NB

Over the last few decades, fangirl culture has grown exponentially. From One Direction fangirls in 2012 to the economic takeover of Swifties and the Beyhive in 2023, the impact of these fandoms should not be overlooked. Fangirl culture is consistently overlooked and dismissed as many people group fangirls as crazy, obsessive, and ignorant. However, despite these opinions that people may have on fangirls, the legacy and investment that these girls put into their favorite artists or bands has had a significant economic impact over the last two decades. 

In 2012 the rise of One Direction began and with that, they grew their fanbase. One Direction was a boyband consisting of five members between the ages of 16-18. As a result, their fanbase consisted mainly of teenage girls who were called the “Directioners.” According to an article by Medium In 2015 alone, the band made $130 million. In 2016, despite not releasing new music, they made $110 million. Directioners took this a step further by creating social media trends that influenced people worldwide, spreading the One Direction fangirl culture around the world. 

Fast forward to 2023, fangirl culture was stronger than ever. After kicking off The Eras Tour in March of 2023, Taylor Swift’s fanbase dominated the United States economy during the first leg of her tour. According to an article by NPR, Michaels Stores experienced a 300% increase in sales of beads and jewelry in the days leading up to the concert at her tour stops, with a 500% increase in Pennsylvania when she performed in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The trend of making friendship bracelets to trade at concerts was started by Taylor Swift’s fans, the “Swifties.” This came from a line in her 2022 song You’re on Your Own, Kid. This trend that was started by Taylor Swift fans had an impact that went further than her shows. Now at other artist’s concerts, fans make and trade friendship bracelets. Moreover, after Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce went public she began going to the Kansas City Chiefs games. According to an article from Register Forum after Taylor Swift’s appearance at the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Chicago Bears game to support Travis Kelce, his jersey sales skyrocketed, increasing by 400%. In addition to jersey sales, an article from NPR states, that viewership spiked 53% among teen girls aged 12-17 when Swift showed up to one of the games. 

Fangirl culture goes beyond music artists and bands to TV shows, F1, and movies. Fangirls may get a bad reputation at times but the impact of fangirl culture on the economy cannot be denied. As years progress social media trends created by fandoms continue to dominate the digital world allowing fangirls from different fandoms to make a brand for themselves online as a part of a fanbase. Fangirl culture contributes to the economy and creates a community both online and around the world for people to connect and be a part of something.