Where Influencers and Social Media Managers Find Their Best Gigs: 7 Marketplaces Worth Your Time
If you’re an influencer or social media manager looking for paid work, you need to know where the best opportunities are hiding. The right marketplace can connect you with clients who value your skills and are willing to pay fairly for them. This list covers seven platforms where influencers and social media professionals consistently find quality gigs, from full-service freelance hubs to niche platforms built specifically for content creators. Each one offers something different, so you can choose the marketplace that fits your style and goals.
- Legiit
Legiit is a freelance marketplace built specifically for digital marketing services, including influencer marketing and social media management. The platform attracts clients who understand the value of professional social media work and are ready to invest in it. You can create service listings that showcase your expertise, whether you specialize in Instagram growth, TikTok content creation, YouTube channel management, or full-scale social media campaigns.
What sets Legiit apart is its focus on marketing professionals rather than general freelancers. This means you’re competing with other marketers, not graphic designers or writers who dabble in social media. The platform also offers features like instant delivery options, tiered pricing packages, and a reputation system that helps you build credibility over time. Clients come to Legiit specifically looking for marketing help, so you’re starting with an audience that already understands what you do and why it matters.
- AspireIQ (Now Part of a Larger Platform)
AspireIQ started as a dedicated influencer marketing platform and has evolved into a comprehensive creator marketplace. The platform connects influencers with brands looking for authentic partnerships, not just one-off posts. You’ll find opportunities ranging from product reviews and sponsored content to long-term brand ambassador roles.
The application process is more selective than some other platforms, which means brands trust the quality of creators on the roster. You’ll need to maintain an active social media presence and demonstrate genuine engagement with your audience. The platform works best for influencers who have at least a few thousand followers and can show consistent content quality. Payment terms are typically negotiated directly with brands, and the platform facilitates the entire campaign process from pitch to payment.
- Upwork
Upwork remains one of the largest freelance marketplaces in the world, with a substantial section dedicated to social media and influencer work. You’ll find everything from short-term Instagram management gigs to ongoing contracts with agencies and businesses. The platform allows you to bid on posted jobs or wait for clients to invite you based on your profile.
The competition on Upwork is intense, especially for newer freelancers without established ratings. However, if you can land your first few jobs and collect positive reviews, the platform becomes much more profitable. Social media managers often find ongoing retainer work here, where clients pay monthly for a set number of hours or deliverables. The platform takes a percentage of your earnings, starting at 20% for new client relationships and decreasing as you earn more from the same client over time. Many experienced social media professionals use Upwork as a steady source of income alongside other platforms.
- Collabstr
Collabstr is designed specifically for influencers and content creators who want to monetize their social media presence. Unlike traditional freelance platforms, Collabstr lets you set your own prices for different types of content, from Instagram stories and feed posts to TikTok videos and YouTube integrations. Brands browse creator profiles and book collaborations directly.
The platform is particularly popular with micro and mid-tier influencers who have between 5,000 and 500,000 followers. You create a profile that lists your rates for various content types, and brands can book you immediately without lengthy negotiations. Collabstr handles the payment processing and provides templates for usage rights and deliverables, which simplifies the business side of influencer work. The platform takes a service fee from transactions, but many creators appreciate the convenience and the steady stream of opportunities it provides.
- Contra
Contra positions itself as a commission-free freelance platform, which is a significant advantage for social media managers and influencers who want to keep more of their earnings. The platform focuses on independent professionals across many fields, with a growing community of social media experts. You create a portfolio-style profile that showcases your work, client testimonials, and available services.
Because Contra doesn’t take a cut of your earnings, you can price your services more competitively or simply earn more per project. The platform is newer than some competitors, which means less saturation but also a smaller client base. However, the quality of clients tends to be good, as many are startups and growing businesses that value professional social media management. Contra also offers built-in contract templates and invoicing tools, making it easy to handle the administrative side of freelancing without juggling multiple tools.
- Klear (by Meltwater)
Klear operates as both an influencer discovery tool for brands and a marketplace for creators. If you’re an influencer with a solid following, you can join the Klear network and become visible to brands searching for specific demographics, content styles, or audience characteristics. The platform uses data analytics to match creators with relevant campaigns.
What makes Klear particularly interesting is its emphasis on metrics and performance. Brands using the platform are typically data-driven and want to see engagement rates, audience demographics, and content performance. This means you need to maintain strong engagement and authentic audience relationships to succeed here. The platform works best for influencers who are comfortable sharing their analytics and who have audiences that align with popular brand categories like beauty, fashion, fitness, tech, or lifestyle. Campaign payments vary widely based on your reach and the brand’s budget, but Klear facilitates professional campaigns with clear deliverables and payment terms.
- People Per Hour
People Per Hour is a UK-based freelance platform that has grown into a global marketplace with strong representation in social media services. The platform uses a project-based system where clients post jobs and freelancers submit proposals, similar to Upwork but with less competition in many categories. Social media managers and influencers can find both one-time projects and ongoing work arrangements.
The platform charges a service fee on earnings, but it offers features like WorkStream (a protected payment system), time tracking, and milestone-based payments that add security to the working relationship. Many clients on People Per Hour are small to medium-sized businesses looking for affordable but professional social media help. This makes it a good fit for freelancers who are building their portfolio or who prefer working with smaller brands rather than large corporations. The platform also allows you to create “Hourlies,” which are pre-packaged services at fixed prices, similar to gigs on other platforms.
Finding the right marketplace can make all the difference in your success as an influencer or social media manager. Each platform on this list serves a different type of creator and client, so consider what matters most to you. Do you want commission-free earnings, access to premium brands, or a steady stream of small business clients? Try a few platforms to see which ones feel right for your working style and income goals. With persistence and quality work, these marketplaces can become reliable sources of income and help you build a sustainable career in social media.