For the first time, the DNC welcomes influencers to the stage

This week at the Democratic National Convention, some of the biggest names in the party have delivered speeches in support of Vice President Kamala Harris' run for office. Among them: Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

But one speaker, perhaps less expected, was a 24-year-old woman named Deja Foxx.

She is one of more than 200 digital content creators who has been given media access at the DNC. This year is the first time that Democrats have credentialed online influencers. For reference, the Republican National Convention credentialed more than 70 online personalities this year.

Foxx argued the DNC's move demonstrates an effort to connect with Gen Z:

"It signals to young people, a presidency that will listen to them, that will respond to them, and that has young people in the room," she said.

The Democratic Party describes this access as "leveling the playing field" between content creators and traditional media.

And as research shows more and more people are learning about politics through social media, Democrats are embracing the change.

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One content creator's journey to the DNC.

Each night at the DNC, at least one content creator is scheduled to speak. This week, All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro spoke with Olivia Julianna ahead of her speech.

If there's a hierarchy of political content creators, Julianna is right up near the top. Her videos have covered topics ranging from electoral politics to abortion access, and she has more than a million followers across all her social media accounts.

Still, she never