How iQOO Uses Brand Ambassadors to Connect With Young Smartphone Buyers?

Discover how iQOO strategically uses brand ambassadors, celebrities, and youth-focused campaigns to engage young smartphone buyers. This article explores iQOO’s ambassador choices, marketing approach, campus programs, and digital influence, showing how the brand builds trust, aspiration, and strong connections with Gen Z and millennial consumers.

iQOO is a smartphone brand owned by Vivo, focusing on performance and gaming-oriented devices. It was launched in India in 2020 to compete in the mid-to-high-end smartphone segment with powerful specs and aggressive pricing.

iQOO has carved a clear space in India’s crowded smartphone market by focusing on performance, speed, and value. While many brands talk about features, iQOO speaks directly to users who care about power, gaming, and everyday performance. This makes the brand especially relevant in a market where choices are endless and attention spans are short.  

Young buyers matter more than ever for smartphone brands. They upgrade often, follow trends closely, and rely heavily on social media and peer opinions. If a brand fails to connect with them early, it risks being ignored. iQOO understands this shift and puts youth engagement at the center of its marketing strategy.  

And that’s where brand ambassadors come in. iQOO uses familiar faces, campus programs, and youth-centric initiatives to stay close to its audience. Instead of loud promises, the brand focuses on relatability and real connection. This approach helps iQOO build trust, relevance, and long-term appeal among young smartphone buyers.  

Who is iQOO and Its Target Audience?

iQOO entered the Indian market with a clear focus on performance. It is part of the BBK group and operates under Vivo, while maintaining its own distinct identity. From the beginning, iQOO India positioned itself around speed, gaming capability, and smooth everyday usage. The brand speaks to users who care more about how a phone performs than how flashy it looks.  

1. Performance Is at the Core of iQOO’s Identity

Performance is not a feature add-on for iQOO. It is the foundation of the brand. The phones are built to handle heavy gaming, multitasking, and long hours of use. Strong processors, stable frame rates, and reliable battery life are key priorities. This focus helps iQOO stand apart in a crowded market where many devices look similar on the surface.

2. The Importance of Young Smartphone Buyers

India’s smartphone market is driven by younger users. Students, first-time job holders, and gamers make up a large part of the audience. These young smartphone buyers spend hours on games, streaming apps, and social platforms. They expect speed and consistency from their devices. iQOO recognized this early and shaped its products around these habits.

3. Connecting With Gen Z Consumers

Gen Z consumers see smartphones as all-in-one devices. A phone is a gaming console, a work tool, and a social space. iQOO designs its phones to match this reality. High refresh rate displays, gaming-focused software features, and performance-oriented hardware support the way Gen Z users actually use their phones.   

4. Brand Ambassadors Fit iQOO’s Strategy

Performance alone cannot build an emotional connection. iQOO India uses brand ambassadors who reflect focus, discipline, and competitive spirit. Gamers, athletes, and creators help translate performance into real-life stories. These faces make the brand feel relatable and believable to its target audience. The message stays clear. iQOO is built for people who push their limits, both in games and in everyday digital life.   

Top 7 Celebrities and Influencers Who Promoted iQOO Phones in India

1. Virat Kohli

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iQOO’s “Monster Inside” campaign with Virat Kohli focused on the brand’s core message of high performance and “unleashing the monster” within–a metaphor for powerful hardware and lag-free experience. The ad shows Virat as a symbol of relentless drive and energy, matching the phone’s performance-first positioning and appealing directly to gaming and speed-focused users. 

iQOO chose Virat Kohli because he is seen as a high-performance achiever and resonates strongly with young, energetic audiences. His presence helped the brand connect with Gen Z consumers and young smartphone buyers who value speed, strength, and consistency in both their lifestyle and devices, making the campaign feel relevant and inspiring.  

2. Janhvi Kapoor & Vijay Deverakonda

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iQOO’s “Experience the World’s Fastest Smartphone” ad featuring Janhvi Kapoor and Vijay Deverakonda highlights the brand’s focus on speed and performance. In the campaign, both stars are shown enjoying fast, lag-free experiences – from quick app launches to seamless gaming, while emphasizing how the phone keeps up with a high-energy lifestyle. The tone stays fresh and youthful, tying performance to everyday moments that matter most to modern users.

iQOO chose Janhvi and Vijay because they connect strongly with young, style-aware audiences across India. Their widespread appeal helped iQOO reach both Gen Z consumers and lifestyle-focused buyers who value speed, smooth performance, and trendy tech that fits their active digital lives.  

