How to Become a Pet Influencer

Who runs the world of social media? Pets, of course! But for those looking to become a pet influencer, it’s more than just a fun hobby—it’s a real opportunity.

With the right exposure and strategy, your furry friend can become a social media sensation, turning their online presence into a lucrative venture.

Americans spent nearly $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022, reflecting the growing importance of pets in our lives. It’s no surprise that more people are creating pet social media profiles, with many transforming their pets into digital celebrities.

If you’re ready to become a pet influencer and make your pet the next big thing online, you’re in the right place.

Selecting the Right Platform for Pet Influencers

When it comes to social media for pets influencers, choosing the right platform can make all the difference. Different platforms cater to different types of content, and picking the one that best fits your pet’s personality and your goals is crucial.

Instagram

Instagram is a top choice for pet influencers. With its focus on visual content, it’s perfect for showcasing adorable pet photos and videos. Instagram dogs have a massive following, and the platform’s features like Stories and Reels provide creative ways to engage with followers. Using the right hashtags and trends can also boost your pet’s visibility.

TikTok

TikTok is where you can make your pet go viral overnight. Short, snappy videos are the name of the game here. Pets doing tricks, funny moments, or even participating in popular challenges can quickly gain attention. TikTok’s algorithm works in favor of content that keeps viewers engaged, so focusing on interactive and entertaining posts is key.

YouTube

YouTube is ideal if you want to create longer, more in-depth content. This platform is perfect for pet tutorials, day-in-the-life videos, or even regular vlogs featuring your pet.

YouTube also offers monetization opportunities through ads and brand deals, making it a great option if you’re looking to turn your pet’s social media into a revenue stream.

Facebook

Facebook is still relevant, especially if you’re targeting an older demographic. Dedicated Facebook groups for pets or specific breeds can be great for building a community around your pet, especially when you share regular engagement posts like polls, questions, or best Facebook posts featuring user-generated content.

It’s also a good platform for sharing updates, photos, and longer posts.

Twitter & Pinterest

Social media like Twitter and Pinterest are niche platforms that can be effective for certain types of content. Twitter is great for quick updates, witty remarks, or engaging with other pet accounts, while Pinterest is useful for sharing creative ideas like DIY pet projects or pet fashion.

Selecting the right platform is about understanding where your audience is and what type of content will resonate most with them. Whether you’re posting on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, tailoring your approach to each platform will help you maximize your pet’s social media presence.

Crafting Engaging Content

Now that you’ve chosen the right platform, it’s time to focus on creating content that will make your pet stand out in the crowded world of social media for pets. The key to success lies in producing content that is both visually appealing and emotionally engaging.

[Source: Nala Cat]

High Quality Visuals

High-quality visuals are a must. Whether you’re posting on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, the resolution and clarity of your photos and videos can make or break your content.

Focus on capturing your pet in well-lit environments, using natural light whenever possible. Experiment with angles and settings to highlight your pet’s best features.

Remember, people love seeing animals in action, so consider posting short video clips alongside static images to add variety.

Content Ideas

Content Ideas should be both fun and relatable. Pet influencers being themselves often resonates the most.

Think of interactive pet posts like challenges or trends where your pet can show off its unique talents or personality.

For example, if you’re on TikTok, join trending challenges that involve pets. On Instagram, you might focus on themed photo shoots, like seasonal outfits or special occasions.

It’s also a great idea to share behind-the-scenes moments—this helps your audience connect with your pet on a more personal level.

Need more inspiration? Check out this list of social media marketing post ideas to keep your feed fresh and engaging.

Consistency

Consistency is Key when it comes to posting. Develop a regular posting schedule that fits your lifestyle and stick to it. Followers appreciate knowing when they can expect new content and regular updates keep your pet top of mind.

But consistency isn’t just about frequency; it’s also about maintaining a consistent style or theme. Whether it’s a specific filter, color palette, or the type of content you share, creating a recognizable brand for your pet helps build loyalty and trust.

Storytelling

Storytelling plays a key role in connecting with your audience. People love stories and pets are the perfect characters. Share your pet’s journey, from the day you brought them home to funny or touching moments.

