[Greed]

Influencers say things they were paid to, certainly. But the reason that someone is willing to pay them in the first place is because they have an audience that knows them and trusts them. Influencer advertising is generally a VERY targeted endeavor that hinges entirely on the fact that an influencer builds a relationship with their very specific + curated target demographic. It's right in the name. Hard to influence anyone if they don't care what you have to say.

[sltr]

Hiring influencers is not a moat. They have the power and can sell it to a competitor. It's better to directly possess the privilege to ask for the sale.