Top 12 Micro Influencer Agencies to Scale Your Brand in 2026

In 2026, authentic connection consistently outperforms raw follower count. Micro-influencers, typically those with 10,000 to 100,000 followers, deliver higher engagement rates, possess deep-seated authority within specific niches, and often produce a better return on investment than their celebrity-sized counterparts. They are the trusted voices in their communities, driving real conversations and, more importantly, conversions.

However, the operational reality of influencer marketing at this scale is daunting. Finding, vetting, contracting, and managing hundreds of individual creators for a single campaign is a monumental task that can quickly overwhelm an in-house team. This is precisely the problem that specialized micro influencer agencies and dedicated platforms are built to solve. They act as the strategic and logistical backbone for brands looking to tap into the power of smaller creators without the associated administrative chaos.

This guide is designed to cut through the noise. We will break down 12 of the top partners in the industry, from full-service agencies like The Shelf and Carusele to creator-centric platforms like JoinBrands. You will get a clear picture of what makes each one different, what services they offer, and which type of brand they are best suited to help. We've included direct links and practical insights to help you move from consideration to a confident decision. Think of this as your buyer's guide for finding the right agency to turn authentic content into measurable business growth.

1. JoinBrands

JoinBrands presents a powerful, all-in-one platform that functions less like a traditional agency and more like a high-octane engine for creator marketing and user-generated content (UGC). It directly connects brands with a massive, vetted talent pool of over 250,000 creators. This isn't just a list of names; it's a diverse ecosystem encompassing TikTok Shop Affiliates, Instagram influencers, AI creators, and dedicated UGC producers, making it a standout choice among micro influencer agencies for its sheer scale and versatility.

The platform is engineered for speed and efficiency. Brands create a campaign brief and can expect qualified creators to begin applying within minutes. This rapid response is driven by AI-powered matching and predictive analytics that identify creators who are already producing relevant content, significantly cutting down discovery time. The entire campaign, from creator selection and product delivery to content approval and payment, is managed within a unified interface with escrow protection ensuring guaranteed delivery.

For agencies and brands managing multiple product lines, JoinBrands offers critical, agency-grade features. These include white-labeling, custom domains, and multi-brand management, allowing for a seamless, branded experience for clients. Another key advantage is the direct integration for TikTok Spark Ads, which allows brands to amplify high-performing creator content as whitelisted ads to drive measurable ROI. If you're looking for guidance on spotting the right talent, the platform's resources can show you how to find micro-influencers effectively.

Key Details & Use Cases

• Best For: DTC/e-commerce brands, marketing agencies, and social media managers needing to scale authentic content quickly across platforms like TikTok, Reels, and Shorts.
• Pricing: A "Get Started for FREE" option is available to explore the platform. Detailed tiered pricing for advanced features and agency solutions typically requires a sales demo.
• Core Strength: The combination of a vast creator network with an end-to-end workflow management system. This provides the discovery capabilities of a marketplace with the control of an in-house tool.
• Noteworthy Feature: Full ownership of all commissioned content. Once approved and paid for, the UGC is yours to use across all marketing channels without additional licensing fees.

Visit JoinBrands

2. The Shelf

The Shelf operates as a full-service, data-centric influencer agency that excels at turning creator content into measurable performance creative. Their approach is particularly well-suited for brands that prioritize return on ad spend (ROAS) and cost per acquisition (CPA) from their influencer marketing efforts. The agency’s process goes beyond simple creator partnerships by focusing on an "optimization flywheel" that incorporates paid media amplification, creative testing, and retargeting to maximize campaign outcomes.

This methodology makes The Shelf a strong contender among micro influencer agencies for direct-to-consumer (DTC) and e-commerce brands needing to justify marketing spend with tangible results. They handle the entire campaign lifecycle, from precise creator vetting and casting across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to managing usage rights and executing paid whitelisting strategies.

