8 Real Examples of 3 Examples of Successful Influencer Partnerships That Actually Worked

Real examples of successful influencer partnerships in 2024–2025

When marketers ask for examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships, they usually want proof that this channel does more than rack up likes. So let’s start with real data and real campaigns.

According to the 2024 Influencer Marketing Benchmark Report, brands are projected to spend over \(24 billion on influencer marketing in 2025, up from \)21.1 billion in 2023. That growth is not happening by accident. It’s driven by partnerships that tie creator content directly to measurable outcomes: sales, app installs, subscriptions, and repeat purchases.

Below are eight detailed examples of successful influencer partnerships—from mega creators to niche experts—that show how smart brands are using creators as strategic distribution, not just decoration.

Example 1: Dunkin’ & Charli D’Amelio – Turning fandom into product sales

If you’re looking for one of the best examples of successful influencer partnerships, Dunkin’ and Charli D’Amelio still belong on the list, even a few years later, because the playbook is being copied constantly.

Dunkin’ didn’t just pay Charli for a few TikToks. They built a co-branded product around her actual order, “The Charli,” and later a cold foam version. The campaign:

• Lived natively on TikTok, where Charli already had tens of millions of followers.
• Used her authentic drink order instead of inventing something artificial.
• Tied content directly to in-app ordering and loyalty sign-ups.

Dunkin’ reported a 57% increase in app downloads on launch day and a 20% sales boost for cold brew the day “The Charli” dropped, according to industry coverage. That’s one clear example of how a creator partnership can influence both digital behavior and in-store sales.

Why it worked:

• The product fit Charli’s real habits.
• The collab gave Charli’s fans a way to “participate” by ordering the drink.
• The brand measured hard metrics: app downloads, drink sales, loyalty engagement.

For marketers searching for examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships that directly impact retail and mobile, this one still sets the standard.

Example 2: Gymshark & long-term fitness creators – Building a brand, not a one-off spike

Gymshark is practically a case study factory when it comes to real examples of successful influencer partnerships. Instead of chasing every trending creator, they’ve spent years cultivating a long-term roster of fitness influencers on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Key elements of their approach:

• Early bets on micro and mid-tier creators in fitness before they were mainstream.
• Long-term deals that turned creators into recognizable faces of the brand.
• Content that feels like training advice first, product promotion second.

This strategy helped Gymshark grow from a small UK startup in 2012 to a valuation of over $1 billion by 2020, as widely reported in business media. The brand’s growth is one of the best examples of how consistent partnerships can build not just awareness, but a community that buys repeatedly.

Why this is a strong example of a successful influencer partnership:

• Creators co-create product feedback loops (fit, fabric, styles).
• Influencers integrate Gymshark gear naturally into workout content.
• The brand avoids one-off sponsored posts in favor of multi-year relationships.

If you’re trying to identify examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships that support long-term brand building, Gymshark’s roster model is hard to ignore.

Example 3: Cash App & hip-hop creators – Influencers as cultural distribution

Fintech brands often struggle to feel human. Cash App solved that by partnering with hip-hop artists and culture-first creators, turning sponsorships into cultural moments.

Some examples include:

• Collaborations with artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Travis Scott, where Cash App giveaways and branded content were woven into music-adjacent experiences.
• Using creators on platforms like Twitter/X and TikTok to explain features, run cash giveaways, and normalize peer-to-peer payments.

This is a standout example of how influencer partnerships can drive both adoption and brand affinity in a category (finance) that usually feels dry. Cash App’s steady rise in recognition and usage among younger consumers has been documented in multiple fintech analyses and surveys.

Why this partnership model works:

• The brand meets users where they already are culturally.
• Creators explain the product in everyday language.
• Campaigns are structured around actions (download, send money, use a code) instead of vague awareness.

For marketers researching examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships in fintech, Cash App’s creator-led strategy is one of the best examples of aligning product, platform, and culture.

Example 4: Duolingo & TikTok creators – Leaning into chaos, not control

Duolingo’s TikTok presence is often cited as a best example of a brand acting like a creator. But what’s less talked about is how they collaborate with other creators to extend that persona.

