7 Brands That Send PR to Small Influencers to Land Collabs in 2026

Dreaming of unboxing gifted products from your favorite brands? For aspiring creators, getting on a PR list can feel like an exclusive club, but it’s more accessible than you think. It's less about having a massive follower count and more about cultivating authentic engagement, owning a strong niche, and knowing exactly where to look for opportunities. Many brands are actively searching for creators just like you to generate authentic user-generated content (UGC).

This guide is your direct roadmap to navigating that process. We're cutting through the noise to bring you a curated list of the platforms and direct-to-consumer brands that send PR to small influencers. You'll discover how to connect with companies actively seeking micro-influencer partnerships, from beauty and skincare to fashion and wellness.

We'll break down how to get started on key platforms like JoinBrands, Shopify Collabs, and Skeepers, providing direct links and actionable insights for each. This list doesn't just show you where to go; it shows you how to succeed.

Beyond the list, we’ll equip you with practical tools to secure these collaborations. You'll find templates for crafting the perfect pitch, a checklist for building a media kit that stands out, and concrete strategies for turning gifted products into lasting brand partnerships. For a comprehensive guide on landing partnerships, consider reading this resource on how to get brand deals to further strengthen your approach. Let's get your mailbox filled.

1. JoinBrands

JoinBrands is less of a single brand and more of a powerful gateway connecting small influencers with hundreds of direct-to-consumer (DTC) companies. It operates as an all-in-one creator marketplace, specifically designed for brands to source User-Generated Content (UGC) and run influencer campaigns by sending out PR packages. For micro-influencers looking to get their foot in the door, this platform streamlines the entire process of finding brands that send PR to small influencers, from application to content delivery.

Unlike direct pitching, JoinBrands allows creators to browse a vast catalog of open campaigns from brands across niches like beauty, wellness, tech, and apparel. The platform’s strength lies in its end-to-end workflow management. Brands create detailed briefs, and influencers apply for the campaigns they're a good fit for. Once selected, the product is shipped, and the entire collaboration, including content submission, approvals, and even payment, is handled within the platform.

Key Features and Why It Stands Out

JoinBrands is particularly effective for creators focused on TikTok, Instagram, and Amazon, as it integrates specialized tools like TikTok Spark Ads authorization and TikTok Shop affiliate workflows. This makes it a go-to for e-commerce brands that want authentic content with a quick turnaround.

• Vast Creator Pool: With over 250,000 creators, the platform is bustling with opportunities. Brands are actively seeking fresh faces, meaning less competition than you'd find on larger, more established platforms.
• Structured Campaigns: Each campaign has a clear brief, deliverables, and compensation structure. This transparency removes the guesswork often associated with brand collaborations.
• Integrated Logistics: From delivery tracking to content rights management and payments, everything is centralized. This ensures you get your product and are compensated fairly for your work without administrative headaches.

How to Get Started

Getting started is straightforward. You create a profile, link your social accounts, and start applying for campaigns that match your audience and content style. The user interface is clean, guiding you through the application and collaboration process step-by-step. For brands, this platform simplifies the often chaotic process of outreach; for creators, it provides a direct line to active partnership opportunities. If you're looking to understand the brand's perspective, JoinBrands offers insights on how to find micro-influencers, which can give you an edge in your applications.

Website: https://joinbrands.com

2. Shopify Collabs

Shopify Collabs is a powerful, native app designed for the millions of merchants using the Shopify platform. It acts as an integrated bridge, connecting brands directly with creators to manage everything from affiliate programs to product seeding. For small influencers searching for brands that send PR, Shopify Collabs is a goldmine because it allows them to connect with emerging and established e-commerce businesses that are actively seeking authentic partnerships. It simplifies the discovery process, enabling creators to find and partner with brands directly within the ecosystem they use to sell.

Unlike standalone marketplaces, Shopify Collabs is deeply integrated into a brand’s backend operations. When a brand decides to send a creator a PR package or "gift," the entire process is handled as a seamless order within their Shopify admin. This direct line into a store's inventory and fulfillment system means products are shipped quickly and efficiently. Creators can apply to join a brand’s community, receive custom affiliate links, track their sales, and get paid, all through a single, unified hub.

Key Features and Why It Stands Out

Shopify Collabs stands out because it removes the friction for both brands and creators. Brands can set up a public page inviting applications, send direct invites, and manage all communications without leaving their Shopify dashboard. This makes it incredibly easy for them to pilot product gifting programs.

