Brands That Collaborate with Small Influencers on Instagram
Are you a micro-influencer or just starting your content creator journey on Instagram? You may be surprised to learn that thousands of brands are actively partnering with small influencers — not just those with millions of followers. In fact, many companies today prefer to work with accounts that have instagram 1,000 to 50,000 followers due to higher engagement rates and stronger trust with their audience.
Whether you focus on beauty, fashion, fitness, travel, or lifestyle content, theres a strong chance that a brand is looking for creators just like you. Below is a hand-curated list of well-known brands that collaborate with small Instagram influencers, including the type of industry they’re in and how they usually run partnerships.
Top Brands That Work with Small Instagram Influencers
| Brand | Industry | Collaboration Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Glossier | Beauty & Skincare | Affiliate programs, PR boxes, creator campaigns |
| Sephora | Cosmetics | #SephoraSquad program with micro-influencer invites |
| Daniel Wellington | Watches & Accessories | Free products + promo code commissions |
| Gymshark | Fitness Apparel | Ambassador and athlete partnerships |
| HelloFresh | Meal Kits | Paid sponsorships and recipe unboxing collabs |
| FabFitFun | Subscription Boxes | Seasonal PR collaborations and discount codes |
| Airbnb | Travel & Experiences | Travel creators showcase local stays and adventures |
| Mejuri | Fine Jewelry | Creator program with commissions + gifted pieces |
| Supergoop | Skincare & SPF | Sunshine Squad influencer initiative |
| ColourPop | Cosmetics | Affiliate links and paid creator partnerships |
| Amazon Influencer Program | E-Commerce | Commission-based storefront for micro-creators |
| Fabletics | Activewear | Micro-influencer programs and UGC content deals |
| Pura Vida | Bracelets & Lifestyle | Ambassador program with free products |
| Nike | Sportswear | Local creator partnerships for community content |
| ASOS | Fashion Retail | ASOS Insiders includes micro-influencers globally |
Why Brands Love Working with Small Influencers
There are several reasons why brands seek out partnerships with small or micro-influencers:
- Higher engagement rates: Smaller audiences interact more authentically.
- Cost-effective campaigns: Brands can reach niche audiences without paying celebrity-level fees.
- Trust and relatability: Followers of micro-influencers trust their recommendations more than paid ads.
- Diverse voices: Small creators come from all backgrounds and industries, allowing brands to reach broader communities.
How You Can Start Collaborating with Brands
If you’re looking to land your first collaboration, follow these steps:
- Ensure your Instagram bio and feed reflect your niche (e.g., beauty, travel, fashion).
- Create content that organically features products you already love.
- Tag the brand, use their official hashtags, and engage with their posts.
- Apply to official ambassador or affiliate programs from the list above.
- Use influencer platforms like Collabstr, AspireIQ, or Influencity to find open campaigns.
Working with brands is more accessible than ever — especially if you focus on authenticity and audience engagement. Whether you’re a beauty blogger, fashion lover, fitness enthusiast, or lifestyle creator, there’s a brand out there ready to partner with you.
