Influenster is an online platform that connects users with brands, offering opportunities to receive free products in exchange for reviews and social media engagement. The service is popular among consumers in the UK who are interested in trying new items without cost, covering categories such as beauty, food, and household goods. The platform operates as a community of over one million members who provide honest feedback on products they receive. In return for their reviews, participants can obtain free samples and full-size products. The process is designed to be mutually beneficial: brands gain valuable consumer insights, and members enjoy complimentary products.
The platform functions by allowing users to sign up, complete their profiles, and participate in campaigns. Eligibility for these campaigns depends on a user's profile information, activity level, and an "Impact Score" that reflects their influence within the community. Influenster sends out themed packages known as "VoxBoxes," which contain a variety of products from top brands in beauty, health, grooming, snacks, beverages, and lifestyle categories. There are also "Virtual VoxBoxes," which are digital campaigns that do not require a physical product but still offer rewards and promotions.
A significant development for users is the transition of the "Try it Sampling" programme into Influenster. According to communications from 2022, all future campaigns are expected to be managed exclusively through the Influenster platform. Members are advised to keep their Influenster app updated and their profiles complete to maximise their chances of receiving offers.
Understanding the Influenster Platform
Influenster is described as a product discovery and review platform that brings users and brands together. Its core purpose is to help users discover new products and share their experiences with a wider community. The platform has a large, active user base of individuals who enjoy trying new products and providing detailed feedback.
One of the key features of Influenster is its use of product discovery tools. Users can take quizzes to determine their product preferences, which allows the platform to provide personalised recommendations. This system is designed to match members with products that align with their interests and needs, increasing the relevance of the campaigns they are invited to join.
The community aspect is central to the Influenster experience. Members are encouraged to write reviews on the Influenster website and share their opinions with friends. The platform also runs a monthly sweepstakes, where members who write reviews are entered for a chance to win additional products.
The Transition from Try it Sampling to Influenster
In December 2022, an email announcement was sent to users stating that TryIt Sampling was joining forces with Influenster. This integration aims to simplify and enhance the sampling experience for members. As part of this transition, campaigns that were previously run through TryIt will be managed within the Influenster platform going forward. The TryIt programme is scheduled to be retired, with all sampling campaigns eventually moving exclusively to Influenster.
During the transition period, members may see campaigns running on both the TryIt and Influenster platforms. Users are instructed to continue completing reviews for TryIt products through their existing TryIt account while also monitoring the Influenster app for new opportunities. To prepare for the full transition, members should ensure they have the latest version of the Influenster app installed on their device (for Android or iOS) and that their profile is fully completed and up to date.
For existing TryIt members, their history will not be viewable in their new Influenster account. However, this historical data will be used by the platform to identify them as valued members and help target them into appropriate campaigns. While it is not mandatory to use the same email address for both accounts, it is recommended to do so to facilitate this identification process.
How to Sign Up and Increase Eligibility
To begin receiving free products from Influenster, users must first create an account. The sign-up process involves providing basic information and then completing a series of questions, often referred to as "snaps," to build a detailed user profile. Connecting social media accounts, such as Instagram or Facebook, is an option that may increase the chances of receiving offers, but it is not a mandatory requirement.
Once an account is created, the next step is to complete the platform's "badges." These badges are earned by providing information about oneself and one's interests, and they are essential for becoming eligible to receive VoxBoxes. A complete and detailed profile is crucial, as it helps the platform match users with relevant campaigns. Users are advised to check that their profile is up to date, particularly the "My info" section within the app.
Eligibility for campaigns is determined by a combination of factors, including the user's profile data, their activity on the platform, and their Impact Score. The Impact Score is a metric that reflects a user's level of influence and engagement within the Influenster community. A higher Impact Score generally correlates with more opportunities to participate in campaigns and receive products.
Participating in Campaigns and Receiving VoxBoxes
Influenster campaigns are tailored to users' interests and preferences. Members are notified of available campaigns through email and announcements on the Influenster website or app. When a user is deemed eligible for a campaign, they will receive an invitation via email. This invitation typically includes a pre-qualifying survey to confirm that the user is a suitable match for the specific product or campaign.
If a user is selected after the pre-qualification stage, they will receive further instructions on how to participate. This may involve receiving a physical VoxBox containing free products to test and review, or participating in a Virtual VoxBox campaign. It is important to note that selection is not guaranteed for every campaign, even for eligible members. The likelihood of being chosen increases with active participation on the platform.
Upon receiving a VoxBox, members are expected to complete any required post-survey and share their honest reviews on the Influenster website. Engaging in these activities is crucial, as it helps users build their Impact Score and increases their chances of being selected for future campaigns. The platform encourages members to keep their profiles updated and to complete all required activities to maintain good standing and maximise future opportunities.
Maximising Opportunities and Important Considerations
To maximise the chances of receiving free products from Influenster, users should focus on maintaining an active and complete profile. A clear and professional profile picture is recommended, as it can make a positive first impression. Adjusting account settings to receive email notifications is also advisable to ensure no campaign invitations are missed.
The number of offers a member receives can vary and is dependent on several factors, including product availability, campaign targeting, and the member's own activity and profile. There is no fixed number of offers that members can expect. For those who are not selected for a physical VoxBox, there may still be opportunities through Virtual VoxBoxes or other promotional activities on the platform.
It is important for UK-based users to understand that while Influenster is a global platform, campaign availability can be influenced by geographical factors. The provided sources do not specify any geographic restrictions for UK members, but users should be aware that not all campaigns may be available in all regions. The eligibility criteria and campaign details are managed directly by Influenster and its brand partners.
Conclusion
Influenster offers a structured programme for UK consumers to receive free product samples and full-size items in exchange for reviews and social media engagement. The platform is transitioning its operations to include all campaigns previously run through Try it Sampling, making Influenster the central hub for these opportunities. Success on the platform depends on creating a detailed and complete user profile, actively participating in quizzes and campaigns, and maintaining a good Impact Score through consistent engagement and honest reviews. While selection for campaigns is not guaranteed, a proactive approach to profile management and activity can enhance the likelihood of receiving free products. Members should stay informed through the Influenster app and email notifications to take advantage of new campaigns as they become available.