LTK vs August United

Influencer agency selection can feel overwhelming when you are weighing options like LTK and August United. You are usually trying to understand who will move the needle for your brand, how they work day to day, and what kind of results to expect.

Why brands compare influencer marketing agencies

Many marketers look at household names in influencer marketing and wonder which partner can deliver the right mix of scale, storytelling, and sales. You might be under pressure to prove return, protect your brand, and hit tight timelines.

The choice often comes down to a few simple questions:

• Do we need massive reach and shoppable content, or deeper storytelling?
• Are we trying to drive direct sales, brand love, or both?
• How involved do we want to be in the creative process?
• What level of hand-holding and strategic input do we expect?

This is where understanding each agency’s strengths, focus, and client fit really matters.

Table of Contents

• What each agency is known for
• Inside LTK as an influencer partner
• Inside August United as an influencer partner
• How the two agencies differ in style
• Pricing approach and engagement style
• Strengths and limitations to keep in mind
• Who each agency is best suited for
• When a platform like Flinque can make more sense
• FAQs
• Conclusion
• Disclaimer

What each agency is known for

The primary keyword for this page is influencer marketing agencies. Both groups operate in this space, but they occupy different lanes and histories.

LTK, formerly known as rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it, grew from a creator-first monetization ecosystem. It is tightly linked to shoppable content, affiliate-style commissions, and commerce-focused partnerships with brands and retailers.

August United, part of Audacious Studios, has its roots in storytelling and brand building. It tends to highlight long-term creator relationships, campaign narratives, and community-driven content rather than pure affiliate performance alone.

Both act as influencer partners for brands, but one leans more toward scale and shoppability, while the other leans into crafted stories and community feel.

Inside LTK as an influencer partner

What LTK typically offers brands

LTK works with a large network of creators, especially in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, home, and related verticals. The organization blends influencer services with a strong focus on commerce outcomes.

Common offerings include:

• Creator sourcing and vetting from their existing network
• Campaign strategy tied to product launches or seasonal pushes
• Shoppable content that drives clicks to brand or retailer sites
• Affiliate-style tracking and performance reporting
• Support for always-on ambassador and affiliate programs

How LTK tends to run campaigns

LTK often leans on data from its ecosystem to identify creators already driving sales in similar categories. Campaigns are usually structured with clear goals such as clicks, revenue, or new customer acquisition.

Content typically appears across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, blogs, and the LTK app, with emphasis on trackable links and product tagging.

Creator relationships and ecosystem

Because LTK started as a creator monetization platform, many influencers view it as a key income channel. This can benefit brands because there is already an engaged group of creators primed for partnerships.

The network tends to include:

• Fashion and style influencers sharing outfits and product hauls
• Beauty creators highlighting routines and product breakdowns
• Home and lifestyle influencers featuring decor and everyday essentials

Creators often appreciate the ability to earn commissions on sales, which can encourage ongoing content beyond paid posts.

Typical LTK client fit

LTK often makes the most sense for brands that:

• Sell consumer products online with clear paths to purchase
• Operate in fashion, beauty, home, lifestyle, or similar categories
• Want to track revenue directly back to influencer activity
• Have eCommerce infrastructure ready to handle traffic and conversions

Retailers and brands with robust assortments and frequent promotions can especially benefit from ongoing creator content tied to sales events.

Inside August United as an influencer partner

What August United is known for

August United positions itself as a creator-led partner focused on storytelling and authentic brand love. It often highlights values, long-term relationships, and matching brands with influencers who genuinely care about the mission.

The agency showcases work in food, CPG, technology, finance, and lifestyle, often with a strong narrative angle.

Services and campaign style

While offerings vary by client, marketers usually look to August United for:

• Influencer strategy and creative concepting
• Creator discovery beyond the obvious names
• Multi-channel storytelling across social, video, and events
• Long-term ambassador programs and brand advocacy
• Campaign reporting and optimization insights

Campaigns often revolve around a central idea or story. Instead of only pushing product links, creators explore why the product or brand fits into their lives.

Creator relationships and culture

August United emphasizes treating creators as partners, not just media placements. That can mean deeper onboarding, more input from influencers on the creative direction, and room for personal storytelling.

For brands, this approach can lead to content that feels less like an ad and more like a genuine recommendation from someone the audience trusts.

Typical August United client fit

August United can be a strong fit when brands:

• Care about storytelling, education, or values-led messaging
• Want to build a community around the brand, not just short bursts of sales
• Need help shaping the message as much as distributing it
• Are willing to invest in long-term influencer relationships

This can work well for emerging brands looking to punch above their weight or established companies seeking a more human, relatable voice.

How the two agencies differ in style

Both groups help brands work with creators, but they typically shine in different areas and campaign styles.

Scale and network focus

LTK’s roots in affiliate and shoppable content give it access to a large base of creators motivated to drive sales. It can be a powerful engine for product pushes and promotional moments when scale and measurable revenue are top priorities.

August United tends to spotlight curated networks over sheer scale. The focus is on fit and story rather than only on sales metrics.

Sales focus versus narrative depth

LTK leans heavily into direct sales outcomes. Brands often value the ability to track revenue, average order value, and other commerce metrics from influencer content.

August United leans toward narrative and relationship depth. Success may be measured in engagement, sentiment, brand lift, and longer-term customer impact alongside sales.