Instead of stiff, scripted promotions, Duolingo’s partnerships:

• Lean into the app’s mischievous owl mascot.
• Use trending sounds, jokes, and skits instead of polished ads.
• Invite creators to “battle” or interact with the owl in chaotic, funny ways.

The result: Duolingo’s TikTok account crossed 10 million followers, with individual videos regularly hitting millions of views. The company has publicly credited TikTok for contributing to app awareness and downloads, especially among Gen Z.

This is a modern example of successful influencer partnerships where:

• The brand behaves like a creator.
• Other creators are invited into that world, not forced into a stiff brief.
• Metrics go beyond followers to app installs and daily active users.

If you’re compiling examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships that embrace platform-native humor, Duolingo belongs on that list.

Example 5: Sephora & micro-influencer programs – Turning creators into educators

Beauty is saturated with influencer deals, but Sephora stands out for building structured creator programs rather than isolated campaigns. Their Sephora Squad, launched in 2019 and still running, is a curated group of creators of all sizes—especially micro-influencers—who:

• Create tutorials, product reviews, and how-to content.
• Attend events, launches, and educational sessions.
• Provide feedback on products and customer pain points.

This is one of the best examples of successful influencer partnerships functioning as both marketing and market research. Sephora Squad members drive content across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Sephora’s own channels.

Why this is a powerful example of a successful influencer partnership:

• The program is ongoing, not a one-off.
• Influencers are picked for authenticity and teaching ability, not just follower count.
• Content focuses on solving real customer problems (shade matching, skin type, technique).

For marketers looking for real examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships that scale, Sephora’s structured program shows how to turn dozens of creators into a coordinated engine.

Example 6: Airbnb & local hosts/creators – Influencers as on-the-ground storytellers

Airbnb’s partnerships often feature a different type of influencer: hosts and local creators who can tell stories about neighborhoods and experiences, not just pretty interiors.

Some examples include:

• Collaborations with travel YouTubers who stay in unusual Airbnbs (treehouses, tiny homes, historical properties) and create long-form content.
• Partnerships with local photographers and filmmakers who spotlight hidden-gem neighborhoods and experiences.

This is a strong example of successful influencer partnerships because it connects directly to Airbnb’s value proposition: live like a local, not a tourist.

Why it works:

• Content is anchored in real stays and real experiences.
• Creators produce highly searchable content ("Airbnb in Joshua Tree,” “staying in a tiny home") that keeps generating bookings over time.
• Airbnb can track performance via affiliate links, custom codes, and booking data.

If you want examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships that drive measurable travel bookings, Airbnb’s approach is a clear model.

Example 7: B2B SaaS & niche LinkedIn creators – The quiet powerhouse

Most articles ignore B2B, but some of the most efficient real examples of successful influencer partnerships are happening on LinkedIn and niche podcasts.

Consider a mid-market B2B SaaS company partnering with:

• A respected LinkedIn creator who posts daily on sales operations.
• A podcast host listened to by revenue leaders.
• A niche newsletter writer followed by decision-makers.

Instead of obvious #ad posts, these partnerships often look like:

• Co-created webinars or live sessions.
• Deep-dive LinkedIn posts breaking down a case study using the software.
• Sponsored podcast segments where the host explains how they actually use the tool.

Why this is an important example of a successful influencer partnership:

• The audience is smaller but highly qualified.
• The creator’s authority in a narrow niche drives trust quickly.
• Performance is measured through demo requests, trial sign-ups, and pipeline, not impressions.

For marketers assembling examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships outside consumer brands, B2B creator collaborations on LinkedIn and podcasts are some of the best examples of highly targeted influence.

Example 8: Health and wellness brands & evidence-based creators – Trust as currency

In health and wellness, influencer marketing can easily cross lines into misinformation. That’s why some of the smartest brands are partnering with evidence-based creators: registered dietitians, physicians, and licensed therapists who are active on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

These partnerships often:

• Require rigorous claims review and medical accuracy.
• Focus on education first (how a condition works, what lifestyle changes help) and product second.
• Link out to authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further reading.

