Top 20 Influencer Marketing Agencies in Chicago

Chicago has rapidly become a hub for digital innovation, and influencer marketing is no exception. Whether you’re a local business aiming to build connections within the city or a national brand looking to tap into the dynamic Midwest market, partnering with a top influencer marketing agency in Chicago can be the key to achieving your goals.

These influencer agencies help bridge the gap between brands and influencers, creating engaging campaigns that drive traffic, sales, and brand awareness. But with so many agencies to choose from, which one is the best fit for your business?

In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best influencer marketing agencies in Chicago. Each of these agencies brings something unique to the table, from local expertise to global reach. Let’s dive in to see which of these agencies aligns with your brand’s needs and ambitions!

Why should you work with an influencer marketing agency in Chicago?

Working with a Chicago-based influencer agency offers brands a unique opportunity to tap into the rich, cultural tapestry of the Windy City and its vibrant market. Chicago agencies bring unparalleled knowledge of local consumer behaviors, urban trends, and distinct neighborhood dynamics, allowing brands to resonate deeply with their target audience.

Key benefits of partnering with a Chicago influencer marketing agency include:

• Deep local expertise: Chicago agencies understand the city’s diverse population and can craft campaigns that appeal to the unique tastes and preferences of different communities, from Wicker Park to Bronzeville.
• Robust influencer networks: These agencies have established relationships with influencers across various sectors, from the thriving food scene to the bustling tech industry, ensuring authentic and impactful collaborations.
• Innovative campaign strategies: Chicago’s creative energy fuels these agencies to develop cutting-edge, data-driven strategies that align with your brand’s goals and drive measurable outcomes.
• Resource optimization: By managing influencer relations, negotiations, and campaign execution, these agencies free up your time and resources, allowing you to focus on core business operations.
• Regulatory compliance: Chicago agencies stay updated with the latest industry regulations and ethical standards, ensuring your campaigns are legally compliant and uphold your brand’s integrity.

Partnering with a Chicago-based influencer marketing agency not only strengthens your brand’s presence in this dynamic city but also equips you with the strategic advantage needed to excel in the evolving landscape of influencer marketing. Their local insights and comprehensive services position your brand for sustained success.

Top 20 Best Influencer Marketing Agencies in Chicago

We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top 20 influencer marketing agencies in Chicago. Each of these agencies offers distinct services, making them leaders in the local and global influencer marketing scene.

Top 20 List | Best Chicago Influencer Marketing Agency

Whether you need a boutique service or a full-service international strategy, this list has you covered. Here are the 20 best influencer marketing agencies in Chicago:

1. Socially Powerful
2. Socialite Media
3. Heron Agency
4. The L3 Agency
5. Zapwater
6. Brenton Way
7. Talent Resources
8. Influicity
9. The Influence Agency
10. IZEA
11. Get Hyped
12. TOP Agency
13. The Influencer Marketing Factory
14. Paramount Advertising
15. Fresh Content Society
16. WHOSAY
17. Open Influence
18. Wpromote
19. Cramer-Krasselt
20. Oak Street Social

Each of these agencies brings a unique expertise, so whether you’re looking for cutting-edge technology or hands-on influencer management, you’re sure to find the right fit.

1. Socially Powerful

Socially Powerful is a global influencer marketing agency with a powerful presence in Chicago. What sets us apart is our data-driven, tech-powered approach to influencer marketing, ensuring that every campaign delivers measurable results. We were founded in 2017, and since then, we’ve become a leader in influencer marketing, working with brands across the world. Our focus on social-first strategies enables brands to break through the noise on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more.

• We believe in authenticity and guaranteed results. At Socially Powerful, we build campaigns that don’t just generate likes and shares, but real impact – from increased traffic to tangible sales.
• Our unique Aria platform allows brands to navigate the world of influencer marketing seamlessly, with free access to a robust influencer database.
• We also specialize in social video production, community management, and paid social campaigns, all designed to captivate and engage global audiences.