Key Details & Differentiators

• Service Model: Full-service agency with a heavy focus on performance marketing.
• Best For: Brands in e-commerce, CPG, and SaaS seeking performance outcomes like sales, app installs, or lead generation. Their detailed case studies show a strong track record in these areas.
• Standout Feature: The integration of influencer content with paid media is their core strength. They don't just secure posts; they actively test and scale the best-performing creative to drive down acquisition costs.
• Pricing: Custom quotes are required. The model's reliance on testing and paid media suggests it is better for brands with established, medium-to-large marketing budgets rather than those just starting out.

Pros:

• Strong performance marketing mindset with clear, data-backed reporting.
• Deep experience across multiple verticals with specific, accessible case studies.

Cons:

• Pricing is not transparent, requiring a direct inquiry and proposal process.
• The heavy testing and paid media components may not be a fit for very small, experimental budgets.

Website: https://www.theshelf.com

3. Carusele

Carusele offers a flexible entry point into influencer marketing, positioning itself as a hybrid between a full-service agency and a resource provider. The agency builds brand-safe programs and specializes in amplifying top-performing content through paid and social syndication. This model is ideal for brands that want to ensure their best creator assets reach a wider, more targeted audience beyond the initial organic post.

A unique aspect of Carusele is its standalone list-building service. For a flat fee, their team will deliver a custom shortlist of vetted micro-influencers, complete with recommended rates and outreach templates. This allows in-house teams to test the waters with a curated list before committing to a larger, fully managed campaign. It’s a practical step for companies wanting to prove the value of micro-influencers internally. This approach distinguishes Carusele from many other micro influencer agencies that only offer all-or-nothing managed services.

Key Details & Differentiators

• Service Model: Full-service agency with an optional, unbundled influencer list-building deliverable.
• Best For: Brands that want to test micro-influencer marketing with a smaller initial investment or in-house teams that need expert help with sourcing before managing execution themselves. Also a good fit for those looking to amplify proven content.
• Standout Feature: The "Hand-Selected Influencer-List" is a distinct, flat-fee product. It provides a low-risk entry point for brands to access agency-level vetting without the cost of a full campaign retainer.
• Pricing: Offers a clear, published flat fee for its list-building service. Full-service campaign management requires a custom quote.

Pros:

• Provides a practical, low-commitment option for brands testing micro-influencers.
• Strong focus on content syndication to maximize the value of creator posts.

Cons:

• The list-building service is light on execution support unless paired with managed services.
• Has a stronger emphasis on the US market, which may be a limitation for global campaigns.

Website: https://www.carusele.com

4. August United

August United positions itself as a strategy-led, independent influencer agency that manages campaigns from conception to completion. With an impressive track record of over 1,650 campaigns, the agency focuses on building "audience-first, outcomes-based" programs that connect brands with their target consumers authentically. Their approach often integrates creator content directly with a brand's broader social media management, ensuring a cohesive and unified message across all channels.

This integrated model makes August United a compelling choice for brands looking for more than just influencer activations. By handling content creation, influencer partnerships, and ongoing social media management, they function as a cross-functional partner. This is particularly useful for companies that need to ensure their micro influencer agencies can execute strategies that align perfectly with their day-to-day social voice and content calendar.

Key Details & Differentiators

• Service Model: Full-service agency offering end-to-end influencer strategy, content production, and social media management.
• Best For: Brands that require a deeply integrated approach where influencer marketing and general social media management are managed in concert. Their experience is ideal for companies that value a high volume of campaign experience and established operational processes.
• Standout Feature: The combination of high-volume campaign experience with integrated social media management. This provides a single point of contact for multiple marketing functions, which can simplify coordination and improve message consistency.
• Pricing: All engagements are based on custom quotes. Brands must contact them directly for a proposal, as there is no public rate card.

Pros:

• Extensive experience with over 1,650 completed campaigns, suggesting strong operational efficiency.
• Offers integrated social media management, creating a more unified marketing effort.

Cons:

• Pricing is not transparent, which requires a formal inquiry and proposal process.
• As an established agency, their availability for new projects may be limited during high-demand periods.

