The easiest way to contact Instagram influencers is by using the built-in contact options in their profiles. Many creators list an Email, WhatsApp, or Call button for business inquiries. If no contact button is available, you can send a short DM or reach out through Instagram’s Creator Marketplace, which routes your message to their Partnership inbox.
Using the right contact channel increases the chances that your message is actually seen. Contact buttons and the Creator Marketplace usually lead to the influencer’s preferred business inbox, while a well-written DM can still work when no other option is available. Influencers receive a large volume of messages every day, so choosing the right touchpoint helps your outreach stand out, improves reply rates, and prevents your request from getting lost among generic pitches.
Best methods to contact Instagram influencers
Email button in their bio
Many Instagram creators use Professional Accounts that display an Email button under their bio. This is the most direct and preferred channel for partnership inquiries, so always check and use it first.
WhatsApp or Call buttons
Some influencers add WhatsApp or Call buttons as their main business contact. If these are available, they’re usually monitored closely. Keep your outreach friendly and straight to the point, then ask about rates, availability, or their media kit.
Instagram DM
If no contact buttons are listed, a concise DM works. Introduce your brand briefly, explain why you’re reaching out, and ask for their preferred contact method. Long messages or generic templates reduce your chances of a reply.
Instagram Creator Marketplace
For influencers enrolled in Instagram’s Creator Marketplace, messaging them through the platform sends your outreach to their Partnership Messages inbox. This labels your request as a collaboration opportunity and increases visibility compared to regular DMs.
Manager or agency email
Creators with larger followings often list their manager or agency in their bio. Always contact the representative instead of the influencer directly. Managers respond best to clear, detail-rich outreach including your goals, deliverables, budget range, and timeline.
“As an influencer agency owner I would respond to this kind of email. No waffle, straight to the point.” — from r/influencermarketing
Contact forms or link-in-bio tools
Some creators use Linktree, Beacons, or personal websites with dedicated contact forms for brand inquiries. If the form exists, use it. It routes your message into their organized workflow instead of their crowded DMs.
Replying to their Stories
A thoughtful reply to an Instagram Story can warm up the conversation before formal outreach. Keep it relevant, avoid pitching, and use it simply to get on their radar as a human, not a brand.
Mutual introductions
If you share a mutual contact or have previously worked with someone in their circle, ask for an intro. Warm introductions from creators or agency partners dramatically increase response rates compared to cold outreach.
What to keep in mind
Influencers tend to quickly check the profile of anyone who contacts them. On Instagram, this matters more than on other platforms, because your profile acts as a credibility signal. A page that looks active, consistent, and aligned with your niche helps creators feel confident that your outreach is legitimate.
“If your outreach depends on them seeing your DM, then make the preview line work for you. The first 5–6 words decide whether they tap or scroll. Don’t waste it on greetings.” — Mikhail Grigoriev, Head of Content at HypeAuditor
How you contact an influencer often depends on their size on Instagram:
Micro-influencers usually manage their own inbox, so DMs are often effective.
Macro-influencers often direct brands to their managers, who handle negotiations and filter opportunities.
Mega-influencers work primarily with agencies that coordinate all communication and partnerships.
Contact habits also vary across Instagram communities. Some creators prefer to centralize brand communication through the Email button in their bio, while others monitor WhatsApp more closely. Not all influencers use Instagram’s Creator Marketplace, and those who do may check it more frequently during busy campaign seasons.
Lastly, follow-ups on Instagram should remain minimal. Creators receive a constant stream of messages, so one polite follow-up after a few days is usually enough. If they do reply, brands are expected to keep the conversation moving quickly, since Instagram inboxes fill up fast and creators often juggle multiple inquiries at once.