For example, a sleep supplement brand might work with a board-certified sleep physician who:

• Creates a video explaining sleep hygiene techniques.
• References guidance from Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org) on insomnia.
• Then briefly discusses when a supplement can be part of a broader plan.

This category provides some of the most important real examples of successful influencer partnerships because:

• Trust and accuracy matter more than aesthetics.
• Brands align with creators who can interpret scientific research responsibly.
• Consumers are increasingly skeptical and look for evidence-backed advice.

If you’re looking for examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships grounded in credibility, health and wellness collaborations with licensed professionals are strong models.

What these examples of successful influencer partnerships have in common

Across these campaigns, a few patterns show up again and again. When you study multiple examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships, the common threads are not random.

1. Clear role for the influencer
They’re not just a billboard. In the best examples, creators are:

• Product co-designers (Dunkin’ & Charli, Gymshark athletes).
• Educators (Sephora Squad, health professionals).
• Cultural translators (Cash App, Duolingo, Airbnb storytellers).

2. Platform-native content
Successful partnerships respect the norms of each platform:

• TikTok campaigns lean into trends, humor, and short-form storytelling.
• YouTube and podcasts go deeper, ideal for B2B and high-consideration products.
• LinkedIn favors thought leadership and case-study style content.

3. Measurable outcomes
The strongest real examples of successful influencer partnerships are tied to:

• Sales lift or bookings.
• App downloads and daily usage.
• Email sign-ups, demos, or trials.

4. Long-term thinking
The best examples are rarely one-and-done. Brands that win treat creators as long-term partners, not line items in a quarterly media plan.

How to apply these real examples to your own influencer strategy

Studying examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships is only useful if you translate them into action. A few practical steps:

Start with the outcome, not the influencer.
Decide whether your primary goal is sales, sign-ups, installs, or retention. Then design the partnership around that metric.

Pick creators for fit, not just reach.
A micro-influencer with 30,000 highly engaged followers in a niche can outperform a mega creator with a scattered audience.

Co-create, don’t dictate.
Use a clear brief, but let creators adapt the message to their voice and platform style. Every strong example of a successful influencer partnership above has that in common.

Measure beyond vanity metrics.
Use:

• Trackable links and codes.
• Landing pages specific to each creator.
• Post-campaign brand lift or customer surveys.

If you use these principles and learn from the best examples in this article, you’ll be much closer to building influencer partnerships that actually pay off.

FAQ: Real examples and best practices for influencer partnerships

Q1: What are some real examples of successful influencer partnerships for small businesses?
Smaller brands often win by working with local or niche micro-influencers: a neighborhood coffee shop partnering with a local food TikToker, or a boutique gym working with a local fitness instructor on Instagram Reels. These may not make headlines, but they mirror the same dynamics as the bigger examples of 3 examples of successful influencer partnerships: clear offer, aligned audience, and measurable results (redemption codes, bookings, or memberships).

Q2: How do I find the right example of an influencer partnership to model?
Look within your vertical first. If you’re in beauty, study Sephora Squad or indie brand collabs with makeup artists. In B2B, review LinkedIn creator partnerships and SaaS webinars. Pick an example of a brand whose price point, sales cycle, and audience resemble yours, then reverse-engineer how they structured the collaboration.

Q3: Are long-term deals always better than one-off influencer posts?
Not always, but most of the best examples of successful influencer partnerships above are long-term. One-off posts can be useful for testing a creator’s audience response or supporting a specific launch. Once you see strong performance, consider extending into a multi-month or annual relationship.

Q4: How can I avoid misinformation when partnering with health or wellness influencers?
Prioritize licensed professionals (MDs, RDs, psychologists) or creators who consistently reference credible sources like NIH (nih.gov), CDC (cdc.gov), or Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org). Build medical or legal review into your workflow. Many of the strongest real examples in the health space involve creators who welcome fact-checking instead of resisting it.

Q5: What metrics should I track to judge whether my influencer partnership was successful?
Beyond likes and views, focus on:

• Sales and revenue attributed to creator links or codes.
• App installs and activation rates.
• Email or SMS sign-ups.
• Trial starts, demos booked, or subscription upgrades.

When you look back at any example of a successful influencer partnership in this article, the common denominator is clear accountability to metrics that matter to the business.