South Africa, Aug. 26 -- As a result, young South Africans are embracing this opportunity in growing numbers, viewing content creation as a route to earn an income, build a personal brand and express themselves creatively.

On the surface, the answer to whether you need a degree to succeed might seem obvious. After all, you don't need a qualification to go viral, just a smartphone, some consistency, and a sharp eye on what's trending. But behind the glamour of follower counts and trending hashtags lies a much more complex industry.

"The social media influencer landscape in South Africa is undergoing a transformation as value shifts from quantity to quality," says Michele O'Hara, deputy dean of Brand Communication at IIE Vega School, "Bra...