How to Become an Icon

Icon (noun): a Kale creator who consistently posts high-quality content, meets challenge requirements, and puts creativity and effort into every post.

Everyone wants to be an Icon, and we want to help you get there! Becoming an Icon isn’t about being the perfect content creator, it’s about being intentional and taking the time to do your best. When you focus on quality, creativity, and consistency, you open the door to new opportunities on Kale. Keep reading to learn how to reach Icon status and unlock exclusive perks, brands, and higher payouts.

The Perks of Being an Icon

Once you achieve Icon status, you’ll gain access to more opportunities and flexibility as a creator. Icon benefits include:

• Access to Icon Only brands

• Ability to skip the waitlist

• Claim up to three video challenges at once

• Unlimited photo challenges

• Priority access to new challenges

These perks are tools to help you grow faster, earn more, and connect with top-tier brands!

What Kale Looks For

Our review team looks for content that feels thoughtful, creative, and polished. There are four specific elements that should always be top of mind when filming: lighting, camera quality, editing, and setting up the shot

1. Lighting
   Make sure your video is bright and clear so both you and the product are easy to see. Be sure to stick near a window for natural light, get outside when possible, or use a ring light to brighten up your shot. Never film with your back to a window (backlit), record in dim or shadowy spaces, or rely only on overhead lighting.

2. Camera Quality

   Keeping your footage crisp and stable is crucial. Always wipe your lens before filming, use the back camera as much as possible, try using the 0.5x ultra-wide lens, and shoot a test shot to make sure everything looks clear. Film a quick test shot to check clarity, and if the video turns out blurry, re-film it. High-quality visuals make a big difference!

3. Editing

   Clean, fast-paced editing can instantly elevate your video. Use apps like CapCut or TikTok’s built-in editor to keep your content snappy, engaging, and easy to watch. Be sure to trim your clips to cut out any sections without movement or action. Sometimes, those clips will be one second long or even less. Never speed up your videos, include long clips without action, or use any transitions, filters, or effects. Draw editing inspiration from top creators or brands you love! 

4. Setting Up the Shot

   Taking the time to set up your shot is what makes your video look polished instead of rushed. Prop up your phone somewhere steady, and if you don’t already have one, consider getting a tripod (it’s a game changer!). Good lighting makes all the difference, so find the brightest spot in your space to film. Natural light is best, but a ring light can works great when you need it. Before you start filming, do a quick test to check the lighting and camera quality, and clear any clutter in the background. Most importantly, don’t just hit record without a plan. Having a rough idea of what you’re filming will always make your content feel more intentional and put together!

How the Review Process Works

Every Icon application is reviewed by a real human team. We take time to look at your 5-10 most recent posts and your account as a whole, not just your Kale submissions. If your application isn’t approved, you’ll receive feedback from our team so you know exactly what to work on. You can reapply after 90 days, and we encourage you to use this time to keep creating and improving! Every creator starts somewhere. Keep learning, refining, and putting thought into your content. That’s how Icons are made!