29 Best Popular Pays Alternatives for 2025

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Alright fam, let’s get real. If you’re like me and have been cruising with Popular Pays for a hot minute, but now you’re itching to explore what else is out there in the influencer collab world—welcome to your new guidebook.

I’ve taken the plunge, tried a bunch of these platforms, and I’m giving you the real lowdown—no fluff, no links, just vibes. Let’s rank the best Popular Pays alternatives for 2025 based on how they roll with features, pricing, and the overall user feel. Buckle up, let’s get scrolling.

1. Mavrck

A powerhouse for enterprise squads

What I liked:
Mavrck is like the Beyoncé of influencer platforms—polished, powerful, and honestly, intimidating at first glance. It’s made for brands that aren’t messing around—think Fortune 500 vibes. Their micro-to-macro influencer reach is nuts. It’s also got this killer white-label option, which feels hella pro.

What I didn’t like:
Not for small brands or baby startups. The platform can feel a lil’ too “corporate.” You need budget, and I mean budget.

Pros:

• Super customizable campaigns

• Enterprise-level integrations

• Deep analytics

Cons:

• Steep learning curve

• Pricing = $$$

Pricing:
Custom pricing. Translation: if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it.

2. The Influencer Room

Influencers meet gifting, and it works

What I liked:
It’s like Tinder for brands and creators but with free swag. The Influencer Room is built around product gifting—super slick if you’re a brand that wants buzz without shelling out cash. And it creates a community feel that’s rare in this space.

What I didn’t like:
Monetary collaborations aren’t the main vibe here, so if you’re trying to pay influencers in cold hard cash, this might not be your jam.

Pros:

• Gifting-first model (great for startups)

• Niche targeting

• Organic brand love

Cons:

• No deep payment workflows

• Limited analytics

Pricing:
Also custom-based, but more accessible than the big dogs.

3. Grin

Creator campaigns with no BS

What I liked:
Grin is chef’s kiss for DTC brands. It has all the things—CRM for influencers, gifting, payments, analytics—you name it. The dashboard’s clean, the vibe is modern, and it doesn’t try to be flashy. It just works.

What I didn’t like:
It’s geared toward e-comm, so if you’re not slinging products online, you might feel left out.

Pros:

• End-to-end influencer management

• Killer Shopify integrations

• Super smooth UX

Cons:

• Not ideal for non-ecommerce brands

• Can be pricey for small biz

Pricing:
Starts at around mid-tier pricing but scales fast depending on your needs.

4. Influencity

Data nerds, this one’s for you

What I liked:
Influencity gives you all the stats. We’re talking follower quality, fake-checking, engagement evolution—basically a CSI lab for influencer vetting. I was hooked just poking around graphs.

What I didn’t like:
Campaign setup is a bit meh. It’s more about pre-campaign research than running flashy collabs.

Pros:

• Deep influencer analytics

• Great search filters

• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Not as campaign-focused

• Less intuitive UI

Pricing:
Starts affordable—ideal if you’re dipping your toes in. Plans start from around $168/month.

5. Hashtag Paid

Where content meets commerce

What I liked:
#Paid is smooth as butter. Their “Handraise” feature lets influencers apply to campaigns with a short pitch, which makes it feel more human and less algorithmic. Their Shopify link-up is also slick.

What I didn’t like:
It still favors polished creators over raw, messy micro influencers. If you’re all about realness, this might feel too curated.

Pros:

• Easy campaign setup

• Unique influencer application flow

• Good for product storytelling

Cons:

• Limited to creators in certain niches

• Can get pricey for bigger campaigns

Pricing:
Mid-range, with flexible packages.

6. Lolly

TikTok meets influencer collabs

What I liked:
Lolly’s like a Gen Z hangout turned influencer hub. It focuses on short-form video and has that vibe. If you’re targeting the TikTok crowd, it’s a straight-up match made in algorithmic heaven.

What I didn’t like:
Still kinda new in the game. Less depth in analytics and fewer integrations with old-school ecommerce tools.

Pros:

• Video-first

• Creator discovery is top tier

• Young, fun, flashy

Cons:

• Limited integrations

• Not ideal for B2B

Pricing:
More experimental pricing, with entry-level packages that won’t break the bank.

7. The Cirqle

Built for scale, but with taste

What I liked:
The Cirqle feels like you just walked into a luxe, influencer-focused Soho House. It’s global, clean, and handles everything from content rights to performance analytics. If you’re managing multiple regions, this platform slaps.

What I didn’t like:
It’s still more agency-feeling than self-serve. So if you want DIY campaign control, you may not feel fully in charge.

Pros:

• Global reach

• Great rights management tools

• Premium creator pool

Cons:

• Less self-service freedom

• Learning curve is steep

Pricing:
Definitely premium, but worth it if you’re scaling fast.

