Influencer Marketing Strategy

6 Ways to Find YouTube Shorts Creators for Your Brand

Ready to boost your brand with YouTube Shorts influencers? We break down six ways to find YouTube creators to promote your products on the platform!

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If you're trying to find YouTube Shorts creators, chances are you:

  • Have experience with influencers on TikTok and Instagram but are new to YouTube collabs
  • Realize that most influencer marketing platforms can't help you find Shorts creators right now
  • Want to know if there are any marketplaces out there to find those creators

We cover all of the above in this post where we break down how to find YouTube influencers!

Why Brands Should Work with YouTube Shorts Creators

YouTube Shorts is booming right now with 70 billion views per day and 2 billion monthly users.

That’s a massive audience that brands can tap into, making Shorts a prime platform for influencer marketing and UGC.

But one of the biggest advantages of marketing on YouTube Shorts is its content longevity.

Consider that Shorts remain searchable on YouTube indefinitely. This means brands can continue to benefit from organic traffic long after a video is posted, increasing the return on investment for influencer collaborations. 

YouTube creators also tend to be highly invested in their content, making them ideal for long-term partnerships. Many Shorts creators are already experienced in producing engaging content which translates to more compelling and authentic brand content.

Another key difference? Monetization.

YouTube Shorts offers ad revenue-sharing, something Instagram Reels doesn’t. Because creators can earn directly from their content, they have an added incentive to produce higher-quality videos, ultimately benefiting brands looking for polished, impactful influencer content.

If nothing else, the recent TikTok ban highlights why brands should diversify their strategies and understand the downsides of going all-in on one platform. Given that YouTube is owned by Google and short-form video is bigger than ever, safe to say that it should be around for the long haul.

All of the above highlights why we integrated YouTube Shorts creators into the Statusphere platform.

youtube shorts feature in Statusphere

Where to Find YouTube Shorts Creators

Finding the right YouTube Shorts creators for your brand starts with knowing where to look.

But the process of finding content creators varies slightly from platform to platform!

Here are the best ways to uncover influencers on YouTube creators who align with your goals:

1. Search YouTube Shorts Keywords & Hashtags

One of the easiest ways to find YouTube Shorts creators is through keyword and hashtag searches.

Start by searching for niche-specific hashtags like:

  • #Shorts + your industry (e.g., #ShortsBeauty, #TechShorts, #FitnessShorts)
  • Trending challenge hashtags to spot up-and-coming creators.
  • Product review & unboxings (e.g., “Best Skincare Products #Shorts”).

These searches will surface relevant creators who are already making content in your space.

hashtag search example

2. Use the YouTube Shorts Creator Community Tab

YouTube’s Creator Community tab is another valuable resource for finding engaged creators. Many Shorts creators use this tab to post updates, interact with their audience and share new content.

creator community tab example

When evaluating potential partners, check engagement rates. Consider that a creator with an active and loyal audience is often more valuable than one with just high view counts.

3. Browse YouTube Shorts Recommendations

YouTube automatically recommends Shorts creators based on videos you watch. A quick way to discover new talent is to:

  1. Click on a viral YouTube Shorts video in your niche.
  2. Check the related videos and creators that appear in the feed.

This way, you can find creators who are gaining traction and could be a good fit for your brand.

YouTube Shorts recommendations example

4. Look at YouTube's Creator Marketplace (BrandConnect)

YouTube recently launched BrandConnect to help brands connect with Shorts creators. While still in beta, this tool allows brands to filter creators based on their content and audience.

YouTube Creator marketplace preview

Source

5. Use Influencer Marketing Platforms

Several influencer marketing platforms now support YouTube Shorts collaborations.

If you need a more streamlined approach, platforms like Statusphere connect brands directly with pre-vetted YouTube Shorts creators, saving time and guaranteeing content.

Statusphere creator targeting example

6. Check Social Media Cross-Promotion

We know firsthand that most YouTube Shorts creators already post on Instagram and TikTok.

A great way to find them is by checking their bios on these platforms for YouTube links.

Searching for niche-specific content on Instagram Reels and TikTok can also help you discover creators who are active across multiple channels.

Cross-promotion example 2    Cross-promotion example 1

Source

By using a mix of these strategies, you can efficiently find YouTube Shorts creators who align with your brand’s vision and audience.

