Create an Influencer Contract

Now that you have selected an influencer, the next step is to agree on a contract. Here are a few things to take care of:

Expected result

Influencers typically do not promise expected outcomes but you can understand by looking at past collabs. Ask them for details such as how many sales or clicks a past client got. A large number of influencers now offer media kits that contain such details. Make sure to go through these kits so you can have a full understanding of what to expect.

Money

As explained earlier, money has to be decided in advance. In most cases, you will be asked to make an advance payment. Influencers typically accept payment through PayPal and other such methods. Those who agree to accept a free product or service instead of payment will typically require it in advance.

Content

Make sure to spend a good amount of time discussing this factor as it can make or break your campaign. You can either provide content or have the influencer create it for you. Content includes everything from images, videos, and captions, to hashtags. Most brands dictate what to include in the content and let influencers create their own. However, we suggest that you insist on approving content before it goes live to avoid issues. Even a small typo can lead to disastrous consequences so be very careful.

Delivery Method

Since content can be promoted in a variety of ways, you must be clear about the delivery method, i.e.: will it be a post, a live video, a pre-recorded video, and so on? Most brands these days go for a mix of content. We suggest you also go for a package that includes not just pre-recorded videos or images but also stories and live sessions so you can increase your reach.

Dates

Discuss how long a campaign will run for and on what dates. This depends on what you are trying to promote and when the influencer has the most traffic. It might be a good idea to discuss the timing as well since influencers are known to have more engagement at specific hours. Your post should ideally go live when it’s more likely to attract eyeballs.

Create and follow the campaign

Now that everything has been finalized, creating and following the campaign is time. Facebook makes it very easy to analyze influencer marketing campaigns. The influencer will typically provide you with data related to your campaign, including the number of views and hits you received. But, don’t just count on influencer-provided data, and keep an eye on your side as well. Gauge if you’ve attracted more visitors or followers and if engagement has increased as a result of the campaign.

Furthermore, you should be able to attribute the number of sales or leads to the campaign as it’s an important metric. Including trackable links can be a great way to do this. In addition, we suggest that you use influencer-specific discount codes and hashtags. They’ll help you understand how many users come through specific influencers. Since visitors keep coming long after a post has gone live, specific hashtags and codes.

With these pointers in mind, you’d have a successful Facebook influencer marketing campaign.

So, start today by joining Afluencer and getting access to thousands of established and growing influencers.

2. Know What to Post

Despite what everyone says, the fact remains that content is still the king. You should concentrate on providing original, high-quality content to attract and retain followers.

Most importantly, your content has to be engaging. Since your main intention is to reach more people, you should come up with content that is likely to go viral, generate shares, and get comments.

Facebook tends to promote content that organically generates engagement, thus your aim should be to get people talking.

For this purpose, we suggest that you concentrate on a mix of content. Do not promote boring content, and concentrate more on visual elements as they generate 65% more engagement.

Images

Images tend to do very well on Facebook. Reports show that posts that contain images get 2.3x more engagement than posts that do not contain images.

There are several other benefits of images too. Firstly, you can put a logo on them, which means even if they get stolen, the world would know where they’re coming from.

Secondly, they can be very effective in sending a marketing message since we tend to remember more of what we see than what we read and hear. 

Furthermore, images are also linked to sales. Posts that show what you’re selling are 67% more likely to bring sales. Consumers don’t just want to read about things, they want to see.

About 58% of people agree that they’re more interested in products they can see than products they only read about.

So, how do you select images and what to post?

The 3 rules for posting images on Facebook:

• Post relevance and images that offer value to your audience.
• Ensure images are of high quality.
• Make sure you get permission from the owner when using other people’s images.

What you post depends on what you wish to achieve. For example, branded images can be effective in increasing sales. It has been proven that brand images are more effective when they show someone interacting with the product.

Surprisingly, images that contain only a part of the body (such as feet or hands) perform 29% better than images that contain a whole person. The idea is to clearly show what a product is and how it is used.

But, it doesn’t mean you should neglect people since images that contain humans get more comments.  In addition to branded images, you can also use stock photos. However, that may not always be the best option. But, they do have their pros as stock photos are often cheaper and easier to get.

These days, there is also an emphasis on images created using an AI image generator. But, if you are serious about getting engagement then use personal images. They help build trust and rapport with your followers.

Also, include infographics. They get a lot of shares and can be used to explain complex concepts.

Videos

Video is undoubtedly the future. After all, young Facebook users spend about 75% of their time on video. Hence, it should be a part of your Facebook marketing strategy.

Facebook videos generate about 8 billion views every day, accounting for about 50% of all time spent on the platform.

About 15.5 percent of all content on the platform falls in this category and about 61% of millennials even binge-watch videos on Facebook.

The platform is now the second most popular and used video marketing platform, only after YouTube. About 83% of marketers in the US believe Facebook helps drive sales.

Interestingly, videos are uploaded by everyone from individuals to brands. However, large brands seem to be benefiting the most from this Facebook marketing technique since big brands can afford to spend lavishly on videos.

So, what to remember when making videos?

Top tips for creating Facebook videos:

• The video must be original and relevant. It doesn’t matter how good your video is, if it isn’t relevant then it will not be of help.
• Decide on a length, which can be anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes long. The average length of Facebook’s top 100 videos is about 3 minutes and 23 seconds. The shortest video on the list is only 16 seconds long and the longest video runs for 12 minutes and 77 seconds.
• The type of video can make a difference. Native videos tend to perform very well followed by live videos. Furthermore, embedded videos also do well. 
• We suggest that the caption or description is at least 300 words long as it can increase engagement by 0.39%.
• Consider adding subtitles since Facebook’s 85% of video content is watched without sound. However, most videos require sound to be understood. To solve this problem, it’s best to add subtitles so that viewers who cannot listen to the sound for any reason can read the text to understand what a video is about. This can prove to be beneficial in a lot of ways as videos with subtitles are not only watched longer but also get 17% more reactions and shares than videos with no subtitles. Removing captions results in a 26% fall in clicks.
• Make sure to include nice descriptions since viewers also read the descriptions when watching videos. About 80% of users will skip a video that contains no captions.

Reminder

Make sure to include written text but don’t solely count on it. People still read captions on Facebook but written material without images or videos often gets neglected.

For informative posts, it’s best to use an infographic or an image. For how-to posts, it’s best to use videos.

You can also include links but the opinion seems to be divided. Reports show that Facebook posts without links tend to receive twice the engagement. A report highlighted that links reduce engagement by about 30%. So, use this Facebook marketing strategy with caution.

If you use links, remember to explain what they contain and why a user should click on them. Remember that Facebook pays a lot of attention to the number of clicks a link gets when deciding where to show your post. So, choose wisely.

Also, ensure you post a mix of all these content types and not stick to a single type.

3. Know When to Post

This Facebook marketing strategy is important because timing can make or break a post.

There, however, is no straight answer to this because the best time to post on Facebook can vary based on your specific audience and the nature of your content.

General guidelines suggest that the best times to post on Facebook are typically mid-week, between 10 am and 3 pm. These times may vary based on your audience’s demographics, location, and habits, so it’s a good idea to experiment and analyze your data to find the optimal posting times for your particular situation.

Here’s what to consider when choosing your Facebook marketing strategy:

• Hubspot recommends 9 am as this is when people leave for their offices and they usually check Facebook before stepping out. Similarly, 1 pm – 3 pm from Thursday to Sunday is a good choice since people typically use phones during lunch breaks.
• TrackMaven suggests 8 pm EST on Thursday. This is when people relax on their couches and scroll on Facebook.
• Falcon.io believes that Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday between noon and 4 pm can be a good time to post on Facebook.
• Hootsuite thinks between noon and 3 pm on weekdays is the best time.
• Unmetric favors between 9 am – 2 pm on Thursdays.

So, how should you select the right date and time? By analyzing data.

Facebook analytics will tell when your posts typically get engagement and when most of your followers are active. You should ideally make a post when it is likely to get more eyeballs.

You can also use third-party tools to get access to data.

Reminder

Do not stick to a single day because no Facebook marketing strategy recommends posting just once a week. You should ideally post once or twice a day.

4. Form Connections and Reshare Content

Forming connections and resharing content are both important strategies for building engagement on Facebook.

You should focus on forming connections not only with your followers but also with other brands and influencers. This can benefit you a lot in the long run by helping expand your reach to their audiences. When they engage with your content or share it with their followers, you have the opportunity to reach a larger and potentially new audience.

