Influencer Media Kits and Rate Cards: The Complete 2026 Guide

Introduction

Building your influencer brand in 2026 requires more than just followers. You need a professional presentation that shows brands exactly what they're getting. Influencer media kits and rate cards are the documents that make this happen.

A media kit is your professional portfolio. It showcases your audience, engagement, and past work. A rate card lists what you charge for different services. Together, they help you land better partnerships and negotiate higher rates.

According to Influencer Marketing Hub's 2026 data, creators with professional media kits receive 40% more brand inquiries than those without them. This makes sense—brands want to see proof before investing money.

The creator economy has changed dramatically. Platforms now prioritize engagement over raw follower counts. Brands want data, not vanity metrics. Your influencer media kits and rate cards must reflect these 2026 standards to stay competitive.

In this guide, you'll learn how to build professional influencer media kits and rate cards that convert brand interest into paid partnerships. We'll cover design, pricing, negotiation, and platform-specific strategies.

What Are Influencer Media Kits and Rate Cards?

Influencer media kits and rate cards are essential tools for any creator serious about monetizing their platform. These documents communicate your value to potential brand partners.

A media kit is a one-to-three page document that presents your audience, content, and past collaborations. It answers the question: "Why should a brand work with me?"

A rate card lists your pricing for different services. It shows what you charge for Instagram posts, TikTok videos, stories, and other content types. Clear pricing prevents awkward negotiation conversations.

Together, influencer media kits and rate cards streamline the entire partnership process. Brands can quickly understand your offer. You don't have to explain your value repeatedly.

Why Professional Media Kits Matter More in 2026

The influencer landscape has become more professional. In 2026, casual creators struggle to land partnerships. Professional creators with polished materials thrive.

Data shows that 73% of brands expect creators to provide media kits before discussing partnerships. This is a non-negotiable requirement for most serious collaborations. Without one, you look unprepared.

Professional influencer media kits and rate cards also protect you. They establish boundaries around pricing, usage rights, and deliverables. This prevents scope creep and payment disputes.

How Media Kits Drive Revenue

A strong media kit directly increases your earning potential. Here's why: brands see organized, professional creators as lower-risk investments.

When you present clear engagement metrics and audience data, brands make faster decisions. They don't spend weeks deliberating or asking for clarification. Quick decisions mean faster negotiations and higher close rates.

Additionally, professional influencer media kits and rate cards let you justify premium pricing. When you show real results from past campaigns, brands understand why you cost more than competitors.

Essential Components of a Professional Media Kit

Your media kit needs specific information to be effective. Missing pieces reduce your credibility and pricing power.

Audience Demographics and Psychographics

Brands care deeply about who follows you, not just how many people. They want to reach specific people with specific interests and buying power.

Include age ranges, gender breakdown, and location data. For example: "My audience is 68% female, ages 25-34, primarily in the US (45%) and Canada (20%)."

Go deeper than demographics. Share psychographics—what your audience cares about. Do they value sustainability? Health? Technology? This information helps brands decide if you're the right fit.

Include household income if you have it. Luxury brands want different audiences than budget brands. Your audience's purchasing power directly affects your rate card value.

Use your platform's native analytics. Instagram Insights, TikTok Creator Center, and YouTube Analytics provide accurate demographic data. This is more credible than estimates.

Engagement Metrics Beyond Follower Count

In 2026, follower counts mean almost nothing. Brands focus on engagement instead. A creator with 50,000 engaged followers is more valuable than one with 500,000 inactive followers.

Calculate your engagement rate using this formula: (Total engagements ÷ Total followers) × 100. For example, if you have 10,000 followers and get 500 likes on an average post, your engagement rate is 5%.

Track video completion rates if you post videos. On TikTok and YouTube Shorts, watch time matters more than views. A 45-second video with 70% completion rate is valuable.

Monitor save rates, share rates, and click-through rates. These actions show intent—people actively want your content. They're more important than passive likes.

Include month-over-month growth trends. Growing audiences signal momentum to brands. Show if your engagement is stable, growing, or declining.

Bonus metrics: Calculate your estimated reach (impressions) and estimated audience growth. Many platforms provide this data, and brands love seeing it.

Content Samples and Portfolio Showcase

Your media kit should include 4-6 examples of your best work. Show variety—different content types, themes, and brands (if applicable).

For video creators, embed or link to your best-performing videos. Include view counts and engagement numbers. This proves your ability to create viral or engaging content.

Include brand collaboration examples if you have them. Brands love seeing you've worked with recognizable names. Add client testimonials if available—these are gold for credibility.

Show content that demonstrates your niche expertise. If you're a fitness creator, showcase workout tips and transformation stories. If you're a tech reviewer, show product analysis videos.

