Founded in March 2019 by Gen Zer Ava McDonald, Zfluence is the first and only marketing platform the connects brands and the Gen Z consumers who authentically love them.

Zfluence solves two key marketplace needs: it enables brands to engage in and practice authentic brand advocacy and empowers Gen Z consumers, who seek alignment with the brands they support and expect to have a voice in the marketplace, to participate in building the brands they love. 

A highly effective and much-needed alternative to the inauthentic “pay-to-say” influencer marketing practices that have defined the last decade, Zfluence addresses the Gen Z demographic’s emphasis on authenticity as a core value, enabling companies to leverage the authentic insights and influence of their genuine Gen Z fans to win new Gen Z consumers.

Using the Zfluence platform, brands connect with their genuine Gen Z fans and mobilize them in a variety of ways, from posting authentic content on Instagram and TikTok and participating in brainstorming sessions to wearing branded merchandise on campus and promoting brands at events.

Unlike marketing networks that are filled with aspiring and professional “cash-for-content” influencers and creators, Zfluence only accepts onto its platform members of Gen Z who have earned their influence through campus and community engagement and leadership. Zfluence has a 35% acceptance rate, does not accept professional influencers or content creators, and has a product-as-reward model.

“Zfluence was acquired by Her Campus Media in Fall 2023.