How To Find Nano-Influencers

Aside from leveraging existing lists (e.g. see below for a look at some top nano-influencers), searching and subscribing to specific hashtags on Instagram can be a good way to surface up-and-coming nano-influencers.

In recent years, Instagram enabled users to “follow” hashtags. From there, users can also explore related hashtags in addition to toggling between “Top” and “Recent” photos posted with the hashtag. Search both and related hashtags to find nano-influencers. One hashtag example is #discoverunder10k which many nano-influencers use on their posts. Refer to our guide on detecting fake influencers for tips on how to spot inauthentic engagement.

In addition to searching and subscribing to specific hashtags, users can also find nano-influencers through related accounts. Oftentimes nano-influencers follow and engage with similar nano-influencers. When following an account, note how Instagram will serve other related accounts — take notice of these when finding nano-influencers. Additionally, users can also search which other accounts nano-influencers follow to find related nano-influencers.

Other telltale signs on an Instagram user’s profile page that make it clear they’re a nano-influencer (or aspiring to become one) include:

Interests & Specialties In Instagram Bio

Nano-influencers usually include a summary of interests and/or areas of specialty within their bio to help brands understand how they may partner or collaborate.

Nano-influencers usually include a summary of interests and/or areas of specialty within their bio to help brands understand how they may partner or collaborate. Photography



While this may vary depending on the nano-influencer niche, aspiring nano-influencers may have an elevated, consistent photography aesthetic with higher-quality editing.

While this may vary depending on the nano-influencer niche, aspiring nano-influencers may have an elevated, consistent photography aesthetic with higher-quality editing. Highlights



Currently appearing in the bio section below the website URL option and before the profile posts/feed, Story Highlights can be used by nano-influencers to further define/share their interests or showcase past collaborations with brands.

Currently appearing in the bio section below the website URL option and before the profile posts/feed, Story Highlights can be used by nano-influencers to further define/share their interests or showcase past collaborations with brands. Contact Information

Nano-influencers oftentimes are explicit when displaying contact information and asking brands to contact them direct.

For marketers or teams who don’t have the bandwidth or knowledge to find nano-influencers, there may be influencer marketing platforms or agencies that specialize in nano-influencers. As with all influencer marketing platforms, nano-influencers would either have to opt into the platform (in order to be discoverable or searchable) or the software would need to be sophisticated enough to pull public search data (via APIs) from Instagram or other socials.

When working with influencer marketing platforms or agencies, request case studies that show how the agency specifically strategized and leveraged nano-influencers for brand marketing campaigns.