We’ve all heard of influencers and influencer marketing by now.
These figures, who have become opinion leaders, have the power to influence the decisions and behaviours of their followers. But not all influencers are the same—there are different types of influencers based on categories, platforms, and community size.
An influencer is someone who has credibility in a specific field and uses social media platforms to recommend or endorse brands or products.
The key for influencers is that their audience sees them as a reference, and if they’re an expert in a niche topic, even better. The number of followers takes a backseat to relevance.
Characteristics that define influencers
- Credibility on specific topics: Influencers are often passionate about certain topics like books, movies, sports, food, or tech, and their followers look to them for advice or inspiration in these areas.
- Social media presence: They have followers who are interested in the content they share. Some influencers are more active than others, but all have influence.
- Brand ambassadors: Influencers are often aligned with a company’s values and what it offers. Brands seek them out to promote their products or services due to this alignment.
But as mentioned, not all influencers are the same. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right influencers for your campaign.
Types of Influencers based on audience size
The impact and reach of influencers vary depending on their follower count. In Smartbrand, we categorise influencers into three main types based on their audience size:
- Nano-influencers (2K - 10K followers)
Despite their small audience, their closeness with followers allows for a high engagement rate.
Those profiles are humble, collaborative, and often open to win-win agreements. Their influence is local and specific, with authenticity being their greatest strength. - Micro-influencers (10K - 100K followers)
Not celebrities, but they have considerable authority in their niche areas.
Their opinions are highly valued, and they have a strong trust with their followers. Micro-influencers are professionals in their field and often preferred by brands due to their natural authenticity and credibility. - Macro-influencers (100K - 1M followers)
These influencers often make a living through social media and typically request higher fees for collaborations.
Their reach is considerably wide, with a diverse and engaged audience. - Mega-influencers (1M+ followers)
Mega-influencers are at the top, with a global reach.
Their influence spans across borders and cultures, making them comparable to celebrities.
Due to their massive popularity, collaborations often require significant investment, but their ability to drive brand awareness is unmatched. However, it’s important to note that engagement may not always be proportionate to high.
While the number of followers is an indicator of reach, it is not the only factor to consider. Engagement, authenticity, and content relevance are just as crucial when selecting the right profile to collaborate with.
Influencers by profile type
In addition to audience size, influencers can also be classified by their profile type. This determines the nature of their influence and how they interact with their audience.
- Celebrities: Public personalities known internationally for their careers in film, music, or sports. While they have large followings, they may not always guarantee a high engagement rate.
- Experts: These influencers are authorities in specific fields such as tech, fashion, or the "geek" world. Their opinions are highly valued due to their expertise.
- Trendsetters: Influencers who quickly adopt trends, becoming leaders in those areas. Their audience follows them to stay updated with the latest trends.
- Consumers: These influencers represent the general public, sharing opinions and reviews about products or services they use. Their authenticity is their strength, as they speak directly to the average consumer.
Types of Influencers based on content theme
The influencer world is diverse. Beyond audience size and profile type, another way to categorise influencers is by the content theme or niche they specialise in.
This classification is vital for brands launching influencer marketing campaigns, as it helps identify profiles and audiences that align with the products or services being promoted.
- Fashion: Influencers who are passionate about trends, design, and style. They share their looks, fashion advice, and collaborate with clothing and accessory brands.
- Foodies: Influencers who love gastronomy and share recipes, restaurant reviews, and culinary tips. They’re ideal for food and restaurant brands.
- Fitness: The ones focused on workout routines, health, and wellness tips. Great for sports, nutrition, and health brands.
- Beauty: Experts in makeup, skincare, and beauty products, sharing tutorials, reviews, and beauty hacks.
- Travel: Influencers who share their travel adventures, recommend destinations, accommodations, and experiences. Perfect for travel agencies, airlines, and tourism-related businesses.
- Families: Focused on parenting, family activities, and products for kids and parents.
- Gamers: Influencers in the gaming world who review games, do live streams, and discuss the latest trends in gaming.
- Lifestyle: These influencers cover a range of topics from fashion to travel to food, offering a holistic view of their lifestyle.
- Comedians: Influencers dedicated to humour, creating sketches, parodies, and monologues for entertainment.
- Activists: These influencers are dedicated to social, political, or environmental causes, using their platform to raise awareness and mobilise their audience.
- Cultural diffusers: Passionate about art and literature, sharing their creations, recommending events, books or art. Perfect for publishers, bookstores, and cultural events.
Each theme has its own set of influencers who stand out for their authenticity and expertise in the area. Identifying the right themes to target is key for delivering better results in your campaigns.
Types of Influencers based on social network
Each social network has its unique characteristics, different types of content, and most importantly, they cater to different audience demographics. Understanding these is essential for identifying the right influencer for your brand:
- Instagrammers
Instagram is the go-to platform for visually-driven content. Influencers typically share high-quality photos, short videos, Stories, and Reels. These influencers excel in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and travel, and their content often focuses on aspirational lifestyles.
Audience: Primarily 18-34 years old, with a focus on millennials. - YouTubers
YouTube remains one of the most powerful platforms for long-form content. YouTubers create detailed tutorials, vlogs, product reviews, and entertainment videos. They have strong followings built on personality and expertise in their respective fields.
Audience: Broad age range (13-45), with content targeting specific interests such as tech, beauty, and lifestyle. - TikTokers
TikTok is a platform for fast, creative, short-form video content.
TikTok influencers often participate in viral challenges, share trends, and create funny, relatable content. This platform is known for its algorithm, which pushes viral content to millions.
Audience: Primarily younger users with a focus on Gen Z. This audience tends to seek entertainment, trends, and quick, digestible content. - Streamers (Twitch, YouTube Live, etc.)
Streamers create real-time content, usually in the form of live gameplay, discussions, or creative sessions. They have a direct, interactive relationship with their followers, allowing for live feedback and engagement.
Audience: Mostly young (16-35). - Podcasters
In the podcasting world, people often discuss niche topics such as business, entertainment, or culture. While podcasts have traditionally been audio-only, many now feature video elements.
Audience: Adults aged 25-45, with a focus on professional and niche content (business, storytelling, comedy).
Each of these social networks serves distinct audiences, and the influencers on them use content formats that align with user preferences. For example, TikTokers are geared towards a younger, trend-focused audience, while Instagrammers tend to attract a broader but still highly engaged group interested in visual content.
At Smartbrand, we specialise in matching brands with the right influencers based on both platform and audience. Our deep understanding of each social network ensures that campaigns are not just about reach—they’re about reaching the right people.
The world of influencer marketing is vast and constantly evolving. Understanding the different types of influencers, from audience size to content themes, is crucial to running effective campaigns. By selecting the right influencer based on the platform, niche, and engagement, brands can achieve better results.
At Smartbrand, we help you identify and select the influencers that best align with your brand’s goals and campaign objectives, ensuring a strategy that works for your business.
