Contract Basics Every Creator Should Check
Before signing a brand deal, check five things: exactly what you will deliver, how long and where the brand can use your video, any exclusivity, how many revisions are included, and when and how you get paid. Get it in writing and ask a professional if unsure.
Always get the deal in writing
Even a small deal should have a written agreement, such as a short contract or a detailed email both sides confirm. Verbal promises are easy to forget and hard to prove.
This guide covers common terms, not legal advice. For larger deals or anything confusing, ask a lawyer or a creator support organisation in your country.
Deliverables and usage rights
Deliverables should be specific: number of videos, length, posting dates, captions, hashtags and whether a link is required. Vague wording like 'social content' invites endless requests.
Usage rights decide what the brand can do with your video after you post it. Organic reposting is different from running it as a paid ad for a year; longer and wider usage should cost more.
Exclusivity and revisions
Exclusivity means you agree not to work with competing brands for a period. Check how competitors are defined and how long it lasts, because it can block other income.
Revisions should be capped, for example one or two rounds of changes based on the original brief. Extra rounds or a new concept should be paid separately.
Payment terms and cancellation
Look for the amount, currency, due date and method. Many creators ask for part of the fee upfront and the rest on delivery, and note what happens if payment is late.
Check what happens if the brand cancels or rejects the video. A cancellation fee protects the time you already spent.
Frequently asked questions
What if the brand sends a long contract I do not understand?
Ask them to explain unclear clauses in plain words, and consider having a lawyer review it. Never sign just to avoid seeming difficult.
Can I negotiate a brand's standard contract?
Yes. Brands often expect questions about usage, exclusivity and payment timing, and polite requests for changes are normal.
Who owns the video after the deal?
It depends on the contract. Often the creator keeps ownership and grants the brand a licence, but read the rights section carefully.