Whalar vs Obviously

Why brands compare these two influencer partners

When you start looking at influencer marketing agencies, certain names come up again and again. Two of the most common are Whalar and Obviously, both known for running creator campaigns for well known brands.

Even though both sit in the same space, they feel different once you look closer. You are likely trying to understand who handles what, who they are best for, and how they actually work day to day.

This matters because influencer work can eat up budget quickly. Choosing the right partner shapes everything from creative quality to reporting, and even how smoothly creators are managed.

For this discussion, we will focus on them as full service partners, not just as software providers. They both use technology, but the main value is still human teams planning, producing, and managing campaigns.

The main idea: choosing an influencer agency partner

The primary theme here is influencer agency partner choice. That short phrase captures what most marketers are really trying to solve: not just “who is bigger,” but which team will feel like an extension of their own.

It is less about one name being better overall, and more about matching style, scale, creative needs, and budget comfort with what each agency does best.

What each agency is known for

Both of these agencies were early in the modern creator economy and have grown alongside platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Over time, each has developed a different reputation with brand teams.

They both offer end to end help: strategy, influencer sourcing, contracting, content review, approvals, reporting, and sometimes paid media support. But they prioritize those pieces differently in practice.

What Whalar tends to be recognized for

Whalar is often associated with large scale creator campaigns and close ties to major social platforms. They have worked with global brands in beauty, entertainment, technology, and consumer goods.

Marketers usually see them as good at big, multi market pushes where creative consistency and platform relationships really matter. They are also known for working with a wide range of creators, from niche to celebrity.

What Obviously tends to be recognized for

Obviously has built a reputation as a data driven influencer marketing agency with strong execution across many smaller and mid sized creators. They are often mentioned for sending product to big rosters of creators at once.

Brands talk about their ability to coordinate lots of moving parts, from gifting and seeding to long term ambassador programs, especially across beauty, lifestyle, and direct to consumer brands.

Inside Whalar’s way of working

While details vary by client, Whalar generally leans into high production creative, structured strategy, and deeper collaboration with platforms like TikTok and Instagram. They often aim to blend creator storytelling with brand level campaigns.

Services Whalar typically offers

Whalar usually positions itself as a full service partner. That means they can support an entire campaign lifecycle from first idea to performance review, not just influencer selection.

• Creative strategy aligned with overall brand goals
• Influencer discovery and vetting across regions
• Contracting, negotiation, and compliance checks
• Campaign management and content approvals
• Usage rights and content licensing for paid use
• Measurement, reporting, and learning decks

Some brands also tap them for white labeled creator content that can be reused in paid ads, social feeds, and even out of home campaigns.

Approach to campaigns and creators

Whalar tends to treat campaigns more like classic brand marketing projects, with creator content powering that vision. You will often see clear creative themes and layered storytelling across multiple creators.

They usually put noticeable energy into casting. Creators are chosen not only for reach, but also for fit with the brand, category, and planned formats such as Reels, TikTok trends, or longer YouTube videos.

Creator relationships and network style

Whalar works with a large pool of creators rather than a small, closed roster. They often manage both one off campaigns and longer programs with the same creators for repeat collaborations.

Because they operate globally, they can support multi country campaigns. That can be useful for brands that need local voices in places like the US, UK, Europe, or the Middle East at the same time.

Typical clients that look at Whalar

Brands that shortlist Whalar usually have big ambitions for creator work. They may be planning launches, tentpole moments, or always on content and want something that feels polished and aligned with other brand channels.

Common types of clients include:

• Global consumer brands with multi market reach
• Entertainment and streaming companies
• Beauty and fashion groups with sizable budgets
• Technology and gaming brands doing creator partnerships

Inside Obviously’s way of working

Obviously is also a full service influencer agency, but is often discussed as being especially strong at running many creator relationships at once. They lean into data and structured processes to keep everything moving.

Services Obviously typically offers

Obviously tends to support both big brand initiatives and more tactical influencer programs. Their offerings often cover similar ground, but with slightly different emphasis.

