If you’ve been doom-scrolling YouTube or TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the name Piper Rockelle pop up more than a few times. Usually, it’s for some neon-colored "Squad" challenge or a bubbly music video. But lately? The vibe has shifted. People are asking a very specific question: when does the piper documentary come out?
The short answer? It’s already here, but it might not be under the name you’re searching for.
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Netflix officially dropped the docuseries titled Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing on April 9, 2025. It’s a three-part deep dive that basically blew the doors off the "Squad" house. If you were looking for a standalone film just called "Piper," this is the project you've actually been hearing whispers about. It’s not just a puff piece. It’s heavy.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Bad Influence
The internet has a way of making everything look like a party. For years, Piper Rockelle and her rotating group of friends—affectionately known as the Squad—posted videos that looked like the ultimate childhood dream. Pranks, mansion living, and millions of dollars in the bank.
But as the documentary reveals, the reality was a lot less glittery.
Directed by Jenna Rosher and Kief Davidson, the series centers on the allegations of abuse and exploitation that have dogged Piper’s mother and manager, Tiffany Smith. You might remember back in 2022 when eleven former members of the Squad filed a massive lawsuit. They weren’t just complaining about long hours; they were talking about emotional, physical, and even sexual abuse.
Honestly, the details are gut-wrenching. The doc features interviews with former members like Sophie Fergi and Sawyer Sharbino, who describe a "cult-like" environment. Imagine being 13 years old and being told to lick a smoothie off the Hollywood Walk of Fame just for a "funny" thumbnail. That’s the kind of stuff they’re talking about.
When Did the Documentary Actually Release?
Let’s clear up the timeline because there was a lot of confusion while the legal battles were still hot.
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- October 2024: A $1.85 million settlement was reached between Tiffany Smith and the former Squad families.
- Early 2025: Netflix starts teasing a "dark side of social media" project.
- April 9, 2025: Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing officially hits the streaming platform.
If you are just now catching up in early 2026, you can binge the whole thing right now. It consists of three episodes, each about 45 to 50 minutes long. It’s not a fun watch, but it’s definitely an eye-opening one for anyone who thinks being a "kidfluencer" is an easy ticket to fame.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Piper Documentary"
A big misconception is that this film is about Piper attacking her friends. It’s more complicated than that.
Most of the former Squad members in the documentary actually go out of their way to say they still care about Piper herself. They view her as another victim of the system. The "villain" role in this narrative is almost exclusively occupied by the "momager" culture and the lack of laws protecting kids on the internet.
In California, child actors have the Coogan Law. It protects their money and limits their hours. But if you’re a YouTuber? Those rules are basically nonexistent. The doc explains how these kids were allegedly working 12-hour days without school breaks or even bathroom breaks. It’s a legal grey area that the series argues needs to be closed immediately.
Is There Another Documentary Coming?
Because the Netflix series was such a hit, rumors have been swirling about a "Part 2" or a follow-up.
As of right now, there is no official release date for a second Piper documentary. However, Piper herself has been vocal on social media about telling her "side" of the story. She’s called the Netflix portrayal "hard to understand" and "painful." There’s a good chance we’ll see a self-produced documentary or a long-form response video from her camp later this year.
Also, don't get this confused with the horror movie The Piper (starring Charlotte Hope) or the Elizabeth Hurley flick Piper. Those are fictional movies about the Pied Piper legend. If you're looking for the YouTube scandal, stick to Netflix.
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What Happened After the Credits Rolled?
Since the documentary came out, things have changed for the Rockelle empire.
- Demonetization: YouTube took a hard stance and demonetized several accounts associated with the allegations for a period of time.
- Legal Precedent: This case is being used by advocates to push for new "kidfluencer" laws in several states.
- Piper’s Pivot: Piper has since turned 18 and is reportedly trying to distance herself from the "Squad" branding to start a solo career.
If you're planning to watch, be prepared. It’s not just about YouTube drama; it’s a look at how we, as an audience, contribute to this by clicking on those thumbnails.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to see the full story, head to Netflix and search for Bad Influence. It’s the definitive answer to the question of when the Piper documentary comes out—it's been available since April 2025. After watching, you might want to look into the Coogan Law updates for 2026 to see how the industry is actually changing in response to these allegations.