Crafting a narrative around your pet gives your audience something to follow and look forward to, transforming your pet from just another animal on social media to a beloved character in the eyes of your followers.

Crafting engaging content is about balancing quality, creativity, and consistency. By doing this, you’ll not only attract more followers but also build a dedicated community around your pet social media accounts.

Growing and Engaging Your Audience

With engaging content ready to go, the next step is building and nurturing your pet’s audience. Growing your pet social media following requires more than just regular posting; it’s about connecting with people who love pets as much as you do.

Define Your Niche

The most successful social media pets have a unique trait that sets them apart. Maybe your dog has a quirky habit or your cat has an unusual look. Whatever it is, lean into it. Focusing on what makes your pet special helps you attract followers who are genuinely interested.

Effective Use of Hashtags and Trends

Hashtags are essential on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Using popular hashtags like #dogsofinstagram or #catsoftiktok can help your content reach a broader audience.

Participating in trends or challenges, especially on TikTok, is another effective way to boost your pet’s visibility. But don’t just follow trends—make sure they align with your pet’s personality and your brand.

Audience Interaction

Engaging with your followers is key to building a loyal community. Respond to comments, ask questions, and encourage followers to share their own pet stories. Interactive content, like polls, Q&A sessions, or live streams, can also help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Remember, the more you engage, the more likely your followers are to stick around.

Cross-Promotion

Collaborating with other pets or dog social media influencers is a great way to introduce your pet to a new audience. Look for opportunities to team up with other pet influencers for joint posts, shoutouts, or even collaborative challenges. Join a pet influencer network to connect with cat brands looking for influencers or dog-related companies. This not only expands your reach but also adds variety to your content.

Analyze and Adapt

Use social media analytics tools to monitor which posts perform best and adjust your strategy accordingly. Pay attention to what your audience responds to, and be willing to try new things. Growing an audience takes time, but by staying active, engaged, and responsive, your pet’s social media following will grow steadily.

Monetization Strategies

Turning your pet’s social media presence into a revenue stream is entirely possible. Here’s how:

Brand Partnerships

Brands love to partner with popular social media pet influencers. To attract these opportunities, ensure your pet’s profile is well-curated and aligns with the brand’s image. Reach out to pet-related companies, or wait for them to notice your growing follower base.

Sponsored Content

Once your pet’s account gains traction, brands may pay you to feature their products. Authenticity is key—only promote products your pet genuinely uses or enjoys to maintain trust with your audience.

Affiliate Marketing

Partner with companies to promote pet products on your account. You’ll earn a commission for every sale made through your affiliate links. This is an excellent way to generate income while recommending products you believe in.

Merchandise and Products

Create and sell custom products featuring your pet’s likeness, such as T-shirts, mugs, or even toys. This not only provides another revenue stream but also strengthens your pet’s brand by giving followers a tangible way to connect with them.

Monetization on YouTube

If you’re posting on YouTube, take advantage of shorts monetization options like ad revenue, channel memberships, and Super Chat during live streams. The longer your videos keep viewers engaged, the more ad revenue you can generate.

Monetizing your pet social network takes time and strategy, but with consistency and the right approach, it can become a significant source of income.

How Much Do Pet Influencers Make?

Becoming a pet influencer isn’t just about fame—there’s real money to be made. Pet influencers can earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand per post, depending on their follower count and engagement rate.

Micro pet influencers (with followers under 100K) can earn around $100 to $500 per sponsored post. For those with followers in the hundreds of thousands, earnings can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per post. Top-tier dog influencers, like famous Instagram dogs, can make upwards of $10,000 or more for each collaboration, plus additional income through merchandise, affiliate marketing, and brand partnerships.

By building a strong and engaged audience, pet influencers can turn their online presence into a significant revenue stream, making it a rewarding career path for pet owners passionate about sharing their pet’s personality with the world.

Pets that Rule the Internet

When it comes to social media for pets, a few have risen to fame and set the bar high. These pets have become household names, drawing in millions of followers with their charm, humor, and unique personalities.