3. Prasad Tech in Telugu

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iQOO’s iQOO 15 Unboxing with Prasad Tech in Telugu shows a detailed first look at the phone, highlighting its design, specs, and key features in a clear and regional format. The video walks viewers through what’s in the box, how the phone feels in the hand, and its performance highlights, giving practical insight without heavy jargon.

iQOO chose Prasad Tech because he speaks directly to Telugu-speaking tech audiences who prefer reviews in their own language. His local credibility and clear explanations helped iQOO connect with regional viewers, especially young and informed buyers who value honest tech breakdowns before buying. This approach made the product feel accessible and relevant to a broader audience.

4. Dulquer Salmaan

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iQOO’s iQOO Neo 7 Pro campaign featuring Dulquer Salmaan showcases the phone’s balanced mix of design, speed, and camera capabilities. In the ad, Dulquer is seen using the device in everyday moments–capturing photos, navigating apps, and enjoying smooth performance. The overall tone stays relaxed and relatable, emphasizing how the phone fits into both work and leisure routines without undue complexity.

iQOO chose Dulquer Salmaan because he resonates with young, style-aware smartphone buyers who value performance and aesthetics equally. His charm and wide appeal helped the brand connect with audiences beyond hardcore tech fans, making the Neo 7 Pro feel like a smart choice for users who want power and personality in one device.

5. Samantha Ruth Prabhu

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iQOO’s Samantha Ruth Prabhu x iQOONeo10 campaign showcases the phone as a stylish, high-performance everyday companion. In the ad, Samantha uses the device in real-life moments–from capturing photos to navigating her busy day–while the phone’s speed, design, and camera features are highlighted naturally. The focus stays on how the device fits into an active, modern lifestyle rather than on technical jargon. 

iQOO chose Samantha Ruth Prabhu for her strong presence across South and pan-India audiences and her relatable, confident persona. Her appeal helped the brand connect with young, fashion-conscious users who want a phone that performs well and looks good, making the iQOONeo10 feel both aspirational and practical for everyday use.

6. Kartik Aryan

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iQOO’s iQOO Z9s Series ad featuring Kartik Aaryan highlights the phone’s stylish design and reliable everyday performance in a fun, upbeat way. In the campaign, Kartik showcases the phone’s smooth display, responsive features, and camera capabilities while keeping the tone light and engaging. The ad focuses on real-life use rather than heavy technical details, making the product feel relatable and easy to understand for everyday users.  

iQOO chose Kartik Aaryan because of his strong appeal among young, urban audiences and his natural screen presence. His friendly and energetic style helped the brand connect with Gen Z consumers and young smartphone buyers who value both performance and personality in their tech choices.  

7. Pooja Hegde

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The iQOO Z9 ad featuring Pooja Hegde highlights the smartphone’s premium feel, sleek design, and reliable performance. In the campaign, Pooja is shown using the phone in stylish everyday moments–from capturing vibrant photos to multitasking with ease–while keeping the tone modern and relatable. The focus is on how the device complements an active lifestyle without diving deep into technical details, making the message clear and approachable for viewers.  

iQOO chose Pooja Hegde for her strong presence and mass appeal among young and fashion-aware users. Her charm and youthful energy helped the brand connect with young smartphone buyers and Gen Z consumers who look for both style and substance in their tech choices, making the Z9 feel like a smart yet trendy pick.  

iQOO’s The Tribe Campus Ambassadors Program For Community-Led Outreach

iQOO’s The Tribe Campus Ambassadors Program is a community-led initiative built for college students across major Indian cities. 

It focuses on campuses where gaming, tech curiosity, and digital culture already thrive. Instead of pushing ads, iQOO brings students into the brand’s inner circle. And that makes the connection feel real, not forced.  

1. Why iQOO Chose College Campuses for Outreach?

College students sit at the center of smartphone conversations today. They influence peers, test new tech early, and shape trends online and offline.
iQOO understood this and chose campuses as ground zero.

Key reasons behind this focus:

• High smartphone usage for gaming, content, and social media

• Strong peer influence on purchase decisions

• Natural alignment with iQOO’s performance-first positioning

• Long-term brand recall built early in the consumer journey

2. How Does The Tribe Program Works on Campus?

The program selects active, tech-aware students as brand ambassadors. These students don’t just promote phones. They represent the brand culture.

Core activities include:

• Hosting on-campus gaming battles and tech demos

• Creating social content around iQOO devices

• Sharing hands-on experiences with peers

• Acting as the first point of contact for new launches

And because ambassadors are students themselves, conversations stay natural.