Our success stories speak for themselves. Whether it’s helping TikTok launch in Western markets or creating engaging campaigns for luxury brands like Azzaro, we consistently deliver campaigns that resonate deeply with target audiences and deliver impressive ROIs. With our Chicago office, we can provide local businesses with the same level of global expertise and proven results.

Key services:

• Global influencer marketing campaigns
• Paid social and advertising strategy
• Community management and social video production
• Guaranteed results – no results, no payment
• Aria platform – free influencer database access

By cutting out social media noise, we create authentic relationships and craft multi-dimensional social marketing narratives for global brands across all geographies and platforms. Welcome to Socially Powerful, where attention meets guaranteed impact.

Services we offer in Chicago:

• Influencer Marketing: We develop tailored influencer marketing programs that align with your brand’s goals and DNA, ensuring meaningful connections with your target audience.
• Paid Social Agency: Our expert paid media team uses insight-driven strategies to engage your target audience on their preferred platforms, speaking their language.
• Social Strategy: We craft finely-tuned, creative social strategies based on data and insight that spark reactions, boost engagement, create brand awareness, and drive your target consumers to take action.
• Social Media Community Management agency: We help clients be culturally relevant and shape culture for the audiences that follow them across all social media platforms.
• Social Media Video Production Agency: Our video production agency specializes in attention-grabbing social content that provokes reactions, creating unique original, branded, and social content for all mediums.
• Social Commerce Agency: We create seamless social shoppable experiences across social platforms for brands, turning engagement into sales.
• Aria – Influencer Marketing Platform: Our proprietary platform, Aria, leverages cutting-edge technology and AI to streamline the influencer marketing process, from influencer discovery and selection to campaign management and measurement.

Why work with Socially Powerful?

• Global reach: With offices across multiple continents, we have the capability to execute impactful social-first marketing campaigns that span the entire globe.
• Technology-driven: Our proprietary platform, Aria, provides unparalleled access to influencers and streamlines the entire seeding process, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Comprehensive services: From influencer marketing to social strategy, video content, and distribution, our results consistently outperform traditional channels.
• Proven success: Our case studies demonstrate our ability to deliver tangible marketing performance, such as raising new product awareness, selling out product lines for Tefal, and introducing luxury fragrance Azzaro to the TikTok community.

Partner with Socially Powerful to place your brand at the epicenter of culture, trends, and people’s attention, forging connections you never thought possible. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your marketing goals.

2. Socialite Media

Socialite Media is a boutique influencer marketing agency headquartered in downtown Chicago, known for its personalized approach and deep connections with both local and celebrity influencers. Founded in 2019, Socialite Media has quickly risen as a go-to agency for brands looking to engage authentic influencers who can deliver high-quality, user-generated content.

What makes Socialite Media stand out is its expertise in hosting influencer-driven events and creating multimedia content that resonates with the target audience. The agency meticulously curates influencer relationships to ensure that campaigns not only connect but also convert.

Key services:

• Customized influencer campaigns
• Social media management
• Influencer events and public relations
• User-generated content creation
• Focus on nano, micro, and celebrity influencers

3. Heron Agency

Heron Agency is a premier influencer marketing and public relations agency based in Chicago. Founded in 2000, Heron Agency has built a reputation for its innovative and results-driven campaigns, leveraging strategic influencer partnerships to promote brands across various industries, including hospitality, entertainment, and lifestyle.

Heron Agency’s approach is rooted in developing long-lasting relationships between brands and influencers. They excel at crafting tailored influencer strategies that reach the right audiences, from local to global levels, and increase brand awareness. A standout example of their success is the Rhapsody Spa campaign, which garnered over 16 million social media impressions through influencer collaborations.

Key services:

• Non-paid influencer campaigns
• Public relations and influencer relations
• Influencer-focused events and promotions
• Local, national, and global influencer campaigns
• Specialization in hospitality, entertainment, and lifestyle industries

4. The L3 Agency

The L3 Agency, formerly known as L3 Eventeurs, is a Chicago-based influencer marketing agency known for its deep expertise in building authentic relationships between brands and influencers. Founded in 2000, this agency specializes in creating content that resonates with consumers on a meaningful level, using storytelling as a core element of their strategy.