Plus, doing so can provide social proof for your brand and help build credibility and trust with your audience. More importantly, connecting with your followers allows you to gather insights and feedback directly from your audience. This can help you understand their preferences, interests, and pain points better, which can inform your content strategy and product development.

Also, users tend to like brands that engage with them and pay attention to what they have to say. It gives them a sense of community and makes them feel heard.

So, how can you form connections?

Top tips for making better connections on Facebook:

• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, messages, and posts from your audience. Don’t just focus on positive comments but negative comments as well.
• Join Groups: Find relevant Facebook groups and participate in discussions. This can help you connect with like-minded individuals and potential customers.
• Collaborate with Others: Partner with other businesses or influencers in your industry to reach a wider audience and tap into their network.
• Run Contests or Giveaways: Organize contests or giveaways that encourage people to engage with your page and share your content with their friends.
• Share User-Generated Content: Repost content created by your audience, such as testimonials, reviews, or photos featuring your products. This not only showcases your products but also builds trust and loyalty.

Your followers should take great pride in being a part of your community and happily share what you post. This can be achieved by making them feel valuable and listening to them.

5. Make Sure to Go Live

Facebook Live can be a great marketing strategy and it should be a part of your Facebook marketing plan.

It has been proven to be the fastest way to make sales and grow your audience. Moreover, over 80% of users prefer live videos over text-based content as they allow them to clear doubts and know more about a product or service. Yet, less than 35% of brands use this tool.

The benefits of implementing Facebook Live in your marketing strategy:

• Know when to go live. Ideally, you should do it when most of your followers are online so you can have a wide reach. However, Facebook allows users to post live videos in the video section for others to watch. You will make no effort and the video will be there forever. Remember that about 20% of all videos on the platform were originally live sessions.
• Make sure to position your brand clearly in the video. Don’t just concentrate on saying it but showing it. So, decorate your studio and show the world who you are. You can have a huge logo in the background or colors that go well with the theme of your brand. The video should shout what it is about.
• Spend some time planning the video. Don’t just turn on the camera and start talking to people. Sit down and write a taut script that keeps people engaged. The video should be structured neatly with something for everyone.
• Start with a hook and keep people engaged. Know topics you’d be touching on and come up with ways to stop people from leaving the feed. Also, make it interesting by including polls and other such tools.
• Do not forget the call to action and include it at different junctions. It could be anything from “subscribe” to “check the store” to “comment under the video”.

Facebook Live drives around 3x more engagement than traditional videos. Also, they’re watched longer than traditional videos. But, you need to play it right to enjoy these benefits.

How to grow your Facebook Live audience:

• Promote the video as a major event. You should give your audience a reason to tune into your live video. So, make it important by introducing discounts, announcing a new partnership, highlighting new products, and so on.
• Join hands with others to leverage their audience. You can turn the live session into an interview, review, and question/answer session as well.
• Offer interactive elements to keep people hooked. You can add a poll, answer live questions, and share what users have to say. People are 10 times more likely to comment on live videos than traditional videos on the platform.
• Create and stick to a schedule so users know when to tune in to watch you.
• Promote the video by posting about it not only on your Facebook profile but on other platforms as well.

Most importantly, show up when you say you will and never be late. Ensure to be clear with your purpose and double-check equipment so that nothing goes wrong during the steam.

6. Hold a Giveaway or Contest

Social media giveaways have been proven to be an effective Facebook marketing tool. So, make sure to use this Facebook marketing strategy.

More than 150,000 new giveaways are posted on social media every day. Not just brands, but even individuals try this technique to drive engagement.

So, what’s a giveaway? It can be defined as a Facebook marketing campaign used to drive engagement that involves people taking part in competitions to win gifts.

Participants typically enter a giveaway by completing specific actions, such as liking a post, sharing content, subscribing to a newsletter, or tagging friends. Winners are usually selected randomly or based on specific criteria set by the organizer.

You can choose different types of tasks based on your niche and company. For example, if you sell baby products, you could ask your followers to post photos of their babies and the one with the most likes wins.

Similarly, you can make it more competitive by asking them to solve an algebra equation if you sell something related to mind exercises or mathematics.

There’s no limit when it comes to competitions, but experts believe that a giveaway should not put ‘too much mental pressure’ on consumers. Actions should be simple such as sharing or liking a post, as people are more likely to get involved in such tasks.

Things to remember:

• Most giveaways run for less than 7 days but 90 days is said to be an ideal duration. We, however, think it would be too long for most people. 
• Keep your participation forms short. The average form has 10 fields, which is too long. Do not ask for personal details as it could deter users. Moreover, consider giving the auto-fill option as it could boost conversion by about 189 percent.
• Remember that the average person spends about 2:30 minutes on a contest app, so keep it short.
• The average price of a contest prize is $369 but don’t let this hefty tag deter you because you don’t have to spend so much. Think of what your audience wants. For example, some people might be happy with receiving a free product. However, remember that the value of the prize does have an impact on engagement as contests with prizes of $1,000 or more usually receive an engagement rate of about 5.8% per 100 followers.
• Such posts get a very high number of shares, especially when they encourage users to let their friends take part as well.

Contests or giveaways need to be promoted properly. We suggest you hire the services of an influencer to help you reach more people and ensure your giveaway attracts the eyeballs.

At the end of the day, it is worth the price since contests enjoy a conversion rate of almost 34%, higher than other content types. Reports found that 34% of new customers are acquired through contests, making it a great Facebook marketing strategy.

Brands add about 17,500 fans through social media contests. If you do it right, you can also enjoy high numbers.

Top tips for a successful giveaway or contest on Facebook:

• Offer something valuable.
• Make sure you promote it well.
• Clearly define rules.
• Run the campaign for a good number of days.
• Ensure transparency and don’t delay rewarding winners.

Also, remember that Facebook has some regulations around contests that need to be followed. Also, your local laws may come into play.

7. Reference Your Facebook Profile Everywhere

This approach involves ensuring that your Facebook presence is visible and easily accessible across all your marketing channels, both online and offline. By incorporating your Facebook profile into various touchpoints, you can increase brand visibility, engage with your audience, and drive traffic to your Facebook page.

Share social handles on your business website

One of the simplest ways to reference your Facebook profile is by including social media icons and links on your website. Place these prominently on your homepage, contact page, and blog posts to encourage visitors to connect with you on Facebook. Additionally, consider using Facebook’s Page Plugin to embed a live feed of your page’s posts directly on your website, providing visitors with a preview of your content and encouraging them to like your page.

Facebook branding through email marketing

Email marketing is another effective channel for promoting your Facebook profile. Include social media buttons in your email signature or footer to encourage recipients to follow you on Facebook. You can also create dedicated email campaigns to promote your Facebook contests, events, or exclusive content, driving traffic to your page and increasing engagement.

Take your Facebook marketing offline

Incorporating your Facebook profile into your offline marketing efforts can also yield significant results. Include your Facebook URL on your business cards, flyers, and promotional materials to encourage people to connect with you online. Consider running promotions or contests that require participants to visit your Facebook page, providing an incentive for them to engage with your brand on social media.

Collaborate with Facebook influencers

Collaborating with influencers or partners can further extend the reach of your Facebook profile. Partner with influencers in your industry to create sponsored posts or co-branded content that promotes your Facebook page to their audience. This can help you reach a new and relevant audience, increasing your page’s visibility and engagement.

Cross-promote Facebook through your other social media business accounts

Lastly, leverage other social media platforms to cross-promote your Facebook profile. Share teasers or highlights of your Facebook content on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, with a call to action directing followers to visit your Facebook page for more. This can help you drive traffic from one platform to another, increasing your overall social media presence.

8. Create Facebook Ads

Facebook enjoys a huge digital marketing ads market share standing at 20%, only behind Google.

It uses the ubiquitous “pay-per-click” model that’s not only affordable but very easy to comprehend. Plus, you do not need a lot of money to get started as the minimum budget is only $1 per day. You will, however, need to spend more to be able to get results.

Still not sold?

Facebook Ads statistics:

• Facebook has over 8 million active advertisers.
• About 27% of businesses advertise on the platform to sell more.
• The average CPM on Facebook is $16.12. across all industries.
• Conversions are the main campaign objective for about 27% of Facebook ads.
• The average cost per click (CPC) is around $0.4, which makes it very affordable.
• It offers an average click-through rate (CTR) of 0.90%. This goes down to $0.18 when promoting contests and giveaways.
• The platform offers an average cost per action (CPA) of $18.68.
• Facebook offers a very high conversion rate of 9.41% (average across all industries).

The typical Facebook user clicks on 12 ads each month, so it makes perfect sense to include ads in your Facebook marketing strategy.

