The Digital Dept vs Hypertly

Why brands look at two different influencer agencies

When brands weigh up The Digital Dept vs Hypertly, they’re usually trying to decide which partner will actually move the needle with creators, not just send nice reports. You want people who understand your audience, handle the heavy lifting, and protect your brand.

That’s where a clear look at each agency’s style, services, and fit really helps. You’re not just choosing a vendor; you’re deciding who will speak for you through influencers.

What modern influencer agency support really means

The primary keyword we’ll lean on here is modern influencer agency services. That’s what most marketers are really searching for when they’re torn between two creator-focused partners.

In practice, that usually includes five core things: strategy, creator sourcing, campaign execution, content approvals, and measurement. The big questions are how each partner handles these parts and how closely they work with your team.

Some agencies operate like fully outsourced marketing arms. Others act more like project specialists. Understanding which style fits your internal resources and timelines is crucial before signing anything.

What each agency is known for

Both shops generally sit in the same broad category: influencer and creator marketing services for brands that want to reach people through trusted voices rather than only through ads.

What The Digital Dept is usually associated with

The Digital Dept is often positioned as a creative-first partner. They tend to be known for tighter, more curated creator rosters and content that feels native to each platform instead of looking like a straightforward ad.

Brands that value storytelling and visual polish often end up talking with them. They may lean into culture, aesthetics, and brand tone as much as raw reach.

What Hypertly is usually associated with

Hypertly is typically seen as more scale and reach focused. Think lots of creators, multiple markets, and heavy emphasis on performance results like sign-ups, installs, or sales.

They’re commonly associated with measurable outcomes, test-and-learn structures, and working across a wide range of niches and audience sizes.

How one agency typically works with brands

Every agency has its own flavor, but there are common themes in how a creative-forward influencer partner tends to operate.

Core services you can expect

Most creative-focused influencer agencies offer a similar set of services designed to remove the heavy work from your team’s plate.

• Influencer discovery and vetting
• Campaign strategy and creative concepts
• Brief development and brand guidelines
• Talent outreach, negotiation, and contracts
• Content reviews and compliance checks
• Campaign tracking and performance reports

The difference is less about the list itself and more about the depth of each component and how custom everything feels to your brand.

How campaigns are usually run

A creative-focused agency typically starts with understanding your story: why you exist, what you stand for, and how customers talk about you in their own words. That narrative then shapes the kind of creators they pitch.

Campaigns may be smaller but deeper. Fewer creators, more custom content, tighter coordination, and often more involvement from your brand team in approvals.

They’ll often focus on platforms where storytelling and aesthetic really matter, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, with cross posting as needed.

Relationships with creators

When an agency leads with creativity, they usually maintain close relationships with a curated network of creators they trust. That can mean quicker turnarounds and better alignment.

These creators may not always be the absolute lowest-cost options, but they tend to know how to translate brand direction into content their audience actually wants to watch.

Typical client fit

Brands that resonate with this approach usually care deeply about brand perception. They want their influencer campaigns to look and feel like an extension of their other channels, not bolt-on promotions.

Consumer brands in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, food, wellness, or entertainment often lean in here, especially when visual identity is crucial.

How the other agency usually runs campaigns

A more scale and performance oriented influencer partner will handle many of the same basics, but the way they prioritize things can feel different day to day.

Core services and focus

Expect a familiar backbone of services, but implemented with a growth and optimization mindset.

• Influencer sourcing at larger volumes
• Audience and niche mapping to your goals
• Creator briefing with clear performance expectations
• Negotiation focused on cost per outcome
• Tracking links, codes, or unique landing pages
• Reporting centered on conversions and return on spend

The emphasis is usually on measurable results and repeatable program structures rather than individual one-off storytelling moments.

How campaigns are usually structured

Campaigns may involve a larger number of creators across different tiers, from micro-influencers to bigger names. The aim is to test multiple angles and double down on what performs.

Messaging may be more standardized, with templated briefs that highlight offers, hooks, and key talking points, leaving some room for a creator’s own voice.

Optimization happens more frequently. Underperforming posts or creators are noted, and budgets are shifted toward those driving clearer outcomes.

Creator relationships and volume

Performance driven shops usually maintain a very broad bench of creators rather than a tight roster. They rely on large networks, databases, and ongoing outreach.

This makes it easier to spin up big campaigns quickly, especially for product launches or seasonal pushes that require fast scaling.

Typical client fit

Brands drawn to this style often care first about numbers: revenue, cost per acquisition, or new user growth. Creative still matters, but it’s judged by results more than awards.

Think ecommerce, apps, direct-to-consumer brands, subscription services, and companies testing influencer marketing as a primary growth channel.

How these agencies differ in real life

On paper, both partners offer influencer services, but your day-to-day experience can feel different depending on which one you choose.

Style and tone of campaigns

A creative-first agency will likely spend more time on brand mood, story arcs, and how your brand feels in each piece of content. The tone can be more polished, cinematic, or narrative-focused.

The performance leaning partner may give more structure to hooks, offers, and calls to action. The tone is often clearer and more direct, aiming to get people to click, sign up, or buy.

Scale versus depth

One of the biggest differences is how each partner balances scale and depth. You might see fewer creators but deeper relationships in one approach, versus bigger rosters and more experimentation in the other.

Neither is automatically better. It depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and how much testing you want to do.

Reporting and success metrics

Creative-forward partners may give you more qualitative insights: comments, sentiment, content quality, and how your brand is being talked about.