• Integrated Gifting and Fulfillment: The native "Send gift" feature creates a real order in Shopify, which ties directly into a brand’s inventory and shipping workflow. This ensures you receive products reliably and promptly.
• Direct Affiliate Opportunities: Brands can easily create and manage affiliate programs. Creators get unique links and discount codes, with commissions tracked and paid out automatically via Shopify.
• Low Barrier to Entry: The platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing small influencers to easily discover and apply to partner with thousands of Shopify-powered brands looking for fresh talent.

How to Get Started

Creators can sign up for a Shopify Collabs account and build a profile showcasing their social media presence and audience demographics. From there, you can browse a directory of participating brands and apply to their programs with just a few clicks. Many brands also list their collaboration opportunities publicly on their websites, leading back to their Collabs application. It’s a great way to get involved with ambassador programs, and you can learn more about how to excel in ambassador programs for small influencers to increase your chances of being accepted.

Website: https://apps.shopify.com/collabs

3. Social Cat

Social Cat is a specialized platform designed to connect small and growing brands with nano and micro-influencers. It positions itself as a streamlined solution for product seeding, gifted collaborations, and User-Generated Content (UGC) collection, deliberately avoiding the complexity of enterprise-level software. For creators just starting their journey, Social Cat serves as a direct access point to emerging brands actively looking for authentic partners to send PR packages to.

The platform operates with a clear focus on simplifying the partnership process. Brands can browse a marketplace of creators or use the "Influencer Gifting" module to send products to a curated list of influencers. Creators, in turn, can apply for gifted, affiliate, or paid campaigns. This focus makes Social Cat an excellent starting point for those wanting to build a portfolio of brand collaborations and receive products from companies eager to work with smaller creators.

Key Features and Why It Stands Out

Social Cat's unique selling proposition is its commitment to the smaller end of the market for both brands and creators. While other platforms cater to massive campaigns, Social Cat excels at facilitating intimate, high-impact product-seeding initiatives. This approach is ideal for small influencers trying to connect with brands that send PR without getting lost in a sea of larger accounts.

• Purpose-Built for Smaller Creators: The platform is specifically designed for nano and micro-influencers, meaning less competition and a higher likelihood of being selected by brands that value genuine engagement over massive follower counts.
• Multiple Collaboration Types: It supports gifted, affiliate, and paid collaborations, giving creators flexibility in how they choose to partner with brands. Creators are not charged any platform fees to participate.
• Transparent and Simple UI: The user interface is straightforward, making it easy to find and apply for campaigns without a steep learning curve. This simplicity extends to campaign briefs, which clearly outline deliverables and content usage rights.

How to Get Started

Signing up as a creator is free and straightforward. You create your profile, link your Instagram and TikTok accounts, and can immediately start browsing the marketplace for collaboration opportunities. The platform provides valuable resources for both sides, including case studies and tools like engagement calculators, which can help you understand your own value. While brand pricing isn't always public, the focus on small businesses ensures the brands on the platform are genuinely interested in forming relationships with emerging influencers.

Website: https://thesocialcat.com

4. Skeepers (formerly Octoly)

Skeepers, widely known by its former name Octoly, is a powerhouse platform focused on large-scale product gifting and authentic reviews. It serves as a dedicated marketplace where brands can launch gifted campaigns and connect with a vetted community of nano and micro-influencers. For creators, Skeepers provides a "Free Store" where they can browse and request products from top brands in exchange for honest content, making it one of the most direct ways to find brands that send PR to small influencers, especially in the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle niches.

The platform is designed to facilitate high-volume product seeding with measurable results. Unlike manual outreach, Skeepers uses AI-powered matching to connect brands with the right creators, ensuring that PR packages land in the hands of influencers whose audiences are genuinely interested. For creators, this means being presented with products that align perfectly with their content, leading to more authentic and engaging reviews.

Key Features and Why It Stands Out

Skeepers excels at streamlining the often-chaotic process of managing hundreds of gifted collaborations. Its entire workflow is optimized for efficiency, from product discovery in the app-based Free Store to content submission and performance tracking. The platform's strong focus on the beauty and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors has cultivated a dedicated community of creators specializing in these areas.

• Curated 'Free Store' for Creators: The core of the creator experience is the Free Store, where influencers can use credits to "order" products they want to review. This puts the power in the creator's hands, ensuring genuine interest and higher ship-to-post rates.
• AI-Powered Matchmaking: Skeepers uses sophisticated algorithms to match brands with creators based on audience demographics, engagement rates, and content style, improving the relevance and impact of each collaboration.
• Integrated UGC Management: The platform includes a licensed User-Generated Content library, allowing brands to easily collect, manage, and repurpose the high-quality content generated from their campaigns for use in other marketing channels.

