Brands used to chase follower counts like they were scoreboard numbers. But in 2025, that game has changed, especially in tight-knit online spaces. Micro-influencers, often sitting in the 10k to 100k range, turn out to be the real power players.
In gaming, crypto, sports, and now even crypto gambling, these smaller creators are shaping conversations from inside the bubble. How do they do it? And how does it influence niche markets?
Why Micro‑Influencing Works
The biggest difference between micro-influencers and mainstream creators isn’t as obvious as their size — it’s proximity. These are people who live in the same Discord, bet on the same tokens, and play the same games as their followers. They’re not visitors; they’re locals.
When a mid-sized Twitch streamer shares a game, it’s a conversation. That interaction drives more actual engagement than many celebrity promos. Brands lean into that because the payoff is retention.
It’s also a practical move. Micro‑influencer campaigns cost less, sure, but that’s not why they stick. It’s because they feel natural, and the audience sees them as part of the experience. And that trust means people are more likely to pay attention and take action.
Do you need proof? It’s not difficult to find.
Micro‑influencers In The Trenches: Gaming, Crypto, Sports & Gambling
You can easily find micro-influencers in every niche, but let’s talk about the ones booming today.
Gaming
Communities like XMiraMira’s modding group around The Sims show how micro-influencers can build entire ecosystems. Her content is about making space for underrepresented players. And that kind of leadership turns into long-term loyalty.
Then there’s SpicyThaiNoodle, a variety streamer under 50k followers who built a dedicated following around cozy, indie games. Her early streams of Dredge and Dave the Diver helped bring those titles visibility far outside their expected circles.
SimplyPressStart, a Canadian content creator who focuses on Nintendo and casual gaming, regularly sparks discussion that continues well after the stream ends. Her Discord is full of long-time followers who treat it like a book club for games.
Crypto & Crypto Gambling
In crypto, where attention comes and goes fast, small creators are the ones doing the actual legwork. For example, CryptoWendyO, who’s built a tight-knit audience on YouTube and X, focuses on accessible crypto education, wallet safety, and project reviews. Her reach isn’t massive, but engagement is strong, especially in her livestream Q&As, where regulars show up week after week.
On the gambling side, streamers like Casinodaddy, who operates multiple channels across Twitch and YouTube, run crypto casino streams that attract mid-size but loyal audiences. The format is straightforward: gameplay, live commentary, and direct links to sponsors. The trust comes from transparency, and successful micro-influencers care about their reputation, so they usually don’t recommend brands they don’t like. So if they advise you to visit Sportbet.one for a good casino play or betting, they actually mean it.
That’s why crypto sportsbooks have quietly shifted budgets toward these mid-size names because conversions are stronger, and so is retention.
Sports
Fan-driven channels like The Kick Off on YouTube (run by creators like True Geordie and Rory Jennings) have grown not by chasing mainstream coverage, but by reacting the way actual fans do — frustrated, thrilled, and unfiltered.
In Formula 1, Chain Bear (around 100k subscribers) has carved out a niche with deep-dive explainers that hardcore fans love. His audience sticks around for context and commentary. When he collaborates with sponsors, the content still feels like his own.
Smaller creators in these circles run fantasy leagues, organize prediction contests, and even moderate token-based voting groups for teams. This way, they help shape how fans interact with teams.
But how do they do it? Are their approaches so different from macro-influencer? To some extent.
Strategies for building loyal fan bases
Micro-influencers build a community with their audience. The ones who thrive do a few key things well:
- They stay real: Authentic creators share wins, losses, and conversations from the DMs. Their stories don’t feel rehearsed, and that honesty keeps people coming back.
- They use the right platform, the right way: Twitch and Discord for real-time interaction. TikTok and Reels for discovery. Reddit or Farcaster for deeper conversations. They post with a purpose.
- They build long-term: The strongest brand deals blend into the content, not break it. Long-term partnerships make that possible, and audiences trust it more.
- They measure what matters: These creators watch sentiment, retention, and clicks to see what works and what to improve. Tools like Upfluence and Modash help them stay sharp without losing their voice.
This way, micro-influencers help communities stay connected while monetizing their work, promoting brands they like. The trick is to keep the balance – create valuable content for the audience, and earn a reward for themselves without betraying followers’ trust.
Conclusion
Micro-influencers are already running the show in niche spaces. Gaming, crypto, sports, even crypto gambling — they’ve built real followings by being part of the crowd, not above it. And when that trust lines up with smart brand work, everyone wins: the creator, the sponsor, and most importantly, the community.