New Delhi: Digital influencers are working in Bollywood and Hollywood films. However, appearing in films is no longer a criterion for these influencers to be listed on the online database IMDb.
The entertainment database and industry platform has introduced a new category, allowing digital creators to have a professional profile on both IMDb and IMDbPro.
From influencers to industry professionals
Indian creators who have worked in films now have IMDb profiles, including Dharna Duraga, who recently appeared in Maa Behan (2026); Prajakta Koli, who starred in Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022) and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (2025); Harsh Beniwal, who starred in Student of the Year 2 (2019); and Ajey Nagar, aka CarryMinati, who made a cameo in Ajay Devgn’s Runway 34 (2022).
However, IMDb profiles for these creators were built after the release of their films.
The new ‘Digital Creator’ category on IMDb and IMDbPro will include subcategories such as “Streamer,” “Vlogger,” “Video Essayist,” “Video Creator,” “Gaming Creator,” and “Influencer.”, allowing creators to build an IMDb profile even if they have not appeared in films.
The category will provide creators with “a dedicated way to represent that work and connect with audiences, industry peers and potential employers,” according to IMDb.
A 2024 Morning Consult poll showed that more than half of young people surveyed wanted to grow up to become influencers.
The survey found that 57 per cent wanted to become digital creators, while around 41 per cent wanted to become professional influencers. The poll was conducted on 2,200 adults.
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A profile beyond one profession
According to IMDb, digital creators and their representatives need the same infrastructure that producers, casting directors, studio executives and brands use to find and connect with talent.
“IMDbPro empowers entertainment professionals with tools that help them get discovered, build their reputation and advance their careers,” said Nikki Santoro, CEO of IMDb.
With this new category, creators can feature multiple professions on their profiles. When a digital creator like Bhuvan Bam works in a series like The Revolutionaries, he can now add both ‘Digital Creator’ and ‘Actor’ to his profile, representing the full scope of his work.
The launch of the new category will be celebrated at the Toronto International Film Festival, where IMDb will host an invite-only party on September 14. IMDb said the expansion will continue, with more categories expected to be added in the future.
Edited by Maryam Hassan