91 min read
| February 12, 2025
Influencer marketing works best when content feels real, engaging, and interactive. People don’t just want to see ads. They want to connect, be entertained, and feel like they are part of a community. No matter the niche—fashion, beauty, or beyond—keeping content fresh and creative is essential for success.
Here are 20 innovative and actionable influencer marketing ideas to help brands and influencers working in all manner of industries and niches boost engagement, build trust, and keep their followers excited.
1. Share Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Concept: Offer audiences an exclusive look into your brand's daily operations, product development processes, or event preparations. This transparency humanizes your brand and builds trust.
Example: During New York Fashion Week, Tory Burch teamed up with influencers to share behind-the-scenes access and exclusive interviews, attracting approximately 13.7 million views on TikTok.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: Audiences appreciate authenticity and enjoy feeling like insiders, which strengthens their connection to the brand.
2. Host a Live Q&A Session
Concept: Host real-time question-and-answer sessions with influencers to address audience inquiries and discuss products or services.
Example: Sephora has mastered the art of live engagement by hosting Q&A sessions on Instagram Live. These sessions bring in beauty experts and influencers to chat about skincare, makeup tips, and product recommendations while answering audience questions in real time. The interactive format makes followers feel like they’re getting a personalized shopping experience from the comfort of their homes.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: Live Q&As create real connections between brands and customers. Instead of just reading product descriptions, people get expert advice, ask questions, and see products in action. It builds trust, keeps audiences engaged, and makes shopping feel more personal.
3. Join Trending Challenges
Concept: Engage in popular social media trends and challenges to increase brand visibility and relevance.
Example: In 2024, TikTok creator Jools Lebron started the "Very Demure" trend, a playful take on being reserved and mindful in everyday situations. The trend took off, with people using the phrase to describe everything from office behavior to social interactions. Instead of just watching from the sidelines, brands like Netflix, Zillow, and Lyft joined in by working directly with Lebron to make content that fit the trend. For example, Lyft featured her in a video about a "demure" ride experience, while Netflix created a list of shows that matched the theme.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: Jumping on viral trends is one of the best ways for brands to stay relevant and connect with people in a fun, natural way. The trick is knowing when and how to join so it feels like you’re part of the moment, not just trying to cash in.
4. Launch a User-Generated Content Campaign
Concept: User-generated content (UGC) campaigns are a fantastic way to connect with your audience by encouraging them to share their own experiences with your brand. These campaigns foster a sense of community and generate authentic content that appeals to potential customers.
Example: Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign is a classic example of a successful UGC campaign. They replaced their iconic logo with popular first names on bottles and cans, encouraging customers to find their names and share photos on social media using the hashtag #ShareaCoke. This simple idea led to a flood of personal stories and images, creating a massive wave of organic promotion.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: By personalizing their products, Coca-Cola made each customer feel special, prompting them to share their unique experiences. This personal connection turned customers into brand ambassadors, spreading the word in an authentic and engaging way.
5. Create Long-Form Storytelling Content
Concept: Work with influencers to tell a story about your brand, product, or how it fits into their lives. Instead of just promoting a product, share a meaningful story that creates a real connection with your audience.
Example: Nike’s "Dream Crazier" campaign featured athletes talking about their struggles and triumphs. These personal stories connected with people on a deeper level and made the brand more relatable.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: People love stories. When influencers share real, emotional stories, it helps create a strong bond with your brand, which makes it memorable and meaningful.
6. Film an Unboxing and First Impressions Video
Concept: Collaborate with influencers to unbox your product on camera. Seeing someone’s first reaction and hearing their genuine thoughts builds excitement and shows the true value of your product.
Example: Tech influencers regularly do unboxing videos to show off the latest gadgets. Their honest first impressions give viewers an inside look at what to expect and what makes the product stand out.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: Unboxing videos are exciting to watch and feel real. They give potential customers a chance to see a product in action and decide if it’s right for them.
7. Run a Giveaway or Contest
Concept: Give your audience a chance to win something by hosting a fun giveaway or contest with influencers. This encourages participation, boosts excitement, and spreads the word about your brand.