8. Collabstr

Quick gigs, fast cash, and zero fluff

What I liked:
Collabstr is basically Fiverr for influencers—and that’s not a diss. I actually love how easy it is to browse talent, pick someone, and start a gig without needing a whole campaign manager. Great for one-off posts or mini content bursts.

What I didn’t like:
You’re not getting deep brand-influencer relationships here. It’s transactional. Swipe, pay, post, peace out.

Pros:

• Crazy easy to use

• Budget-friendly

• Great for short-term collabs

Cons:

• Limited campaign tools

• No deep influencer analytics

Pricing:
Creators set their own prices, and it starts low—like $100-ish low.

9. Kolsquare

International flair with data muscle

What I liked:
Kolsquare is basically the UN of influencer platforms. If you’re doing global campaigns, this one slaps. They’ve got killer analytics and their influencer discovery tool is super specific (hello, French-speaking fashionistas in Berlin?).

What I didn’t like:
UX is a bit clunky at times. Feels more B2B than buzzy.

Pros:

• Global reach

• Advanced analytics and fraud detection

• Deep audience insights

Cons:

• Interface could be smoother

• Slight learning curve

Pricing:
Custom quotes depending on what you need. Mid to high-range.

10. Captiv8

Data-driven AF but still creator-friendly

What I liked:
Captiv8 feels like a Silicon Valley brainchild that still knows what a meme is. It’s got gorgeous UI, deep social listening, campaign ROI tracking, and even predictive AI magic that helps you pick the right influencers before stuff even pops.

What I didn’t like:
It’s got all the power, but the learning curve is real. Also, not built for tiny startups.

Pros:

• AI-powered recommendations

• Real-time tracking

• Epic reporting dashboards

Cons:

• Not beginner-friendly

• Higher-end pricing

Pricing:
Starts around the $2,000/month range, but hey—power comes at a price.

11. Aspire (formerly AspireIQ)

Campaign builder meets relationship manager

What I liked:
Aspire gets the “relationship” part of influencer marketing. You’re not just blasting a campaign—you’re building a brand squad. The platform has amazing campaign tools, a creator CRM, and even influencer outreach templates.

What I didn’t like:
Can feel a bit heavy on setup if you’re not running bigger campaigns.

Pros:

• Strong creator database

• Built-in outreach & CRM

• Excellent for scaling influencer programs

Cons:

• More setup time required

• Not ideal for one-off posts

Pricing:
Custom packages. Usually mid-to-high depending on size and goals.

12. TRIBE

Content first, strategy second (and it works)

What I liked:
TRIBE flips the script. Brands post briefs, and creators pitch ideas before you pay a dime. It’s very “audition meets marketplace.” Super visual. Great UGC-style content.

What I didn’t like:
The platform leans into polished visuals, so if you’re trying to go raw and messy (aka Gen Z TikTok chaos), it might not hit.

Pros:

• Brands see content before they buy

• Easy campaign setup

• Solid creator community

Cons:

• Less data, more content

• Limited long-term relationship tools

Pricing:
Creators submit bids, but most posts run in the $150–$500 range.

13. Braze

Not an influencer tool, but still a beast

What I liked:
Okay, curveball—Braze isn’t technically an influencer platform. It’s a customer engagement platform. But hear me out: if you’re running multichannel campaigns that include influencer-generated content (email, SMS, push), Braze is the engine that powers the whole ecosystem.

What I didn’t like:
Not made for influencer discovery or matchmaking—so you’ll still need another tool for that.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with email/SMS

• Great for re-engaging UGC

• A/B testing on steroids

Cons:

• Not an influencer-first tool

• Requires a marketing team who knows what’s up

Pricing:
Enterprise-level pricing, big-budget territory.

14. Popular Pays

The OG with a few cracks showing

What I liked:
Still good for UGC-style content, and I’ve had some really smooth collabs here. The interface is clean, and the creator pool is solid.

What I didn’t like:
Feels like it hasn’t evolved much. A bit behind on newer features like AI matching, deeper insights, or TikTok-specific tools.

Pros:

• Easy content briefs

• Great for Instagram + UGC

• Decent marketplace for brands

Cons:

• Not the most innovative

• Limited creator relationships and analytics

Pricing:
Mid-range. Good for mid-sized teams.

15. IZEA

The OG with upgrades that actually matter

What I liked:
IZEA’s been around longer than some influencers have had their ring lights, and it shows. It’s polished, feature-rich, and packed with tools for both creators and brands. The automation and performance tracking? Chef’s kiss.

What I didn’t like:
Some of the UI still gives “2017 energy,” and pricing can creep up fast if you need all the bells and whistles.

