Gaming influencer marketing has become essential for brands looking to reach engaged audiences across Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and TikTok. The global esports market alone was projected to reach $1.87 billion in revenue, and gaming creators consistently deliver engagement rates around 12.5%—far above industry averages.

But finding the right platform to manage gaming creator partnerships, track live streams, and prove ROI remains a challenge for most marketing teams.

Key Takeaways

• Gaming brands need specialized tools: Generic influencer platforms often miss Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and live streaming metrics that matter for gaming campaigns.
• Archive leads for social listening and creator discovery: Track everything your gaming community posts in one place, including Stories and short-form video content.
• Live streaming support is critical: Platforms with Twitch integration help gaming brands capture real-time campaign performance and streamer analytics.

The influencer marketing industry was estimated to reach $32.55 billion in 2025, and gaming represents one of its fastest-growing verticals. These 12 platforms offer the features gaming brands need to find creators, manage campaigns, and measure results.

1) Archive — Best for Social Listening and Creator Discovery

Archive is a creator marketing platform that automatically captures, organizes, and manages user-generated content from Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. For gaming brands, this means tracking every piece of content your community creates—gameplay clips, reviews, unboxings, and live stream highlights—without manual screenshot workflows or spreadsheet tracking.

Best For: Gaming brands that need to capture everything their community posts and find creators who actually convert

Key Features:

• Social Listening — Detects and captures content 24/7, including Stories before they disappear
• Creator Search — Find creators by brands they've posted about, follower count, location, and content type
• Campaign Reporting — Shows what's working now and what to scale next
• Competitor Insights — See competitor influencer programs and social share of voice
• Usage & Whitelisting — Get usage rights and whitelist content for ads

Archive's AI watches video, listens to audio, and reads text to turn every detected post into searchable, brand-safe data. Smart AI Fields auto-tag posts with products, campaigns, sentiment, and brand safety flags—critical for gaming brands managing large creator programs.

Why Archive Leads for Gaming Brands

• Detects creator content and UGC across TikTok, Instagram (including Stories and Reels), and YouTube Shorts
• Replace manual screenshots, Google Drive folders, and Excel trackers
• Find nano-influencers and micro-creators who drive stronger engagement
• Prove ROI with campaign reporting leadership actually trusts

2) GRIN — Best for End-to-End Creator Management

GRIN combines creator discovery, relationship management, and e-commerce integration in one platform. Gaming brands selling merchandise, peripherals, or in-game items benefit from GRIN's automated product seeding and affiliate link tracking.

Best For

Gaming merchandise brands and companies with Shopify integration needs

Key Features

• Lookalike tool finds creators similar to top performers
• Automated influencer and UGC content aggregation into centralized library
• Comprehensive workflow automation from outreach to payment
• Deep Shopify integration for e-commerce/gaming brands

Pros

• End-to-end creator management workflow
• Strong e-commerce and Shopify integration
• Automated product seeding capabilities

Cons

• Higher price point for smaller teams
• May have more features than indie studios need

Pricing

• Free trial available
• Lite: $399/month
• Essentials: $699/month
• Growth: $1,149/month
• Complete: $1,799

Gaming Channels: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Twitch, YouTube

3) Upfluence — Best for Comprehensive Discovery

Upfluence offers a database of 3+ million influencers with 20+ advanced search filters for precise gaming creator discovery. The platform includes curated lists of gaming influencers by location and game genre.

Best For

Gaming brands needing extensive discovery capabilities and social listening

Key Features

• Chrome extension for instant Instagram/YouTube influencer analysis
• Social listening capabilities to monitor influencer activity
• Direct payment processing to creators within platform
• Shopify app automates influencer gifting and tracks sales attribution

Upfluence's gaming-specific lists help brands quickly identify creators within specific game genres or esports categories.

Pros

• Extensive 3+ million influencer database
• Gaming-specific creator lists
• Chrome extension for quick discovery

Cons

• Learning curve for advanced features
• Mid-range pricing may exceed indie budgets

Pricing

Custom pricing with free tools available

Gaming Channels: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, TikTok, Twitter, Pinterest

4) Viral Nation — Best for Enterprise Gaming Campaigns

Viral Nation has proven results with major gaming publishers including Activision Blizzard and Krafton (PUBG). Their CreatorOS software handles creator search and campaign management at enterprise scale.

Best For

AAA game publishers and major esports organizations

Key Features

• VN Secure: AI-powered brand safety and creator vetting (SXSW 2024 Innovation Award winner)
• Custom risk tolerance parameters to filter content by hate speech, drug use, violence
• 7-month ambassador programs across multiple platforms
• Built-in CRM for streamer and creator information

Proven Gaming Results:

Viral Nation's Call of Duty League campaign achieved 96 million impressions and 6.2 million views, setting records for the most-viewed esports event since 2020. The campaign delivered a 32% year-over-year subscription increase and won the Platinum Award for Best Social Campaign at the 2021 AVA Awards.