How to Vet YouTube Shorts Creators

Before partnering with an influencer on YouTube Shorts, take the time to evaluate their content, audience engagement and past brand collaborations. Here's a rundown of tips for vetting creators:

1. Check Engagement Metrics (Not Just Views)

A Shorts video with millions of views might look impressive but if it has low comments and likes, the creator may not have true influence.

High view counts alone don’t guarantee an engaged audience. Instead, prioritize creators who have consistent audience interaction. Look for meaningful comments, discussion and likes that indicate real engagement and trust. This is why we recommend brands prioritize micro-influencer collabs.

2. Look for Authenticity & Content Style

A creator’s content should align with your brand voice. Watch a few of their Shorts and ask:

  • Does their style match your brand’s tone and aesthetics?
  • Do they create content that feels genuine and not overly promotional?

A red flag to watch for: If a creator frequently posts random viral trends unrelated to their niche, they may be chasing views rather than building a loyal, engaged audience.

3. Review Past Brand Partnerships

Look through the creator’s channel for sponsored content to see how they integrate brands into their videos. Pay attention to:

  • The quality of their brand partnerships. Are they working with reputable brands in your industry?
  • How their audience reacts to sponsored videos. Do they engage positively or do they ignore (or worse, criticize) the content?

Creators who naturally incorporate brands into their content and still maintain audience trust are the ones worth considering.

4. Double-Check That They’re Actually Posting YouTube Shorts

Not all YouTube creators focus on Shorts. Some mainly create long-form videos and only post Shorts occasionally. Before partnering, make sure the creator regularly posts Shorts and understands how to optimize content for the format.

YouTube Channel Shorts Tab example

Source

How to Reach Out to YouTube Shorts Influencers

Once you've identified the right YouTube Shorts creators for your brand, the next step is reaching out.

A well-crafted influencer pitch increases your chances of getting a response and securing a successful collaboration. Here’s how to do it:

1. Contact Creators via Email

Most YouTube creators list their business email under the “About” section on their channel.

This is often the most direct way to reach them for partnership opportunities. If they provide a business email, use it - this signals they’re open to brand collaborations.

2. DM Creators on Instagram or TikTok

Again, many YouTube Shorts creators are also active on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Some creators respond faster to DMs on Instagram than to email.

If you don’t hear back via email, try sending a short, professional direct message on one of their social media platforms.

3. Offer Clear Collaboration Details

When reaching out, avoid generic pitches like:

"Hey, we love your content. Want to collaborate?"

Instead, be clear and specific about what you're offering and what you expect. Here's how you create a strong message:

  • Briefly introduce your company and what you’re promoting
  • Outline what kind of content you’re looking for (product reviews, unboxing videos, etc)
  • Mention whether you’re offering payment, product gifting or a commission structure upfront

creator outreach example

Creators receive a high volume of brand inquiries, so making your outreach concise, professional and transparent will help your message stand out.

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How to Find YouTube Shorts Creators at Scale

As platforms like TikTok face uncertainty and Meta continues to shift its focus, YouTube Shorts is a solid new platform to adopt as you work with more influencers.

Brands that establish relationships with these creators early will have a competitive edge, not to mention a better understanding of the types of content that perform best on the platform.

If you’re ready to tap into the power of YouTube Shorts influencer marketing, Statusphere can help. Our automated influencer platform connects brands with pre-vetted YouTube Shorts creators, making it easy to launch campaigns at scale.

Want to learn more about how our platform works? Get in touch with our team to see how we can scale your influencer marketing efforts in a fraction of the time.

How to find small youTube Shorts Creators?

To find small YouTube Shorts creators, use these strategies:

  • Search Hashtags. Look for niche-specific hashtags like #UCGCreator or #YouTubeShorts to discover emerging creators.

  • Check YouTube Recommendations. YouTube's algorithm suggests small creators based on your watch history and interests.

  • Use Influencer Platforms.  Platforms like Statusphere can help find micro-influencers on YouTube Shorts.

  • Explore Comments & Collaborations. Small creators often engage in comment sections of larger creators or collaborate with similar-sized channels.

Can I repurpose YouTube Shorts content on Instagram or TikTok?

Yes, you can repurpose YouTube Shorts content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, granted it's the appropriate specs and you remove any platform-specific branding or watermarks from your videos.

 

Drive Product Discovery & Sales with 100% Automated Micro-Influencer Collabs

 

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