Performance partners lean heavily into dashboards, spreadsheets, and clear benchmarks. They’re more likely to set hard goals like cost per conversion or revenue per creator.

How involved your team needs to be

If your team loves creative reviews, tone checks, and visual feedback, you may feel more at home with an agency that encourages that collaboration.

If you want to set goals, approve a direction, and get out of the way, a performance-oriented shop that handles daily optimization might be a better match.

Pricing approach and how work is structured

Influencer agencies generally don’t operate like software subscriptions. You’re paying for people, relationships, and campaign execution rather than logins and features.

Common pricing models you’ll see

• Per campaign projects: One-off launches or seasonal pushes with a defined scope and end date.
• Monthly retainers: Ongoing support for always-on influencer programs, usually with agreed deliverables.
• Hybrid setups: A base retainer plus performance-based bonuses tied to results.

Most brands receive custom quotes based on their goals, markets, and required level of service rather than set public price lists.

What influences total cost

• Number of influencers and content pieces
• Creator size, from micro to top-tier
• Usage rights and whitelisting for ads
• Markets and languages covered
• Speed and complexity of the work

Creative-forward campaigns can get more expensive when they require in-depth production, while performance programs often cost more as you scale volume.

How agencies usually charge for creators

Payments to influencers are usually baked into your total campaign budget. Agencies negotiate rates on your behalf and handle contracts and payments.

Their own fee is either a separate line item or blended into your total budget as management and strategy costs.

Strengths and limitations to keep in mind

Every partner has trade-offs. Understanding them early helps you avoid mismatched expectations and tough conversations later.

Common strengths

• Experience running campaigns across multiple platforms
• Existing relationships with creators and talent managers
• Systems for contracts, approvals, and compliance
• Structured reporting instead of ad-hoc screenshots
• Capacity to manage larger campaigns than internal teams alone

Typical limitations

• Creative-first shops may move slower when heavy approvals are involved.
• Performance-first shops can feel more templated if not carefully managed.
• Both can be expensive for very small budgets.
• Neither fully replaces your internal understanding of your customer.

A very common concern is whether an agency will truly “get” your brand or treat you like just another account.

Risks to watch for with any influencer agency

• Overreliance on a few hero creators
• Misalignment between brand tone and creator style
• Underestimating time needed for approvals and legal review
• Expecting results too quickly for your budget or category

Who each agency tends to work best for

You’ll get the most value when your needs match how each partner likes to operate.

When a creative-focused partner is usually the better fit

• Brand is in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, or premium consumer products.
• You care a lot about visuals and long-term brand equity.
• Your team wants to be closely involved in creative.
• Campaigns are about launches, rebrands, or storytelling.
• Budgets allow for quality over maximum volume.

When a performance-driven partner tends to be stronger

• You run ecommerce, apps, SaaS, or direct-to-consumer offers.
• Your leadership expects clear, measurable results quickly.
• You’re open to testing many creators and angles.
• Offers and promotions change often.
• You prefer dashboards and clear benchmarks over qualitative feedback.

Questions to ask yourself before choosing

• Is my primary goal awareness, sales, or both?
• Do I have internal creative resources or not?
• How comfortable am I with testing and learning in public?
• Do I want a partner that feels like an extension of my brand team?
• How important is speed versus craftsmanship?

When a platform like Flinque can make more sense

Agency retainers and campaign fees aren’t right for everyone. Some brands want more control and are ready to manage parts of influencer work themselves.

What a platform alternative usually offers

Platforms such as Flinque are built for teams that want to handle influencer discovery and campaigns directly, without fully outsourcing everything to an agency.

You’ll typically get tools for searching creators, organizing outreach, tracking content, and measuring performance in one place, while staying closer to the daily work.

When this route may be better

• You have at least one person who can focus on influencer marketing.
• Budgets are tighter and you’d rather invest in tools than big retainers.
• You want to build long-term, direct creator relationships.
• You already know your audience and core messaging well.
• You prefer faster experimentation with more hands-on control.

Some brands even blend approaches, using an agency for big moments while running always-on creator work through a platform.

FAQs

How do I decide which influencer agency style is right for me?

Start with your main goal. If brand perception and storytelling lead, go more creative. If your leadership demands clear sales numbers, lean performance. Then match that to budget, timelines, and how involved you want to be.

Can I switch from one agency approach to another later?

Yes, but expect a transition period. Data, creator learnings, and contracts need to be handed over or rebuilt. It’s often smoother to pilot with smaller scopes first before committing long-term.

How long before influencer campaigns show real results?

Awareness can spike quickly, but sustainable results often take several cycles. Plan for multiple campaigns or at least a few months of testing, especially if you’re new to creator work or entering new markets.

Do I lose control of my brand voice when working with an agency?

You shouldn’t. Strong partners build clear guidelines and approval flows so your voice is protected. Misalignments usually come from rushed briefs or unclear feedback, not from the channel itself.

Is it better to work with a few big influencers or many smaller ones?

Both can work. Larger creators are great for reach and credibility, while smaller ones often drive stronger engagement and niche trust. Many brands blend both to spread risk and learn faster.

Making the right call for your brand

Picking between different influencer partners is less about who is “best” on paper and more about who fits your goals, internal resources, and appetite for testing.

If you care most about crafted stories and visual identity, a creative-led agency may be your strongest ally. If you’re chasing measurable growth and rapid iteration, a performance-first shop might feel more natural.

And if you’d rather stay close to the work with lower long-term fees, exploring a platform like Flinque can be a smart third path. Whatever you choose, be clear on goals, budgets, timelines, and how success will be measured before signing.

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.