1. @itsdougthepug (Doug the Pug)

Doug is an Instagram sensation with over 3.6 million followers. Known for his celebrity parodies and adorable outfits, Doug has even starred in music videos and has a thriving merchandise line.

2. @nala_cat (Nala Cat)

With over 4.5 million followers, Nala holds the Guinness World Record for the most followed cat on Instagram. Her wide-eyed, sweet look has captivated fans worldwide, and she’s a successful ambassador for various pet brands.

3. @jiffpom (Jiffpom)

Jiffpom, a Pomeranian with over 9.1 million followers on Instagram, is the most followed dog on the platform. Known for his cute outfits and lovable antics, Jiffpom has even broken two world records for his speed on all fours.

4. @realgrumpycat (Grumpy Cat)

Although Grumpy Cat has passed away, she remains an iconic figure social media pets world. Her perpetually grumpy expression made her an internet meme legend, and her profile still garners a large following.

5. @juniperfoxx (Juniper Foxx)

Juniper is a domesticated fox with over 3.3 million followers on Instagram. Her account provides a glimpse into the life of a pet fox, showcasing her playful antics and bond with her human family.

These famous Instagram pets have not only won hearts online but also created profitable brands, showing just how powerful social media for animals can be.

10 Actionable Tips On How to Use Social Media for Pet Influencers

1. Post “caption this” Images
2. Ask Questions About People’s Pets
3. Share Short Format Videos
4. Host Contests
5. Give a Shout Out to Your Customers
6. Offer Exclusive Deals Through Your Page
7. Repost Pet Related Information or Articles
8. Post Images of Your Products That Are Shared by Customers
9. Post Seasonal Content
10. Work on Community Building

1 . Post “caption this” Images

User generated content can be your trump card in the game of social media marketing for pet influencers. Facebook posts with images are likely to get 2.3x more engagement than those without images as per studies conducted by Buzzsumo.

You can post images of your pet in the “caption this” format. This will bring great engagement from your users since they will be inclined towards posting a suggestion in the comments section.

This is good way to make pets on social media famous. Whether you are a pet business owner or an individual influencer of pets, you must try this.

2. Ask Questions About People’s Pets

This is a great tactic for pet businesses. You can post questions that ask your users to share something about their pets directly or indirectly.

Questions are instrumental in initiating conversations in your business’s social media community.  So, if you have ever wondered about how you can use social media for your pet store, this tip can be a potential work around.

Examples of questions that you can ask:

• What are the 3 things you love most about your pet dog?
• Have you ever had a fish tank? What kind of fishes did you pet?
• What is the hardest thing about owning a pet according to you?

3. Share Short Format Videos

Cisco has projected that global internet traffic from videos will be 82% of all the consumer internet traffic by the year 2022.

Therefore, sharing videos on your social media platforms can bring attractive returns on your marketing efforts.

You can share how-to videos, product videos, tips of feeding your pet videos or maybe tips for walking your pet dog. Social media for pets is amazing when used in the right manner. So, you can embed short videos when posting on your page to give an awesome streaming experience to your users.

4. Host Contests

Contests are a guaranteed way to grow your page’s engagement. You can host photo contests, vote contests, essay contests, video contests, and photo caption contests.

This content variant is highly shareable and can generate excitement around your brand. Think of this when you plan for your Instagram marketing.

5. Give a Shout Out to Your Customers

If you are into Twitter marketing for your pets, you can consider connecting with your customers directly by sending them tweets with @mentions.

Let’s say there is a loyal customer who has done something valuable for you and you want to thank that person. You can do so by mentioning them in your tweets or give a shout out to them.

6. Offer Exclusive Deals Through Your Page

If you are running a social media site for pets, you can share exclusive deals or discounts on pet products through your social media handles.

All customers would have to do is click on the offer and they will directly enter the deal offered by you, and get a discount.

Believe us, people love these! Your users will share these deal with their friends who will pass it on to theirs. Such content gives you a wide scope for shareability and exposure, and can potentially be one of them viral content marketing ideas.

Way to go for using social media for pets!

7. Repost Pet Related Information or Articles

Educational content is the most popular form of content in the digital marketing today. People are 131% more likely to purchase the product after consuming educational content on the brand or the product.