• Influencer strategy and planning across channels
• Talent sourcing, outreach, and vetting
• Product seeding and gifting at scale
• Campaign execution and day to day coordination
• Contracting, compliance, and brief management
• Analytics, reporting, and performance insights

Many brands lean on them for large volumes of creator posts, especially when they want to flood social feeds around a launch or peak season.

Approach to campaigns and creators

Obviously often focuses on efficiency and scale. They aim to streamline tasks like outreach, reminders, content upload tracking, and approval steps, so that campaigns can involve hundreds of creators if needed.

They usually blend macro, mid tier, and micro creators. For some brands, the strength lies in the breadth of posts and total social reach rather than a smaller group of high profile names.

Creator relationships and network style

Obviously works with a large network of creators who may sign up through their own creator portal or be sourced for specific campaigns. Many creators return for repeated projects when they like the partnership.

The agency often manages everything from negotiation to shipping logistics, which can be a major relief for brands sending physical products or samples.

Typical clients that look at Obviously

Brands considering Obviously usually care about consistent output, reliable processes, and the ability to scale quickly. Some also have internal teams and just need a partner that can handle execution.

• Beauty and skincare brands doing heavy seeding
• Direct to consumer and ecommerce companies
• Lifestyle, wellness, and apparel brands
• Large consumer brands testing many creator tiers

How these two agencies actually differ

On the surface, both partners talk about similar services. The more useful lens is how they feel to work with, how they think about creative, and what type of campaigns seem to be their sweet spot.

Creative focus and storytelling style

Whalar is often associated with slightly more “built out” creative concepts. You might see detailed creative territories, hero storylines, or integrated work tied closely to brand campaigns.

Obviously leans more toward volume, reach, and structured testing. Many marketers tap them when they want a high number of creator posts and data on what works across various audience segments.

Scale and campaign shape

Both can scale, but they do it in different ways. Whalar often scales across markets and higher level ideas, sometimes blending multiple influencer tiers into larger brand pushes.

Obviously is often used to scale creator counts, product sends, and placements within specific markets or categories. Think dozens or hundreds of creators around key dates.

Client experience and communication style

Every team is different, but you can expect both agencies to assign account managers and producer style roles. Key differences often come down to how structured you want the process to feel.

If you want big idea work and deeper creative partnership, you might lean one way. If you want heavy operational support and constant throughput, you might lean the other.

Social platform strengths

Both agencies work heavily on Instagram and TikTok, with support for YouTube and other platforms. Whalar is often mentioned around platform partnerships and case studies with major networks.

Obviously is frequently cited for Instagram and TikTok work too, especially for beauty and lifestyle sectors where social proof and review style content drive sales.

Pricing approach and how engagements usually work

Neither agency sells simple software subscriptions. They are service based, so pricing is usually shaped around your needs, campaign scope, and level of support.

How influencer agencies generally charge

Most influencer agencies combine a few elements into your budget. No matter which partner you choose, you can expect several types of costs.

• Creator fees and product costs, including shipping
• Agency management fees or retainers
• Strategy, creative, and production time
• Paid media support, if you boost posts
• Reporting and measurement work

Often you will receive a custom proposal aligned to a campaign or a time period, rather than a one size fits all menu.

How Whalar often structures engagements

Whalar frequently works on larger campaign budgets or ongoing retainers, especially with global or enterprise brands. You might sign an annual agreement that covers multiple launches or regions.

Campaigns can mix one off bursts with always on content. Fees usually include strategy, casting, production oversight, and analytics, plus creator costs and any content licensing.

How Obviously often structures engagements

Obviously may engage on both big projects and repeat programs. Some brands treat them as their ongoing influencer department, others bring them in for seasonal pushes.

Budgets are often shaped by the number of creators, content formats, and whether product seeding is always on or tied to campaigns. Management fees scale with how much coordination is required.

Strengths and limitations of each partner

No agency is perfect for every brand. It helps to think in terms of tradeoffs, not flaws. Both have real strengths, as well as aspects that may not fit your situation.