Example: Dunkin’ regularly teams up with influencers to celebrate National Donut Day by offering free donuts. The annual contest always creates a buzz on social media and encourages fans to engage with the brand.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: People love free stuff, and giveaways create excitement. It’s a fun way to get more people involved and talking about your brand.
8. Invite an Influencer Takeover
Concept: Let an influencer take over your brand’s social media for a day or during an event. This brings fresh content and gives their followers a sneak peek into your brand from their perspective.
Example: Revolve has influencers take over their Instagram during big events like Coachella. It’s a way to show how the brand fits into influencer lives and bring their audience along for the ride.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: Influencer takeovers bring new energy to your social channels and expose your brand to a whole new audience. It’s like getting a fresh perspective, and fans love it!
9. Share Interactive Polls
Concept: Engage your followers by asking them to help make decisions, whether it’s about new products, designs, or campaign ideas. Polls and interactive content help you tap into the preferences of your audience, making them feel a part of the decision-making process.
Example: ASOS frequently uses Instagram Stories to ask followers which pieces they like best from their collections. This allows them to engage with their fashion-savvy audience and directly influence upcoming collections.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: Polls work really well in industries like fashion, food, and beauty, where tastes change quickly and customer feedback is crucial. They give brands a way to directly connect with their audience and help build a sense of community around their products.
10. Promote How-To Tutorials and Demonstrations
Concept: Partner with influencers to create tutorials showing how to use your product. This helps to educate your audience and demonstrate the practical value of your product, turning a simple product pitch into an informative, engaging experience.
Example: Apple often collaborates with tech influencers on YouTube to create tutorial videos, demonstrating how to maximize the use of their devices like the iPhone or MacBook. These influencers break down features and functionality in a simple, accessible way.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: How-to content is especially valuable in industries like tech, beauty, and fitness, where products may require more explanation or hands-on experience. It helps potential customers see how your product fits into their lives and builds trust in its value.
11. Show Real Transformations With Before-and-After Content
Concept: People love a good transformation story, whether it's clearer skin, weight loss, or a home makeover. Before-and-after content is one of the best ways to prove that your product actually works. It’s visual, relatable, and gives potential customers the confidence to try it for themselves.
Example: Proactiv has seen major success by working with influencers to share their skincare journeys. Influencers document their skin before using the product, track their progress, and reveal glowing results at the end. This kind of raw, unfiltered content strikes a chord with audiences who want to see real results before making a purchase.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: This strategy thrives in industries like beauty, wellness, fitness, and home improvement, where visible changes matter. Seeing is believing, and when influencers share authentic experiences, it builds trust and lends credibility to your brand.
12. Offer Exclusive Discount Codes That Feel Special
Concept: Everyone loves a good deal. When influencers share a discount code that is exclusive to their followers, it feels personal and exciting. Giving influencers unique discount codes encourages their audience to take action, making the purchase feel like a special insider deal rather than just another sale.
Example: Gymshark has partnered with fitness influencers who share personalized discount codes with their followers. This makes fans feel like they are getting a VIP offer while also boosting sales for Gymshark.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: This works especially well in industries like fitness, fashion, and beauty, where customers are always looking for a deal. A personal discount from a trusted influencer makes people more likely to buy, especially when they feel like they are getting something exclusive.
13. Co-Create Products With Influencer Collaborations
Concept: Influencers know their audience better than anyone. When they help design a product or create a special edition, their followers feel personally connected to it. These collaborations make the product feel more exciting and create a sense of exclusivity.
Example: In 2024, Chamberlain Coffee, founded by influencer Emma Chamberlain, collaborated with 818 Tequila, owned by Kendall Jenner, to create a limited-edition espresso martini kit. This partnership combined Chamberlain's coffee expertise with Jenner's tequila brand, resulting in a unique product that resonated with both of their audiences.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: This is a great strategy for fashion, beauty, and food brands. When influencers help create something, their followers feel like it was made just for them. That excitement drives engagement and increases demand.
14. Compare Real and Fake Products to Educate Customers
Concept: No one wants to waste money on a bad product. Influencers can compare authentic products with cheaper or counterfeit versions to show why quality matters. This type of content helps customers make informed choices and positions your brand as the trusted option.