Website: https://www.augustunited.com

5. Markerly

Markerly blends agency services with a proprietary technology platform, focusing heavily on brand safety and authentic creator partnerships. The agency establishes a clear code of conduct for its vetted creators, ensuring that partnerships align with brand values from the outset. This makes Markerly an excellent choice for companies that are particularly concerned with maintaining a pristine brand image and avoiding influencer-related controversies. Their approach prioritizes genuine connections over purely transactional engagements.

Operating across a wide range of platforms including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and blogs, Markerly provides end-to-end campaign management. Their process covers everything from creator discovery and outreach to content approval and performance tracking. By combining a hands-on service model with their technology, they offer a balanced solution that suits brands seeking both expert guidance and efficient execution from their micro influencer agencies.

Key Details & Differentiators

• Service Model: A hybrid of managed agency services and a supporting technology platform.
• Best For: Brands in regulated industries or those with strict brand safety protocols, such as finance, healthcare, and family-focused CPG.
• Standout Feature: The emphasis on an ethical "code of conduct" for all creators is a key differentiator, providing an extra layer of security and brand alignment for clients.
• Pricing: Custom proposals are provided after a consultation. The hybrid model suggests it can accommodate various budget sizes, but specifics are not publicly available.

Pros:

• Strong focus on brand safety and authentic creator matching.
• Covers a broad spectrum of platforms beyond just Instagram and TikTok.

Cons:

• Pricing information is not transparent, requiring direct contact.
• Less public emphasis on performance marketing components like paid media amplification.

Website: https://markerly.com

6. Sway Group

As one of the more established players in the space, Sway Group has been operating as a full-service influencer agency since 2011. They manage a diverse network of over 50,000 vetted U.S.-based creators and provide end-to-end campaign management, complete with in-house paid media and analytics teams. This long history gives them a deep understanding of campaign execution, particularly for U.S.-centric activations that require careful handling of compliance and regulations.

Sway Group's model is well-suited for brands needing a reliable partner for domestic campaigns, including specialized initiatives like student-athlete (NIL) programs. Their approach, which often includes guaranteed-results language in proposals, provides a level of assurance that can be appealing for brands cautious about influencer marketing investments. By combining creator management with paid amplification, they offer a cohesive service that aims to cover all aspects of a campaign's lifecycle, similar to other robust influencer marketing tools and agencies.

Key Details & Differentiators

• Service Model: Full-service agency with in-house paid media and analytics.
• Best For: Brands targeting U.S. audiences, especially those in compliance-heavy categories (like CPG, finance, or healthcare) or those exploring niche markets like student-athlete partnerships.
• Standout Feature: Their extensive operating history and established reputation provide a high degree of reliability. The specific focus on student-athlete programs is a unique and timely offering.
• Pricing: Pricing is not publicly available and is provided through custom quotes. Their full-service model suggests it's best for brands with dedicated marketing budgets.

Pros:

• Long-standing reputation with visible leadership and extensive experience in the industry.
• Strong fit for large-scale U.S. campaigns and industries requiring strict compliance.

Cons:

• Pricing requires a direct inquiry, making it difficult to assess budget fit quickly.
• May not be the ideal choice for brands seeking extensive, global enterprise-level campaigns compared to larger holding-company agencies.

Website: https://swaygroup.com

7. HireInfluence

HireInfluence is an award-winning, campaign-led influencer agency that provides end-to-end program management. Their approach is centered on owning the entire process, from initial strategy and creative concepts to creator sourcing, content production, and detailed post-campaign analytics. This makes them an excellent partner for brands that need a fully managed solution for their influencer marketing across major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

The agency emphasizes documented performance, showcasing case studies with clear metrics such as cost per mille (CPM) and cost per view (CPV). By combining organic creative with paid media support, HireInfluence builds comprehensive campaigns that deliver measurable reach and engagement, making them a reliable choice among micro influencer agencies for brands seeking proven results.

