유튜브 인플루언서의 인도스먼트(endorsement) 영향력에 대한 탐색적 연구: 인플루언서의 특성, 콘텐츠의 특성, 의사사회 상호작용을 중심으로

초록

Objectives This study investigated the factors involved in the endorsement potentials of Youtube influencers, and three factors were investigated in terms of their influence on intention of word of mouth and purchase intention: the characteristics of the influencers, the characteristics of the video contents, and para-social interactions with influencers. Methods A convenient sample of 315 college students from the Metropolitan area and Chung Nam Province was assessed to conduct hierarchical regression analyses to examine the influences of the characteristics of the influencers, the characteristics of the video contents, and para-social interactions with influencers on the intention of word of mouth and purchase intention. Results Trust in influencers, the professionalism of the contents, and perceived commercialism each had significant influences on intention of WoM and purchasing of the products or services recommended by Youtube influencers. The authenticity of influencers was negatively related to intention of WoM, and social attractiveness was negatively related to intention of purchase. Cognitive parasocial interaction was found to be related to neither intention of WoM nor intention of purchase. Behavioral parasocial interaction was partially mediating among the characteristics of the influencers, the characteristics of the video contents, and para-social interaction. Conclusions The results of the current study provide several considerations for companies and organizations seeking to use Youtube influencers for PR purposes. Emphasis should be given on the importance of (1) trust in influencers, (2) the professionalism of the contents provided, and (3) behavioral parasocial interactions with influencers. The objectives of using Youtube influencers and different combinations of influencers’ characteristics and the characteristics of the contents were also investigated.

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