Example: Rolex has worked with influencers to highlight the key differences between authentic luxury watches and fake alternatives. These videos help educate consumers about the value of craftsmanship and it prevents them from falling for counterfeits.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: This type of content is especially effective in industries like fashion, tech, and luxury goods, where counterfeits are common. People want to be sure they are getting the real thing before spending their money. By educating consumers, influencers build trust and position your brand as the reliable choice.
15. Share Real Customer Stories Through Testimonials
Concept: People trust recommendations from real customers. When influencers share testimonials and personal stories, it makes a product feel more reliable and relatable. Whether it is weight loss success, clearer skin, or financial growth, customer testimonials give people the confidence to try something new.
Example: Weight Watchers, the global leader in science-backed weight management, often partners with celebrities and influencers to showcase real people who have lost weight and improved their health. These influencers document their journey, share challenges and wins, and make the transformation feel achievable for their audience.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: This strategy works really well in industries like health, beauty, and tech, where people need proof before making a decision. Real customer stories make your brand feel more authentic and help potential buyers see themselves using your product.
16. Make Product Placements Feel Natural in Everyday Life
Concept: The best influencer content does not feel like an ad. When influencers use a product as part of their everyday routine, it feels genuine and relatable. Whether it is a skincare routine, a morning coffee, or a home workout, organic product placement makes marketing feel effortless.
Example: IKEA has worked with lifestyle influencers like Janea Brown to showcase their furniture in home makeovers and organization projects. Instead of focusing on sales, these influencers highlight how IKEA products make life easier and more stylish.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: This strategy is perfect for home decor, beauty, and wellness brands. When followers see a product being used naturally, it becomes easier to imagine themselves using it too, which increases interest and sales.
17. Create “Day in the Life” Content to Showcase Your Brand
Concept: People love getting a behind-the-scenes look at someone else’s daily routine. Day-in-the-life content gives influencers a chance to show how a product fits seamlessly into their lives. This type of content feels personal and engaging because it does not come across as a traditional ad.
Example: A fitness influencer might start their day with a protein shake, wear a brand’s activewear to the gym, and finish with a recovery supplement, all while sharing a day-in-the-life vlog. Their audience gets to see the brand’s products in action without feeling like they are being pushed a hard sell.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: This is a great approach for fitness, lifestyle, and fashion brands. When influencers naturally integrate products into their daily routine, it feels real and relatable, which makes it more effective.
18. Tap Into Nostalgia to Create Emotional Connections
Concept: Nostalgia is a powerful marketing tool. When influencers tap into past trends, childhood favorites, or retro aesthetics, they create emotional connections with their audience. People love reminiscing about their favorite memories, and this kind of content draws them in.
Example: Levi’s partnered with influencers including Emma Chamberlain to bring back vintage denim styles, celebrating the best of ‘90s fashion. Older audiences loved revisiting a trend from their past, while younger ones were excited to try it for the first time.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: Nostalgic content is highly effective in fashion, food, and entertainment. When a brand connects to a memory or feeling, it creates a deeper emotional connection that can turn into long-term loyalty.
19. Support a Good Cause Through Purpose-Driven Campaigns
Concept: Customers care about brands that stand for something. When influencers promote social causes that align with your brand’s values, it builds trust and strengthens emotional connections with your audience. People want to support companies that share their beliefs.
Example: Tarte Cosmetics partnered with influencers to raise awareness for women’s empowerment and donated a portion of their sales to charities supporting women’s rights. Influencers shared personal stories to make the campaign feel heartfelt and genuine.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: Purpose-driven campaigns work well in beauty, fashion, and food. Consumers are more likely to support a brand when they feel like their purchase is making a difference.
20. Experiment With New Social Media Features to Stay Ahead
Concept: Finally, as we are all fully aware by now, social media is constantly changing. Brands that embrace new features early can get ahead of the competition. Whether it is augmented reality filters, TikTok challenges, or Instagram’s latest tools, staying on top of trends keeps your brand fresh and engaging.
Example: Samsung worked with influencers to showcase new phone features using augmented reality filters on Instagram. This allowed followers to interact with the product in a fun and interactive way.
Why this influencer marketing idea works: This strategy is great for tech, fashion, and entertainment brands. People love trying new social media features, and when brands use them creatively, it keeps audiences engaged and excited.