This, however, is easier said than done. The market is competitive and if you don’t set it up right, you may end up spending a lot of money with no results.

So, how can you ensure good results?

Top tips for a successful Facebook Ads campaign:

• Know whom to target. You need to have a clear understanding of your demographic as Facebook allows users to choose different factors, including location, gender, interests, behaviors, and even connections. Use this tool to narrow your audience so that you only reach people who matter. This will help keep your costs low.
• Write a message that leaves people impressed. Facebook limits the number of words you can include in your ad copy, so you will have to be very careful. Your ad copy should get people to take your desired action. Also, pay attention to visuals since ads that contain videos or images tend to do well. But, be careful because the content should sync well.
• Come up with an impressive call to action because it can make or break your campaign. Users don’t always know what to do or what you want them to do, so tell them.

We suggest that you create multiple campaigns, test each, and choose the one that works the best. Also, it might be a good idea to provide all valuable information in the ad (without forcing users to click a link).

For example, if you sell phone cases then clearly tell the price. Similarly, if you’re promoting an event then clearly mention not just ticket prices but also venue, date, and timing.

9. Utilize Facebook Groups

Suitable for specific businesses, Facebook Groups can prove to be very beneficial in creating a community and getting people interested in what you do.

They can prove to be effective in building relationships with your customers and collecting feedback. This, however, doesn’t mean you neglect pages. Consider managing both.

Facebook Pages are effective but they come with a low organic reach. Groups, on the other hand, have a very high reach and so are more effective in getting sales.

The only difficult part is to get people to join the group. This can be achieved by running campaigns, getting influencers to promote the group, or offering something in exchange.

For example, you can offer a special discount code to group members to encourage them to be a part of the community. Most importantly, ensure discussions are clear and informative. Don’t spam users with your posts.

Facebook Marketing Strategy: Conclusion

These are some of the best Facebook marketing strategies to try. They’re suitable for all kinds of businesses and even individuals who want to get big on the platform. In addition, you can try Facebook Marketplace and make use of third-party tools designed to improve performance and save time.

But, don’t forget the importance of getting help. It can be very hard, if not impossible, to find a footing without the support of an influencer or someone to boost your standing.

Join Afluencer today to get in touch with thousands of influencers with a huge influence on Facebook. They can help you get more followers, sell products, and improve your goodwill.

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]]> https://afluencer.com/using-influencers-for-live-shopping/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 04:52:02 +0000 https://afluencer.com/?p=23605 Convenience is the new currency in today’s digital-first era. Customers expect to get what they want when they want while having a seamless and engaging shopping experience. Here’s where live shopping comes into the picture. The COVID-fueled rise of online shopping has forced brands to think outside the box and offer additional, more engaging channels. […]

The post How to Leverage Influencers in Your Live Shopping Efforts appeared first on AFLUENCER.

]]> Convenience is the new currency in today’s digital-first era. Customers expect to get what they want when they want while having a seamless and engaging shopping experience. Here’s where live shopping comes into the picture.

The COVID-fueled rise of online shopping has forced brands to think outside the box and offer additional, more engaging channels. While live shopping has been around for decades, the latest advancements in technology and the penetration of social media propelled its growth, making it an important tool in every marketer’s toolbox.

Now, brands are grappling with the question: How can we cater to customers’ needs and make the most of live shopping? Enter influencer marketing. In this article, we’ll look at the benefits and best practices of live shopping. And also share a step-by-step guide to help you leverage influencers in your efforts.

What is Live Shopping?

Live shopping (live selling and livestreaming commerce) uses video content on digital and social platforms to promote or sell products and services in real-time. Brands use live shopping to interact with their customers and present products in a dynamic, contextual format. In some cases, they partner with influencers who run the livestreams and try to boost sales thanks to their popularity and existing audiences who trust their reputations.

The roots of this concept date back to the ‘80s and home shopping channels on TV. Today, this format has shifted to a digital context, allowing more interactive communications thanks to new platforms and social media. As a result, users can engage with the seller and almost instantly purchase any offer, greatly facilitating a more straightforward buying process.

The Rise of Live Shopping

Live shopping is (and has been) extremely popular in China for many years now. According to eMarketer’s forecast, live shopping will account for 19.2% of retail ecommerce sales in China this year. Total sales will rise from $562.62 billion in 2023 to $843.93 billion in 2025.

Outside of China, there’s no doubt the pandemic accelerated the growth of live shopping. Data from McKinsey shows the pandemic prompted a surge of new consumer activities, with an astonishing 75% of US consumers trying a new shopping behavior in response to economic pressures.

The COVID-related shutdowns and quarantines were strong catalysts for pushing innovation around new ways of shopping. And once people experienced the convenience of live shopping, there was no going back. In fact, the US livestream commerce market is estimated to hit $25 billion by 2023, according to Coresight Research.

When looking at the various categories where live shopping has found a foothold, the verticals where brands have found success seem to vary based on geographic location. However, one category that stands out as successful within the live shopping context across different countries is clothing. According to McKinsey, clothing was the most popular live shopping category in Europe, the United States, and Latin America.

Why brands are investing in live shopping

The next question is: What makes brands invest in live shopping?

Looking at results from Statista, more than half (52%) of global businesses using live shopping said they looked to improve the shopping experience and generate customer engagement and feedback (aside from the most obvious use case: to generate revenue.)

Other reasons for investing in live shopping include:

• following the latest digital trends (47%)
• customer acquisition (41%)
• collaboration with influencers(41%)
• co-branding with suppliers and brands (36%)

Publicis is one agency testing live shopping with its clients. In an article from Modern Retail, Allysun Lundy, the VP head of retail media strategy at Publicis Commerce, said:

“Consumers are going to log in and watch [a livestream], versus going to… spend a lot of time on Amazon or Walmart and not have it feel so sales-y that it really drives that conversion.”

Translation: Brands are looking into live shopping as a more engaging, human-first way to sell to shoppers, in a format that’s more frictionless, more user-friendly, and overall, more fun.

The profile of buyers interested in live shopping

Consumers who are interested in live shopping have a few things in common. These commonalities are important for brands looking to capture a specific demographic of shoppers, as this avenue for driving revenue is still new and largely underutilized. There’s a real opportunity for brands to get ahead of the curve with this emerging medium for sales.

Based on demographic data, McKinsey explored a few patterns and behaviors and found the average age of live shoppers globally averaged between 33 and 36 years old. Shoppers aged 25 to 34 made up the largest share of frequent live shopping users. This means brands looking to connect with Gen Z and Millennials should seriously consider live shopping to drive sales.

Men and women are nearly equal participants in live shopping, with only slight variations on that theme. Looking at the income ranges of average participants, most in the US and Europe had incomes between $25,000 and $50,000. For brands that have this segment of the population as target consumers, live shopping presents a new way to connect with and inspire shoppers (men and women!) who want a more engaging shopping experience.

7 Benefits of Live Shopping for Brands

Marketers are in a race to keep up with channel-hopping customers. Brands are constantly struggling to stay in step and engage them across all platforms. Competition for consumer attention has become more intense in recent years. Consumer attention spans are at an all-time low.

The good news? Live shopping is an engaging way to meet shoppers where they are in real-time and brings key benefits for brands looking to introduce new shopping touchpoints.

A few of them:

1. Raise brand awareness

The first step to convincing customers to buy from you is getting brand awareness. Live shopping has the power to reach a broad audience and help brands get bigger exposure.

2. Offer exclusive discounts

There’s no way around it—customers love discounts. According to Statista, one of the main benefits of livestream shopping was the possibility to access exclusive deals.

3. Help customers make informed decisions

The format of live shopping makes it easy to answer customers’ questions and boost their confidence. Statista shows that 31% of respondents said this purchasing channel enabled them to shop smarter and make more informed buying decisions.

4. Create a personal relationship with your customers

With customer acquisition costs on the rise, brands are looking for ways to create long-term relationships with customers. Here’s where live shopping can help. The two-way communication creates a sense of personal relationship, which leads to getting loyal customers.

5. Lower your return rates

Another big headache for brands is product returns. According to Coresight data, live shoppers are 40% less likely to return an item than other online shoppers.

6. Broadcast to more channels

Brands are always looking for new touchpoints. Nearly six in 10 companies use owned platforms for live streaming to broadcast to more channels and extend their reach, shows Coresight data.

7. Boost your conversion rates

Increasing conversions is one of the top priorities for ecommerce brands. With live shopping, conversion rates are as high as 40%, according to Mary Ghahremani, CEO of live video e-commerce platform provider Bambuser.