The L3 Agency’s unique approach combines influencer marketing with public relations and social media strategy to help brands grow their reach while maintaining a strong focus on engagement and brand loyalty. They work with a variety of influencer levels, from micro to celebrity, ensuring that clients can access the right mix of voices to tell their brand’s story.

Key services:

• Authentic influencer marketing strategies
• Public relations and social media integration
• Storytelling-driven campaigns
• Micro to celebrity influencer collaborations
• Expertise in fashion, beauty, tech, and lifestyle industries

5. Zapwater

Zapwater Communications is an award-winning influencer marketing and PR agency based in Chicago, known for its creative and strategic approach to brand building. Founded in 2005, Zapwater specializes in influencer marketing within the lifestyle, fashion, beauty, hospitality, and travel industries. They focus on creating customized campaigns that amplify brand awareness through innovative influencer partnerships, strategic media relations, and digital engagement.

Zapwater’s success lies in its deep understanding of the platforms, media, and influencers within the lifestyle sector, allowing them to design bespoke strategies that drive bottom-line results. The agency takes a multidisciplinary approach, blending influencer marketing with experiential tactics and digital strategies.

Key services:

• Influencer marketing for lifestyle, beauty, fashion, hospitality, and travel brands
• Strategic media relations and digital engagement
• Custom campaigns focused on brand amplification
• Experiential marketing and partnerships
• Over 275 industry awards

6. Brenton Way

Brenton Way is a top influencer marketing agency in Chicago, known for its comprehensive and data-driven approach to building powerful brand-influencer partnerships. Since its founding in 2017, Brenton Way has specialized in helping brands tap into new markets and engage target audiences through strategic influencer collaborations.

One of Brenton Way’s standout case studies includes the successful collaboration with beauty brand OpulenceMD, where the agency helped the brand secure a deal on Shark Tank by engaging over 80 key influencers. This resulted in an impressive increase in brand awareness and social media engagement.

Key services:

• Extensive influencer database of 80,000+ influencers
• Data-driven influencer marketing strategies
• Personalized outreach and influencer collaborations
• Digital PR and paid media integration
• Successful case studies, including OpulenceMD and Serendi

7. Talent Resources

Talent Resources is a renowned influencer marketing agency serving the Chicago market, known for connecting brands with high-profile influencers and celebrities to create buzzworthy campaigns. Founded in 2007, the agency offers a full suite of services, from social media management to influencer outreach and brand strategy.

Talent Resources combines its extensive network of influencers with cutting-edge data analytics to ensure campaigns meet their client’s goals. Whether it’s a celebrity endorsement or a micro-influencer partnership, the agency’s holistic approach makes it a top choice for businesses seeking to maximize their influencer marketing efforts in Chicago and beyond.

Key services:

• Celebrity and micro-influencer partnerships
• Data-driven influencer outreach and campaign management
• Full-service social media and brand strategy
• High-profile campaigns, including Dunkin’ Donuts #DunkinCastingCall
• Specializes in maximizing visibility and engagement

8. Influicity

Influicity is a cutting-edge influencer marketing agency that has transformed how brands in Chicago engage with influencers. Founded in 2014, Influicity started as a software company and has since evolved into a full-service influencer marketing agency. Their approach is defined by their rigorous evaluation of influencers using 24 different metrics to ensure the best fit for each brand’s campaign. This data-driven methodology ensures a strong return on investment (ROI) for their clients.

Influicity works with brands across sectors like travel, entertainment, consumer goods, and tech, providing a robust influencer outreach strategy that guarantees results. They offer both influencer marketing and media services, allowing clients to create a seamless integration between influencer-generated content and paid media strategies.

