Types of Influencer Marketing

Published: 08 Sep 2025

Did you know that influencer marketing has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide? Businesses of all sizes are now using different strategies to connect with their audiences online. To succeed in this fast-changing digital world, it is important to understand the types of influencer marketing and how each one can help brands reach their goals. If you want to explore more marketing strategies, check out our guide on types of digital marketing.

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Different Types of Influencer Marketing

There are different types of influencer marketing that brands use to reach their target audience. Each type has its own style, purpose, and benefits.

  1. Nano Influencer Marketing (1K–10K followers)
  2. Micro Influencer Marketing (10K–100K followers)
  3. Macro Influencer Marketing (100K–1M followers)
  4. Mega Influencer Marketing (1M+ followers)
  5. Employee or Customer Influencer Marketing
  6. Content-Based Influencer Marketing
  7. Affiliate Influencer Marketing
  8. Contest and Giveaway Influencer Marketing
  9. Unboxing and Review Influencer Marketing
  10. Live Stream Influencer Marketing
  11. Podcast Influencer Marketing
  12. Event or Takeover Influencer Marketing
  13. Social Media Platform-Based Influencer Marketing
  14. Brand Ambassador Programs
  15. Celebrity Endorsements

1. Nano Influencer Marketing

Nano influencer marketing is about creators with 1,000 to 10,000 followers. They are very close to their audience and have personal connections. Their followers trust their opinions because they feel real and relatable. Brands choose nano influencers for authentic promotions.

Examples:

  1. A student sharing daily fitness tips
  2. A small fashion blogger on Instagram
  3. A local food reviewer
Benefits
  • High engagement rate
  • Strong trust with followers
  • Affordable for small brands
  • Easy to collaborate
  • Perfect for local marketing

Where to Look for Them:

  • Instagram hashtags (#nanoinfluencer, #smallblogger)
  • TikTok niche creators
  • Local Facebook or WhatsApp groups

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Send a friendly DM
  • Use the email in their bio
  • Approach through influencer platforms

2. Micro Influencer Marketing

Micro influencer marketing focuses on creators with 10,000 to 100,000 followers. They are experts in a specific niche such as fitness, beauty, or technology. Their audience is larger than that of nano-influencers, but still small enough to maintain good engagement. Brands choose them for targeted promotions.

Examples:

  1. A fitness trainer with 50,000 Instagram followers
  2. A beauty blogger sharing makeup tutorials
  3. A tech reviewer on YouTube
Benefits
  • Strong niche expertise
  • Higher reach than nano influencers
  • Good engagement with followers
  • Cost-effective compared to macro influencers
  • Trusted voices in their field

Where to Look for Them:

  • Instagram and TikTok niche hashtags
  • YouTube channels on specific topics
  • Influencer discovery tools

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Contact them through their email address
  • Direct message on social media
  • Reach out via influencer marketing agencies

3. Macro Influencer Marketing

Macro influencer marketing refers to creators with between 100,000 and 1 million followers. They are well-known in their industry and have a strong online presence. Their audience is wide and spread across different regions. Brands collaborate with macro influencers to increase visibility and quickly reach a large audience.

Examples:

  1. A travel blogger with 500,000 Instagram followers
  2. A fashion influencer with a big YouTube channel
  3. A lifestyle creator active on multiple platforms
Benefits
  • Wide audience reach
  • Professional content creation
  • Higher brand awareness
  • Great for national or global campaigns
  • Builds brand authority

Where to Look for Them:

  • Popular Instagram and TikTok accounts
  • YouTube trending channels
  • Influencer marketing platforms and databases

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Reach out through business email
  • Use influencer talent agencies
  • Connect via LinkedIn or official websites

4. Mega Influencer Marketing

Mega influencer marketing is about creators with over 1 million followers. They are internet celebrities or famous public figures. Their audience is massive and spread all over the world. Brands work with mega influencers to create big campaigns and reach millions in a short time.

