“Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing” is a three-part documentary series that premiered on Netflix on April 9, 2025. It explores the world of child influencers, focusing on the rise of YouTube star Piper Rockelle and the troubling allegations surrounding her mother and manager, Tiffany Smith. Piper Rockelle is a 17-year-old social media influencer and actress who gained fame starting at age 8 through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. She built a massive following—over 12 million on YouTube alone—by creating content such as pranks, challenges, and “crush” videos featuring a group of young influencers known as “The Squad.” Now 17, Piper’s story is a mix of talent, hard work, and some serious drama. Let’s break it down simply and see where she stands today.
Piper Rockelle: A Star From the Start
Piper Rockelle Smith hails from Canton, Georgia, where she grew up with her single mom, Tiffany Smith. Tiffany ran a pet grooming business to keep the family afloat while also cheering Piper on to chase her dreams. From a young age, Piper soaked up values like dedication and grit. She loved being in the spotlight and had a knack for entertaining—something she showed off when she won her first pageant at just 3 years old. That win sparked something big, and she never looked back.
Her mom, Tiffany, saw Piper’s potential early on and became her ultimate “momager.” She kicked things off by setting up social media accounts for Piper, starting with Musical.ly (which later turned into TikTok). Piper’s natural charm and energy shone through, and soon, opportunities started rolling in. Rather than following a traditional school path, Piper and Tiffany fully committed to her career. They even scored a spot on Lifetime’s Dance Moms, which became Piper’s first big break. In 2017, they relocated to Los Angeles to advance their career.
In LA, Piper didn’t just stop at dancing. She jumped into acting, launched a music career, and built a massive online following. Alongside a crew of fellow young creators called The Squad, she became a full-blown teenage influencer. Her YouTube channel exploded, racking up over 12 million subscribers with entertaining videos like pranks and challenges. Back in her peak days, Piper was reportedly pulling in $300,000 to $500,000 a month from brand deals alone. That’s some serious cash for a kid!
The Squad Drama: What Went Wrong?
Piper was only 10 when her online fame took off, thanks to her YouTube presence and roles in projects like Brat’s Mani. At first, she didn’t have many friends her age. That changed when she started meeting other young creators on set. Tiffany reached out to their parents, and soon, The Squad was born—a tight-knit group of kidfluencers who clicked instantly. They weren’t just co-workers; they bonded over shared experiences in the spotlight.
But things didn’t stay rosy. According to Netflix’s Bad Influence, the vibe in The Squad shifted from fun to stressful. Some members, like Sophie Fergi and Gavin Magnus, later said Tiffany and her partner, Hunter Hill (The Squad’s director-editor), pushed them too hard. They claimed workdays stretched to 12-14 hours, and they felt uncomfortable with some of the content—like suggestive poses or odd requests. A few even said Tiffany made inappropriate comments or actions, like mailing Piper’s underwear to “old men” for money. Yikes, right?
By 2022, 11 former Squad members had sued Tiffany and Hunter, alleging emotional, physical, and even sexual abuse. They didn’t blame Piper, though—many saw her as a victim too. Long hours, little pay, and a toxic environment were depicted in the lawsuit. It settled in October 2024 for $1.85 million, split among the plaintiffs, but Tiffany and Hunter didn’t admit any wrongdoing. Piper stuck by her mom and Hunter, calling them her biggest supporters. Still, the fallout left a mark—her YouTube channel got demonetized, and some brands dropped her.
Piper’s Career Keeps Rolling
Even after some challenging years, Piper Rockelle’s career is thriving. Despite the challenges posed by the 2022 lawsuit and YouTube’s demonetization, Piper Rockelle remains unfazed. She still drops YouTube Shorts now and then, keeping her 12 million subscribers hooked with quick, fun clips. But her real playgrounds these days are TikTok and Instagram—think 14 million followers on TikTok and 6.1 million on Insta. That’s a massive audience tuning in for her dance videos, lip-syncs, and everyday updates. She has also embraced Chirp and BrandArmy, both of which are brilliant strategies. Chirp ties all her accounts together for fans to explore, while BrandArmy gives subscribers exclusive peeks into her life—starting at $10 a month and going up to $100 for VIP perks like behind-the-scenes content.
Brand deals? She continues to secure brand deals consistently. Some companies bailed after the controversy, but others, like Temu, MobileTrans App, Block Blast, Halara, and CareBear, see her value. Why? She’s reaching millions daily, and that’s gold for advertisers. Plus, her music keeps her in the game—her 2019 debut, “Treat Myself,” was just the start, and “Bittersweet 16” in 2023 showed she’s growing as an artist. Piper’s also traveling, collaborating with creators, and supporting her family with her earnings. She’s not just surviving—she’s crushing it.
Piper Rockelle’s Personal Life in 2025: How She’s Holding Up
I think she’s doing pretty darn well! She consistently posts on her various platforms, clearly demonstrating her passion for them. Her TikTok dances and Instagram selfies don’t feel forced—she’s genuinely enjoying the gigs and experiences that come her way. For instance, in 2024, she had the opportunity to meet Katy Perry, an unforgettable experience for any teenager. But it hasn’t all been sunshine. Piper’s been real about struggling with two eating disorders, a side effect of living under the spotlight’s pressure. The good news is that she is currently in recovery. She’s in recovery now and credits her solid crew—mom Tiffany, Hunter Hill, and friends like Anya Kay, Sophie Rain, and Lauryn Kyle—for keeping her grounded.
Love life-wise, Piper’s in a good spot too. She’s dating Capri Jones, a fellow 17-year-old influencer, and they went Instagram-official in March 2025. It’s a new vibe after her fling with Ryan Frye (May to late 2024) and a four-year romance with Lev Cameron that wrapped up earlier that year. With Capri, things are chill and low-key, but Piper looks happy, which is what fans root for. She’s juggling fame and personal growth like a pro, proving she’s tougher than the drama suggests. You’ve got to admire that resilience!
What’s Next for Piper Rockelle?
At the age of 17, she continues to excel on the internet, successfully juggling her fame with a personal life that is now firmly established. The Squad days are behind her, but she’s built something bigger on her own. With her talent and drive, Piper’s not fading anytime soon. She’s out there making content, dropping music, and working with brands while figuring out who she is beyond the camera.
Do you have any thoughts about Piper’s journey? Drop them below! To receive more updates on stars like her, please stay connected with us. Piper Rockelle’s story is still unfolding, and we’re here to keep you in the loop.
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