Key services:

• Data-driven influencer evaluation (24 metrics)
• Cost-per-mille (CPM) pricing model
• Specializes in influencer marketing and media integration
• Focus on travel, entertainment, consumer goods, and tech sectors
• Full-service podcast and content creation solutions

9. The Influence Agency

The Influence Agency is a dynamic influencer marketing firm that has expanded its reach to serve the Chicago market. Founded in 2017, the agency is known for its extensive network of over 10,000 influencers, covering a wide range of industries and social platforms. The Influence Agency specializes in creating highly tailored campaigns that align with business goals, ensuring influencers connect deeply with target demographics to drive engagement and conversions.

What makes The Influence Agency stand out is its holistic approach, offering everything from influencer marketing to digital advertising and content creation. They have successfully collaborated with major brands like Sony and Warner Music Group, executing influencer marketing campaigns that generate significant online interaction and brand growth.

Key services:

• Over 10,000 influencers across various industries
• Comprehensive services: influencer marketing, digital ads, content creation
• Expertise on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube
• Clients include major brands like Sony and Warner Music Group
• Focus on data-driven insights and creative strategies

10. IZEA

IZEA is a trailblazer in the influencer marketing industry, offering robust solutions for businesses in Chicago and beyond. Founded in 2006, IZEA operates as a publicly traded company with a rich history of connecting brands with influencers, ranging from micro-influencers to global celebrities.

IZEA provides a blend of managed services and self-service options for brands that want more control over their campaigns. Their IZEAx platform allows clients to seamlessly run influencer campaigns while accessing valuable performance data and metrics. Additionally, IZEA’s “Shake” marketplace connects brands with creators for diverse creative projects like photography, blog writing, and influencer partnerships, making it a one-stop shop for all creative needs.

Key services:

• Influencer discovery through IZEAx Discovery platform
• Campaign management with IZEAx Unity Suite
• “Shake” marketplace for creative partnerships
• Clients include GUESS, Toyota, and Minwax
• Blend of managed services and self-service options

11. Get Hyped

Get Hyped is an influencer marketing agency serving the Chicago market, known for its expertise in working with lifestyle brands. Founded in 2016, the agency takes a strategic approach to influencer marketing, helping brands build strong connections with their audiences through social media influencers on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Get Hyped stands out for its ability to combine creativity with data analytics to deliver campaigns that not only engage but also convert.

With an extensive network of over 5,000 verified influencers, Get Hyped provides a tailored approach to each client, ensuring that influencers are selected based on their relevance to the target audience. Their phased approach to influencer marketing involves a thorough analysis of the brand’s needs, influencer selection, content creation, and performance reporting, ensuring that every campaign is optimized for success.

Key services:

• Specializes in lifestyle brands and social media influencers
• Network of 5,000+ verified influencers
• Comprehensive influencer selection and campaign management
• Focus on FTC compliance and content quality
• Platforms include Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

12. TOP Agency

TOP Agency is a globally recognized influencer marketing agency with a strong presence in Chicago. Founded in 2018, the agency operates in over 25 countries, providing a unique combination of data analytics and emotional storytelling to craft high-impact influencer marketing campaigns. TOP Agency focuses on driving both reach and conversion by aligning their campaigns with brand values and optimizing for the best possible outcomes.

The agency offers a wide range of services, including branding, PR, and influencer marketing, which allows them to deliver full-scale campaigns for clients across various industries. TOP Agency has collaborated with well-known brands like Microsoft, Budweiser, and UCLA, successfully executing influencer campaigns that resonate with target audiences and increase brand awareness.

Key services:

• Data-driven influencer marketing campaigns
• Branding, PR, and influencer marketing integration
• International presence across 25 countries
• Clients include Microsoft, Budweiser, and UCLA
• Focus on compliance and risk management

13. The Influencer Marketing Factory

The Influencer Marketing Factory is a global influencer marketing agency with a strong presence in Chicago, known for its ROI-focused campaigns on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Founded in 2018, the agency specializes in helping brands create authentic, scalable influencer marketing campaigns that connect deeply with their target audience.

