Finding the right gaming influencer on Instagram or TikTok can feel like trying to level up in “Elden Ring” on your first attempt. Possible, but definitely a struggle. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a cheat code to get this right. You just need a smart game plan, and that’s what we’re covering here.
1. Hashtag Hunting
Here’s a quick exercise: Open Instagram right now. Yep, I’m serious. In the search bar, type in #GamingCommunity or #GamerLife. Within seconds, you’re going to see posts flooding in—from PC gamers showing off their RGB setups to streamers giving a sneak peek into their “Call of Duty” marathons.
On Instagram: Dive deep into hashtags like #GamingInfluencer, #TwitchStreamer, #IndieGameDev, and specific game titles like #Valorant or #Fortnite. Recently, #IndieGameDev blew up because of games like Hollow Knight and Celeste.
Look for creators who frequently pop up under these tags. Profiles like @NICKMERCS and @Valkyrae, for example, regularly use such hashtags to engage their fanbase.
On TikTok: This is where things get spicy. TikTok’s gaming community thrives on quick, fun content—think of gameplay hacks, funny fails, or “how-to” guides. Search for tags like #GamingSetup, #TikTokGaming, or trending game titles (remember when #AmongUs videos took over TikTok?). Follow creators like @lilsimsie or @SypherPK, who turn game playthroughs into full-blown mini-entertainment shows.
Just last month, the hashtag #ZeldaTearsOfTheKingdom was trending, with influencers creating content around the new Zelda release. Within these tags, you’ll find gamers showing off tips, tricks, and equipment—perfect spots to scout potential partners who can authentically represent your brand.
2. Use Instagram’s “Explore” & TikTok’s “For You” Pages
These platforms want you to discover creators. Instagram’s Explore page and TikTok’s Discover feature are your best buddies. Here’s how to use them smartly.
Instagram Explore: Like #GamingSetup posts? Start engaging! Instagram’s algorithm will flood your Explore page with similar profiles. It’s how I discovered @kaitlyn, a mid-level influencer who reviews gaming chairs and accessories. Her engagement is through the roof—we’re talking over 2,000 comments on a gaming chair review. That’s the kind of partnership you want to consider.
TikTok’s Discover: TikTok thrives on trends. Remember the #WitchTok gaming trend last year? Search up any gaming trend on Discover, watch a few videos, and notice who keeps popping up. Regular appearances indicate an active, influential creator. For example, @theanimecollective consistently shows up under anime game tags and has built a niche audience that could be ideal for your brand.
3. Deep-Dive into Influencer Profiles
You’ve found some potential influencers; now it’s time to play detective.
- Content Quality Check: Is their content polished or more casual? Are they doing straight gameplay, funny memes, live Q&As, or maybe all of the above? The goal is to find someone whose style and vibe match your brand. If you’re a more laid-back brand, look for an influencer who matches that energy. If you’re selling high-performance gaming equipment, seek out competitive gamers or streamers with serious gameplay cred.
- Gauge Real Engagement: Don’t just glance at their follower count. A million followers don’t mean squat if their posts only get a couple of hundred likes. Real engagement is a combo of comments, shares, likes, and how they interact with their followers. Are they sparking conversations or just spamming content?
4. Use Influencer Tools for In-Depth Searches
If scrolling and hashtag hunting isn’t your vibe, there are dedicated platforms that make finding influencers a breeze. These are like adding mods to your search game—extra power-ups to simplify your life.
- HypeAuditor: Want to know if an influencer’s audience is legit or just bots? HypeAuditor gives you the lowdown on engagement rates, follower authenticity, and audience demographics. It’s like X-ray vision for influencer profiles.
- Upfluence: Another great tool for finding influencers on Instagram and TikTok, Upfluence lets you filter by niche, platform, and audience size. You can even check their content style to ensure it vibes with your brand.
5. Engage First, Then Reach Out (No Cold Emails, Please!)
Would you walk up to a gamer mid-boss fight and ask them to collab? Of course not! Same logic applies here. Engage with their content before sliding into their DMs.
DMs Done Right: When you do reach out, keep it real. Something like: “Hey, I loved your recent post on gaming accessories! We think you’d vibe well with our brand and would love to discuss a potential partnership.” Short, sweet, and human. Avoid sounding like a bot or a copy-paste PR message.
Engage Naturally: Like their posts, drop thoughtful comments, and share their content. Show that you’re interested in what they do. When you finally reach out, it’ll feel like a natural progression, not a random brand pitch.
