Inkubis: Jurnal Ekonomi dan Bisnis
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): INKUBIS Jurnal Ekonomi Dan Bisnis

Storytelling Branding as a Moderator of Personal Branding on Personal Image: Evidence from YouTube Content Creators

Mohamad Hadi Prasetyo (Universitas Ekuitas Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background: YouTube has transformed content creators into personal brands competing to establish credible and distinctive images. However, the effectiveness of personal branding may depend on how creators communicate their identities through storytelling. Objective: This study analyzes the moderating role of storytelling branding in the relationship between personal branding and the personal image of YouTube content creators. Methods: This quantitative explanatory study surveyed 256 Indonesian YouTube users selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS. Results: Personal branding significantly and positively influenced personal image (β = 0.533; t = 7.987; p < 0.001). Storytelling branding also had a significant positive effect on personal image (β = 0.342; t = 4.905; p < 0.001). Furthermore, storytelling branding significantly strengthened the relationship between personal branding and personal image (β = 0.114; t = 2.207; p = 0.027). Conclusion: Consistent personal branding enhances content creators’ personal images, while authentic, emotionally engaging, and coherent storytelling strengthens this effect. YouTube content creators should therefore integrate strategic storytelling into their personal branding practices.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ink

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

INKUBIS: Jurnal Ekonomi dan Bisnis is a scientific periodical published twice a year or 6 months. INKUBIS: Jurnal Ekonomi dan Bisnis is managed by the Politeknik Siber Cerdika Internasional which publishes scientific manuscripts in the family of economics and ...