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5 Live Shopping Best Practices

Most of the brands that are still on the fence about using live shopping think it’s too complicated to start. Quite the contrary: introducing live shopping doesn’t need to feel daunting. You just need to go through the common steps and best practices and just start. After that, you’ll be able to learn from experience and improve for the next live shopping event. Here are five best practices to keep in mind:

1. Choose a platform

First things first: When choosing a platform, think about your goals. If you want to reach a bigger audience, social media might be a wise choice. As it offers an opportunity to co-market live shopping events with partners while leveraging your existing owned audience. If you’re looking for more control and customization over the live shopping experience, you may want to opt into a different avenue outside of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Here’s some more context to help you figure out what makes sense for your needs.

Social media

Businesses just tipping their toes into live shopping can start small on social media to test the waters. The options are vast.

For example, TikTok has extended its ecommerce capabilities by introducing a feature that lets brands easily incorporate products from their TikTok Shopping experience into a live session. YouTube has partnered with Shopify, allowing merchants to import products from their catalog. Pinterest has also jumped on the bandwagon, introducing Pinterest TV—a curated series of live, original, and shoppable episodes.

Third-party platforms

Brands can also rely on third-party platforms to promote their products with live shopping. These options allow for a more customized experience with advanced features that go beyond what social media platforms offer. Startups like Popshop Live, Buywith, and TalkShopLive, for example, have gained consumer and investor interest in recent years, leading to the expansion of their offerings.

One of the most popular platforms, however, is Amazon Live. Brands selling on Amazon can use live shopping to promote their products and reach more customers with live events where products are showcased in great detail (in a style similar to what we see on a shopping channel like QVC or HSN). Below the live stream, there’s a carousel with the products promoted in the live stream. This allows customers to buy the products they see in use during the live product demo.

An owned live shopping platform

Brands that want to embrace the power of live shopping fully (and have the resources to do so) may choose to create their own versions of a live shopping experience. When companies run live shows on their own websites and apps, they gain access to extensive customer data and comprehensive insights into consumer behavior.

Using this data, they can better understand consumer needs and optimize live shopping experiences, along with the overall customer journey. As a result, brands can drive innovation in their products and marketing strategies. Some of the tools and platforms that allow you to create your own live shopping experience include Bambuser, Livescale, Emplifi, and others.

2. Create a content theme

Once you decide on the platform, it’s time to think about the type of content you want to present. Here are some ideas to get your creative gears turning:

• Exclusive deals and promotions: Offer live shopping participants exclusive discounts and perks they can’t earn through any other medium.
• How-to/demos: Show your products in action so buyers see the benefits, features, and outcomes in a dynamic, visual context.
• Question-and-answer sessions: Provide expert insights into how buyers can get the most out of your products and troubleshoot any questions that may be keeping an interested buyer from following through on the purchase.
• Unveiling of new products: Introduce and make a splash around new product announcements with live events that help build excitement around launch dates.

3. Engage with your audience

What makes live shopping so effective is its ability to foster two-way communication between a brand and its buyers. During live shopping events, address attendees by name, interact with real-time chat and attendee feedback, and allow participants to ask questions. Customers love being heard and appreciated. Live shopping is an opportunity to engage with your audience in an authentic way.

4. Decide on the best timing

Half the battle of hosting successful events is choosing the optimal time. According to McKinsey, the timing of live shows is the most significant barrier to growth in Europe (cited by 29%), the United States (32% of respondents), and Latin America (44%).

If you are unsure of the best timing for your audience, experiment with different days and times to go live. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, so you’ll need to do some trial and error.

5. Partner with influencers

Influencers are ideally situated to be part of live shopping campaigns. They are used to talking live on their social media. And thanks to their experience with live streams, they can create a pleasant and authentic experience for your customers.

On top of that, customers trust product recommendations from influencers. So including them in your live shopping events won’t create a sense of aggressive selling but rather a ‘favorites’ video from an influencer they follow. To find an ideal partner, check out options on a platform like Afluencer where you can sort influencers by location, area of focus, age, and more.

Influencer Marketing and Live Shopping — a Match Made in Heaven

Influencers are ideal partners for brands looking to engage in live shopping efforts for many reasons, including their established influence, ability to leverage storytelling, their eye for content creation, and their level of comfort being on-camera.

But that’s not all. More advantages of combining influencer marketing and live shopping include:

• Niche audiences – If you are working in a specific niche and you are having a hard time reaching your audience, live shopping combined with influencer marketing might be the perfect fit for you. The influencer marketing space is constantly evolving. As reported by Influencer Marketing Hub, brands prefer working with smaller-scale influencers — 39% of brands chose nano-influencers as their most likely partners, followed by 30% opting for micro-influencers. This allows brands to target a niche audience while getting all the benefits that influencer marketing brings.
• Trust – Influencers have gained the trust and credibility of their followers, which makes their recommendations highly influential. Partnering with the right influencers can improve your brand’s reputation and credibility. On top of all the benefits of working with influencers, brands also get to leverage the relationship influencers have with their audience. Instead of starting from scratch or relying on your audience only, working with influencers will put your brand in front of a new audience.
• Creativity – When you rely on your team to organize and host a live shopping event, you do all the heavy lifting. Partnering with influencers means you can focus on the technical stuff and let influencers take over the creative part. It’s a win-win.

How to Leverage Influencers in Your Live Shopping Streams: a Step-by-Step Guide

Live shopping is set to disrupt e-commerce. Brands that know how to use it will have a massive first-mover advantage. Whether you are just starting out or you want to improve your live shopping efforts, here is a step-by-step guide on how to leverage influencers in your live shopping streams:

Find the right influencers

If you’ve ever tried reaching out to influencers, you know how hard it is to find the ones that fit your business. The good news is that you can use influencer management software to scale influencer marketing efforts. 

Tools like Afluencer help you find the right creators, manage your budget effectively, track your campaign’s performance, analyze results, and optimize your influencer marketing strategy. This way, you can achieve your goals while building lasting relationships with influencers.

Send products to influencers

If you want an authentic impression of your products instead of a scripted narrative, you should send out the products to the influencers prior to the live shopping event so that they can have a chance to test them out beforehand. This will ensure that the influencers have enough time to try your products. And then use the live event to highlight the advantages compared to similar products.

Organize a giveaway ahead of the livestream

Another best practice to generate excitement and anticipation for your upcoming live shopping event is collaborating with an influencer to organize a giveaway. By leveraging the social reach and credibility of the influencers you partner with, you can effectively engage your audience and generate buzz around the event, ultimately leading to increased attendance and engagement.

Share an event-exclusive discount code

Boost sales during a live shopping stream by providing influencers with an exclusive, influencer-specific discount code that’s only usable during the live event. This can incentivize the influencer’s followers to take swift action and make a purchase so they don’t miss out on the limited-time offer. To top it off, you’ll be able to easily flag sales that came in as a result of the live shopping stream to measure the effectiveness of the engagement.

Allow influencers to get creative

When working with influencers, communicate the core product features and benefits you want them to share and talk about. However, granting them creative freedom to showcase the product in their distinctive style is crucial. By finding a balance between guidance and artistic license, you can ensure that your product is presented in the best light possible while still enabling the influencer to add their personal touch.

Repurpose content to maximize the effect

To make the most of live shopping, it’s important to repurpose content even after the live event has ended. You can achieve this by using video cuts to promote content on various social media channels. Influencers can also share the video content on their platforms. Additionally, you can create time-limited offers that customers can use after the live stream. Remember, live shopping should be an ongoing effort to maximize its impact.

Use the Power of Influencer Marketing for Your Next Live Shopping Stream

Live shopping is on a quest to become mainstream. The drastic shift to online shopping has cemented new customers’ habits and expectations. But the pandemic only accelerated the inevitable.

The digital-first era, fueled by advanced technologies, will further speed up the adoption of new shopping formats. Live shopping is no exception. It boils down to this:

Live shopping allows brands to offer an interactive and immediate shopping experience that traditional marketing cannot match.

The best part? You can elevate your live shopping by combining it with influencer marketing.

Ready to start? Install the Afluencer app for Shopify here.

The post How to Leverage Influencers in Your Live Shopping Efforts appeared first on AFLUENCER.

]]> https://afluencer.com/gaming-influencers/ Thu, 05 Aug 2021 12:23:20 +0000 https://afluencer.com/?p=12852 The gaming industry is among the largest businesses out there. It is one of the few industries where not just producers but even gamers make money by streaming content, posting reviews, and so on. We have seen gaming influencers increase in popularity during the pandemic — with a large number of people turning to video […]

The post 56 Gaming Influencers Waiting For You To Challenge Them appeared first on AFLUENCER.

