If you haven’t heard of the Octoly app or platform yet, then I am excited to provide you details of how to create an account and my experience so far being a part of the platform.
What is the Octoly app + marketing platform
Octoly was founded by Thomas Owadenko in 2015 as a way to bridge the gap between Youtubers and brands. Although the organization originally started focusing on Youtube analytics, the founders decided to pivot to creating a platform for product reviews for influencers, bloggers, and consumers alike.
The platform is now essentially an influencer marketing platform with upwards of 40k+ influencers and even more consumers.
Octoly app influencer requirements
In order to apply to the platform as an influencer, there are specific requirements that need to be met:
- Instagram: 1,000 followers, minimum of 2% engagement rate, consistent content, and a public account
- Youtube: 1,000 subscribers, an average of 2,000 views, consistent content
- Tiktok: 1,000 followers, consistent content, and a public account
After applying to the platform, they verify your account within their platform ensuring that you meet the basic guidelines, then you are given credits that can be exchanged for product.
There are different expectations for the brand campaigns. Some require an in-feed post with your social media, some require a text review on the product on platforms like Sephora.
A variety of brands are willing to collaborate with influencers on Octoly, including Fenty Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Color Wow, Caudalie, and more.
Octoly consumer account
Anyone can actually get an Octoly account. Individuals are able to receive products in exchange for their honest review. I can’t talk much about this type of account because I’ve never used it. Products may run out faster in comparison to the influencer side, but it may be worth a try
My experience with Octoly
I’ll just say it now. I just love Octoly. It’s definitely my favorite platform, especially for beginners in social media. I signed up with my original account linked to afocusedheart and have since transitioned to a new account with realskindiaries.
My first gifted product collaboration in the platform is with Rituals. It is definitely a brand that I would not have picked up without seeing it on the platform. I appreciate being able to test out new brands that I may not have encountered beforehand.
Sometimes, I may not be able to afford the product, but I am able to test them out for a review or a post, which I love.
I like being able to test out various skincare products. I have discovered brands through the platform that I ended up loving. I wouldn’t have known about the product or steered away from my tried and true products if it wasn’t for the platform, so I am thankful about that.
What you should expect + Tips
- Not every brand will accept your offer to test out their product or be a part of their campaign. By now, I’ve learned not to take it so personally. They may have a different idea of how they want their campaign to run or how they want their product photographed. It may not match your style. I try not to let it ruin my day, especially when it’s a brand that I really wanted to work with.
- Approval can take a while. Okay, I may be a little impatient with everything. I want to know right away if I’m in or not. I’m an Aries with a short temper so that’s probably why. Patience may be key, especially with campaigns that you know may receive a lot of interest. Since I just started this account, my following is not on the higher side. This may be a factor as to why brands may hesitate to collaborate.
- Focus on your content. I’m sure that you’ve heard this a lot but I found that even outside of this app, it is important to remember. You don’t necessarily need a camera, phones these days have advanced so much to the point that they are able to product RAW images if needed.
- Just try it out. It doesn’t hurt to try, right? I mean I get it rejection on this platform is clear. A message stating that “you are not accepted” is mailed out to you, but they hype up their acceptance emails so much that I think it evens out.
- If you don’t want to post on your social media, watch out for the drops that only require a review in exchange!
- Their customer service is actually pretty responsive in comparison to other marketing platforms.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