Key Details & Differentiators

• Service Model: Full-service, managed campaigns from concept to reporting.
• Best For: Brands that want a hands-off, expert-led execution and require a partner to manage every aspect of a multi-platform influencer program.
• Standout Feature: Their all-in-one, "concept-to-completion" service model. The agency handles the heavy lifting of campaign strategy and execution, which is ideal for marketing teams with limited bandwidth.
• Pricing: Custom proposals are provided after an initial discovery call. Their full-service nature suggests there are likely minimum engagement levels better suited for established brand budgets.

Pros:

• Strong reputation backed by industry awards and documented case studies.
• Offers a complete, end-to-end managed service for simplified execution.

Cons:

• Pricing is not publicly available and requires a direct inquiry.
• The comprehensive service model may be more than what a small brand needs for a simple, one-off campaign.

Website: https://hireinfluence.com

8. Linqia

Linqia positions itself as a performance-driven influencer marketing company, blending a powerful technology platform with managed services. The core of its offering is designed to produce measurable business outcomes, moving beyond simple engagement metrics to focus on results like website traffic, conversions, and sales. It serves brands that need to justify their influencer spend with concrete data, making it a strong partner for established companies.

Their platform uses AI, powered by over 1.5 billion data points and Google Vision, for precise creator discovery and brand safety checks. A key aspect of their methodology is in-flight multivariate testing, which allows for real-time campaign optimization. This makes Linqia one of the more technologically advanced micro influencer agencies, ideal for enterprise-level clients needing scale and predictability.

Key Details & Differentiators

• Service Model: Hybrid of a technology platform and a full-service managed agency.
• Best For: Enterprise-level brands in CPG, retail, and technology that require large-scale, performance-guaranteed influencer campaigns with sophisticated reporting.
• Standout Feature: The commitment to a performance model where campaigns are actively optimized mid-flight. Its use of multivariate testing to identify top-performing creators and content is a significant differentiator from standard agency services.
• Pricing: Custom quotes are provided based on campaign goals and scale. The enterprise focus and performance guarantees suggest budgets will be higher than those required by smaller, boutique agencies.

Pros:

• Mature platform with a strong emphasis on measurable business impact.
• Managed service model provides expert guidance alongside powerful technology.

Cons:

• The enterprise focus and custom pricing may not be accessible for startups or brands with very small budgets.
• Less suited for purely awareness-focused campaigns where strict performance metrics aren't the primary goal.

Website: https://www.linqia.com

9. Open Influence

Open Influence is a global creator marketing agency that blends data intelligence with high-touch creative services. Headquartered in Los Angeles, their process is built on a proprietary AI platform that informs creator casting, predicts campaign performance, and provides detailed reporting. This technology-first approach allows them to manage complex, multi-market campaigns with a high degree of precision and brand safety.

The agency offers end-to-end management, covering everything from initial strategy and creative development to campaign execution and paid media amplification. Their global footprint and experience across numerous verticals, including CPG, automotive, and entertainment, make them a versatile partner. For brands looking for one of the micro influencer agencies that can execute both locally and internationally, Open Influence provides a robust, data-backed solution.

Key Details & Differentiators

• Service Model: Full-service agency powered by proprietary AI and data intelligence.
• Best For: Enterprise and mid-market brands requiring global reach, cross-industry expertise, and detailed performance analytics for multi-market campaigns.
• Standout Feature: Their combination of in-house technology for data-driven casting and reporting with a full creative services team provides a balanced approach between automation and human strategy.
• Pricing: Custom proposals are provided upon inquiry. The agency’s global scale and comprehensive service model suggest it is oriented toward larger, enterprise-level budgets.

Pros:

• Strong global reach with multiple offices, ideal for multi-market campaigns.
• Deep experience across a wide range of industries, demonstrated in their case studies.

Cons:

• Pricing is not publicly available and is likely geared towards enterprise clients.
• The extensive creative process and QA checks may result in longer campaign timelines.

