Toronto’s thriving event scene extends beyond film festivals and fashion runways—its iconic venues and annual cultural happenings serve as prime backdrops for influencer-driven campaigns.
Where do influencers go?
Luxury brands leverage the Fairmont Royal York Hotel and Shangri-La Toronto for high-end influencer experiences during TIFF, offering red carpet-prep sessions, VIP cocktail events, and exclusive rooftop photo shoots. Yonge-Dundas Square, often called Toronto’s Times Square, transforms into an interactive marketing playground for brand activations tied to Toronto Fashion Week, where influencers document behind-the-scenes styling sessions and brand-sponsored pop-ups.
For businesses looking to harness these moments effectively, partnering with a Toronto influencer agency like Clark Influence ensures strategic execution, real-time tracking, and optimised content that converts.
Meanwhile, music festivals like VELD and NXNE attract lifestyle and music influencers who drive engagement through TikTok dance challenges and sponsored Instagram festival outfit showcases. Even Toronto’s vibrant sports culture plays a role—Raptors and Maple Leafs games at Scotiabank Arena provide sports brands and athleisure companies the perfect setting for influencer-led product placements. By strategically aligning with Toronto’s most Instagrammable locations and trendsetting events, brands can craft immersive, high-impact influencer marketing campaigns that resonate both locally and globally.
Social medias are in GTA to stay
In Toronto, social media is a big deal. People here are really into their tech, and they love to connect online. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are the heavy hitters in the social media game for those who want to promote their stuff. But keep an eye on Twitch—it’s starting to make waves, especially with the younger crowd and gamers.
Instagram is where it’s at if you’re into fashion or food. It’s all about showing off with pictures and stories that grab people’s attention. Brands use it to team up with local influencers, give a peek behind the scenes at big events like movie festivals and fashion shows, and show off cool places around town.
These partnerships aren’t just about showing off products; they also help sell stuff directly through Instagram Shopping. Here’s what brands do: They hook up with streamers who have loads of fans for high-energy gaming content; they run live Q&A sessions; they even do giveaways during streams. As Twitch gets more popular outside gaming circles too, more companies are seeing the potential of going live to get people excited about what they’re selling.
Why Major Events & Influencer Marketing Go Hand in Hand
Toronto’s event culture and dominant social platforms shape the way brands approach influencer marketing. Whether leveraging Instagram for aesthetic-driven campaigns, TikTok for virality, YouTube for in-depth storytelling, or Twitch for real-time engagement, understanding how these platforms interact with local trends is essential for success.
By leveraging high-profile Toronto events, brands can execute hyper-targeted influencer marketing campaigns that reach engaged, event-specific audiences. Whether through luxury collaborations at TIFF, fashion activations at Toronto Fashion Week, or thought leadership at Startupfest, influencer partnerships amplify visibility, engagement, and brand authority.
For brands looking to activate in Toronto through influencer marketing, there are several key factors to consider:
Local relevance matters. Don’t just target influencers based on global trends—consider Toronto’s diverse culture and neighbourhoods.
Authenticity can’t be faked. Collaborations need to feel genuine and aligned with the influencer’s real preferences and values.
Community beats virality. A consistent relationship with a small, engaged audience often outperforms a one-off viral post.
Content should educate and inspire. Tutorials, product breakdowns, and honest reviews build more trust than overly polished campaigns.