Pros:

• Huge creator marketplace

• Automated workflows

• Robust reporting tools

Cons:

• Dated interface in some places

• Not ideal for small budgets

Pricing:
Starts at a few hundred a month, but enterprise clients can spend thousands depending on campaigns.

16. Insense

UGC meets influencer collabs in a neat lil’ package

What I liked:
Insense is great if you’re chasing that authentic TikTok-style UGC. Brands can brief creators directly, and it all feels super plug-and-play. It even integrates with Meta Ads, which is a huge plus if you like turning influencer vids into paid media.

What I didn’t like:
Limited when it comes to influencer discovery. It’s better for managing campaigns once you’ve already picked your talent.

Pros:

• UGC and paid media integration

• Smooth creator briefing tools

• Works well with Instagram + TikTok

Cons:

• Not ideal for influencer discovery

• Less creator data analytics

Pricing:
Starting around $500/month. Decent value for content-heavy brands.

17. influence.co

Social network meets portfolio heaven

What I liked:
This one feels like LinkedIn had a baby with Instagram. It’s got creator portfolios, case studies, testimonials—the whole shebang. It’s not just “hire me,” it’s “here’s proof I slay campaigns.”

What I didn’t like:
Feels more like a community than a hardcore campaign builder. It’s dope for networking, but brands might want more control/features.

Pros:

• Creator portfolio system is 🔥

• Great for discovery + direct outreach

• Very transparent reviews/testimonials

Cons:

• Less robust campaign management tools

• UX feels more social than strategic

Pricing:
Free to use for basic stuff. Premium plans for advanced features.

18. Influencer (yep, that’s its name)

Strategy, scale, and a whole lotta brains

What I liked:
Influencer.com is for brands who take influencer marketing seriously. It’s super strategy-driven, and they offer full-service support. Not just “here’s a platform,” but “here’s a team.”

What I didn’t like:
If you’re a solo brand or small biz, you might feel out of place. This is big agency energy.

Pros:

• End-to-end campaign execution

• Strategy support from pros

• Global influencer reach

Cons:

• Not for small budgets

• Less DIY, more done-for-you

Pricing:
Enterprise level. Bring your wallet—and your goals.

19. Later (formerly a scheduling tool, now doing the most)

From scheduling queen to full influencer suite

What I liked:
Later’s been my go-to for IG scheduling forever, but now they’ve stepped into influencer territory—and I’m here for it. Their “Later Influence” feature is all about finding influencers, managing collabs, and measuring ROI.

What I didn’t like:
Still growing in the influencer space. Feels a bit beta-ish in parts.

Pros:

• Integrated with scheduling + link-in-bio tools

• Clean UI

• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Limited advanced features (for now)

• Smaller creator database compared to others

Pricing:
Starts around $30/month for basic plans, goes up if you add influence features.

20. Shout Agency

Micro-influencer vibes, boutique service feel

What I liked:
Shout feels like the cool kid’s version of influencer marketing. They focus on real creators, mostly micro and nano influencers who actually get engagement (not just vibes). Great for niche campaigns.

What I didn’t like:
Smaller scale means fewer tools, and it’s more agency-style than SaaS.

Pros:

• Focus on high-engagement creators

• Personal support

• Very Gen Z-savvy

Cons:

• Smaller database

• Less self-service functionality

Pricing:
Custom quotes—depends on campaign size and goals.

21. Klear

Analytics-first but still totally creator-friendly

What I liked:
Klear’s analytics are A+. Like, if Instagram Insights and NASA had a dashboard baby. You can slice data every which way—audience breakdowns, ROI, you name it. Plus, their influencer discovery tool is chef’s kiss.

What I didn’t like:
It’s a lot. Not exactly beginner-friendly unless you love data more than you love content.

Pros:

• Best-in-class analytics

• In-depth influencer vetting

• Full CRM + campaign tools

Cons:

• Steep learning curve

• Not ideal for quick, casual campaigns

Pricing:
High-end. Custom quotes, but worth it for data-driven teams.

22. Brandbassador

The Ultimate Brand Ambassador Platform

What I liked:
If you’re all about building long-term relationships with influencers, Brandbassador is the move. This platform helps brands create ambassador programs where influencers can sign up, promote your products, and even earn commissions. It’s like a loyalty program, but cooler. The way they gamify the experience for influencers is clutch—it keeps them motivated and engaged.

What I didn’t like:
It can get a little tricky to set up if you’re new to influencer marketing. The platform offers a lot, which means it takes time to figure out how to navigate everything properly.

Pros:

• Great for long-term brand ambassador programs

• Gamification keeps influencers engaged

• Real-time tracking and analytics

Cons:

• Can feel a little overwhelming at first

• Might not be the best for quick one-off campaigns

Pricing:
Custom pricing, based on your brand’s needs, but it’s generally on the higher end for full-service features.

