Fox One, the streaming platform owned by Fox, has hired two social media influencers with considerable followings on TikTok to serve as its paid “watchers” of the FIFA World Cup men’s soccer tournament, the broadcaster announced this week.
After a national search, Fox said it landed on TikTok stars Austin Franklin (205,300 followers as of Tuesday afternoon) and Kevin Akoto (167,000 followers) to watch all 104 FIFA World Cup matches while located inside a transparent “cube” in Times Square.
Fox One will pay the duo $50,000 each for their efforts. The tournament kicks off on Thursday, and lasts about a month.
“Following an overwhelming response from fans nationwide, we couldn’t select just a single watcher,” Brian Borkowski, the Chief Marketing Officer for Fox’s Direct-to-Consumer platforms, said in a statement. “This role is all about the fans and bringing them closer to the action wherever they are. From the cube to social feeds across the country, Austin and Kevin will help connect millions of people through every unforgettable moment of this historic tournament.”
Indeed hosted the official job listing for Fox One, with the company serving as a promotional partner of the marketing campaign. Fox said the partnership “highlights Indeed’s ongoing commitment to connecting job seekers with roles that match their unique skills and passions.”
“With such a unique, high-energy role, we are thrilled that Austin and Kevin’s creative skills stood out so clearly,” said Jennifer Warren, the Vice President of Global Marketing at Indeed. “In a market that can feel pretty impersonal, this is a reminder that jobs need people, and we’re here to help employers and talent truly see each other.”
Franklin and Akoto won’t simply watch the games — they’ll also be required to create social media content and engage with soccer fans and followers throughout the tournament. Which shouldn’t be a difficult task: According to biographies supplied by Fox, Franklin and Akoto listed “content creator” as their current occupation. (The network said Franklin’s full-time job is creating social media content; Akoto previously worked at a movie theater, but has since managed to make posting on TikTok his primary source of revenue, according to a LinkedIn profile reviewed by The Desk, which wasn’t officially sanctioned by Indeed.)
Both influencers also have collegiate experience that should serve them well in their new roles for Fox: Franklin earned a Masters of Fine Arts in writing for film and television from Emerson College, while Akoto has a Bachelors of Science in Communications from the University of North Florida.
Understandably, Franklin and Akoto both said they’re rooting for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team during the FIFA World Cup tournament.
“It still feels pretty surreal,” Franklin said in a statement. “Being able to watch every World Cup match and share those moments with fans everywhere from Times Square is a dream. I’m so excited to bring fans along for every moment of it.”
“To call this a dream job almost feels like an understatement,” Akoto quipped. “Getting a front-row seat to all the matches from what might be the ultimate World Cup watch party is unbelievable. I can’t wait to get started.”
Fox One will offer all 104 matches from the FIFA World Cup tournament. The games will also be available on cable, satellite and streaming TV services via Fox stations and affiliates and across Fox’s two cable sports networks.
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Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story said Fox Sports hired the two social media influencers for the marketing campaign. A spokesperson clarified that Fox One hired the influencers. Fox Sports and Fox One are both owned by Fox Corporation, but operate as standalone business units.
