If you’re an Irish TikTok influencer looking to break into the US market or a brand in Ireland keen to hook up with American creators, this guide’s for you. TikTok’s global reach means your content can travel far beyond Dublin or Cork, but the devil’s in the details when it comes to brand collaboration across borders. I’ll talk you through how Irish influencers can team up with brands in the United States, covering everything from payment methods, local culture, and social platform usage to legal stuff and practical tips. By the time you finish this, you’ll know exactly how to play the game like a pro.
📢 Marketing Landscape in Ireland and the US
Ireland’s TikTok scene is buzzing with creators across niches—beauty, comedy, lifestyle, and more. Big names like Holly Carpenter or Alvy on TikTok have shown how authentic Irish voices resonate globally. On the brand side, Irish companies like SuperValu or Kerrygold are warming up to influencer marketing, but many are still local-focused. For Irish influencers, the US market is the next big playground, with brands ready to spend big on creative partnerships.
By May 2025, TikTok remains the fastest-growing social platform in Ireland, especially among 16-34 year-olds. Meanwhile, US brands are pouring millions into TikTok campaigns, hunting for fresh voices that can connect with Gen Z and millennials. This opens up golden opportunities for Irish influencers who want to collaborate with US brands.
💡 How Irish Influencers Can Make It Work with US Brands
Understand the Payment Landscape
Euro (€) is the local currency here, but most US brands deal in US Dollars (USD). When you’re doing cross-border deals, PayPal and Wise (formerly TransferWise) are the go-to payment methods. They’re reliable, have lower fees than traditional banks, and handle currency conversion smoothly.
Pro tip: Always clarify payment terms upfront. Some US brands prefer paying via wire transfer, but that can be slow and costly. Insist on PayPal or Wise if you can, and factor in any transfer fees when quoting your rates.
Get Your Legal Ducks in a Row
Cross-border collaborations mean dealing with different tax rules and contracts. In Ireland, if you’re freelancing as an influencer, you need to register as self-employed with Revenue. When working with US brands, you might have to fill out a W-8BEN form, which certifies you’re not a US tax resident.
Contracts should explicitly cover usage rights, payment terms, and content deadlines. Don’t just rely on email agreements—get proper written contracts. If you’re unsure, local legal firms like A&L Goodbody or Mason Hayes & Curran have digital media specialists well-versed in influencer marketing.
Speak Their Language (Culturally)
Even though everyone speaks English in Ireland and the US, cultural nuances matter. US brands often look for content that’s a bit bolder or more sales-driven. Irish influencers might want to tweak their tone or style to match expectations without losing their authentic voice.
For example, a Dublin-based fashion creator collaborating with a US clothing brand might create content highlighting American holidays like Memorial Day sales or Fourth of July promos. Familiarity with US consumer habits can make your pitch more appealing.
Use Suitable Platforms and Tools
While TikTok is the star here, Irish influencers should also keep an eye on Instagram and YouTube—because many US brands want multi-platform campaigns. Tools like CreatorIQ or Upfluence help manage cross-border collaborations and track campaign performance.
Locally, services like Tribe or BrandBassador are popular for influencer-brand matchmaking but are more Ireland/Europe-focused. For US opportunities, platforms like BaoLiba can connect Irish influencers with American brands directly, smoothing the collaboration process.
📊 Examples of Irish Influencers Collaborating with US Brands
Take Aoife O’Reilly, a Cork-based lifestyle influencer, who partnered with a US-based skincare brand last year. She created a series of TikTok tutorials that tied into the brand’s product launches, timed perfectly with US holiday shopping seasons. Payments went through Wise, and the contract was handled by her local solicitor ensuring compliance.
Similarly, Irish musician and TikTok star Saint Sister’s Sarah and Gemma collaborated with a US streaming platform for a campaign promoting new music releases. This kind of partnership not only boosted their profile stateside but also opened doors for touring and merch sales.
❗ Risks and Challenges to Watch Out For
Cross-border collaborations aren’t all sunshine and rainbows. Currency fluctuations can affect your earnings, and delayed payments from US clients can hurt cash flow. Also, some US brands expect influencers to handle their own taxes and paperwork, which means you need to stay organised.
There’s also the question of content ownership. US brands might demand full rights to your TikTok videos, which can limit your ability to reuse content elsewhere. Read contracts carefully; if unsure, get advice.
### People Also Ask
How do Irish TikTok influencers get paid by US brands?
Most Irish influencers get paid via PayPal or Wise, which handle international currency conversion smoothly. Wire transfers are less common due to higher fees and longer processing times. It’s important to clarify payment schedules and fees before signing any contract.
What legal documents are needed for Ireland-US influencer collaborations?
You’ll typically need a signed contract covering content scope, deadlines, payment terms, and usage rights. Irish influencers often fill out the W-8BEN form for US tax purposes. Registering as self-employed with Irish Revenue is essential for tax compliance.
How can Irish influencers tailor their content for US brand campaigns?
Understand US culture and consumer behaviour. Incorporate relevant holidays, slang, and trends that resonate with American audiences while keeping your own authentic style. Multi-platform campaigns (TikTok plus Instagram or YouTube) are often preferred.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an Irish TikTok influencer wanting to land US brand deals, or an Irish brand eyeing American creators, the key is preparation. Nail your payment methods, sort out legal paperwork, understand the cultural differences, and use the right tools to manage collaborations.
Remember, Ireland is punching above its weight in the influencer world, and US brands are hungry for fresh, authentic voices. With the right strategy, you can make those transatlantic partnerships work like a charm.
BaoLiba will keep you updated on Ireland’s influencer marketing trends and help you tap into global opportunities. Stay tuned and keep hustling!