]]> The gaming industry is among the largest businesses out there. It is one of the few industries where not just producers but even gamers make money by streaming content, posting reviews, and so on.

We have seen gaming influencers increase in popularity during the pandemic — with a large number of people turning to video games, and not just playing, but also searching for the best gamers in the scene. 

The best thing about gaming is that it attracts both genders and people of all ages. Nearly 48% of all gaming enthusiasts are girl gamers above the age of 18. While YouTube and Twitch seem to be the most popular platforms among gamers, other options like Twitter aren’t far behind. Twitter recorded about 1.5 billion gaming-related tweets in the first half of 2022. Moreover, it’s the go-to platform for people who want the latest gaming news.

Gaming influencers have dominated a large number of social media platforms.

In this “best influencers” article (get your eyes over to our blog for more like this), we’ll have a look at our top 56 picks of creators who are making headlines in the action-packed gaming world.

Andrew Kirkcaldy – WePC

If you’re serious about PC gaming, Andrew Kirkcaldy and the WePC team are the experts you need in your corner. From building the ultimate gaming rig to breaking down the latest graphics cards, these gaming influencers have the knowledge to help you level up your setup. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a veteran gamer, WePC’s unbiased reviews, expert guides, and tech deep dives make every decision easier.

But it’s not just about hardware. WePC delivers gaming news, cutting-edge tech updates, and in-depth tutorials to keep you ahead of the game. Need tips on optimizing your setup? Wondering if that new GPU is worth the hype? Andrew and his team have the answers.

Built “by gamers, for gamers,” WePC is a trusted voice in the gaming community. Brands looking to reach PC gaming enthusiasts should take note—partnering with Andrew means tapping into a passionate audience that values expertise and quality content. 

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Hisham K. 

When it comes to jaw-dropping PC setups, Hisham K. is in a league of his own. As the creator of Setup Gamer Style, he’s built a digital playground for PC gaming enthusiasts. From custom builds to deep-dive equipment breakdowns, his content is a goldmine for gamers looking to perfect their setup.

With over 175K engaged followers, Hisham’s audience isn’t just watching—they’re craving his expert insights. Every post sparks conversation, every reel keeps viewers hooked, and every product feature gets the attention it deserves. That’s why gaming influencers like Hisham are a dream collaboration for brands in the PC gaming space.

His secret weapon? Reels. Hisham’s high-quality Instagram and TikTok videos bring gaming products to life, making them impossible to ignore. Whether you’re launching a new accessory or showcasing the latest gaming tech, partnering with Hisham K. means putting your brand in front of an audience that truly cares. 

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Mysh Tech 

If gaming influencers who know their tech inside and out are what you need, Mysh Tech is your guy. A former media producer turned YouTube creator, Mysh specializes in Air, Land, Sea, Space content. From high-end gaming gadgets to flight and space simulators, his channel is packed with must-watch buyer’s guides and tutorials.

His audience loves his deep-dive content—just check the numbers. His buyer’s guides for simulation gear have pulled in over 250K views, while his game tutorials for War Thunder and X4 have skyrocketed to between 80K and a massive 1 million views each. Mysh isn’t just reaching viewers; he’s keeping them engaged with a solid 3% engagement rate.

Now, he’s taking things even further with VR content, pushing the boundaries of immersive gaming. Brands looking to connect with a dedicated tech and gaming community won’t want to miss out. You can find Mysh on YouTube (@watchmysh)—get ready to level up your brand’s exposure.

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Natalie S. 

From console battles to PC performance hacks, Natalie S. (@darkmatrixzero) is always in the game. Whether she’s reviewing the hottest PS5, Xbox, and Switch releases or sharing pro tips to boost your rig, her content is a goldmine for gamers who want to stay ahead of the curve.

Her Instagram feed is a gamer’s dream—packed with in-depth reviews, must-know tech tips, and collector-worthy finds. Natalie doesn’t just play games; she breaks them down, analyzes them, and helps her audience get the most out of every title. Looking for recommendations on the best accessories? Need to optimize your setup for peak performance? Natalie’s got the insights to make every gaming session smoother, faster, and more immersive.

For tech brands looking to make waves in the gaming community, Natalie is the perfect ally. Her ability to connect with casual players and hardcore gamers alike makes her a powerhouse influencer. Whether it’s launching a new product or showcasing cutting-edge gaming gear, teaming up with Natalie means getting in front of an audience that’s engaged, informed, and always ready to level up. 

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Jesica Lichtensztein 

Tech meets engagement with Jesica Lichtensztein. Based in Argentina, she’s built a loyal following by blending tech and SaaS content with a fun, relatable twist. Her Instagram, home to 11.4K followers, isn’t just another tech page—it’s a trusted hub for Spanish-speaking gamers and tech enthusiasts looking for expert recommendations.

Jesica doesn’t just post; she connects. With a standout 5.3% engagement rate, her audience is highly interactive, making her an invaluable partner for brands looking to reach the Spanish-speaking market. Whether she’s breaking down the latest gaming gadgets or simplifying SaaS solutions, her content is as informative as it is entertaining.

For brands seeking an influencer with both reach and trust, Jesica is the perfect match. She understands her audience, speaks their language—literally—and knows how to present tech in a way that resonates. Ready to make an impact? Jesica Lichtensztein is the gaming influencer to watch. 

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Jose Carlos

Unbox it, review it, break it down—Jose Carlos does it all. Based in Spain, he’s a top-tier tech expert bringing the latest in PC hardware, gaming consoles, and electronics straight to Spanish-speaking audiences. Whether he’s testing out a new GPU, troubleshooting common PC errors, or comparing top-tier gaming rigs, his content is packed with insights that help gamers and tech lovers make smarter choices.

But Jose isn’t just about reviews. He goes beyond the surface, offering in-depth analyses, tutorials, and hands-on tests that give his audience the full picture. From explaining how components work to fixing glitches that drive gamers crazy, he’s a go-to resource for anyone looking to level up their tech knowledge.

For brands targeting Spanish-speaking gamers and tech enthusiasts, Jose Carlos is the ideal influencer. His clear, informative content and trusted voice make him a powerful partner in the world of gaming influencers. Want to get your product in front of a highly engaged audience? Jose is ready to make it happen. 

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Rodolf A.

Afluencer’s own Rodolf is a gamer from Belgium with a special interest in both gaming and tech. In addition to social media, he also manages two websites and enjoys nearly 13,000 Facebook followers.

His page has a nice reach. However, he might not be the best option for companies looking for an influencer with an international reach. Rodolf mainly targets local users and streams in his national language. Thus, making him a great pick for companies in Belgium.

CHECK OUT THE AFLUENCER APP to get access to Rodolf and many more gaming influencers from around the world.

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Nico Senatore

With nearly 17,000 followers, Nico is a fast-growing gaming influencer who enjoys introducing new titles to gamers. However, unlike some other gaming influencers out there, Nico mainly caters to local visitors as most of his followers are from Italy.

He identifies as a micro-influencer and can be a good pick for gaming companies looking to market to Italian gamers. However, we must mention that he is also into music and has released many singles on his YouTube channel.

The man is a huge fan of top brands and enjoys being in front of a camera.

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Kyle Corley

Corley is a fun-loving streamer who enjoys gaming with his fans. New to the game, he already enjoys an impressive engagement rate of 4.6 percent with more than 1600 Instagram followers. The star likes to try a variety of games and is busy building a following on Twitch by streaming titles like Call of Duty and Warzone.

You will find Corley trying several things and working with not just gaming but also other brands. The star likes to have fun and regularly shares content on TikTok as well.

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PewDiePie

Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg, more popularly known as PewDiePie, is the most popular gaming influencer out there. He has more than 110 million YouTube subscribers.

While he posts a variety of content on his channel, he’s mainly a gamer with a special interest in esports. He’s also known for building The Minecraft Series, a series that includes special characters he has created including Jorgen and Sven.

Felix likes to travel the world and enjoys posting vlogs of his journeys. The man is in the news for all kinds of reasons including beef with other YouTubers and charity work.

He was one of the first gaming influencers on YouTube. Most people believe that his sense of humor and ability to connect with people is why he’s so popular. However, working with him can turn out to be very expensive due to his huge reach and fan following.

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Vanoss Gaming

Run by Evan Fong, Vanoss Gaming is a popular YouTube channel with more than 25.5 subscribers. However, unlike other gamers, Evan doesn’t believe in showing his face and enjoys staying mysterious.