Examples:

  1. A famous singer promoting a brand on Instagram
  2. A top gamer live-streaming for sponsors
  3. A movie star sharing products on social media
Benefits
  • Global audience reach
  • Huge impact in less time
  • Strong social proof for brands
  • Best for new product launches
  • Creates viral marketing opportunities

Where to Look for Them:

  • Instagram accounts with millions of followers
  • Verified TikTok creators
  • Global YouTube channels

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Contact through official management teams
  • Use professional talent agencies
  • Approach via brand partnerships or PR teams

5. Employee or Customer Influencer Marketing

Employee or customer influencer marketing is about real people connected to the brand. Employees share their work experiences. Customers talk about how they use the product. Their stories feel natural and trusted because they come from real life. Brands choose this type to build honesty and strong relationships.

Examples:

  1. An employee posting behind-the-scenes moments at work
  2. A happy customer reviewing a skincare product online
  3. A loyal buyer sharing photos of using a brand’s clothes
Benefit
  • Builds high trust with the audience
  • Creates authentic and relatable content
  • Low cost for brands
  • Encourages word-of-mouth promotion
  • Strengthens brand loyalty

Where to Look for Them:

  • Company staff who are active on social media
  • Loyal customers on Instagram and TikTok
  • Product review sites and community groups

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Motivate employees with rewards and recognition
  • Ask loyal customers for honest reviews
  • Run special programs for customers who want to promote

6. Content-Based Influencer Marketing

Content-based influencer marketing focuses on creators who produce unique and engaging content. They may write blogs, record videos, or design creative posts. Their talent is in producing high-quality and engaging material. Brands choose them when they need creative content that stands out.

Examples:

  1. A blogger writing detailed tech reviews
  2. A YouTuber creating funny skits for a brand
  3. A photographer sharing brand products with creative visuals
Benefits
  • Produces professional-level content
  • Helps brands stand out from competitors
  • Works for long-term content use
  • Boosts audience engagement
  • Supports both education and entertainment

Where to Look for Them:

  • YouTube creators with creative content
  • Bloggers in specific niches
  • Instagram photographers and TikTok storytellers

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Send them brand collaboration offers
  • Invite them for sponsored content deals
  • Approach through influencer marketplaces

7. Affiliate Influencer Marketing

Affiliate influencer marketing is based on commission. Influencers promote products using a special link or code. When people buy through that link, the influencer earns money. Brands like this type because they only pay for actual sales. It is a win-win for both sides.

Examples:

  1. A beauty blogger sharing a discount code for makeup
  2. A tech YouTuber adding affiliate links in video descriptions
  3. A fitness trainer promoting supplements with a special link
Benefits:
  • Cost-effective for brands
  • Encourages influencers to sell more
  • Easy to track performance
  • Works well for online shopping
  • Builds long-term partnerships

Where to Look for Them:

  • Affiliate networks like Amazon Associates
  • Niche bloggers and YouTubers
  • Instagram and TikTok creators with promo codes

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Offer unique discount codes
  • Invite influencers to join affiliate programs
  • Share commission-based contracts

8. Contest and Giveaway Influencer Marketing

Contest and giveaway influencer marketing is about creating excitement. Influencers host contests or free giveaways on their pages. Followers join by liking, sharing, or tagging friends. This type quickly boosts engagement and spreads brand awareness.

Examples:

  1. An influencer asking followers to tag friends to win a gift
  2. A beauty blogger giving away makeup products
  3. A travel vlogger offering free tickets through a contest
Benefits
  • Increases audience engagement
  • Attracts new followers fast
  • Creates buzz for a brand or product
  • Encourages sharing and tagging
  • Builds positive brand image

Where to Look for Them:

  • Instagram influencers who run contests
  • YouTubers hosting giveaways
  • TikTok creators with active followers

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Offer free products for giveaways
  • Sponsor a contest with exciting prizes
  • Provide clear rules and guidelines for promotions

9. Unboxing and Review Influencer Marketing

Unboxing and review influencer marketing is all about first impressions. Influencers open a product in front of their audience and share honest reviews. This feels natural and helps people trust the product. Brands use this type to show real quality and build confidence.