How to Get Started

For creators, joining Skeepers involves applying and meeting certain eligibility criteria, which typically include a minimum follower count (often starting around 1,000) and consistent engagement on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. Once accepted, you gain access to the Free Store and can start requesting products immediately. For brands, the platform is more enterprise-focused, requiring a demo and custom pricing to launch campaigns. This model is ideal for companies looking to understand exactly how to send products to influencers at scale while tracking ROI effectively.

Website: https://skeepers.io/us/influencer-marketing/

5. Afluencer

Afluencer is a self-serve influencer marketplace designed to connect brands directly with creators for collaborations. It functions as a dynamic hub where brands post "Collabs," and influencers can apply for gifted, affiliate, or paid campaigns. For emerging creators, Afluencer provides a streamlined way to find and connect with companies actively searching for partners, making it an excellent resource for securing PR packages from brands that send PR to small influencers.

The platform is particularly accessible for small and medium-sized businesses looking to run cost-effective gifting and affiliate campaigns. Unlike platforms that require large retainers, Afluencer allows brands to post collaboration opportunities and manage outreach directly. For influencers, this means access to a wide variety of brands that might not be discoverable through traditional means, from innovative startups to established e-commerce players.

Key Features and Why It Stands Out

Afluencer’s primary strength lies in its user-friendly, self-service model that empowers both brands and creators. It simplifies the discovery process with in-app messaging, advanced filters for shortlisting creators, and newsletter features that amplify brand listings, ensuring that active opportunities get seen.

• Accessible for All Sizes: The platform’s budget-friendly tiers make it a go-to for smaller brands, which translates to more product-for-post opportunities for micro-influencers. You'll find a diverse range of companies that are eager to collaborate.
• Direct Communication: In-app messaging facilitates direct and transparent conversations between you and the brand, helping you build genuine relationships and clarify campaign expectations without needing a middleman.
• Targeted Discovery: Brands use premium filters to find the right influencers, meaning that if you fit a niche, you're more likely to receive direct invitations to Collabs that are a perfect match for your audience.

How to Get Started

Getting started on Afluencer is simple. Create a detailed creator profile, link your social media accounts, and start browsing the Collab listings. You can apply directly to opportunities that align with your brand and niche. Be proactive by keeping your profile updated and professional, as brands also use the platform to scout for talent. The hands-on support team is available via phone, email, and chat, which is a significant plus for both brands and creators navigating their first few partnerships.

Website: https://afluencer.com

6. Stack Influence

Stack Influence operates as a fully managed micro-influencer product seeding service, making it an excellent resource for creators searching for brands that send PR to small influencers. Unlike self-service marketplaces, Stack Influence handles the entire campaign process for e-commerce brands, from finding creators to shipping products and collecting content. This turnkey approach means brands are constantly looking for authentic micro-influencers to participate in their gifting campaigns, creating a steady stream of opportunities.

For small influencers, the platform offers a simplified way to connect with brands actively running product-only campaigns. The primary focus is on generating authentic word-of-mouth marketing at scale, so creators who excel at producing genuine, engaging content are highly valued. By joining the platform, you gain access to campaigns that might otherwise be difficult to find or pitch for directly. The compensation is purely product-based, which is ideal for creators focused on building their portfolio and receiving PR packages.

Key Features and Why It Stands Out

Stack Influence’s model is built for scale and efficiency, both for brands and creators. The platform’s managed service means that once you are approved for a campaign, the logistics are handled for you, allowing you to focus on creating high-quality content. This removes the administrative burden often associated with collaborations.

• Managed Campaigns: The platform handles outreach, creator qualification, fulfillment, and tracking. This means you receive clear instructions and support throughout the collaboration.
• Product-Only Compensation: All campaigns are gifting-based. This structure is perfect for creators who want to receive free products in exchange for content, making it a great entry point into influencer marketing.
• Pay-Per-Post Model for Brands: Brands pay Stack Influence based on completed posts, incentivizing the platform to ensure collaborations are successful and that creators deliver. This creates a reliable and professional environment.

How to Get Started

To join Stack Influence, you sign up as a creator and build your profile, linking your social media accounts. The platform's team then matches you with campaigns based on your niche, audience demographics, and content style. When a brand selects you for a campaign, you'll be notified with a clear brief outlining the deliverables. The process is designed to be low-effort for creators, as the platform coordinates everything from product shipping to content collection. This streamlined experience makes it one of the most accessible ways to secure consistent PR packages from emerging and established e-commerce brands.

Website: https://stackinfluence.com

7. Influenster

Influenster is a massive product discovery and review platform that connects millions of consumers with brands through product sampling. For small creators, it's a goldmine for receiving PR packages, known as "VoxBoxes," in exchange for honest reviews and user-generated content. Rather than a direct-pitch marketplace, Influenster operates on a community model where members build their profiles, connect social accounts, and complete surveys to be matched with campaigns from leading brands in beauty, food, personal care, and home goods.

