If you’ve been exploring influencer marketing or scrolling through Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn, you’ve likely come across branded content. It’s everywhere now, but what does it actually look like in real life? How do creators work with brands in a way that feels authentic rather than salesy?
In this detailed article, we’ll walk through 10 branded content examples from different platforms. These real-life cases will help you understand how brands and creators collaborate to tell genuine stories that still promote products effectively.
What Is Branded Content?
Branded content is content created by an influencer, creator, or publisher that features a product, service, or business in exchange for compensation. This compensation might be monetary, free products, services, or other perks. The key point is that the brand has influenced the content in some way.
Unlike traditional ads, branded content is usually more subtle, informative, or entertaining. It blends naturally into the creator’s regular content and often offers more value to the audience.
10 Branded Content Examples
1. Instagram Reel: Skincare Routine Featuring Plum Goodness
Platform: Instagram
Type of Creator: Beauty Influencer
Brand: Plum Goodness
A beauty influencer shares her morning skincare routine in a reel. She introduces Plum’s niacinamide serum as part of her daily use and explains how it helps reduce acne scars. The post includes the “Paid Partnership with Plum Goodness” tag.
Why it works: It fits naturally into her content. Instead of just promoting the product, she shows how it genuinely works for her.
2. YouTube Video: Tech Review with Boat
Platform: YouTube
Type of Creator: Tech Reviewer
Brand: Boat Lifestyle
A tech YouTuber creates a video titled “Top 5 Budget Earphones Under ₹1500” and includes Boat Rockerz as one of the top picks. The video has a sponsor disclaimer at the beginning stating that Boat sponsored this video.
Why it works: The video delivers real value to viewers, and the product is part of a helpful list rather than being the sole focus.
3. Instagram Stories: Outfit of the Day with Myntra
Platform: Instagram Stories
Type of Creator: Fashion Blogger
Brand: Myntra
A fashion influencer posts a series of outfit photos and tags individual products, each linked back to Myntra. The stories are marked with “Paid Partnership with Myntra.”
Why it works: OOTD content is highly relatable and authentic. It doesn’t feel forced, and it fits the creator’s niche.
4. Blog Post: Lifestyle Routine Sponsored by MamaEarth
Platform: Blog
Type of Creator: Lifestyle Blogger
Brand: MamaEarth
A lifestyle blogger writes a post on “My Morning Routine to Stay Productive.” In the post, they mention using MamaEarth’s vitamin C face wash and explain its benefits. A disclosure is included at the top of the article.
Why it works: The product is woven into a broader piece of content. It adds context and shows real-world usage.
5. YouTube Vlog: Travel Sponsored by Airbnb
Platform: YouTube
Type of Creator: Travel Vlogger
Brand: Airbnb
A vlogger documents a 3-day trip to Manali and thanks Airbnb for sponsoring the stay. They showcase the Airbnb property, talk about the booking experience, and give personal opinions.
Why it works: It provides both inspiration and useful information. The product (in this case, the property) is a core part of the story.
6. Instagram Carousel: Recipe Post Featuring Borges Olive Oil
Platform: Instagram
Type of Creator: Food Blogger
Brand: Borges
A food creator posts a step-by-step recipe carousel. They mention using Borges Olive Oil for cooking and explain why they prefer it. The post has the “Paid Partnership” label.
Why it works: It’s educational and blends with the creator’s usual recipe content. The brand feels like a natural part of the post.
7. Podcast Episode: Sponsored by SleepyCat
Platform: Podcast
Type of Creator: Lifestyle Host
Brand: SleepyCat
A podcast host talks about improving productivity and briefly shares how switching to a SleepyCat mattress improved their sleep quality. The brand is mentioned again in the outro.
Why it works: Podcast listeners trust the host’s voice, and a casual mention feels like a genuine recommendation.
8. LinkedIn Post: Tool Recommendation by Freelancer
Platform: LinkedIn
Type of Creator: Freelancer/Consultant
Brand: Notion
A freelance project manager writes a post about remote team collaboration tools and highlights how Notion has improved their workflow. The post ends with a small brand collaboration disclosure.
Why it works: It’s helpful, targeted, and fits the professional tone of LinkedIn.
9. YouTube Shorts: Product Demo by Wonderchef
Platform: YouTube Shorts
Type of Creator: Cooking Influencer
Brand: Wonderchef
A short 60-second video shows how to make a smoothie using Wonderchef’s latest blender. The creator mentions the collaboration and includes product tags in the description.
Why it works: Short, valuable content with a clear visual demo makes the product stand out without over-explaining.
10. Instagram Giveaway Post: Collaboration with Dot & Key
Platform: Instagram
Type of Creator: Beauty Influencer
Brand: Dot & Key
The influencer announces a giveaway with Dot & Key skincare products and invites followers to participate. The post includes “Paid Partnership with Dot & Key.”
Why it works: It creates excitement, boosts engagement, and feels like a gift to the audience rather than a sales push.
Conclusion
These examples show that branded content is most effective when it’s:
- Transparent
- Integrated naturally into the creator’s content
- Aligned with the audience’s interests
Whether you’re a content creator looking to collaborate with brands or a business planning your next influencer campaign, the key is to prioritize value and authenticity. That’s what makes branded content feel less like advertising and more like storytelling.
Want help planning your own branded content strategy? Reach out and let’s make it real.
