Real answers to the questions creators ask before signing brand deals.
No, but it does mean they can use that specific piece of content forever without paying you again. Perpetual rights apply only to the content covered in the contract (that one video, that one photo), not your likeness or future work. The brand can keep running that ad in perpetuity (forever), but they can't use your face in anything new without a separate agreement.
No, and you shouldn't hand it over without a rights upgrade. Raw footage gives the brand unlimited creative control. They can recut it, repurpose it, and use it in campaigns that look nothing like what you delivered. If they want raw files, that's a separate line item with its own fee and its own usage terms.
Usually yes for portfolio purposes, but only if your contract explicitly allows it. Exclusivity typically refers to paid media and promotional use, not personal portfolio use. Always add a "portfolio rights" clause that lets you display the work on your website, case studies, and social media case study posts, regardless of exclusivity terms.
Whitelisting should add 25-100% on top of your base content fee, depending on spend and platform. Whitelisting lets the brand run ads from your handle, which borrows your audience trust and your reach. That's worth real money. A common starting point is 50% of your content fee for 30 days on one platform, scaling up for longer terms, multiple platforms, or high ad spend. Remember, all fees for your work are negotiable.
Yes. Website use is a separate usage right from social media. Their website is an owned property that builds their SEO and brand equity long after the campaign ends. A typical add-on is 15-30% of your base fee, and you should specify the duration (one year is standard).
Yes, Net-60 is common with large brands but it's negotiable, and Net-30 is more creator-friendly. "Net-60" means the brand has 60 days after invoice to pay you. Big corporate brands default to this because of their accounting systems, but freelancers and creators increasingly push for Net-30 or even Net-15. Always negotiate this upfront. A late fee clause helps too.
Add 25-50% to your base rate for anything under your standard turnaround. Rush work means dropping other projects, working nights or weekends, and taking on more pressure. A 48-hour turnaround typically commands 50% on top, while a 24-hour turnaround can justify 75-100%. Make sure it's written into the contract before you start shooting.
Document it immediately, then send a formal notice demanding they take it down or pay for an extension. Screenshot the ad with a timestamp, note the platform, and check your original contract for the usage window. This is a contract breach, and most brands will quickly negotiate a renewal fee once they realize you're paying attention.
Possibly, but only if your contract has a performance clause tied to payment. Most UGC contracts pay for deliverables, not results. If a brand tries to add "payment upon hitting X views" language, that shifts all the algorithm risk onto you, which isn't standard or fair for paid content.
A shadow ban clause silences you from speaking about the brand negatively, even after the deal is over, and you should strike it every time. These clauses go beyond standard non-disparagement and can prevent you from giving honest reviews, warning other creators, or discussing what happened if the partnership goes bad. Your voice is your business. Don't sign it away.
CreatorTerms is an AI-powered agreement review platform built specifically for the creator economy. We provide instant analysis for influencer brand deals and UGC agreements, helping creators understand and negotiate their contracts before signing.