Client experience and collaboration

On the client side, experiences may differ in tone and day-to-day interaction. LTK’s commerce orientation may feel more performance-driven, with emphasis on optimization toward sales.

August United may feel more like a creative partner, with more conversation about ideas, stories, and how the brand shows up across creator content.

Pricing approach and engagement style

Neither agency sells simple off-the-shelf software plans. They typically price work based on scope, talent, and goals rather than flat monthly packages.

Common factors that shape cost

For both groups, budgets are often influenced by:

• Number and tier of creators involved
• Platforms used, such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or blogs
• Content formats, including video, static posts, or long-form stories
• Usage rights, whitelisting, or paid amplification
• Length of engagement, such as one-off campaigns versus ongoing programs

Brands will usually receive a custom quote once goals, deliverables, and creator tiers are defined.

Engagement style and expectations

LTK engagements often revolve around commerce-focused campaigns or ongoing affiliate programs. You might see more emphasis on performance testing, rolling product features, and funnels to purchase.

August United engagements may lean into campaign-level creative development, storytelling arcs, and deeper collaboration with creators over time.

Strengths and limitations to keep in mind

No agency is perfect for every situation. It helps to be honest about what you need and where each partner naturally excels.

Where LTK tends to shine

• Strong focus on measurable sales and commerce outcomes
• Deep experience with retail and online shopping journeys
• Large network of creators familiar with shoppable content
• Ability to support ongoing product pushes and seasonal sales

A common concern is whether sales-focused campaigns might overlook deeper brand storytelling or education.

Where LTK may feel limiting

• May be less ideal if your goal is pure awareness without clear commerce paths
• Product categories without easy online purchase flows might struggle
• Some brands may want more brand narrative than affiliate-style content

Where August United tends to shine

• Thoughtful storytelling woven into influencer content
• Long-term creator relationships that feel more like ambassadors
• Ability to handle nuanced or values-driven messaging
• Strong fit for brands seeking community and connection

Some marketers worry that focusing on storytelling may not always deliver the immediate, trackable sales their leadership expects.

Where August United may feel limiting

• Brands wanting massive, rapid-scale affiliate-style pushes may need more reach
• Expectations for instant, highly granular sales data may not always align
• Campaigns can require more upfront collaboration and time

Who each agency is best suited for

Thinking through your goals and constraints makes it easier to see which partner might be right for you.

Best fit scenarios for LTK

• Established eCommerce brands ready to drive volume during key retail moments
• Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle labels wanting shoppable content across social
• Retailers with broad assortments and frequent promotions to highlight
• Marketing teams under pressure to show clear revenue from influencer work

Best fit scenarios for August United

• Brands wanting to build an emotional bond with customers through creators
• Emerging or challenger brands seeking standout narratives in crowded markets
• Companies with complex products that need explanation or education
• Organizations with strong values or missions to communicate

When a platform like Flinque can make more sense

Full-service agencies are powerful, but they are not the only path. Some brands would rather keep influencer work in-house while still using technology to scale.

This is where a platform-based option such as Flinque can help. Flinque enables brands to discover creators, manage outreach, and run campaigns without committing to large retainers.

It can make sense to lean toward a platform when:

• You have an internal marketer who can own influencer management
• Your budget is tighter, and you want to spread it across more creators
• You prefer a test-and-learn approach before locking into agency contracts
• You want transparency into creator conversations and campaign workflows

Some teams even mix approaches, using agencies for complex hero campaigns while managing smaller, always-on efforts via a platform.

FAQs

Is one agency better for small brands than the other?

Smaller brands often lean toward partners that offer flexible scopes and strong storytelling. August United may feel more approachable for narrative-focused growth, while LTK can work if you already have eCommerce traction and clear sales targets.

Can I work with both agencies at the same time?

Yes, some brands work with multiple partners for different goals. You might use one for large retail pushes and another for deeper storytelling. Just be clear about territories, timelines, and creator overlap to avoid confusion.

How long does it take to see results from influencer work?

Timing varies. Commerce-focused campaigns may show sales lifts within weeks, especially around launches or promotions. Storytelling and brand-building efforts often take months to translate into measurable shifts in awareness or loyalty.

Do I need a big budget to work with these agencies?

You do not always need a massive budget, but you should plan for creator fees, management, and content rights. If your budget is very limited, a platform-based option or smaller pilot project may be a better starting point.

How should I prepare before talking to an influencer agency?

Clarify your goals, key audiences, main products, and success metrics. Gather examples of content you like, be realistic about timelines, and know your ballpark budget. This helps agencies respond with more accurate recommendations and scopes.

Conclusion

Choosing between these influencer partners comes down to your goals, timelines, and how you measure success. If driving measurable online sales through shoppable, affiliate-style content is your priority, a commerce-focused partner like LTK may be the stronger fit.

If you are looking for deeper narratives, long-term creator relationships, and a strong brand voice, August United may align more closely with your needs. And if you prefer to keep more control in-house, a platform such as Flinque can give you tools without agency retainers.

Start by deciding what matters most right now: immediate sales, storytelling, or flexible control. Then talk with potential partners about real campaigns, expected outcomes, and how they will work with your team day to day.

Disclaimer

All information on this page is collected from publicly available sources, third party search engines, AI powered tools and general online research. We do not claim ownership of any external data and accuracy may vary. This content is for informational purposes only.