Pros

• Proven AAA gaming results
• Advanced brand safety vetting
• Enterprise-grade campaign management

Cons

• Custom pricing not disclosed
• Enterprise focus may not suit smaller brands

Pricing

Pricing available on request

Gaming Channels: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter)

5) GameInfluencer — Best for Gaming-Only Focus

GameInfluencer is the only platform 100% dedicated to gaming influencers, with a database of 3.1+ million gaming creators. The platform offers gaming-specific campaign formats tailored to game launches and gaming content.

Best For

Game developers, mobile game publishers, PC/console game launches

Key Features

• Dedicated gaming campaign formats: "Let's Play," "Boost," "Watch Party," "Display," "Integrated," "Dedicated"
• Integration with AppsFlyer, Adjust, Tune, Kochava for KPI tracking
• Full production services: video documentaries, livestreams, game trailers embedded in influencer videos
• Content licensing and branded content creation

GameInfluencer's focus on gaming-only makes it essential for mobile game publishers who need attribution tracking and user acquisition campaigns.

Pros

• 100% gaming-focused platform
• Gaming-specific campaign formats
• Mobile attribution integrations

Cons

• Custom pricing requires sales contact
• Limited to gaming niche only

Pricing

Custom pricing per campaign

Gaming Channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch

6) CreatorIQ — Best for Enterprise AI Capabilities

CreatorIQ uses AI and large language models to power semantic search for 360-degree creator evaluation. The platform's "content-first" discovery approach with machine learning recommendations helps gaming brands find creators based on actual content quality.

Best For

AAA game publishers managing complex, multi-region influencer programs

Key Features

• 3-year content history review for brand safety and gaming relevance
• Active audience score estimates actual active followers vs. total count
• Most robust API suite: business intelligence, first-party data, productivity, measurement, e-commerce, CRM
• Fake follower detection for gaming authenticity

Pros

• Advanced AI-powered discovery
• 3-year content history for vetting
• Robust API capabilities

Cons

• Enterprise pricing level
• Complex feature set requires training

Pricing

Available upon request

Gaming Channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitch, Blogs

7) Aspire — Best for Community Building

Aspire takes a community-first approach to creator relationships, with a database of 170+ million influencer profiles. The Creator Marketplace lets influencers view and apply to brand campaigns directly.

Best For

Gaming brands building long-term ambassador programs

Key Features

• Tinder-style "Quickmatch" system for brand-influencer matching
• Direct Facebook Ads Manager access for content allowlisting (Meta partner)
• Image Search feature finds influencers matching brand aesthetic
• 1,000+ follower minimum ensures quality over quantity

Aspire works well for fast-growing DTC brands aiming to build creator communities rather than one-off campaigns.

Pros

• Creator marketplace reduces outreach
• Community-building focus
• Meta partnership for whitelisting

Cons

• Pricing not publicly disclosed
• Less automation than AI-powered platforms

Pricing

Custom pricing (request quote)

Gaming Channels: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blogs

8) inStreamly — Best for Live Streaming

inStreamly focuses exclusively on live streaming monetization, connecting brands with 150,000+ streamers on Twitch and YouTube. The platform facilitates micro-sponsorships that appear as branded animations during live streams.

Best For

Gaming brands focused specifically on Twitch and YouTube live streaming

Key Features

• Branded animations appear during live streams with CTA links
• 100% view-through rate (ad formats are unblockable)
• Up to 10% click-through rate on stream animations
• A/B testing capabilities for campaign optimization
• Streamers earn per animation view regardless of audience size

For gaming brands focused on Twitch, inStreamly's micro-sponsorship model makes it accessible for indie game developers while delivering strong engagement metrics.

Pros

• Twitch and YouTube live streaming focus
• High engagement rates (up to 10% CTR)
• Micro-sponsorship accessibility

Cons

• Limited to live streaming channels only
• Custom pricing requires inquiry

Pricing

Custom pricing available upon request

Gaming Channels: Twitch, YouTube

9) Later Influence — Best for Managed Services

Later Influence (formerly Mavrck) combines self-service tools with expert support for brands that want hands-on help. The platform provides access to 3+ million contactable influencers with 20+ discovery filters.