Website: https://openinfluence.com

10. Obviously (a VML company)

As a full-service agency now part of the global VML network, Obviously specializes in executing high-volume micro-influencer campaigns centered around product seeding and gifting. Their operational strength lies in managing the complex logistics of distributing thousands of products to creators, making them an ideal partner for brands aiming to generate a massive wave of user-generated content (UGC) for retail and e-commerce channels. The agency’s proprietary analytics platform provides real-time reporting dashboards to track content and performance at scale.

This focus on operational excellence makes Obviously a standout among micro influencer agencies for consumer packaged goods (CPG) and retail brands that need a constant stream of authentic content for platforms like Amazon or their own e-commerce sites. They build and manage always-on custom creator networks, ensuring brands have a ready supply of advocates to tap for launches, promotions, and ongoing content needs.

Key Details & Differentiators

• Service Model: Full-service agency with a specialization in large-scale product seeding and UGC generation.
• Best For: Enterprise CPG, beauty, and retail brands needing to manage high-volume gifting campaigns to saturate the market and collect thousands of pieces of UGC for commerce.
• Standout Feature: Their logistical capacity for massive product seeding is their core differentiator. The ability to manage the shipping, tracking, and follow-up for thousands of individual creator packages is a significant operational feat that few agencies can match.
• Pricing: Custom quotes are provided upon inquiry, reflecting their enterprise-level focus and the customized nature of their high-volume campaigns.

Pros:

• Exceptional logistics and operations built for micro-influencer seeding at an enormous scale.
• Strong focus on generating UGC specifically for retail and e-commerce applications.

Cons:

• Product seeding programs alone do not always guarantee a direct sales lift without paid media support.
• Their enterprise orientation means pricing is available only on request and may not be suitable for smaller brands.

Website: https://www.obvious.ly

11. Ubiquitous

Ubiquitous is a social-first agency with a strong foundation in TikTok, managing both organic and paid influencer programs across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Their core competency lies in their ability to connect brands with the right creators and turn that user-generated content into high-performing ad creative. This end-to-end management of the creator lifecycle, from sourcing to paid amplification, makes them a practical choice for brands looking to establish a strong presence on short-form video platforms.

The agency’s documented case studies, including work with major brands like Lyft, showcase their ability to execute campaigns that resonate with Gen Z and younger audiences. By handling everything from creator outreach and contracting to running the paid ads, Ubiquitous provides a unified workflow that is especially useful for direct-to-consumer brands that need to generate authentic content and then scale it efficiently.

Key Details & Differentiators

• Service Model: Full-service agency managing organic campaigns and paid media amplification.
• Best For: DTC and app-based brands aiming to capture the Gen Z market, particularly on TikTok. Their integrated model is ideal for teams wanting to run UGC-to-ads campaigns without managing multiple vendors.
• Standout Feature: Deep, native expertise in TikTok. They understand the platform's trends, sounds, and creator culture, allowing them to build campaigns that feel organic and achieve performance goals.
• Pricing: Custom quotes are provided based on campaign scope. The FAQs suggest minimum budget requirements, indicating they are better suited for established brands rather than those just starting with very small test budgets.

Pros:

• Strong, proven expertise in the TikTok ecosystem.
• Manages both organic influencer outreach and paid media amplification under one roof.

Cons:

• Pricing is not publicly available and requires direct consultation.
• Minimum budget requirements may be a barrier for very small businesses or initial experimental campaigns.

Website: https://www.ubiquitousinfluence.com

12. Collectively

Collectively is a well-established, AI-powered creator marketing agency that blends data-driven workflows with a strong focus on culture-led creative. Recognized by industry authorities like Adweek and Digiday, they cater to enterprise and fast-scaling brands that need campaigns to perform across both brand-building and conversion metrics. Their process integrates strategy, casting, production, and paid social into a single managed service.

The agency’s use of AI-enabled tools for creator casting and campaign reporting helps bring efficiency to what is typically a very manual process. This makes Collectively an excellent partner for brands needing to execute sophisticated, multi-channel campaigns on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube without sacrificing creative quality or strategic depth. They are a solid choice for those looking for a high-touch, full-service partnership.