What sets The Influencer Marketing Factory apart is their ability to handle every aspect of a campaign, from influencer selection to performance tracking. The agency is also known for its legal expertise, ensuring that all influencer contracts and agreements are transparent and compliant.

Key services:

• ROI-focused influencer marketing campaigns
• Platforms include TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube
• Full-service: from influencer selection to campaign tracking
• Legal expertise in influencer contracts and agreements
• Clients include Ren Skincare, BenQ, Warner Music Group

14. Paramount Advertising

Paramount Advertising is a Chicago-based influencer marketing agency known for its comprehensive approach to influencer marketing and exceptional results. Founded in 2010, Paramount Advertising has worked with over 100 brands, executing more than 400 campaigns that have generated over 5 billion impressions, 800 million video views, and 900 million engagements.

The agency is meticulous about working with vetted talent, ensuring that influencers align with brand values and audience expectations. They focus on data-driven campaigns, using metrics such as engagement, awareness, sentiment, and conversions to guide creative direction and influencer partnerships. This commitment to both talent quality and data analysis makes Paramount Advertising a reliable partner for brands looking to create impactful influencer marketing strategies.

Key services:

• Comprehensive influencer marketing campaigns
• Vetted talent for brand safety and authenticity
• Data-driven metrics: engagement, awareness, conversions
• Over 5 billion impressions generated for clients
• End-to-end campaign management and reporting

15. Fresh Content Society

Fresh Content Society (FCS) is a top-tier influencer marketing agency in the Chicago area, known for delivering exceptional social media and influencer campaigns that drive real business results. Founded in 2015, FCS works closely with brands to craft creative, data-driven influencer strategies that enhance brand reputation, boost conversions, and increase awareness.

FCS is particularly skilled at leveraging TikTok for rapid growth, as demonstrated by their work with PEAK Auto, where they increased the brand’s TikTok following by an astounding 2000%. Their approach combines paid media with organic influencer content, resulting in campaigns that stand out in crowded social media landscapes.

Key services:

• Data-driven influencer marketing campaigns
• Specializes in TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube strategies
• End-to-end campaign management and reporting
• Clients include PEAK Auto with a 2000% increase in TikTok followers
• Focus on mid-sized to enterprise businesses

16. WHOSAY

WHOSAY, a subsidiary of Viacom, is a leading influencer marketing agency with a strong presence in Chicago. Founded in 2010, WHOSAY specializes in creating impactful, cross-platform influencer campaigns that drive results. They focus on building brand visibility across social media, television broadcasts, online streaming services, and even podcasts, offering brands a wide array of options for reaching their target audiences.

WHOSAY’s strength lies in its diverse portfolio of content, ranging from videos and GIFs to creative formats like boomerangs and short-form videos, allowing for unique storytelling across multiple platforms. With a proven track record of working with high-profile clients like Pepsi, Spotify, and H&M, WHOSAY has a reputation for executing influencer campaigns that amplify brand messages and drive conversions.

Key services:

• Cross-platform influencer marketing campaigns
• Specializes in social media, TV, online streaming, and podcasts
• Diverse content formats (videos, GIFs, boomerangs)
• Clients include Pepsi, Spotify, and H&M
• Focus on brand visibility and conversion

17. Open Influence

Open Influence is a global influencer marketing agency with a significant presence in Chicago, offering innovative and highly effective influencer campaigns. Founded in 2013, Open Influence has grown into a platform that connects brands with influencers across the world, from local micro-influencers to global celebrities. Their campaigns are data-driven, helping brands to reach their target audiences in a way that maximizes both engagement and conversions.

Open Influence offers services across multiple platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, allowing brands to tailor their campaigns to the platforms where their audiences are most active. The agency is known for its ability to foster strong relationships between brands and influencers, ensuring that influencer-generated content aligns seamlessly with brand messaging.

