Instagram-only media platform "RUMOR ME," dedicated to nurturing Gen Z influencers, officially launches!

Condé Nast Japan, publisher of titles including VOGUE JAPAN, GQ JAPAN, and WIRED, has officially launched its Instagram-only media platform "RUMOR ME."

RUMOR ME targets Generation Z (those born after 1995), succeeding Millennials. It aims to cultivate the next generation of creative influencers and is planned and operated by the company's producer, Yuko Miwa.

RUMOR ME Official Instagram Account
https://www.instagram.com/rumor.me/

In addition to publishing original curated content on Instagram, it will conduct annual auditions and training programs to cultivate creative influencers recognized by Condé Nast Japan.

■RUMOR ME Content

Original editorial content, including event information, fashion news, interviews with creative influencers, and serialized manga, is featured on the official Instagram account.

■Selection and Cultivation of Next-Generation Creative Influencers

Condé Nast Japan prioritizes "creative quality" over simple follower count when selecting candidates. From these candidates, 10 final RUMOR ME official influencers will be chosen.

For the inaugural year of 2019, 58 influencer candidates were selected and are participating in a year-long training program and auditions.

The training program takes various forms, including workshops and seminars. The "Social Media Literacy" seminar featured guest lecturer Miyuki Ebisawa, a fashion editor and lawyer.

She taught the candidates essential media literacy for modern influencers, covering topics like adhering to SNS guidelines, foundational knowledge of copyright, portrait rights, publicity rights, trademarks, compliance with laws and ethics, examples of statements that should not be posted, and issues with stealth marketing.

These budding creative influencers, discovered by Condé Nast Japan, will develop a heightened awareness through creative workshops and literacy seminars hosted by RUMOR ME.

The quarterly review assignments are where the candidates' creativity is maximized.

Candidates post Instagram content aligned with the theme and undergo evaluation based on multiple metrics. Top influencers including Mariya Nishiuchi, Kemio, Natsuna Oya, Harumi Sato, and Minori Nakata (listed in no particular order) serve as special judges.

The theme for the first audition held in May was "RUMOR ME Logo." Candidates submitted uniquely creative works, and the first round of successful candidates was announced on May 31.

Furthermore, for the top 9 entries, judging comments from special judges Natsuna Oya and Harumi Sato, who served in the first round, were also released. For details, refer to the official RUMOR ME Instagram account.

The top 9 uniquely creative works featuring the RUMOR ME logo motif

The selection process will continue with second and third rounds of auditions to choose 10 official influencers. Future rounds will also feature collaboration challenges with companies.