Build a YouTube Micro-Influencer List for Campaign Research

Micro-influencer sourcing works best when the audience band is combined with niche relevance and recent activity. A subscriber filter alone produces dormant channels, incidental mentions, and creators whose content no longer matches the campaign. The YouTube Creator Finder creates a reproducible first-pass shortlist.

Build several niche queries

Use how creators describe the subject, not only the brand's category name. For a home-coffee campaign, the query set might include equipment, techniques, and education.

{
  "searchTerms": [
    "home espresso setup",
    "coffee grinder reviews",
    "coffee roasting tutorial"
  ],
  "maxCreatorsPerSearch": 50,
  "maxTotalCreators": 150,
  "minSubscribers": 5000,
  "maxSubscribers": 100000,
  "minVideos": 15,
  "uploadedWithinDays": 180,
  "requirePublicContact": true
}

The Actor bills only channels that survive the requested filters. Deduplication by channel ID prevents the same creator from being charged again when multiple terms find it.

Add review columns, not opaque scores

Export the data to a sheet or CRM and add fields for topic fit, recent-content fit, production format, geography relevance, disclosure quality, brand conflicts, contact suitability, reviewer, and review date.

review_rows = []
for creator in creators:
    review_rows.append(
        {
            "channelId": creator["channelId"],
            "creator": creator["title"],
            "subscribers": creator.get("subscriberCount"),
            "latestUpload": creator.get("latestVideoPublishedText"),
            "latestTitle": (creator.get("latestVideo") or {}).get("title"),
            "query": creator.get("discoveryQuery"),
            "channelUrl": creator.get("canonicalUrl"),
            "topicFit": "needs_review",
            "brandSafety": "needs_review",
            "contactFit": "needs_review",
        }
    )

Transparent columns show why a creator was included or excluded. If a score is needed, calculate it from those reviewed fields and retain the components.

Sample content and audience evidence

Review several recent videos, not only the newest. Confirm that the niche is recurring, note language and format, and look for paid promotion or competitor relationships. Subscriber counts do not reveal audience geography, demographics, authenticity, or expected campaign performance.

Do not infer protected characteristics from names, images, accents, or topics. Use only criteria relevant to the campaign and document them consistently.

Contact only after fit is established

Public websites and social profiles are research signals. An openly displayed email may have a stated purpose that does not match the campaign. Respect anti-spam rules, creator preferences, and opt-outs. Keep outreach specific: explain the relevant content, proposed value, rights, compensation, and disclosure expectations.

Refresh the shortlist before launch. Channel size, recent activity, contact routes, and brand relationships can change between research and outreach.