How to Find Micro-Influencers on Instagram
To find micro-influencers on Instagram, search niche hashtags and keywords, keep creators with roughly 10,000 to 100,000 followers, and shortlist the ones whose recent posts get real comments and steady engagement.
To find micro-influencers on Instagram, search niche hashtags and keywords, keep creators with roughly 10,000 to 100,000 followers, and shortlist the ones whose recent posts get real comments and steady engagement. Micro-influencers usually cost less than larger creators and are easier to reach, so they suit testing, niche products and ongoing ambassador programmes. The general method is in how to find Instagram influencers in your niche.
The hard part is volume: there are many micro-creators, and most aren’t a fit. This guide covers where to look, how to filter, and a data method that builds a shortlist quickly. The general method is in how to find Instagram influencers in your niche. Small accounts are easiest to find inside one niche or one city, as in fitness influencers on Instagram and local influencers on Instagram.
What Is a Micro-Influencer?
A micro-influencer is a creator with roughly 10,000 to 100,000 followers, between nano-influencers below and mid-tier creators above. The exact range varies by agency, so set your own based on budget and goals.
Where Do You Find Micro-Influencers on Instagram?
Micro-influencers are found through niche content, not through lists of famous names. Listed below are the 4 places to look.
- Niche hashtags: specific tags your customers use, not broad ones.
- Keyword search: Instagram search for your niche, then the accounts tab.
- Your own tagged posts: customers who already create content about you.
- Competitors’ tagged posts: creators already working in your space.
How Do You Filter Micro-Influencers?
Filter by follower range first, then by engagement and fit. The table shows the order.
| Step | Keep creators who |
|---|---|
| Size | Have roughly 10,000 to 100,000 followers |
| Activity | Posted regularly in recent weeks |
| Engagement | Get a median engagement rate in line with or above similar accounts |
| Comments | Get specific, real comments, not repeated emoji |
| Fit | Post about your niche and match your brand |
Engagement is explained in how to calculate Instagram engagement rate.
How Do You Find Micro-Influencers With Data?
Search accounts by keyword, keep the ones in your follower range, then score their recent posts. apidojo’s Instagram User Scraper on Apify finds accounts by keyword at $0.02 per search, with the first 40 profiles included and $0.0005 per extra profile (Apify).
{
"keywords": ["vegan baker", "plant based chef", "vegan recipes"],
"getFollowers": false,
"getFollowings": false,
"maxItems": 500
}Keyword search results list accounts; to see follower counts and bios, run the shortlisted handles through the same actor, which returns followerCount, biography, category and publicEmail where available. Then collect each finalist’s recent posts with the Instagram Scraper to score engagement. Spotting bought followers is covered in how to vet Instagram influencers with data.
Questions people ask
How much do micro-influencers cost?
Rates vary by niche and deliverable; many work for product, fees or a mix, so ask each creator.
Are micro-influencers better than macro-influencers?
They suit niche audiences and testing; larger creators suit broad awareness.
How do you contact micro-influencers?
Use the email on their profile if listed, or a personal direct message.
How many micro-influencers should you work with?
Start with a small group, measure results, and expand with the creators who perform.