Examples:

  1. A tech YouTuber unboxing a new smartphone
  2. A beauty vlogger reviewing skincare products
  3. A gamer testing and reviewing new headphones
Benefits
  • Builds trust with real reviews
  • Shows product features clearly
  • Increases customer confidence
  • Creates engaging video content
  • Encourages quick buying decisions

Where to Look for Them:

  • YouTubers who do tech or beauty unboxing
  • TikTok creators making review videos
  • Bloggers writing detailed product reviews

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Send free products for testing
  • Offer payment for sponsored reviews
  • Give early access to new launches

10. Live stream influencer marketing 

Live stream influencer marketing uses real-time video. Influencers go live and talk about a product. They can show how to use it and answer questions instantly. This feels natural and interactive. Viewers trust more because it looks honest and unplanned.

Examples:

  1. A gamer streaming while using a new headset
  2. A beauty influencer doing live makeup with a brand’s products
  3. A chef cooking live with a food brand’s ingredients
Benefits
  • Builds trust through real-time interaction
  • Creates a sense of urgency and excitement
  • Allows instant feedback from viewers
  • Increases product sales quickly
  • Makes viewers feel part of the experience

Where to Look for Them:

  • Live platforms like YouTube Live, Instagram Live, TikTok Live, or Twitch
  • Influencers who already host live sessions
  • Communities where live interaction is popular

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Ask influencers to demo your product live
  • Plan Q&A sessions to engage the audience
  • Provide special discounts for live viewers

11. Podcast Influencer Marketing

Podcast influencer marketing uses audio shows to promote products. Influencers talk about brands during their podcast episodes. Sometimes they share personal stories or give recommendations. Listeners feel connected because the voice feels real and trustworthy.

Examples:

  1. A health podcast host promoting vitamins
  2. A business podcaster sharing a software tool
  3. A lifestyle podcast mentioning a fashion brand
Benefits
  • Builds deep trust with listeners
  • Works well for niche audiences
  • Creates long-form brand exposure
  • Reaches people during daily routines
  • Encourages loyal brand following

Where to Look for Them:

  • Popular podcast platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts
  • Niche podcast creators on health, business, or lifestyle
  • Podcast directories and influencer networks

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Offer sponsorship deals for episodes
  • Provide affiliate links or discount codes
  • Send free products for them to mention naturally

12. Event or Takeover Influencer Marketing

Event or takeover influencer marketing focuses on special events. Brands invite influencers to attend, cover, or even host events. Sometimes influencers take over a brand’s social media account for a day. This creates excitement and gives followers a fresh experience.

Examples:

  • An influencer live-posting from a brand’s fashion show
  • A travel vlogger covering a hotel opening event
  • A fitness coach running a brand’s Instagram stories for one day
Benefits
  • Brings fresh content to brand pages
  • Creates real-time engagement
  • Builds hype around events
  • Reaches new audiences quickly
  • Shows the brand in a fun and interactive way

Where to Look for Them:

  • Influencers active in event coverage
  • Creators in niches like travel, fashion, or lifestyle
  • Social media personalities with strong live presence

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Invite influencers to brand events
  • Offer them control of brand accounts for a day
  • Provide special perks like free passes or VIP access

13. Social Media Platform-Based Influencer Marketing

Social media platform-based influencer marketing focuses on one platform. Influencers primarily create content for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or other social media platforms. Each platform has its own style and audience. Brands select influencers based on where their target audience spends the most time.

Examples:

  1. An Instagram influencer sharing fashion reels
  2. A TikTok creator making short comedy videos
  3. A YouTuber posting long product reviews
Benefits
  • Reaches the audience on their favourite platform
  • Matches content with platform trends
  • Builds stronger engagement
  • Helps brands test different channels
  • Cost control by focusing on one platform

Where to Look for Them:

  • Instagram hashtag searches
  • TikTok trending creators
  • YouTube niche channels

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Direct message through the platform
  • Use the email listed in the bio or description
  • Approach through influencer marketplaces

14. Brand Ambassador Programs

Brand ambassador programs focus on long-term partnerships. A brand selects an influencer to represent them for months or even years. The ambassador promotes products regularly and becomes the face of the brand. This type creates loyalty and consistency in marketing.