Key Details & Differentiators

• Service Model: Full-service agency with AI-enabled workflows for efficiency.
• Best For: Enterprise-level and high-growth DTC brands needing a partner that can manage complex, multi-platform campaigns from strategy to execution and paid amplification.
• Standout Feature: The combination of an award-winning strategic and creative reputation with modern, AI-supported processes for casting and reporting. This gives brands both creative excellence and operational efficiency.
• Pricing: Pricing is not public and requires a custom proposal. Their enterprise focus suggests higher budget minimums, making them less suitable for early-stage startups or small businesses.

Pros:

• Strong industry reputation and proven track record with major brands.
• Effectively merges brand-building creative with performance-driven paid social.

Cons:

• Pricing is not disclosed, and minimums are likely substantial.
• Their high-touch model may mean limited availability for smaller or short-turnaround projects.

Website: https://www.collectivelyinc.com

Top 12 Micro-Influencer Agencies Comparison

Your Checklist for Choosing the Right Partner

Navigating the world of micro influencer agencies can feel overwhelming. As we've explored, the options range from technology-first platforms like JoinBrands that put you in the driver's seat to full-service, white-glove agencies like August United or Carusele that manage every detail. The "best" choice is not universal; it's the one that aligns perfectly with your brand's specific goals, internal capacity, and budget.

Making the right decision starts with an internal audit, not an external sales call. Before you even request a proposal, you must have a clear picture of what success looks like for your campaign. A brand focused on generating a high volume of authentic user-generated content for paid ads has vastly different needs than one aiming to build long-term brand affinity through authentic storytelling.

Frame Your Needs Before Reaching Out

To ensure you have productive conversations and can effectively evaluate the agencies and platforms we've detailed, work through this internal checklist first. Answering these questions will provide the clarity needed to identify your ideal partner.

1. Define Your Primary Goal: What is the single most important outcome you need?

   • UGC Generation: Are you looking to source a high volume of authentic photos and videos for your ads, website, and social channels? A platform-based approach might be most efficient.
   • Direct Sales & Conversions: Is your main KPI driving immediate sales through tracked links and discount codes? Look for partners with strong performance marketing track records.
   • Brand Awareness & Reach: Do you want to build credibility and reach new, niche audiences? An agency specializing in strategic storytelling and creator relationships could be a better fit.

2. Assess Your Internal Resources: How much time and expertise can your team commit?

   • Hands-On: Do you have a marketing manager ready to communicate with creators, review content, and manage logistics? This opens up cost-effective platform solutions.
   • Fully Managed: Are you a lean team that needs a partner to handle everything from creator discovery and negotiation to campaign execution and reporting? A full-service agency is the answer.

3. Set a Realistic Budget: What is your total investment for this initiative?

   • Be clear about your total budget, including creator compensation, agency management fees or platform costs, and any planned ad spend to amplify the content. Understanding the different pricing models (e.g., retainer, per-campaign, subscription) is critical.

4. Clarify Content Rights: What do you plan to do with the content created?

   • If you need perpetual, royalty-free rights to use the content across all marketing channels (paid ads, email, website), this must be a non-negotiable term. Some platforms guarantee this, while agency contracts can vary.

5. Evaluate Their Niche Expertise: Have they succeeded in your industry?

   • Don't just take their word for it. Ask for specific case studies and performance data from brands in your vertical (CPG, SaaS, fashion, etc.). A partner with relevant experience will understand your audience's nuances. To ensure you partner with an agency that truly understands effective campaign execution, it's vital to review current influencer marketing best practices.

By defining these parameters upfront, you transform your search from a confusing browse into a targeted evaluation. You'll enter conversations prepared, ask better questions, and ultimately select a micro influencer agency that functions as a true extension of your marketing team, ready to deliver measurable results.

Ready to get started with a platform that gives you direct access to creators and guarantees you own the content rights? JoinBrands offers a powerful and cost-effective solution for sourcing high-quality UGC from micro-influencers. Sign up for JoinBrands today to launch your first campaign and see how easy it is to generate authentic content that drives growth.