The platform is less about one-on-one negotiations and more about mass product seeding based on demographics and interests. Brands use Influenster to generate authentic reviews and social buzz at scale, making it one of the most accessible ways for up-and-coming influencers to get their hands on products. The entire process is managed through the app, where users track their VoxBox shipments, complete required tasks like writing reviews or posting on social media, and engage with brand communities.

Key Features and Why It Stands Out

Influenster’s strength lies in its sheer volume and focus on review generation. For brands in the CPG and beauty spaces, it's an invaluable tool for launching new products and gathering crucial consumer feedback. For creators, it’s a numbers game: the more active you are, the more likely you are to receive products. This makes it an ideal starting point for anyone looking to build a portfolio of brand collaborations.

• VoxBox Campaigns: These are the core of the platform. Brands send curated boxes of full-size or sample products to targeted members who have opted into campaigns.
• App-Based Management: The entire experience, from surveys to campaign tasks, is handled within a user-friendly mobile app, making it easy to participate on the go.
• Community and Engagement: Users earn badges and increase their "Impact Score" by writing reviews, answering questions, and being active. A higher score can increase your chances of being selected for premium campaigns.

How to Get Started

Getting started is simple and free. You download the Influenster app, create a profile, and connect your social media accounts. The key to success is completing all the "Snaps" (short surveys) that pop up in your dashboard. These surveys help Influenster match your demographics and interests with upcoming campaigns from brands that send PR to small influencers. Be thorough and honest in your answers, and keep your profile updated to maximize your chances of qualifying for a VoxBox.

Website: https://www.influenster.com

Top 7 PR Brands for Small Influencers — Comparison

Your Next Steps: From PR Hopeful to Valued Partner

You've explored the landscape of opportunities, from the direct marketplace of Shopify Collabs to the user-generated content engine of JoinBrands. You now have a curated list of platforms and brands that send PR to small influencers, moving you from the realm of possibility into a world of actionable strategy. The path forward is no longer a mystery; it's a series of deliberate steps.

The journey from aspiring creator to trusted brand partner is built on professionalism and performance. Getting that first PR package is a milestone, but the real success lies in what you do next. It's about transforming a single gifted opportunity into a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship.

Recapping Your Toolkit for Success

Let's distill the core strategies discussed throughout this guide into your essential takeaways. These are the pillars that will support your growth:

• Platform Diversification is Key: Don't put all your efforts into one basket. Sign up for multiple platforms like Skeepers for beauty, Stack Influence for Amazon products, and JoinBrands for a broad range of user-generated content campaigns. Each platform caters to a different brand strategy, and being present on several maximizes your visibility.
• A Professional Foundation is Non-Negotiable: Your media kit isn't just a document; it's your professional resume. Ensure it’s updated with your latest stats, best-performing content examples, and clear contact information. Likewise, a polished and proactive pitch email can open doors that a simple platform profile cannot.
• Value Delivery is Your Ultimate Goal: Brands are looking for more than just a mention. They want high-quality, authentic content that resonates with your audience and drives results. Always deliver on or before your deadlines, communicate professionally, and provide a simple report showcasing the performance of your content. This small step makes a huge impact.

Turning Knowledge into Long-Term Partnerships

The brands and platforms listed here are your entry points. They are actively searching for creators who can provide authentic content and genuine audience engagement. Your task is to stand out by being reliable, creative, and results-oriented. The goal isn't just to get free products; it's to build a portfolio that demonstrates your value and justifies paid collaborations down the line.

Think of each gifted collaboration as a case study for your next paid campaign. When a brand sees that your content not only looks great but also generates comments, saves, and clicks, they will be far more likely to invest in a deeper partnership. This is the critical transition from being on a PR list to becoming a go-to creator. To refine your approach and transition from an aspiring influencer to a valued brand partner, delve into this comprehensive guide on influencer marketing strategies for ecommerce. Understanding the brand's perspective on ROI will make your pitches and content infinitely more effective.

Ultimately, your success hinges on your ability to consistently prove your worth. By leveraging the tools we've covered, perfecting your outreach, and treating every opportunity with professionalism, you will build a sustainable career. The brands are out there, and they are looking for you. Now, go connect with them.

Ready to stop waiting for brands to find you? Take control of your creator journey by signing up for JoinBrands. Our platform connects you directly with hundreds of brands actively looking for small influencers and UGC creators for their next campaign. Get started today and land your next brand deal at JoinBrands.