Key services:

• Global network of influencers
• Data-driven influencer marketing campaigns
• Multi-platform campaigns across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
• Focus on brand loyalty and long-term relationships
• Full-service influencer management and campaign execution

18. Wpromote

Wpromote is a full-service digital marketing agency with a strong influencer marketing arm, helping Chicago brands grow by connecting them with the right influencers. Founded in 2001, Wpromote has a deep understanding of the digital landscape and leverages influencer partnerships to drive engagement and conversions. Their influencer campaigns are designed to maximize ROI, helping brands build authentic relationships with their audiences.

Wpromote’s approach to influencer marketing is focused on delivering personalized, data-backed campaigns that resonate with the target audience. They offer access to a wide range of influencers, from micro-influencers to celebrities, making it easy for brands to find the perfect match for their needs. Wpromote’s comprehensive services include campaign strategy, content creation, influencer management, and performance tracking, ensuring every campaign achieves measurable results.

Key services:

• Full-service digital marketing with influencer campaigns
• Data-backed, ROI-driven influencer strategies
• Access to micro-influencers, macro-influencers, and celebrities
• Comprehensive campaign management and performance tracking
• Focus on engagement and conversions

19. Cramer-Krasselt

Cramer-Krasselt is one of Chicago’s most respected full-service marketing and communications agencies, with a well-established influencer marketing division. Founded in 1898, Cramer-Krasselt has consistently evolved with the times, offering modern, results-driven influencer campaigns that drive meaningful relationships between brands and consumers. The agency’s influencer marketing services focus on understanding the behaviors and expectations of the target audience to craft campaigns that resonate.

Cramer-Krasselt’s approach integrates influencer marketing with other key aspects of digital strategy, including paid media, content creation, and public relations, ensuring a cohesive and effective campaign. The agency’s influencer strategies are tailored to align with a brand’s goals, helping to increase awareness, engagement, and ultimately, sales.

Key services:

• Integrated influencer marketing with paid media and PR
• Focus on consumer behavior and engagement
• Custom campaigns to meet brand-specific goals
• Extensive experience across various industries
• Clients include brands in financial services, retail, and consumer goods

20. Oak Street Social

Oak Street Social is a boutique influencer marketing agency based in Chicago that has earned a reputation for connecting brands with top-tier influencers to create highly engaging campaigns. Founded in 2014, Oak Street Social focuses on crafting authentic brand stories that resonate across digital platforms, using influencers, bloggers, and content creators to reach specific target audiences.

Specializing in lifestyle, food, beauty, and fashion industries, Oak Street Social’s team of creative professionals works closely with brands to develop tailored influencer strategies that amplify their digital presence. They offer a wide range of services, including social media marketing, content creation, influencer partnerships, and event marketing, making them a go-to partner for businesses looking to boost engagement and build brand loyalty.

Key services:

• Specializes in lifestyle, food, beauty, and fashion brands
• Tailored influencer marketing and social media strategies
• Authentic storytelling and brand building
• Content creation and event marketing services
• Focus on creating authentic influencer partnerships

What does influencer marketing in Chicago cost?

Influencer marketing in Chicago offers diverse opportunities, but costs can vary significantly based on campaign size and influencer tiers. Understanding these pricing structures is crucial for budgeting effectively and maximizing ROI.

Below is a detailed breakdown of estimated costs for influencer marketing in Chicago across various campaign sizes and influencer categories, along with their key benefits and potential challenges:

Are there influencer marketing agencies close to Chicago?

If you’re exploring influencer marketing opportunities in other vibrant cities across the Midwest, consider checking out our influencer marketing agencies in Minneapolis and top influencer marketing agencies in Indianapolis.

Both cities share Chicago’s dynamic business environment and offer unique opportunities for brands to connect with their audiences. Another great option is the influencer marketing agencies in Detroit, which bring a rich industrial and creative heritage to the influencer marketing space.

Additionally, if your business is targeting innovation-driven or tech-focused markets, you may want to explore influencer marketing agencies in Denver. This thriving central U.S. city complements Chicago’s forward-thinking and diverse market.