Byline: Clicks Talent
Ab Lieberman’s path to founding his TikTok-focused influencer marketing agency, Clicks Talent, is a story of identifying a gap in the market and jumping on it early. Starting with his first job at a social media startup, Lieberman developed a knack for connecting brands with emerging social media talent. He quickly recognized the potential of TikTok—especially when short-form videos started gaining traction as a new way for brands to reach audiences.
Lieberman left university after only two weeks to pursue this vision, deciding he’d rather build his own business than follow a conventional path. And his timing was spot-on. TikTok, then still relatively unknown, provided an untapped opportunity for brands to connect with audiences in fresh, creative ways. Lieberman’s company, Clicks Talent, initially faced its share of hurdles, with some low points, just like any other business. However, he pivoted his approach each time, learning from setbacks and adjusting his strategy to serve clients’ needs better.
Founded in 2017, Clicks Talent quickly became a bridge between brands and social media creators, specializing in influencer marketing on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The agency offers various services, from connecting brands with influencers for tailored campaigns to managing long-term brand partnerships. Today, Clicks Talent represents over 150 influencers exclusively and works with more than 5,000 others non-exclusively. Major clients include names like Amazon Music, Netflix, Hulu, and Uber Eats and record labels such as Sony Records and Colombia Records.
Building Clicks Talent
Lieberman’s approach to growth has been straightforward: rather than relying on traditional advertising or email lists, he focused on building strong, direct relationships with influencers and brands. This has become one of Clicks Talent’s defining features, enabling the agency to make meaningful connections while skipping the middlemen. It’s also allowed Lieberman to establish Clicks Talent as a go-to agency for brands looking to connect with younger audiences authentically. He attributes much of his success to relationship-building and keeping a close eye on the social media landscape as it evolves.
One of Lieberman’s early big breaks was securing a major deal, which allowed him to solidify the business and grow his team. This was followed by other significant projects, including a contract with Amazon Music, which further raised the agency’s profile in the industry. At this point, Clicks Talent had positioned itself as an ideal partner for companies looking to navigate the influencer marketing space on platforms like TikTok.
Core Mission and Approach
Clicks Talent’s mission focuses on building partnerships that feel natural and effective for brands and influencers. The agency prioritizes data-driven campaigns that are grounded in genuine engagement. Lieberman’s vision for the agency is simple: help brands reach their target audience in ways that don’t feel forced or overly commercial. By focusing on authentic partnerships and a clear, data-backed approach, Ab has found its niche, enabling the company to stand out in a more saturated market.
Another key part of Lieberman’s philosophy is fair compensation for influencers. Over the years, he’s seen the real value that content creators are bringing to brands and wants to ensure they’re paid accordingly. 78% of TikTok users report purchasing products after seeing influencers use them (Source: Shopify, 2024). Influencer marketing is a powerful force in shaping consumer behavior. Clicks Talent has paid more than a million dollars to influencers, setting a standard in an industry where creators aren’t always guaranteed fair compensation.
Adapting to Challenges
Clicks Talent wasn’t an overnight success. Lieberman recalls times when the company almost went under, forcing him to rethink strategies and refocus efforts. These near-misses taught him the importance of adaptability and innovation. In his view, the ability to pivot in response to challenges has been crucial to Clicks Talent’s survival and growth. Each setback made him re-evaluate his approach, often resulting in new tactics to bring in clients or adjust campaign strategies.
In recent years, Clicks Talent has grown to employ more than 10 full-time employees and generate close to $4 million annually in revenue. Lieberman continues to monitor new platforms and trends to ensure the agency stays ahead of the curve. He also draws inspiration from various sources, from LinkedIn to industry newsletters, to stay updated on the latest in digital marketing.
Clicks Talent Today and Moving Forward
Today, Clicks Talent continues to offer a range of services tailored to influencer marketing and talent management. The agency’s services include everything from influencer partnerships and social media strategy development to full-scale content creation and campaign management. What differentiates Clicks Talent is its combination of data-driven insights and a personalized approach. By working closely with influencers and brands, the agency ensures that campaigns are tailored to each client’s unique goals, maximizing engagement and impact.
Lieberman focuses on expanding the agency’s reach while staying true to the values of authenticity, fair compensation, and relationship-building. His journey highlights the importance of recognizing opportunities early, adapting to market changes, and prioritizing genuine connections in business. As the social media landscape evolves, Clicks Talent aims to stay ahead, helping brands and influencers create meaningful collaborations that resonate with audiences.
Published by: Annie P.