Best For

Gaming brands wanting managed service support alongside self-service tools

Key Features

• Google Vision AI detects brand asset appearances in images/videos
• Real-time cost per engagement (CPE) and CPM prediction
• Expert team assists with sourcing gaming creators and campaign checklist including script screening
• Content licensing/whitelisting with leading review and syndication providers

Pros

• Managed service + self-service hybrid
• Google Vision AI detection
• Expert campaign support

Cons

• No published pricing
• May be overkill for brands wanting full self-service

Pricing

Available in Platform, Services, and Platform+Services; pricing available upon request

Gaming Channels: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, Twitch, Blogs

10) Modash — Best Affordable Option for Esports

Modash offers enterprise-grade features at accessible pricing, with 250+ million influencer profiles covering every Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube creator with 1,000+ followers.

Best For

Indie game studios, esports teams, emerging gaming brands

Key Features

• Smart filtering by location, follower count, engagement rate, audience demographics
• Engagement rates contextualized against platform average
• Lookalike feature finds similar influencers matching your target
• Gmail integration manages creator communications directly in platform
• Shopify integration tracks discount codes and revenue performance

Proven Gaming Results:

Ben Williams, Senior Influencer Manager at Blast Esports, used Modash to successfully recruit influencers for a short-term gaming event. The platform enabled pre-vetting creators and executing highly specific gaming event offers efficiently.

Pros

• Most affordable enterprise-grade option
• 250+ million creator database
• Shopify e-commerce integration

Cons

• Limited to Instagram, TikTok, YouTube (no Twitch)
• Requires annual payment for best rates

Pricing

• Essentials: $299/month or $199/month annually
• Performance: $599/month or $499/month annually
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Gaming Channels: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok

11) Brandwatch — Best for Social Listening + Influencers

Brandwatch combines influencer marketing with social listening, helping gaming brands monitor community sentiment while managing creator relationships. The platform offers advanced filtering by interests, brand affinities, previous collaborations, and credibility.

Best For

Gaming brands wanting to understand community sentiment alongside creator campaigns

Key Features

• Intuitive Influencer CRM with automated email tracking
• White-labeled dashboards and multilingual campaign reports
• Private influencer network creation with custom onboarding
• Social analytics measure gaming product campaign reactions and consumer sentiment

Brandwatch's gaming discussion analytics help community-focused gaming companies understand what players are saying and identify trending conversations.

Pros

• Social listening + influencer marketing combined
• Community sentiment tracking
• White-labeled reporting

Cons

• Higher price point ($750/month starting)
• More features than brands needing influencer-only tools

Pricing

Custom pricing available upon request

Gaming Channels: Twitch, TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube

12) Captiv8 — Best for AI Fraud Detection

Captiv8 uses AI-powered algorithms to provide audience authenticity insights and fake follower detection—critical for gaming brands concerned about inflated metrics in the gaming influencer space.

Best For

Gaming brands needing strong fraud detection and global payment capabilities

Key Features

• AI-powered algorithms for audience authenticity
• Fake follower detection and fraud analysis
• Automated reporting dashboard with CPM, CPC, conversion tracking
• Global payment management for international influencer campaigns
• Separate login portals for creators and clients for content approval

Pros

• AI-powered fraud detection
• Global payment capabilities
• Automated performance tracking

Cons

• Pricing not publicly disclosed
• Limited to Instagram, YouTube, TikTok

Pricing

Custom pricing available upon request

Gaming Channels: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Gaming Brand

For Enterprise Gaming Brands (AAA Publishers, Major Esports)

Consider Viral Nation, CreatorIQ, or NeoReach. These platforms handle complex, multi-region campaigns with brand safety vetting and exec-grade reporting. Budget: $50K-$500K+ annually.

For Mid-Market Gaming Brands

Archive, GRIN, Upfluence, and Later Influence offer the right balance of features and pricing. Focus on social listening, content capture, and campaign reporting to level up your creator marketing.

For SMB and Indie Game Studios

Archive provides enterprise-grade discovery at accessible price points. Prioritize campaign-level reporting, creator search, and competitor insights.

For Live Streaming Focus

inStreamly and GameInfluencer specialize in Twitch and YouTube Gaming. If live streaming is core to your strategy, these gaming-specific platforms deliver features that general platforms miss.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can AI help gaming brands find the right influencers?

AI-powered platforms like Archive, CreatorIQ, and Captiv8 use machine learning to analyze creator content, detect fake followers, and identify creators who match your brand's aesthetic. Archive's AI watches video, listens to audio, and reads text to turn every post into searchable data with Smart AI Fields for sentiment, products, and brand safety.

How important is brand safety for gaming influencer collaborations?

Critical. Gaming content can include language, violence, and themes that create legal and PR risk. Some platforms offer AI-powered brand safety vetting against your specific rules.

Can influencer platforms help manage legal aspects like usage rights for gaming content?

Yes. Archive's Usage & Whitelisting feature lets you get usage rights and whitelist content so you can repurpose UGC for ads. Some platforms also offer content licensing capabilities for gaming brands who want to amplify creator content through paid media.