# Influencer-Connecting Brands #Paid Pairs Social Media Creators with Brands for Sponsored Content By M | Published 2016-04-08 | Social Media Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-media-creator References: [hashtagpaid](https://www.hashtagpaid.com/) #Paid is a brand that connects [Instagram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/influencer-app) social media creators with large followings to connect directly with brands for marketing campaigns and [sponsored content opportunities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medialister). Rather than operating through a third party brand, #Paid allows the content creators to display their fees and interests in a transparent way for brands to choose to optimize on. This allows companies to connect directly to content creators that suit their brand identity in different industry sectors. Unlike a more traditional public relations firm, #Paid gives social media influencers a bit more control in the partnership with brands by allowing them to create online profiles with fees, interests and communication styles all in one place. Brands can work to create sponsored posts for products as well as content based on the influencer's existing fan base. Platforms such as #Paid that connect [social media influencers to brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youtube-shorts-integration) can be an avenue companies can use to spread the word about their products, service and overall brand. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Direct-to-influencer:** Using platforms like #Paid to connect directly with social media creators provides brands with a more streamlined and transparent process for sponsored content. - **Brand-influencer Partnership:** The partnership facilitated by #Paid empowers influencers to have more control and creative input in sponsored content for brands. - **Optimized Brand Identity:** Connecting with content creators that align with a brand's identity and values allows companies to create more authentic marketing campaigns. ### Where This Applies - **Digital Marketing:** Digital marketing agencies and brands can utilize platforms like #Paid to leverage the influence of social media creators for their marketing strategies. - **Social Media:** Social media platforms, such as Instagram, benefit from the increased collaborations between brands and influencers facilitated by platforms like #Paid. - **PR & Communications:** Traditional PR firms can learn from the transparent and streamlined approach of #Paid in connecting influencers with brands for sponsored content opportunities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Powered Creator Review Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pair-by-pearpop.md) - [Creator Marketing Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affiliate-creatives.md) - [Influencer App Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/influencer-app2.md) - [Connective Influencer Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/influencer-app.md) - [Influencer Search Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mavn.md) - [Creator-First Social Media Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brandarmy.md) - [Influencer Collaboration Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/megaboarding.md) - [Creator Collaboration Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/talen-together.md) - [Influencer Marketing Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xcreateai.md)