last week – with not an A-lister in sight.

Nepo babies, influencers and streamers also took over the 2025 British Fashion Awards at London’s Royal Albert Hall last week.

Stealing the spotlight from the iconic celebs including Ellie Goulding, Sienna Miller and Billie Piper – influencers Perrie Sian and Lydia Millen could have been mistaken for superstars in their stunning ball gowns.

The likes of former Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague and YouTuber MrBeast have proved just how financially viable content creation is, raking in millions of pounds from their online videos and subsequent brand deals.

According to CEO of influencer brand VidCon Jim Louderbeck, 27 million people in the US – including one in 12 workplace employees – are now creating content.