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Face reveal: Have Kenyans outgrown this popular celebrity content trend?

Valerian Khakayi 25th November, 2025 07:52 PM

For years, celebrities’ kids’ face reveal videos have dominated social media in Kenya, from TikTok to YouTube premieres.

But a growing number of Kenyans now say the trend is losing its spark, raising the question: have audiences finally outgrown celebrity face-reveal content?

The face reveal era began with creators hiding their newborns, only to later reveal them with dramatic countdowns and curated photoshoots as social media content. It worked back then since fans rushed to view, share, and comment, often turning these videos into viral moments.

For celebrities, it became a quick way to boost engagement and stay relevant.

Pink and white hammock on green grass field.Image used for representation purposes. PHOTO/Pexels

However, over time, this popular trend is losing relevance not only among fans who are calling for more authentic and meaningful content instead of staged surprises, but also among some celebrities who are no longer into it.

In a recent interview with local YouTubers, comedienne and digital content creator Millicent Ayuwa, widely known as Dem Wa Facebook, criticised celebrities who are still doing face reveal content.

“Kuna kitu inaendelea online yenye haibambi, latest ukiakalia ni family zimekuwa over mia watu sahi ata si ma content creators ni ma family, kwanza kuna part ya face reveal unarevealia nani sura?” she said.

“That is your kid, huyo ni mtoto wako. Face reveal ka sisi wakenya inatusaidia na nini?”

Here are some of the reasons why the once-popular trending content is fading.

Oversaturation

Too many celebrities and influencers have used the same concept, making the content feel repetitive.

Audience perspectives

Millennials and Gen Z prefer content that feels real and relatable and is not scripted and staged.

A baby’s feet.Image used to illustrate the story.PHOTO/Pexels

Shift toward authenticity

Creators, the likes of Crazy Kennar, his wife Natalie, Njugush, Celestine Ndinda, and Mammito, who show their daily lives and never hide the faces of their newborns, are gaining more trust and better engagement.

Forced relevance

Some fans feel celebrities are turning face reveal content into marketing tools or a way to stay relevant, which can feel forced.

Despite all the negativity around it, a few Kenyan stars continue to draw big numbers with face reveal content, like the Wajeesus family.

However, even these videos are getting more critical comments than before because fans want more creative storytelling, real conversation content, and not manufactured suspense.

While face reveals once ruled Kenyan celebrity content, the trend appears to be fading as audiences grow more demanding and less impressed by staged surprises.

Fans want authenticity, not gimmicks, and celebrities may need to evolve with the shift.