His channel is presently the 13th most subscribed YouTube channel where he mainly reacts to games and shares opinions. The man is known for collaborating with other popular gaming influencers and creating fun videos shared and liked by many people.

You will find several series on Vanoss Gaming, which is a major reason why his followers are so loyal and keep coming back.

In addition to YouTube, he is also available on other platforms with millions of followers. And his dedication to his fans is what makes brands adore him so much.

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Ninja

Richard Tyler Blevins, more popularly known as Ninja, is an American Youtuber who has made a career out of streaming.

An avid gamer, Richard started his professional career in gaming after graduating from high school. He was a part of Halo 3, one of the first Esport competitions. However, he tasted real fame when he started to stream the popular Fortnite Battle Royale esports event.

With more than 24.1 million followers, his channel is the most subscribed in the Fortnite niche.

The star has collaborated with several brands over the years including Red Bull, which partnered with Richard to host a Fortnite Tournament with big prizes.

While a little expensive to work with, Ninja can be a great pick for big brands with large budgets.

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KSI

Whether you call him JJ or KSI, you can’t deny the power of Olajide Olayinka. The man who presents games in a manner no one else can. He enjoys more than 13.5 million YouTube followers; however, he also has another channel with 23 million followers where he posts music videos and entertainment-related content.

Short for knowledge, strength, and integrity, KSI includes not just gaming content but comedic sketches and vlogs too. The man was recently in the news for his beef with Logan Paul, another popular influencer. The exchange on social media resulted in a boxing match that earned him more subscribers.

He’s the most popular black influencer and one of the most famous gaming influencers in the UK. However, he does still have a large international fan base.

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SSSniperWolf

Finally, a female gaming influencer is on the list. Alia Marie “Lia” Shelesh, who plays as SSSniperWolf, is a British-American gaming influencer known as one of the biggest gamers of this era.

She started her career in 2013 by covering top titles including Duty Black Ops II, Minecraft, and Fortnite Battle Royale. Known for her funny videos, Alia won 2019’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Gamer.

In addition to gaming, the star posts about art and beauty on our second channel and is considered an icon by other female gamers as she shines bright in a niche that’s mainly dominated by men.

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Rachel R.

Rachel, also known as Rae, is a micro-influencer who identifies as a gamer and influencer. The fashion enthusiast has a wide collection of gaming consoles and enjoys reviewing not just console games but mobile games as well.

Though not as popular as some other gaming influencers, Rachel can be a great option as she enjoys an incredible engagement rate of 12.5 percent. The influencer has a great aesthetic sense, which is evident from her Instagram profile and photos. Her pictures follow a unique color palette that is both aesthetic and incredible.

JOIN AFLUENCER TODAY to approach Rachel and many other top gaming influencers.

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Fangs

Fangs has climbed the success ladder in a very short time by live streaming games, especially FIFA. In fact, she likes to call herself “The Queen of FIFA”. She has more than 170 million views and over 1.15 million subscribers who enjoy her gaming-related content.

One of her most popular videos is a FIFA match between her and another famous gaming influencer on this list, KSI. However, we must mention that Fangs likes to cover other topics as well including non-gaming niches. She often goes live and answers fan questions about her life and hobbies.

She enjoys a strong connection with her followers and has worked with several gaming brands out there.

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Fernanfloo

Luis Fernando Flores Alvardo is the man behind Fernanfloo, a successful YouTube gaming channel with more than 42.5 million subscribers. His presence on other platforms is also very impressive with over 8.5 million Instagram followers. Most of his photos generate more than 1 million likes, making him one of the most loved gaming influencers.

The man was in the news for his app ‘Fernanfloo’ that he came up with in partnership with TGN Gaming. The app proved to be a huge hit and has been downloaded nearly 3 million times already.

Fernando is not only on YouTube but on Twitch as well. He can be a great pick for companies that want to reach a wide international audience and make a strong mark.

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FGTeeV

This might sound surprising to some but FGTeeV consists of a family that loves gaming. It includes Mom, Dad, and their children (one daughter and three sons) who play a variety of games and share videos including reviews with their 19.3 million YouTube followers.

An interesting thing about this group is that they come in a team and usually don’t work as individuals. Recently, BarbarQ, a mobile game, was in the news for choosing this family for marketing by posting play-through videos that generated nearly 2 million views.

In addition to YouTube, they’re also focused on other social media platforms, especially TikTok where they post fun family content.

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LD Shadow Lady

LD Shadow Lady is a British YouTuber who mainly plays Minecraft and has more than 6 million YouTube subscribers making her one of the most popular female gaming influencers. However, we must mention that she started her journey by playing Call Of Duty.

She has presented her fans with many Minecraft series including the very popular “Shadowcraft,” a single-player survival mod that features the gorgeous diva providing commentary in a fun and lively manner.

Unlike some other female YouTubers, the girl mainly sticks to video games and seems to enjoy a nice variety. She has played different tiles such as Portal, Sims Outlast, and Slender.

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Willyrex

With 16.5 million YouTube followers, Willyrex is one of the most popular YouTube gaming channels. You will find some great content on the channel including original content sponsored by the likes of Domino’s Pizza.

Run by Guillermo Diaz Ibanez, the channel is dedicated to Fortnite and includes many series including fun gameplay videos. However, you will also find other titles like Kamraum on the channel. We must, however, mention that the channel might be best for international audiences as it isn’t in English.

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Cupquake

Tiffany Garcia, more popularly known as Cupquake, is a female gaming influencer who mainly focuses on games and enjoys a following of nearly 7 million.

The diva is available on almost all major platforms including Twitter where she regularly interacts with her followers and even hosts giveaways.

The American female gamer is interested in other things as well including cosplays and DIYs. While she mainly focuses on Minecraft Oasis, you’ll also see her try other games such as Five Nights at Freddy’s, The Sims, and Grand Theft Auto.

Cupquake can be a great pick for not just gaming companies but other businesses as well due to her high engagement rate and great reach.

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VAGETA777

Behind Vageta777 is Samuel De Luque, another YouTuber who doesn’t post in English yet enjoys a strong fan base of 32.5 million. Known for playing popular titles like Minecraft, Battlefield, and Saint’s Row, Samuel enjoys posting cinematic videos and giving a movie-like twist to his content.

He’s one of the few gaming influencers with their own Discord page. The star has more than 270,000 Discord members and over 5.3 million Instagram followers.

While his YouTube page is dedicated to gaming, he uses other social media handles to share about his life and promote different brands.

Carry Minati

One of India’s most popular YouTubers, Carry Minati is not just a gamer. He’s now a celebrity in his own right with more than 31.2 million followers. Born Ajey Nagar, he struck gold by playing Counter-Strike and mimicking famous Bollywood actors to give his videos an edge.

Most of his followers are from India and Pakistan since he speaks in his local language. Moreover, he is known for making controversial remarks and getting into arguments with other social media celebs.

In addition to his main channel, he also has a second channel where he live streams PUBG and other titles.

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Press Heart To Continue

Press Heart To Continue, also known as Dexbonus, is a female gaming influencer who likes to be called Dodger. She posts Let’s Plays of popular and new games like Lucius, They Bleed Pixels, Dead Space, Faster Than Light, Off, Borderlands 2, Arkham Knight, and Left For Dead.

She got popular a few years ago when she started her vlog series “Gaming Newz” followed by “Coffeh Time”. The star focuses on both YouTube and Twitch with 768K YouTube followers and 333K Twitch fans.

Most people you ask will credit her Playboy appearance for her success but you certainly can’t deny her charisma and talent.

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OMGItsFireFoxx

Behind this channel with 710,000 subscribers is Sonja who is popular on other platforms as well, especially on Twitter where she has more than 548K fans.

While most of her posts are about video games, she likes to cover other topics as well including tech and cars. 

The Canadian star typically plays games like Minecraft, The Sims 4, Counter-Strike, and Grand Theft Auto. However, fans seem to be more interested in her vlogs and content not related to games. Still, we decided to include her because she appears to be popular among gaming brands and is working to create more gaming content including a podcast.

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Markiplier

Mark Fischbach is the man behind Markiplier, a channel with nearly 30 million subscribers. He is said to be the best gaming influencer for companies looking to get more downloads as he enjoys a great reputation among players and is known to have a loyal fanbase.

Known for his charitable work, the man has worked with several brands. Many believe that his association with different philanthropic organizations is a major reason why so many of his fans are willing to listen to his opinions.

The LA-based star appears to be more popular among the younger crowd and is these days busy working on original programs. He mainly plays horror games and likes to post true reviews.

