# Social media influence and new regulations in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/social-media-influence-in-brazilian-elections
> Updated: 2026-09-11T15:26:07.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

As the 2026 presidential campaign cycle begins in Brazil, social media platforms are becoming central to political expression and information consumption.

Initially, users on Instagram began utilizing the ‘Notes’ feature to signal political affiliations through specific symbols. Supporters of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) have used gold stars on red backgrounds, while supporters of Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) have primarily used the Brazilian flag emoji. This trend emerged alongside major campaign events in São Bernardo do Campo and Rio de Janeiro.

Further analysis highlights Brazil’s significant digital landscape, noting the country holds the second-largest number of Instagram influencers globally, with over 10 million creators having at least 1,000 followers. With 53% of Brazilians using social networks and video platforms for weekly news, the role of influencers in political discourse is increasing. Experts have noted the growing responsibility of content creators to manage information carefully during these electoral periods.

In response to this digital shift, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has implemented strict guidelines under Resolution 23.755/2026 to maintain electoral integrity. According to the Digital News Report 2026 by the Reuters Institute and Oxford University, 33% of Brazilians receive news and political content from influencers. To prevent unfair advantages, legislative consultant Rodrigo Marengo notes that while influencers may express personal preferences, any participation in electoral propaganda must be ‘entirely free of charge.’ It is strictly prohibited for candidates, parties, or federations to hire influencers, offer prizes, or provide financial benefits. Furthermore, the paid boosting of content promoting specific candidates is forbidden.

## Claims

- Brazil has more than 10 million influencers with at least 1,000 followers on Instagram. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Brazil ranks second globally in the number of Instagram influencers, following the United States. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 53% of Brazilians use social networks and video platforms to access news weekly. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 33% of Brazilians receive content from creators or influencers who focus primarily on news. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Digital influencers must take responsibility for the space they occupy, especially regarding information care during elections. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Brazil electoral rules restrict paid influencer campaigning for 2026

In Brazil, digital influencers are playing an increasing role in political discourse. TSE regulations for the 2026 elections prohibit paid hiring of influencers to ensure electoral fairness.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-ranks-second-globally-in-instagram-influencers

### 2026-08-17: Instagram users adopt political symbols for Brazilian elections

Instagram users in Brazil are using the ‘Notes’ feature to signal political support, with red stars representing Lula and Brazilian flags representing Flávio Bolsonaro.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/instagram-users-adopt-political-symbols-for-brazilian-elections

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Cite as: Social media influence and new regulations in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/social-media-influence-in-brazilian-elections