A few weeks ago, our team stumbled across a lively discussion on Threads, where influencers were debating what kind of compensation they should expect for videos that pull in 300K+ views. The responses and questions got us thinking—there’s a lot of curiosity out there about how influencer partnerships really work and how compensation is broken down. So, we decided to share some insights from our experience.
Influencers typically fall into five categories based on their follower count, and these tiers often guide how they’re compensated:
Nano-influencers: 1,000 to 10,000 followers
Micro-influencers: 10,000 to 50,000 followers
Mid-tier influencers: 50,000 to 500,000 followers
Macro-influencers: 500,000 to 1 million followers
Celebrity influencers: 1 million+ followers
An influencer’s income depends on a range of factors, from follower size and engagement rate to the niche they’re in and the type of brand partnerships they land. For example, celebrity influencers like Monet McMichael (3.8 million followers) have made around $4 million since becoming an influencer ( as she confirmed in her AdWeek interview).
While that might sound like an unattainable dream, being a nano or micro-influencer has its own perks. Having a smaller but more targeted following means these influencers often boast higher engagement rates. This "golden" engagement can lead to lucrative opportunities for sponsored content and even long-term partnerships with brands that value authenticity and connection over sheer numbers. Think about it—there’s a reason for the term “influencers.” It’s all about the impact you have on your community. The more engaged your followers are, the more likely they’ll be swayed by your recommendations. And that’s exactly where those partnerships come into play.
Tips for Growing on Social Media
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to boost your follower count and engagement, here are a few tips to help you on your journey:
Find Your Niche
Whether it’s fashion, beauty, or video games, there’s an audience out there waiting for your expertise and passion. Focus on building a loyal following that knows what to expect from you.
Get Noticed!
Posting content for a brand you don’t have a relationship with (yet) can be a smart move. It’s like giving them a sneak peek of what you bring to the table. Tag the brand in your post so they’ll notice, and if your content gets great engagement, you’ve got the perfect case to send their way. It’s an easy way to prove you’d be an asset for a paid collaboration.
Consistency is KEY!
Posting consistently keeps you top of mind for both your audience and the algorithm. The trick is to stick to a regular schedule without overwhelming your followers—quality over quantity!
Prioritize Engagement
Even if you’re a nano or micro-influencer, engagement metrics like likes, comments, shares, and DMs are far more valuable to brands than just a big follower count. Build genuine connections, and your community will actively engage, making you more attractive to potential brand partnerships.
Collaborate with Other Influencers
Cross-promotion with influencers in your niche can introduce you to new audiences and solidify your credibility. Partnering on giveaways, challenges, or joint content is a great way to accelerate your growth.
In the end, influencer marketing is about more than just numbers. It’s about building relationships, staying authentic, and offering value to both your audience and the brands you work with. As long as you stay focused on that, the opportunities will come!
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