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Namie

Namie is a Japanese gaming influencer with more than 1 million TikTok followers, over 100K YouTube subscribers, and more than 800K Facebook fans.

Known as one of the most popular influencers in Japan, the star talks about all aspects of life including fashion and food with a special interest in games.

She started as a gaming influencer but soon branched out and now works with all kinds of brands.

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JackSepticEye

Jacksepticeye, real name Seán William McLoughlin, is more than just a gaming influencer; he’s also an entrepreneur running his own coffee brand and a travel enthusiast who likes to post comedy vlogs and gaming reviews.

The Irish star is undoubtedly the most popular influencer in his country with more than 27.3 YouTube subscribers and over 7.5 million Instagram followers. He is now building a following on Twitch as well where he enjoys close to 600,000 followers.

His videos are fun and he’s known for giving incredible reactions to tough situations. His huge reach makes him a great pick for businesses interested in reaching Irish audiences and beyond.

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DanTDM

Daniel Robert Middleton, better known as Dan, is a British YouTuber, author, and pro-gamer with more than 25.4 million YouTube subscribers and over 877K Facebook fans. However, he mainly concentrates on YouTube and isn’t very active on other platforms.

According to reports, he is one of the highest-paid gaming influencers and has companies willing to pay him a good price since most of his videos get good numbers. In fact, about 90 percent of all videos he has uploaded in the last three months have crossed the one million mark.

While he is a great pick to work with, he can be quite expensive. If you are looking for more affordable gaming influencers then join the Afluencer family and get access to our fast-growing database of influencers.

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W2S

W2S is owned by Harry Christopher George Lewis, a 23-year-old gamer known for producing cool content.

On this channel, you will find several other YouTubers coming together to create fun and entertaining content for more than 16.1 million followers. The channel is known for the Sidemen group which consists of British gamers who play a variety of games and create content around it.

Lewis mainly focuses on FIFA and provides fun commentary; however, his teammates can be seen playing other titles as well. These days, the group is busy creating fun videos involving all team members.

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RPGMinx

RPGMinx is a well-known female gamer who provides witty commentary and covers horror games such as Five Nights at Freddy’s, Salem, and Lucius.

Unlike other gaming influencers, she follows a dark theme and provides content that’s morbid but fun. RPGMinx’s videos also include machinima mash-ups with live-action footage, original rap songs, and gaming-related animations. However, she hasn’t been very active in recent times and some of her fans believe that she’s busy planning a new series that’ll set the world on fire.

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Syndicate

Syndicate is British YouTuber Tom Cassell who is popular for gameplays. His channel first got fame when Cassell uploaded Minecraft gameplay videos that reached millions of people and got him a huge following.

He’s one of the most followed Twitch streamers with close to 3 million followers. His earnings earned him mainstream media attention and he is known for making appearances on popular TV shows and podcasts.

The star turned entrepreneur a few years ago and now runs his own clothing line that has proven to be quite successful.

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TFUE

Turner Tenney, best known as Tfue, is a 22-year-old American esports player with 10.5 Twitch followers and more than 12.5 million YouTube subscribers.

Called “The Best Fortnite Player in the World” by many, he likes to play top titles and seems to be a fan of action and shooting games. You will find hundreds of videos dedicated to Call of Duty on his page.

He is selective about the brands he works with but can offer excellent results.

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Melonie Mac

If you are looking for female gaming influencers who enjoy adventurous games then have a look at this beauty with more than 327K YouTube subscribers. While she mainly focuses on gaming, you will also see her discuss other topics including her likes and dislikes.

Melonie seems to be a huge fan of the Tomb Raider series and has dedicated several posts to the game. In addition to this, her unboxing videos are quite popular as well.

Known for her bold statements, Melonie believes she’s unlike other influencers and often takes shots at other female gamers.

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Ali-A Plays

Those looking for something cool can turn to Ali-A Plays, a YouTube channel that enjoys more than 358K subscribers. Operated by Ali, the channel is dedicated to Call of Duty including classic titles from the series.

Known for his good looks and charming personality, Ali is extremely popular on Twitter with 2.5 million fans. Plus, he’s building a solid fan base on other platforms as well. The star regularly hosts giveaways and is very active, posting multiple videos every week.

He is popular around the world and enjoys a good following from the Middle East, making him an excellent pick for brands keen to work with international gaming influencers.

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Shroud

Michael Grzesiek, known by the name Shroud, is a 25-year-old Polish-Canadian YouTube and Twitch streamer who enjoys collaborating with brands and posting a variety of gaming-related content.

He started as a professional Counter-Strike player and gradually moved to other trending titles such as Apex Legends.

He currently has nearly 10 million Twitch followers, making him one of the most popular gaming influencers on the platform. The star comes online almost every day and always gives her fans what they want.

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YammyXOX

With more than 2.2 million YouTube subscribers, Yammy is one of the most popular British gaming influencers. Known for her colorful outfits, cool hair, and incredible gaming skills, the star started her career by playing games like Minecraft and The Sims. However, you’ll also see her commentary on some other titles such as Tomb Raider and Amnesia: The Dark Descent.

Yammy is the go-to gaming influencer for many brands due to her loyal fan base and interest in mobile games.

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Lomadiah

Hannah Rutherford is the name behind Lomadiah, a fast-growing YouTube channel with over 1.16 million subscribers.

Unlike some other gaming influencers out there, Hannah doesn’t focus on a single niche or game and appears to be a fan of different types of games including mobile games.  This makes her a perfect fit for all kinds of brands since her reach is pretty impressive, with followers from around the globe. Plus, almost all content on her YouTube is related to gaming.

The diva is also on Patreon and is working to grow her Discord group which currently has around 1500 members.

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Myth

Ali Kabbani is a 20-year-old American YouTube and Twitch streamer with more than 7 million Twitch followers and around 4.5 million YouTube subscribers.

Back in 2019, Ali was one of only a few influencers given the opportunity to stream Apex Legends. He’s rumored to have received around a million for the job. The star has built a strong career by playing in teams with different popular streamers.

He is available for collaborations but can be a little expensive to work with.

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Gaming With Jen

Jen is an American YouTuber who uploads a variety of content on her social media handles including game reviews and commentary. For gaming videos, she likes to collaborate with her husband, another known gamer.

They came together to create a hit Roblox video series that garnered millions of views and brought them a lot of positive attention.

She mainly posts Roblox videos; however, you may also find her playing other similar titles.

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KittyPlays

Kitty is a female gamer who got popular for posting fun game reviews. While she used to be very active a year ago, she posts less frequently now and appears to be concentrating more on Twitch where she has 1.1 million subscribers. In comparison, her YouTube audience stands at 602K.

She shares fun videos on popular games such as Dota 2, Fortnite, and CS:GO. We must mention that her Twitch account comes with an adult content warning. Moreover, she likes to discuss other aspects of her life as well including her hobbies and travel experiences.

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Ujjwal

Ujjwal is an Indian gaming influencer who is extremely popular in his home country with more than 5.77 million YouTube subscribers. He, however, speaks in Hindi, since most of his followers are from his home country, which makes him a good pick for brands looking to cater to the growing Indian market.

He’s willing to work with companies that sell phones, apps, gadgets, PCs, and tablets. Moreover, he also has another gaming channel, which gives him an excellent reach.

Despite his excellent reach, he is still affordable and easy to work with.

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Aphmau

Jessica Bravura is the woman behind Aphmau, a channel where you will find hundreds of Minecraft videos. Jessica, more popularly known as Jess, is considered one of the best female Minecraft players and is credited for making the game more popular thanks to her 10.4 million YouTube followers who religiously watch her content.

Her “Minecraft Diaries” series proved to be a huge hit and won her thousands of new subscribers.

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TIM THE TATMAN

Timothy John Betar, also called Tim, is a popular Twitch gamer with more than 6.5 million subscribers. Known for playing Fortnite, he’s a very active streamer who likes to communicate with his fans and is also known for collaborating with other streamers.

While he mainly focuses on Twitch, you will also find him on other social media handles including YouTube, where he has more than 1 million subscribers.

The American star started streaming in 2012 and has been nominated by The Game Awards in the Content Creator of the Year category in 2020. He has appeared in several commercials and enjoys celebrity-level recognition.

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SUMMIT1G

Jaryd Russell Lazar is an American gamer who has more than 6 million Twitch followers. He’s a retired competitive Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player who enjoys live streaming.

Once the most followed Twitch streamer, Lazar lost his position due to stiff competition, however, he continues to be very popular with thousands of people watching his live streams.

