GCC nano influencers lead with 7% engagement, video ads influence 31% of purchases

While global influencer engagement typically ranges between 1.5–2%, micro and mid-tier GCC influencers record 3–5%, with nano influencers exceeding 7%. By comparison, Asian markets average 2–3.5%, highlighting the region’s advantage in culturally relevant, hyper-local content.

According to the GCC Digital Landscape 2025 report by AnyMind Group, creators in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf markets are leveraging Arabic-first storytelling and short-form video formats to deliver measurable brand impact.

 Short videos are proving the most effective format for brand recall, with 53% of consumers citing them as key for awareness, surpassing static ads and traditional placements. “Authentic storytelling, particularly in short form, has become the GCC’s strongest cultural currency,” the report notes. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are now the primary points of discovery for mobile-first consumers.

Video ads lead in purchase influence, with 31% of surveyed consumers preferring them at the point of sale. Shoppable videos offer seamless transitions from discovery to checkout, while rich media interstitials deliver the highest CTR at 8%, compared to sub-2% for banner ads. These trends underscore the GCC audience’s preference for interactive, immersive formats over static placements.

Entertainment influencers continue to dominate the GCC, followed by lifestyle/home living and beauty, combining aspirational appeal with relatability. Food, education, and gaming creators are gaining traction, reflecting a maturing influencer ecosystem with both mass appeal and niche engagement.

 Mobile adoption and internet penetration are hitting new highs, with smartphone subscriptions projected to increase from 540 million in 2024 to 710 million by 2030. The GCC’s digital economy is expected to reach $200 billion (?16.6 lakh crore) by 2025, fueled by a young, tech-savvy population and government-backed diversification initiatives. Influencer marketing budgets are growing by an estimated 25–30% annually, with brands prioritising community-driven collaborations over celebrity endorsements.