LOS ANGELES — Prominent Democratic influencers and progressive media personalities are seeing sharp drops in subscribers and followers, citing what they describe as an “algorithmic de-subscription spiral” on social media platforms. The decline follows recent political setbacks, leading some influencers to criticize their own party’s response to defeat.
NEW: Dem influencers are seeing record numbers of subscription cancelations along with a mass exodus of followers causing an “algorithmic de subscription spiral.”
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 8, 2024
The development comes after many of these influencers gaslit their followers into thinking Harris would win.
David… pic.twitter.com/cypVFxsppX
David Pakman, a progressive commentator and YouTube host, voiced frustration with what he sees as a self-destructive reaction within the Democratic base. In a recent video, Pakman addressed the challenges facing independent left-wing media, which he claims lacks the resilience and organizational momentum demonstrated by conservative groups after electoral losses.
“It terrifies me because our instinct is the opposite of what the right does,” Pakman said. He argued that conservative media outlets and organizations, such as Turning Point USA and The Daily Wire, have shown an ability to regroup, fundraise, and build networks despite political defeats. “When the right loses, they get organized,” he said, adding that this approach has helped establish a “huge network of right-wing ideas and influencers.”
According to Pakman, this discrepancy has left progressive media at a disadvantage, especially as followers appear to lose faith and disengage following the recent political landscape. Many progressive influencers, he suggested, have “gaslit their followers” by overstating Democratic prospects, creating unrealistic expectations that have now led to widespread disillusionment.
The drop in subscribers has been compounded by platform algorithms, which tend to further reduce visibility for creators with declining engagement. “We are in an algorithmic de-subscription spiral right now,” Pakman explained. “When people start unsubscribing on YouTube, YouTube thinks, ‘Oh, we probably shouldn’t recommend this content.’” He warned that this feedback loop could further erode the audience for progressive voices online.
The trend has raised concerns among progressive commentators about the sustainability of left-leaning independent media in the face of algorithmic challenges and dwindling support. As Democratic influencers contend with decreasing reach, some are questioning whether their strategies and messaging need adjustment to rebuild audience confidence and counter the well-resourced right-wing media machine.