So, if you come across articles or blogs that you think might interest your audience, you should share them on your pages. Always tag the original source while doing this to build credibility.

8. Post Images of Your Products That Are Shared by Customers

A solid way to build connection with your customers is to share the images of their pets and the products they purchased from you. When you share these on your account, they get a sense of fame and appreciation.

You can ask them to share the photos of their pets along with your photos with you and then take their permission to share them publicly.

In this way you can build real, authentic word-of-mouth type marketing.

9. Post Seasonal Content

One of the biggest factors that affect pet care is the seasonal background. You can incorporate this concern in your content marketing strategy. When you design informative content to post on social media for pets, you can include content about seasonal challenged that pets can face.

For example: you can talk about Canine allergies in the Springtime, dangers of holiday decorations for pets, how to keep your pets safe during the cold months and the extreme heat.

For pet business owners, seasonal products can be promoted via their social media content. They can advertise seasonal promotions and motivate pet influencers to make timely appointments.

10. Work on Community Building

You might often come across closely knit pet communities amongst local pet influencers. If you are into the business of pets, you should maintain contact with nearby pet influencers in order to keep the name of your business fresh in customers’ minds, maintain loyalty among your clients, and boost your reputation among local animal enthusiasts.

You can find local influencers and politely ask them to write a post for your blog. Alternatively, you can share all the positive reviews or testimonials that your customers leave on your public profiles. This will help people discover your products more easily.

Now that you know the pathway to take for making your pets the stars that they are, you should know that it can become quite hectic to keep up with their care and social media promotions at the same time. For this, Social Media Automation tools can be a total savior!

How RecurPost Can Help You Become a Pet Influencer

Managing a pet influencer account involves consistent posting, engagement, and tracking performance. Tools like RecurPost can simplify this process.

RecurPost is a social media scheduler that allows you to plan and automate your posts across various platforms, ensuring you never miss a posting schedule.

It also offers analytics to help you understand which content resonates most with your audience. This lets you focus on creating high-quality content while RecurPost handles the logistics of posting.

To explore how RecurPost can elevate your pet’s social media presence, check out their tool here.

Case Study: The Social Media Success of Dogs vs. Cats

In the great Internet battle between cats and dogs, dogs dominate the stage. With 376 million posts on Instagram and 575 billion views on TikTok. They significantly outperform cat content. They have 290 million posts on Instagram and 502 billion views on TikTok.

[Source: wearesocial]

In the social media for pets world, dogs are leading the pack, leaving cats in their digital dust. According to recent data, dogs dominate platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with 375.7 million posts and a staggering 575 billion views on TikTok. This outshines cat content, which, while still popular, trails behind with 290.1 million posts and 502 billion views.

This dominance suggests that dog content resonates more broadly with audiences, making it a powerful asset for anyone looking to succeed in pet social media. If you’re planning to turn your pet into a social media star, focusing on dog-related content might offer a better chance of capturing a larger audience.

Moreover, the wider appeal of Instagram dogs and the massive engagement they receive on TikTok could explain why dogs on the internet tend to attract more followers and higher interaction rates. Brands and influencers should note these trends when crafting their content strategy, as capitalizing on this dog-centric audience can lead to more successful pet social media campaigns and collaborations.

Ultimately, this case study shows that in the ongoing battle between cats and dogs online, dogs are winning the race, providing a template for success in the social media for animals space.

Conclusion

Success as a pet influencer takes time, but with the right approach, social media for cats and dogs can turn into a profitable business. By selecting the right platform, crafting engaging content, and actively growing your audience, you can build a successful pet social media presence.

As you gain traction, there are numerous opportunities to monetize and turn your pet into a brand, just like famous Instagram dogs such as Doug the Pug or Nala Cat. With dedication and the tips shared here, your pet could be the next big sensation in social media for animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Saurabh Chaturvedi

Saurabh Chaturvedi is a content writer at RecurPost. Specializing in social media management and marketing, Saurabh is dedicated to crafting engaging and informative articles. His passion for clear, exciting content keeps readers eager for more.