Judging the authenticity of an influencer during the shortlisting process can be critical for your brand’s reputation. Here are some key factors that you could consider:

1. Engagement ratio: Genuine influencers have high engagement rates. Look for a healthy ratio between followers and likes, comments, or shares – it’s often a strong indicator of an authentic audience.

2. The quality of Engagement: Look closely at the comments on their posts. If they are genuine and show an interest in the influencer’s content, it’s a good sign. Generic or repetitive comments, on the other hand, may hint at artificial engagement.

3. Scientific Tools: Platforms like Flinque provide detailed analytics that can help identify fake followers and engagement, giving you a more precise idea of the influencer’s authenticity.

4. Consistency: Authentic influencers regularly post relevant content. Inconsistent posting can be a warning signal.

5. Audience Demographics: Genuine influencers have followers who align with their niche. If the influencer’s audience demographics don’t align, it can indicate inauthenticity.

6. Follower Growth: A sudden spike in follower count can indicate bought followers, while steady growth over time typically suggests organic, authentic follower acquisition.

7. Bio and Profile: The influencer’s bio should be professional, featuring a clear profile picture, a well-written bio, and a verification badge (if available) is a good sign of authenticity.

8. Partnerships & Collabs: A history of successful collaborations with other brands or influencers can also indicate authenticity.

Always remember that the best tool for influencer selection is a good balance between manual inspection and data analytics. Platforms like Flinque offer a blend of these to help brands make well-informed choices.