How WYLD Is Redefining Influence and Empowering Social Media Users

Social media has become more than a tool for connection; it has grown into a marketplace of ideas, products, and trust. For millions of users across India, sharing online is part of daily life. But what if every post, every recommendation, and every story could generate real financial returns? That’s exactly what WYLD, a fast-growing influencer marketing app, is building.

During a session with Masters’ Union students, WYLD’s co-founders Dishant Sanghvi and Rij Eappen shared their entrepreneurial journey and explained how their model is creating opportunities for everyday users, small creators, and even Indian influencers in rural areas. Their insights highlighted how businesses can thrive when they democratise access and reward genuine voices instead of only chasing celebrity endorsements.

Why WYLD Believes Everyone Can Influence

Most people associate influencer marketing in India with celebrities or mega-influencers who charge high fees for a single post. However, as Dishant explained, the reality is that everyday people already influence their circles. A friend recommending a skincare brand or a classmate suggesting a gadget often carries more weight than a celebrity ad.

This was the inspiration behind WYLD — a cashback earning app that rewards authentic users for sharing their personal experiences online. Instead of measuring success by follower counts alone, WYLD created a “Wild Score,” an engagement-based metric that reflects how real conversations build trust.

Lessons Students Took Away

1. Influence is no longer about scale; it’s about trust

2. Micro and nano-influencers can drive real conversions

3. Engagement metrics can be stronger than vanity follower counts

Building an Inclusive Influencer Marketing Hub

During the session, Rij highlighted a critical blind spot in the current ecosystem: influencers in India from smaller towns and rural areas. These creators may not have massive followings, but they carry unmatched credibility within their local communities. WYLD is developing models to empower them, bridging the digital gap and giving rural voices an equal opportunity in the influencer marketing hub.

Expanding Opportunities for Students and Professionals

The conversation with Masters’ Union students also revealed how this approach creates parallel opportunities for young people who are learning how to earn money through social media. For students, the platform acts as both a part-time income source and a live case study in digital marketing, consumer behaviour, and brand building.

Lessons Students Took Away

1. Inclusivity expands markets and strengthens brand loyalty

2. Rural participation brings diversity and authenticity to campaigns

3. Students can learn how to earn money from social media while gaining industry exposure

Why Brands Are Turning to WYLD

The biggest challenge for companies is connecting with audiences in a cost-effective yet authentic way. High-budget endorsements often fail to deliver long-term loyalty. WYLD solves this problem by turning real customers into advocates. Instead of paying for just impressions, brands invest in genuine word-of-mouth, amplified through social media.

After its Shark Tank appearance, WYLD’s model gained massive traction. Over 1,000 brands have partnered with the app, spanning lifestyle, fashion, and consumer goods. Students were quick to notice how this approach lowers acquisition costs while creating higher trust.

How Cashback Encourages Consumer Spending

The cashback earning app model is not just about rewarding influencers; it fuels customer purchasing. Every time a user earns cashback, they’re motivated to share more, purchase again, and participate in a cycle that sustains both the brand and the consumer.

Lessons Students Took Away

1. A customer who feels rewarded becomes a repeat buyer

2. Cashback models are scalable for both brands and users

3. Sustainable growth comes from aligning incentives on both sides

The Future of Social Currency: From Influence to Digital Assets

The global influencer marketing hub is projected to reach £28 billion by 2028, but WYLD’s founders believe that influence itself will become a form of social currency. Just as credit scores measure financial credibility, engagement-driven influence scores may shape access to products, partnerships, or even credit systems in the future.

This idea resonated strongly with students, many of whom are exploring how to earn through social media as a career path. By understanding that engagement equals value, they recognised that influence may soon carry as much weight as traditional financial assets.

Lessons Students Took Away

1. Influence is evolving into a measurable, tradeable social asset

2. Engagement-based scores may influence financial ecosystems

3. The future belongs to those who combine digital presence with credibility

WYLD’s Journey from Startup to Industry Innovator

The session was not just about technology but also about entrepreneurial grit. Students learned how Dishant and Rij navigated challenges such as convincing early users, scaling tech infrastructure, and standing out in a crowded app ecosystem. Their story showed that innovation in India is not only about creating new products but also about rethinking who gets to participate in value creation.

Lessons Students Took Away

1. Innovation is as much about mindset as technology
2. Entrepreneurial resilience is key in competitive industries
3. Solving real user problems ensures long-term growth

Insights Students Carried Forward

The interaction with WYLD’s co-founders was more than an academic discussion; it was an insider’s look into influencer marketing in India. Students walked away with actionable insights that apply both to their personal branding and future entrepreneurial ventures.

1. Social media influence is accessible to everyone, not just celebrities

2. WYLD is teaching users how to earn money from social media authentically

3. Cashback and engagement models create sustainable ecosystems

4. Inclusivity strengthens both brands and communities

5. The future of influence is about social currency, not vanity metrics

FAQs

1. What is WYLD and how does it work?

WYLD is a cashback earning app that lets users earn rewards by promoting brands on their social media. Instead of relying on follower count, it measures engagement through a unique Wild Score, ensuring authenticity.

2. How can students earn money through WYLD?

Students can learn how to earn money through social media by sharing their genuine experiences online. Every post with engagement translates into cashback and potential brand partnerships.

3. Why is WYLD different from traditional influencer marketing apps?

Unlike many influencer marketing apps, WYLD does not prioritise follower count alone. It rewards authenticity and engagement, giving equal opportunity to both urban and rural creators.

4. How does WYLD benefit brands?

Brands save on high endorsement costs by working with real customers. They get access to authentic voices, higher trust, and broader reach across diverse communities.

5. Can rural influencers also benefit from WYLD?

Yes, WYLD’s vision includes empowering influencers in India from rural regions, ensuring inclusivity and representation in the digital economy.

6. Is influencer marketing sustainable in the long term?

Yes, as long as it prioritises trust and engagement over vanity numbers. WYLD demonstrates how influencer marketing in India can scale while maintaining authenticity.

7. What lessons can aspiring entrepreneurs learn from WYLD?

The key takeaways include solving real user problems, building inclusive systems, and aligning incentives for all stakeholders—principles that extend beyond just social media businesses.