Since 2017, Ab Lieberman has been deeply immersed in influencer management, representation, and marketing. He began working with TikTokers back when the platform’s creators were still known as Musers, giving him a strong understanding of TikTok’s landscape. Leaving university after just two weeks, Ab went on to establish an influencer agency that today exclusively represents over 150 TikTok and Instagram influencers, with a combined following exceeding 50 million. Additionally, the agency holds non-exclusive agreements with more than 5,000 influencers.
Ab’s expertise lies in launching social media platforms across the US by recruiting hundreds of content creators to ensure consistent content generation. Over the past five years, his company has collaborated with apps such as Kwai, Likee, TikTok, Pococha, Bigo, Liveme, UpLive, Mico, Hakuna, Holla, Facecast, Triller, Livit, Hago, Cheez, Zynn, and others.
The agency has partnered with renowned brands in cluding Google, Sony Pictures, Toyota, Cheetos, Pepsi, Manscaped, FabFitFun, FlatTummyCo, Bytedance, YY, Hyperconnect, Kuaishou, Skechers, Lysol, and music labels like Atlantic Records, Armada, Dim Mak, CloudKid, and Columbia Records.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ab has spent over seven years studying human psychology and body language, both independently and in depth. This knowledge enables him to provide exceptional experiences for clients and employees alike.
Ab remains open to collaborating and networking with new professionals in the industry, recognizing that relationships are the foundation of his company.
Company: Clicks Talent
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Ab Lieberman : Thank you! I’m excited to be here. I’m Ab Lieberman, the CEO and Founder of Clicks Talent. I started this company in 2017 when TikTok was still in its infancy. I saw the massive potential of short-form video content and decided to create the world’s first TikTok-focused influencer marketing agency.
Clicks Talent specializes in connecting brands with influencers on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. We represent over 150 exclusive influencers and work with thousands more, helping brands craft compelling campaigns that drive real engagement. Over the years, we’ve collaborated with major brands like Amazon, Netflix, and Sony Records, ensuring their marketing efforts resonate with diverse, global audiences. Our approach is data-driven, but at the core, it’s all about authentic storytelling and making meaningful connections between brands and creators.
What does your typical day look like, and which part of your routine is the most essential to your productivity?
Ab Lieberman : Back in 2017, I noticed something most people weren’t paying attention to. TikTok (then called Musical.ly) was growing fast, and the way people consumed content was shifting. I saw a huge opportunity in influencer marketing before it became mainstream and decided to create Clicks Talent, the first-ever TikTok-focused influencer marketing agency.
The early days were challenging. Since influencer marketing was still in its infancy, brands were skeptical about investing in TikTok creators. Educating clients on the platform’s potential was a constant battle. Another major hurdle was finding the right influencers and ensuring they delivered high-quality, engaging content that matched brands’ expectations. Because we were pioneering in this space, there was no clear roadmap. I had to figure things out as we went, constantly adapting to the platform’s changes and industry trends.
Can you share any specific habits or rituals that have had the greatest impact on your focus and performance?
Ab Lieberman : The moment I knew we were onto something big was when major brands like Amazon, Netflix, and Sony Records started reaching out to us for influencer collaborations. It validated our approach and proved that brands were beginning to recognize the power of TikTok marketing.
Several strategies played a key role in our growth:
- Early Market Entry & Positioning Being the first TikTok influencer agency gave us a competitive advantage. We built credibility before influencer marketing on TikTok became mainstream.
- Building Strong Relationships We focused on developing long-term partnerships with influencers and brands, ensuring both sides saw real value in our collaborations.
- Data-Driven Campaigns Unlike many agencies that relied on gut instinct, we used data analytics to match influencers with brands strategically.
- Global Expansion We quickly expanded our reach, working with influencers and clients worldwide, which helped us scale rapidly.
- Diversification & Innovation Launching Zano, our influencer database, allowed us to refine influencer selection and optimize campaign performance for brands.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with personal well-being and family life?
Ab Lieberman : During the scaling phase, we primarily bootstrapped, carefully managing our financial resources to ensure sustainable growth. We focused on optimizing revenue streams and reinvesting profits to expand our operations without external funding.
What tools, apps, or systems do you rely on to stay organized and manage your time effectively?
Ab Lieberman : Company culture and team building played a crucial role in our growth. We fostered a collaborative and dynamic work environment, emphasizing clear communication, shared goals, and a strong commitment to our values. As we expanded, we ensured alignment by implementing structured onboarding, regular team check-ins and maintaining an open feedback culture to keep everyone engaged and aligned with our mission.
What advice would you give to other leaders looking to optimize their daily routines for maximum productivity and balance?
Ab Lieberman : One critical lesson I wish I had known earlier about scaling is the importance of building infrastructure ahead of demand. When you’re growing fast, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing opportunities and assume you can figure out systems and processes later. But the reality is, if you don’t proactively invest in scalable operations—whether that’s automation, hiring, or refining workflows—you’ll hit bottlenecks that slow momentum and create avoidable inefficiencies. Looking back, I would have prioritized systems and people before the pain points became urgent, rather than reacting to growth as it happened.
