Introduction
August United and Fanbytes are both managed influencer agencies, so comparing them is about focus and fit rather than software you log into. August United is an influencer agency based in Tempe, Arizona that runs end-to-end strategy and activation. Fanbytes is a Gen Z influencer agency based in London, now part of Brainlabs. Both run campaigns for you rather than hand you a tool.
This page lays out what each agency does, where it is based and who it has worked with, using only publicly stated details. Neither publishes a creator database size or a public rate card, since both sell done-for-you services rather than self-serve access. Two notes up front: August United was acquired by McKinney in 2023 and Fanbytes was acquired by Brainlabs in 2022. Every detail below is reported and worth confirming directly. At the end we cover where Flinque fits as the self-serve software alternative.
The Creator Outreach Toolkit
12 email templates that get replies, a 50-point creator vetting checklist, rate negotiation scripts and a campaign tracker. Built from 4 years of running creator campaigns.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click. We email when we have something useful for you, never more than weekly.
August United vs Fanbytes at a glance
Two managed agencies side by side, with the self-serve alternative in the third column.
| Feature | August United | Fanbytes | Flinque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Managed agency, done for you | Managed agency, done for you | Self-serve software, no demo |
| Type | Influencer-only, end-to-end | Influencer-only, Gen Z | Self-serve discovery and vetting |
| HQ | Tempe, Arizona | London, United Kingdom | Reported 25+ countries covered |
| Focus | End-to-end influencer programs | Gen Z creator campaigns | Creator discovery and vetting |
| Notable clients | Microsoft, Samsung, Nestlé, PetSmart | Nike, Deliveroo, Samsung, H&M | Used by teams of all sizes |
| Database and pricing | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | Reported 10M+ creators, flat Free to $150/mo |
| Best for | Broad end-to-end programs | Gen Z focused campaigns | Teams wanting verified creators and a visible price |
Client names are as publicly stated by each agency and figures are reported, so confirm directly.
What August United is
August United is an influencer-only agency based in Tempe, Arizona that runs end-to-end influencer strategy and activation. It plans and delivers programs rather than selling access to a platform. Publicly stated clients include Microsoft, Samsung, Nestlé, Sam's Club, PetSmart and P.F. Chang's, which points at large consumer and retail brands.
In 2023 August United was acquired by McKinney, so it now sits within a larger agency group. Beyond its client list the public detail is limited. August United does not publish a database size or a rate card, so you engage it as a managed service and agree scope directly. That suits a brand that wants an end-to-end influencer program delivered for it.
A Tempe influencer agency running end-to-end programs, acquired by McKinney in 2023.
What Fanbytes is
Fanbytes, now Fanbytes by Brainlabs, is an influencer agency based in London that specialises in Gen Z. It runs campaigns across TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube, the channels where younger audiences spend time. Publicly stated clients include Nike, Deliveroo, Samsung and H&M, which points at large consumer brands chasing a younger market.
Brainlabs acquired Fanbytes in 2022, so it now operates inside a larger performance agency. The public detail beyond that is limited. Fanbytes does not publish a database size or public pricing, so you engage it as a service and scope the work directly. That fits a brand that wants Gen Z creator campaigns delivered for it rather than a tool to run itself.
A London Gen Z influencer agency across TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube, now part of Brainlabs.
Head to head
The choice here is audience and geography. August United runs end-to-end influencer programs from Arizona for big consumer and retail names, now under McKinney. Fanbytes is a Gen Z specialist in London, now under Brainlabs, built around TikTok and other youth channels. If your campaign targets younger audiences, Fanbytes has the sharper focus. If you want a broad end-to-end program for a large US brand, August United fits well. Both are managed services, so neither hands you software to run campaigns yourself.
Where each one leaves a gap
The trade-offs are clear.
- August United was acquired by McKinney in 2023, so it now runs inside a larger group. Confirm how the current setup operates before you commit, since ownership can shift process and priorities.
- As a managed service it means agency fees and a scoping process rather than a login. That works when you want delivery handled. It is limiting if you want to run discovery and vetting yourself.
- It does not publish a creator database size or pricing, so you cannot compare it on numbers up front. You judge it on its client list and focus rather than a public spec.
- Fanbytes is built for Gen Z, so a brand chasing older audiences may find it narrow. The youth focus that makes it strong on TikTok is also its boundary.
- The 2022 Brainlabs acquisition folded it into a larger performance agency, so confirm how it operates today before you commit. The current setup may differ from the independent shop.
- Like any agency it keeps database size and pricing private, so there is no spec to weigh before a call. It runs campaigns for you rather than giving you a tool to search creators.
Where Flinque fits
Flinque is the self-serve software alternative to both. Instead of hiring a team to run campaigns, you search and vet creators yourself in a platform with a reported 10 million-plus verified creators across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X, spanning a reported 25-plus countries. Every profile carries a reported 200 data points and a fake-follower check, with 12 filters across creator and audience data.
If you want a partner to own delivery, August United and Fanbytes are both credible managed choices depending on whether you lead with broad reach or a Gen Z focus. But if you would rather find verified creators yourself on four platforms with a price you can see and no demo or annual lock-in, that is what Flinque offers at a flat Free of $0, Starter at $49 a month or Enterprise at $150 a month.