Every auctioneer has seen it: a personality goes live, talks about an item, and bids start flying in the comments. That’s not just content, it’s connection. At RocketBid, we’ve been watching this new wave of influencer-style auctions take shape, and we think it’s a huge opportunity for auctioneers to experiment with. It blends what auctioneers do best, storytelling and energy — with what online audiences crave: authenticity and speed.
It’s not about influencers… it’s about personality
When we say “influencer-style,” we’re not talking about viral creators doing dance challenges.
We mean auctions that center around the host’s voice and energy, the same dynamic you’ve always had on the floor, just broadcast through a phone screen instead of a podium. Online bidders don’t want to scroll through endless lots; they want to hear about the item, see your excitement, and feel the story behind it. That’s what influencer-style auctions deliver: a human face, a live moment, and a sense that the auctioneer isn’t a system, they’re someone.
“People don’t follow listings. They follow personalities.”
When you connect like that, you’re not just selling an item; you’re building loyalty.
Fast, flexible, and perfect for quick sales
Traditional auctions are structured and scheduled — but influencer-style auctions thrive on momentum. Got a small batch of new inventory? A few highlight items you want to move today? These mini live events make it easy to run fast, informal sessions that feel spontaneous but still convert.
A bridge to Millennial and Gen Z audiences
Younger buyers don’t see auctions as events — they see them as content. They love formats that feel real-time, authentic, and personal. That’s why social-style selling has exploded — it mirrors the ways people already interact online. When auctioneers host these live, personality-driven sales, it removes the friction. It’s not a cold interface or a timer counting down. It’s a conversation — one that happens to include a gavel.
The next generation doesn’t want to feel like they’re entering a system. They want to feel like they’ve joined a moment.
And that’s exactly what influencer-style auctions create.
Why it works — and how to try it
Influencer-style auctions succeed because they combine trust and entertainment. Audiences stick around when the host feels authentic and knowledgeable. The bids come naturally because viewers are emotionally engaged before they even start bidding.
How to run one:
- Pick a short list of interesting, story-driven items.
- Set up your RocketBid stream and give each item a few minutes of spotlight time.
- Keep it casual — talk, demo, banter.
- Let the audience feel like they’re part of something live.
And yes — we’re implementing this format right now. If you’re one of our customers, we’d love for you to try Influencer Auctions during our beta rollout. It’s built right into RocketBid’s platform, so you can host a live-style auction without external tools or complex setups.
Where this is headed
We see influencer-style auctions as more than a passing trend. They’re part of a bigger shift — toward personal commerce. In an era where every interaction feels automated, people crave genuine engagement. For auctioneers, this is a chance to bring that energy online in a way that feels both modern and familiar. You don’t have to reinvent your business — just reshape the stage.
RocketBid’s Influencer Auction Beta is built for auctioneers who want to try this new format while keeping their brand front and center.
Because at the end of the day, personality sells — and you’ve had that all along.