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How to Pitch Brands on Instagram: DM and Email Templates (2026)

By Vedant Padmawar, Founder, Hypee·Published ·6 min read

A good brand pitch is under 120 words and has four parts: who you are and your niche, one number that proves your audience listens, one specific content idea for their product, and a link to your media kit. Send it by DM to small brands or by email to bigger ones, and follow up once after 4–5 days.

What every pitch needs

  • • Who you are: name, niche, city.
  • • One proof number: average Reel views, engagement rate or a result from a past post.
  • • One idea: a specific Reel or story concept for their product.
  • • A link: your media kit, so they don't have to ask for screenshots.
  • • A clear ask: barter, paid, or open to discuss.

Instagram DM template (small and local brands)

Hi [Brand] team! I'm [Name], a [niche] creator from [city]. My Reels average [X] views and my audience is mostly [who]. I love your [product] and have an idea: a [15-second Reel showing ___]. Would you be open to a collaboration? My media kit with stats and rates: [link]. Thank you!

Email template (bigger brands)

Subject: Reel idea for [product] — [your niche] creator, [city]

Hi [Name], I'm [Your name], a [niche] creator on Instagram (@handle). My audience is [age/city/interest], and my recent Reels average [X] views with [Y]% engagement. I'd like to create [specific idea] for [product], showing [benefit]. I can deliver [1 Reel + 2 stories] by [date]. My media kit, with audience data and rates, is here: [link]. Happy to share samples or adjust the idea to your campaign. Best, [Name], [phone/WhatsApp]

Follow-up template (after 4–5 days)

Hi [Name], just following up on my idea for [product]. I'd love to create it this month, and I'm flexible on format. My media kit is here if it helps: [link]. Thanks!

Send one follow-up only. If there's still no reply, move on and pitch the next brand.

Mistakes that get pitches ignored

  • • "Collab?" with nothing else.
  • • Asking the brand what you should make, instead of proposing an idea.
  • • Long messages about yourself with no number and no idea.
  • • Screenshots instead of a media kit link.
  • • Copy-pasting the same message to fifty brands without their name or product.

Make your pitch easier to say yes to

Brands reply faster when they can check you in one click. A media kit with current stats and clear rates does that. Hypee builds one free from your connected Instagram, and also lists you where brands search by niche and city, so some brands come to you instead of the other way round.

Free Instagram media kit maker →What to charge: Indian creator rates →

Get discovered by brands on Hypee

Build a free media kit, get listed in India's creator marketplace, and land paid deals — 0% commission.

FAQ

 

How do I DM a brand for collaboration on Instagram?

Keep it under 120 words: say who you are and your niche, give one proof number such as average Reel views, propose one specific content idea for their product, and link your media kit. Follow up once after 4–5 days.

Should I pitch brands by DM or email?

DM works well for small and local brands. For bigger brands, email the marketing or partnerships address listed on their website or Instagram bio.

What should I write in a collaboration message?

Your name, niche and city, one number that shows your audience engages, a specific content idea for their product, your deliverables and timeline, and a link to your media kit with rates.

How many times should I follow up with a brand?

Once, after 4–5 days. If there's no reply after that, move on to the next brand.