23. ShoutUGC

The UGC Powerhouse

What I liked:
If you’re looking for some authentic user-generated content (UGC) that packs a punch, ShoutUGC is the place. You can partner with influencers to create organic content that feels real and engaging—perfect for brands that want to build trust with their audience. It’s all about getting that natural vibe, which works especially well for Gen Z.

What I didn’t like:
The platform doesn’t have as many advanced tools for campaign tracking as some of the others. It’s great for content creation but might leave you wanting more data insights.

Pros:

• Perfect for UGC content

• Engaging and easy-to-use platform

• Great for Gen Z-focused brands

Cons:

• Limited analytics and campaign tracking tools

• Not ideal for large-scale influencer campaigns

Pricing:
Fairly affordable, with options that start at around $99/month, depending on your needs.

24. CreatorIQ

Data-Driven, Smart Influencer Management

What I liked:
CreatorIQ is like the genius of influencer marketing platforms. If you want a robust, data-driven approach with influencer discovery, campaign tracking, and analytics, this is your jam. It’s super scalable, so whether you’re a small biz or a large enterprise, CreatorIQ has the tools you need. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with all your other marketing tools.

What I didn’t like:
The price tag. If you’re a smaller brand, it might not be the best option due to its hefty price. Also, the learning curve is steep, so be ready to invest some time getting to know it.

Pros:

• Deep data analytics

• Influencer discovery is next-level

• Scalable and customizable

Cons:

• Expensive, especially for small brands

• Takes a bit of time to get familiar with the platform

Pricing:
On the expensive side. Custom pricing based on your needs, but expect it to be a higher investment.

25. InfluencerMarketing.ai

AI for Smart Influencer Selection

What I liked:
This platform uses AI to help brands find the best influencers based on performance data and your specific campaign goals. It’s perfect for brands who want to make data-backed decisions without doing all the manual work. The platform also provides detailed influencer performance tracking, so you can see exactly how your campaigns are doing.

What I didn’t like:
The AI system can be a little hit-or-miss when it comes to finding smaller, niche influencers. It’s better for big campaigns, but if you’re hunting for micro-influencers, it might be a struggle.

Pros:

• Uses AI to match influencers with brands

• Great for data-driven campaigns

• Excellent performance tracking

Cons:

• Not ideal for finding micro-influencers

• Can be complex for new users

Pricing:
Custom pricing, depending on the features you choose, but generally on the higher end for its AI-powered features.

26. Traackr

The Influencer Marketing Analytics Guru

What I liked:
Traackr is all about influencer marketing analytics, which makes it perfect for brands who love data. They provide deep insights into influencer performance, campaign ROI, and audience engagement. You can track everything from reach to conversions, which is great for ROI analysis.

What I didn’t like:
If you’re just starting out and looking for something simple, Traackr might be overkill. It’s built for brands with more complex needs and bigger budgets.

Pros:

• In-depth analytics and reporting

• Best for tracking ROI and campaign performance

• Scalable for large campaigns

Cons:

• Overwhelming for beginners

• Pricey for small businesses

Pricing:
On the expensive side, with custom pricing based on the features you need.

27. Upfluence

Influencer Marketing Made Simple

What I liked:
Upfluence combines influencer discovery, campaign management, and analytics all in one platform. The creator database is massive, so you’ll have no shortage of influencers to work with. They also have a built-in e-commerce integration, which is perfect for brands who want to see direct results from influencer campaigns.

What I didn’t like:
The platform can feel a bit rigid at times, and it doesn’t offer as much customization as some of the other platforms on the list.

Pros:

• Huge influencer database

• E-commerce integrations for tracking sales

• Easy-to-use interface

Cons:

• Less customizable

• Might feel too basic for larger campaigns

Pricing:
Starts around $500/month, which is fair considering the features it offers.

28. Meltwater

All-in-One Social Media Monitoring and Influencer Marketing

What I liked:
Meltwater offers a complete social media monitoring suite, including influencer marketing, media intelligence, and PR. It’s great for tracking what’s being said about your brand and managing influencer campaigns at the same time. The platform has a ton of integrations, so you can link up with your existing tools.

What I didn’t like:
It’s more geared toward PR and social listening, which means the influencer marketing features aren’t as robust as some of the other platforms. It’s good, but it’s not specialized.

Pros:

• Strong social listening and media monitoring

• Great for managing PR and influencer marketing together

• Lots of integrations with other tools

Cons:

• Not focused exclusively on influencer marketing

• The influencer tools aren’t as powerful as others

Pricing:
Starts at $199/month, but can go up depending on the features you need.10