Examples:

  1. A sports player representing a shoe brand for one year
  2. A fashion influencer wearing a brand in every post
  3. A beauty vlogger using the same skincare brand in all videos
Benefits
  • Builds long-term brand trust
  • Creates a strong brand image
  • Provides steady promotion
  • Strengthens customer loyalty
  • Increases brand recognition

Where to Look for Them:

  • Influencers already using your products
  • Bloggers who post about your niche often
  • Social media creators with consistent content

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Offer them an official contract
  • Give exclusive products or services
  • Build personal relationships with regular updates

15. Celebrity Endorsements

Celebrity endorsements use famous people to promote brands. These celebrities may be actors, singers, athletes, or TV stars. Their fame brings instant attention to products. Fans trust their choices and feel inspired to buy the same products. Brands use this type for big campaigns and wide recognition.

Examples:

  1. A movie star promoting a perfume brand
  2. A cricket player endorsing a sports drink
  3. A singer appearing in an ad for clothing
Benefits
  • Provides instant brand visibility
  • Reaches millions of people at once
  • Builds a strong brand image
  • Adds social proof and trust
    Works well for luxury or lifestyle products

Where to Look for Them:

  • Talent agencies handling celebrities
  • Social media profiles of famous personalities
  • PR teams connected to stars

Best Ways to Connect:

  • Contact through official management
  • Approach via PR companies
  • Offer professional brand deals or contracts

Conclusion

Alright, everyone, let’s wrap things up! In this article, we’ve covered Types of Influencer Marketing in detail. Personally, I recommend starting with micro and nano influencers if you have a small brand. They give great engagement without a huge budget. Pick one of these strategies today and see the results for yourself!

FAQs about Types of Influencer Marketing

Check out these common questions about Types of Influencer Marketing

What is influencer marketing?

Influencer marketing is when brands work with popular people online to promote their products. These influencers share content about the brand with their followers. It helps brands reach the right audience faster.

What are the main types of influencer marketing?

There are many types, like nano, micro, macro, mega, content-based, affiliate, and more. Each type has a different audience size and strategy. Brands choose them based on goals and budget.

Who is a nano influencer?

Nano influencers have 1,000 to 10,000 followers. They have close relationships with their audience and are very trusted. Small brands often use them for authentic promotion.

How is a micro influencer different from a macro influencer?

Micro influencers have 10K–100K followers and focus on a specific niche. Macro influencers have 100K–1M followers and reach a wider audience. Micro influencers are more personal, while macro influencers give more visibility.

What is affiliate influencer marketing?

Affiliate influencer marketing is when influencers earn a commission for every sale they generate. They use special links or discount codes to track sales. This method is risk-free for brands because they pay only for results.

What is content-based influencer marketing?

Content-based influencer marketing focuses on creators who produce unique content, such as blogs, videos, or posts. They help brands stand out with creative material. It is useful for long-term brand visibility and engagement.

How do contest and giveaway influencer campaigns work?

Influencers host contests or giveaways for their followers. Participants like, share, or tag friends to join. This quickly increases engagement and spreads brand awareness.

How do brands choose the right influencer type?

Brands consider their target audience, budget, and marketing objectives. Small brands may choose nano or micro influencers, while big brands may use celebrities. The right type depends on engagement, reach, and brand fit.

Rukhsana Iqbal Avatar
Rukhsana Iqbal

Hi! I’m Rukhsana Iqbal, a passionate digital marketing enthusiast. I love sharing simple tips and strategies that help beginners understand SEO, blogging, and online marketing in an easy way. My goal is to make digital marketing less confusing and more fun so that anyone can grow their online presence step by step. Let’s learn and grow together!

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