He currently streams titles like Escape from Tarkov, DayZ, Grand Theft Auto V, Sea of Thieves, and Valorant. Moreover, he was in the news for signing a long-term deal with Twitch regarding sponsorship support and content.

The winner of several gaming awards, Lazar is a controversial gaming influencer who continues to reign supreme.

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Pokimane

Canadian and Moroccan gamer Imane Anys, also known as Pokimane, is popular for making Fortnite videos that are watched by her 6.66 million YouTube subscribers. However, on Twitch, you will see her play other games, including League of Legends and Fortnite.

She is among the top female gaming influencers and even made it to the 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 due to her being the largest female Twitch streamer with over 8.1 million followers.

One of the founders of OfflineTV, Anys has several other interests including acting and fashion.

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DR DISRESPECT

Herschel “Guy” Beahm IV is a 39-year-old American star who gained fame due to Twitch but now mainly concentrates on other platforms. He was one of Twitch’s most popular streamers until June 2020 when he got banned due to unknown reasons. Rumor is that it is a permanent ban. He moved to YouTube after the ban and currently enjoys over 3.43mil subscribers.

Said to be very professional in real life, the star has a bombastic and ruthless online persona. He’s known for being entertaining; however, he has been in several controversies yet fans love him like crazy.

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DAKOTAZ

Some people believe that Dakotaz, real name Brett Hoffman, never sleeps as you will find him live on Twitch throughout the day.

Known for being one of the best Fortnite players, the American star is available on all major platforms and is huge on both Twitch and YouTube, with a combined following of over 7.5 million.

A cool fact about the star is that he has a twin brother who is also a gamer and enjoys streaming Fortnight. Brands looking for something cool may work with the two bros.

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DrLupo

Benjamin “Dr” Lupo is a popular streamer who is active on both Twitch and YouTube.

He started his streaming career in 2013 by playing Destiny and soon moved to battle royale games like H1Z1. The year 2018 brought him real fame when he broke the Fortnite world record for vehicle trick points.

The same year, he started to take part in more charitable events, eventually signing an exclusive deal with Twitch in 2019 where he has more than 4.5 million followers. In comparison, he has 1.74 million YouTube subscribers.

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Danielle DeNicola

Danielle is an all-rounder with a strong presence on almost all major platforms. She has more than 26.3K Twitch fans and almost 5,000 YouTube subscribers.

Known for her sex appeal and fun gaming content, Danielle enjoys flaunting her incredible looks and is more popular among men than women. In addition to video games, she loves cosplay showcases and loves to interact with her followers.

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Cheryl Swarlez

Cheryl isn’t your typical gaming influencer, she is a star with varied interests including fashion and gaming.

This gaming microinfluencer has over 12k Instagram followers and 247 Twitch fans. However, she seems very serious about her streaming career and comes online regularly.

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Straight Up Knives

SUKnives is a YouTube page dedicated to Pokemon Go, one of the world’s most popular games. You’ll also find the page on other social media networks including Instagram where they have more than 13,000 followers.

While the page doesn’t seem to be very active these days, old videos are still generating decent views.

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Eddy’s Tomb Raider Channel

Don’t let the name fool you, this channel is not only about Tomb Raider. You will also find other popular titles like Resident Evil, Sailor Moon, and Winx Club. It presently has around 5200 subscribers and over 2 million views.

Eddy appears to be working hard to build a following and might be a suitable pick for small brands looking for an affordable gaming influencer.

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Clare Siobhan

Known for playing hit games like Pokemon, The Sims 4, Mass Effect, and Call of Duty, Clare is a sensation with more than 1.2 million YouTube followers.

In addition to her YouTube channel, you will also see her on her partner Ali A’s YouTube channel. The two often vlog together and share the details of their lives with their fans.

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LIRIK

The man behind LIRIK is Saqib Zahid, an American gaming influencer who mainly streams on Twitch and enjoys more than 2.8 million followers. His YouTube following appears to be behind with 272k subscribers.

Sponsored by Discord, Saqib enjoys international followers including Asian fans who regularly interact with him.

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Abel Green

Green is a YouTuber who enjoys making content on games that he cares about. You will mostly find him playing hit titles like Halo Infinite, Uncharted, and Battlefield.

Working to build a following, he has 22.2K YouTube subscribers and 11.3K Twitch fans. He live-streams thrice a week and posts updates on his social media from time to time.

You will find many gaming influencers like Abel on our platform.

SIGN UP WITH AFLUENCER TODAY so you can reach out to so many awesome influencers.

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Gaming Influencers to Follow: Conclusion

The global gaming market’s revenue is projected to reach US$522.5 billion in 2025 and is expected to hit US$691.3 billion in 2029. This explosive growth means brands can’t afford to miss out on gaming influencers. These influencers have access to an ever-expanding audience of engaged, tech-savvy consumers who are ready to embrace the latest products. Partnering with gaming influencers puts your brand right in the heart of this massive, lucrative market, offering unmatched exposure and the opportunity to connect with passionate gamers who trust their recommendations. Now’s the time to level up your brand’s visibility!

Afluencer makes it easy to connect with the right gaming influencers for your brand. With a range of filters to help you find influencers in the gaming niche, you can quickly discover the perfect match. Ready to hit “start” on your next big partnership? Let Afluencer guide you to the next gaming sensation!

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]]> https://afluencer.com/could-livestreaming-be-the-future-of-influencer-marketing/ Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:30:09 +0000 https://afluencer.com/?p=10013 We take a look at how the pandemic affected the flow of the current influencer industry. Pressuring it to change and adapt to the current situation. So how will this affect the future of influencer marketing? Will it be able to stay relevant and fulfill the needs of the shoppers? Influencer Marketing Goes Digital The […]

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]]> We take a look at how the pandemic affected the flow of the current influencer industry. Pressuring it to change and adapt to the current situation. So how will this affect the future of influencer marketing? Will it be able to stay relevant and fulfill the needs of the shoppers?

Influencer Marketing Goes Digital

The influencer marketing industry was known for organizing sumptuous events for press, business units, and product launches. But with the pandemic, the government was forced to impose a lot of restrictions. Social distancing has become the norm. Mass gatherings and events have been prohibited. Meaning that the usual events are no longer scripted in the future of influencer marketing campaigns.

The marketing industry adapted well to these major changes. Both influencers and brands had to come up with entirely different strategies to stay relevant in the online business.

These days it is essential for brands to go digital for success and to maintain popularity. Live streaming has gained a lot of popularity. Zoom users have increased by more than 2,000% and who knows how long this trend will last.

Expect More Influencers Going Live

According to Influencer Matchmaker, during the quarantine months, Instagram influencers in the UK were frequently going live. Among them were fitness coaches, book club members, influencers doing general chats, and so on. A lot of influencers rapidly adapted to the changes made on social media platforms.

Going live is a great way for influencers to interact and connect with their followers. The video medium resonates way more with the audience when it is streaming live. And it also allows them to interact with the influencers.

Many influencers used this opportunity to better understand the interests of their followers and to strengthen their relationship with them.

Now when the quarantine is ending and the world is slowly coming back on its feet, influencers still use the trend of live video format on social media platforms such as Zoom, Skype, and other streaming sites.

A lot of famous social media influencers are now regular users of Instagram Live such as Caroline Hirons, Caroline, Gorka Marquez, Carly Rowena, Gemma Atkinson and so many more.

Expect Brands To Digitalize in the Future of Influencer Marketing

Unlike influencers, it’s more difficult for brands to go digital. Because until now brand’s strategies involved hosting various events for launching products and creating many workshops. But due to the pandemic, such events are no longer possible. And most likely not included in the future of influencer marketing.

Nevertheless, brands still adapted to current changes. Even though they could not host events physically, many brands decided to switch their activities online.

By hosting online workshops, and events, and promoting their products on social media platforms, brands found a way to stay relevant in the industry and their campaigns kept audiences engaged.

Due to the holidays, this time of year is ideal for organizing events and workshops, and a lot of brands did just that online. Creating virtual events has its advantages because even though people cannot gather in person and meet the hosts, they can come together virtually from all over the world.

Will Zoom Carry On into the Future of Influencer Marketing?

Zoom, Skype, and similar platforms connect brands and influencers with their audience from all over the world. Whether someone lives in a big city or some small town, everyone can join online events set up by influencers and brands.

Even without the restrictions due to the pandemic, virtual events are still more practical for most people. That’s why we believe platforms such as Zoom will still continue to be the future of influencer marketing. And if brands don’t adapt to the changes and go with the current trend, they won’t be able to maintain their reputation.

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