Where Whalar tends to shine

• Strong fit for brands seeking polished creative and platform level work
• Experience with global campaigns and multi market rollouts
• Comfortable working with a wide range of creator tiers
• Good option when you want creators integrated into broader brand storytelling

One common concern is whether your brand is “big enough” to get priority attention on their client roster.

Where Whalar may feel less ideal

• Smaller brands may find minimum budgets higher than expected
• Local only or very niche campaigns could feel over scoped
• Teams wanting full in house control might feel constrained by process

Where Obviously tends to shine

• Strong operational ability across many creators and posts
• Useful for heavy product gifting and sampling programs
• Appealing to brands that test many messages quickly
• Helpful for lifestyle and beauty brands needing ongoing social buzz

A frequent concern is whether volume focus might dilute storytelling for brands seeking deep, cinematic creative.

Where Obviously may feel less ideal

• Brands wanting a small, elite creator group may prefer a boutique feel
• Heavily regulated sectors might need extra legal oversight
• Very design led brands may ask for more custom creative direction

Who each agency tends to be best for

Sometimes the easiest way to decide is to match yourself to a short profile. Your team size, budget, and goals make a big difference.

Whalar is often best for brands that

• Run national or global marketing and need creator work to match that scale
• Value polished creative that ties into big brand campaigns or TV work
• Have internal stakeholders who expect strong strategic and creative partners
• Can commit meaningful budget to creator content and licensing rights

Obviously is often best for brands that

• Need lots of creator content and social coverage rather than a few hero pieces
• Run constant product seeding or sampling across markets
• Want structured processes and reporting around many creators at once
• Operate in beauty, lifestyle, or ecommerce and chase steady social proof

When a platform option like Flinque makes more sense

Full service agencies are powerful, but not always necessary. Some brands prefer to keep influencer work in house while still using tools built for this space.

A platform such as Flinque can help when you want to manage discovery, outreach, and campaigns internally, without paying for large agency retainers or creative teams.

Situations where a platform may fit better

• Your team already understands influencer marketing and just needs better tools
• Budgets are tight, but you have time to manage creators yourself
• You want to test influencer work before committing to a major agency
• You prefer building long term direct relationships with creators

In that setup, agencies become options for special moments, while everyday creator work lives on your platform.

FAQs

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

Both typically work with brands that can commit meaningful spend to influencer marketing. Neither is the cheapest route, but actual minimums vary. It is best to share your goals and ranges early to see if there is a fit.

Can these agencies handle global campaigns?

Yes, both have experience operating in multiple markets. Whalar is often associated with larger global pushes, while Obviously can also support multi country work, especially where large creator counts are important.

Will they help with content usage and paid social?

Most full service influencer agencies help secure content rights for use in ads or other channels, for additional fees. They may also support paid amplification, whitelisting, or Spark Ads, depending on your needs.

How long does it take to launch a campaign?

Timelines vary by complexity and approvals. Simple seeding campaigns may start in a few weeks, while larger creative programs can take several months from briefing to launch. Discuss your deadlines upfront with any agency.

Should I choose an agency or a platform first?

If you want strategic guidance and little internal work, an agency is often best. If you have time and knowledge but lack tools, starting with a platform can be smarter. Some brands use both, depending on the project.

Finding the right fit for your brand

Choosing between these influencer partners is less about who is “better” and more about which one fits how you like to work. Your ideal choice depends on your goals, your internal capacity, and your comfort with budget.

If you want high polish, global reach, and a strong creative partner, one agency may feel right. If you prioritize scale, seeding, and steady social coverage, the other may be a stronger match.

Meanwhile, a platform like Flinque can offer a middle path, especially if you want to keep control in house. Whichever route you take, be clear on success metrics, timelines, and how much involvement your team wants.

Start with a discovery call, ask detailed questions, and request case studies similar to your category. The right influencer agency partner should make you feel confident, informed, and supported from idea to results.

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.