Livestreaming Influencers, Influence Types, and Political Participation: A Case Study of Taiwan’s 2020 Presidential Election

Livestreaming platforms have emerged as an important political communication tool for engaging with constituents. Twitch, YouTube Live, Mixer, and Facebook can broadcast real-time video contents via Web-based services and mobile app platforms. Our case study aims to determine whether livestreaming influencers generated political participation during Taiwan’s 2020 presidential election. This case study is based on a framework that integrates the literature on political communication and influencer marketing. In this article, we describe the rise of livestreaming platforms and explain the role of livestreamers in political communication. We also examine whether the characteristics of livestreaming influencers and the type of influence they exert increased political participation by their fans and followers and whether this accounted for the success of Tsai Ing-wen’s victory in her 2020 campaign for re-election as president.