Survey finds broad support for taxing social media influencers

ISLAMABAD: A nationwide online survey conducted by the Press Network of Pakistan has found that most respondents support bringing social media influencers into Pakistan’s tax system, while also calling for a measured framework that shields smaller creators and supports the digital economy.

The survey, titled Social Media Influencer Tax in Pakistan, examined public views on the federal government’s plan to impose a 5 per cent withholding tax on income earned by influencers through platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok under the Finance Bill 2026. According to the findings, participants generally backed the idea that digital content creators should be included in the formal tax net, but also stressed the need for fairness, exemptions for smaller creators and state support for a fast-expanding online sector.

Concerns about impact on young creators

The PNP said respondents were concerned that taxation should not undermine the prospects of young people entering digital entrepreneurship. A survey statement that the proposed levy could discourage young people from pursuing careers in digital content creation received an average score of 3.34 out of 5, indicating a mixed but clear level of concern over its possible effect on future creators.

The survey was conducted after the proposal was introduced in the Finance Bill 2026. It drew responses from participants across different age groups, cities and social backgrounds in Pakistan. According to the PNP, 45 per cent of respondents were male and 55 per cent were female.

YouTube seen as most exposed

Among the platforms, YouTube was viewed as the one most likely to face the strongest effect from the proposed tax, with 53.8 per cent of respondents selecting it. Another 24.6 per cent said the tax would affect all major social media platforms equally.

Instagram was identified by 9.2 per cent of respondents, while TikTok accounted for 6.2 per cent. Facebook and blogs or websites each received 3.1 per cent. The findings suggest that respondents see YouTube as central to Pakistan’s creator economy and expect its content makers to bear the greatest financial impact from the proposed measure.

The survey was compiled and released on June 27, offering fresh insight into public opinion as the government considers the 5 per cent withholding tax on social media earnings.