3. Building Peer-to-Peer Advocacy the Right Way

This is where the strategy stands out. Students trust friends more than ads or billboards.

The program builds advocacy by:

• Letting real users speak from experience

• Encouraging honest product conversations

• Creating micro-communities within campuses

• Turning ambassadors into credible brand voices

And that trust spreads faster than any paid campaign.

4. How the Program Strengthens Brand Affinity

The Tribe doesn’t feel like marketing. It feels like belonging.

The impact shows up in:

• Stronger emotional connection with the brand

• Higher engagement across social platforms

• Early loyalty among first-time smartphone buyers

• A community that grows even after college

And for iQOO, this creates long-term value, not short-term noise.

5. Why This Grassroots Strategy Works for iQOO

iQOO isn’t just selling performance phones. It’s building a community that believes in performance.

By empowering students, the brand stays visible, relatable, and trusted. And that’s how community-led outreach quietly turns into brand growth.

Partnering With Gamers & Influencers in Youth Marketing

In India’s fast-moving tech scene, mobile brands are looking for ways to connect with young audiences beyond traditional ads. iQOO took a hands-on approach by partnering directly with gamers and influencers. This strategy is rooted in real experiences rather than scripted promotions. And it taps into the digital culture that matters to youth today.

1. Collaborations With Indian Gamers for Authentic Reviews

iQOO’s collaboration with top Indian gamers lets these creators test and share real feedback on devices, especially gaming-focused phones like the iQOO Neo 10R. The gamers:

• Dynamo Gaming

• GamerFleet

• Mortal

• Payal Gaming

• Scout

• Shreeman Legend

• UnGraduate Gamer 

Because these creators are known for honest opinions, their feedback feels genuine and trustworthy. When they highlight how a phone handles high-intensity games or long streams, their audience listens; especially esports fans who care about performance more than flashy marketing. 

2. Building Trust With Performance-Driven Audiences

Gaming audiences are among the most tech-aware groups in India. They look for devices that deliver real results — fast 90 FPS, long battery life, and smooth live streaming. Partnering with established gamers gives iQOO credibility in a category where technical specs alone don’t build trust. Gamers who share real experiences help break down complex features into relatable talk. This peer-to-peer feel makes iQOO phones more than just another product on a shelf.  

3. Influencer Marketing Meets Experiential Endorsement

iQOO’s strategy goes beyond face-value endorsements. These collaborations are experiential. Gamers don’t just appear in ads. They shape how the product evolves. They stress-test devices under real conditions and share feedback directly with the brand. This connection bridges the gap between marketing and product development.  

Impact on Brand Perception & Youth Loyalty

1. Building Awareness That Feels Natural

Ambassador programs help brands stay visible without feeling forced. When young people see familiar faces using a product in real settings, the brand becomes easier to notice and remember. It does not feel like an ad. It feels like everyday content. And that matters to a generation that skips anything that looks overly promotional. Over time, this steady presence builds strong brand awareness.

2. Improving Credibility Through Real Voices

Youth audiences trust people more than logos. When ambassadors, creators, or campus leaders talk about a product they actually use, the message feels believable. This trust slowly transfers to the brand. The product starts to feel reliable, not just popular. And credibility built this way lasts longer than short-term campaigns driven only by discounts or loud ads.

3. Creating an Emotional Connection With the Brand

Ambassador programs help brands connect emotionally, not just functionally. Young users begin to associate the brand with moments they care about. College life, gaming sessions, content creation, daily routines. This emotional link makes the brand feel like part of their lifestyle, not just a purchase decision. And once that bond forms, switching becomes harder. 

4. Measurable Gains in Engagement and Buzz

The impact is visible in numbers too. Brands often see higher social media engagement, more user-generated content, and stronger online conversations. Campaigns spark shares, comments, and peer discussions. Search interest rises. Product launches feel more exciting. And desirability grows because the brand feels socially relevant.

5. Turning Users Into Long-Term Loyalists

When young consumers feel heard and represented, loyalty follows. Ambassador programs do not just sell products. They build communities. And communities stay longer, engage more, and advocate louder. This is how brands move from being tried once to being chosen again and again.

Get Famous Celebrities to Promote Your Smartphone Brand!

Want your smartphone brand to get noticed in a crowded market?
The right celebrity endorsement can add trust and visibility without feeling forced. With smart brand advertising, a well-matched brand ambassador helps explain your product and connect with real buyers. 

And when done right, brand promotion feels natural, not loud. Let’s help you find a celebrity who fits your brand story and speaks to the audience you want to reach.