If you're newer, curate content that would appeal to your target brands. A beauty creator should showcase makeup tutorials and product reviews, even if they're self-produced.

Platform-Specific Media Kit and Rate Card Strategies

Different platforms have different standards. Your influencer media kits and rate cards should reflect each platform's unique metrics and audience expectations.

TikTok Creator Media Kits and Rate Cards

TikTok dominates 2026. Brands allocate massive budgets to TikTok creators. Your rate card needs TikTok-specific information.

TikTok-specific metrics include average views per video, watch time percentage, and sound usage reach. Include your typical video length and posting frequency.

For TikTok, rate cards vary wildly by niche. In 2026, beauty creators earn $200-$2,000 per video depending on follower count. Tech creators often earn more—$500-$5,000 per video.

Include TikTok Shop affiliate rates if applicable. Many brands now partner with creators on product sales. A typical affiliate rate is 5-15% of sales generated.

Show your average view count and recent viral performance. If your last 10 videos averaged 500,000 views, that's huge value. TikTok's algorithm changes constantly, so include recent data, not outdated metrics.

Create a TikTok-specific section in your rate card. Show pricing for single videos, series (3+ videos), and TikTok Shop promotions. Include usage rights—can the brand repost your content?

Instagram and Reels-Focused Rate Cards

Instagram remains crucial despite TikTok's growth. However, Instagram's focus shifted to Reels in 2026.

Your rate card should differentiate between content types. Reels command higher rates than feed posts. Stories are typically cheaper. Carousel posts fall somewhere in the middle.

For a 50,000-follower account, typical 2026 Instagram rates are: - Reels: $500-$1,500 - Feed posts: $300-$800 - Stories (3-pack): $200-$400

Include your average Reel engagement rate. Instagram's native metrics show how many people engaged with your Reel. Share this—it's impressive proof of value.

Document Instagram Shop conversions if applicable. Some creators earn commissions on products sold through shoppable posts. Include these numbers in your rate card.

Create packages for creators with multiple account types. If you have a main account and niche sub-accounts, price each differently. Brands might want both.

YouTube and Long-Form Content Creator Rates

YouTube remains a powerhouse for creators in 2026. Brands value YouTube creators because of watch time and audience loyalty.

YouTube rate cards differ from TikTok. YouTube creators often negotiate CPM (cost per thousand views) rather than flat rates. Typical CPM ranges from $2-$15 depending on niche and audience demographics.

Calculate your estimated CPM: (Total earnings ÷ Total views) × 1,000. For example, if you earned $1,000 from 500,000 views, your CPM is $2. If you earned $1,000 from 100,000 views, your CPM is $10.

Include metrics for long-form videos and YouTube Shorts separately. Shorts drive different metrics and have different advertiser value.

Show your Community tab engagement if you have it. Direct audience communication increases partnership value. Brands see it as a direct sales channel.

Document channel membership revenue if applicable. Some creators earn significant income from memberships. This makes you more valuable to brands because you have diversified revenue streams.

Emerging Platforms and Cross-Platform Bundling

Threads launched in 2023 and grew significantly by 2026. If you have a strong Threads presence, include it in your rate card.

Podcasting exploded in 2026. If you host a podcast, create podcast-specific rates. Podcast sponsorships often pay more than social media content—$500-$2,000+ per episode depending on listeners.

Audio platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts value creators differently. Calculate downloads per episode, listener demographics, and average listen time.

Create bundled pricing for multi-platform campaigns. If a brand wants TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, offer a package discount. Maybe 10-15% off if they book all three platforms.

Document cross-platform reach. Show that your audience overlaps across platforms. If the same 50,000 people follow you on TikTok and Instagram, that's powerful consolidated reach.

Rate Card Strategy: Pricing Your Services Competitively

Pricing is the hardest part of your rate card. Underprice and you leave money on the table. Overprice and you lose deals. Your rate card must be strategically positioned.

Micro-Influencer vs. Macro-Influencer Pricing

In 2026, influencer tiers are clearly defined. Understanding where you fit helps you price appropriately.

Nano-influencers (1,000-10,000 followers): $100-$500 per post Micro-influencers (10,000-100,000 followers): $300-$2,000 per post Mid-tier influencers (100,000-1,000,000 followers): $2,000-$10,000 per post Macro-influencers (1,000,000-10,000,000 followers): $10,000-$50,000+ per post Mega-influencers (10,000,000+ followers): $50,000-$500,000+ per post

These are baseline ranges. Your actual rates depend on engagement, niche, and audience quality.

Micro-influencers often command higher engagement rates than macro-influencers. A micro-influencer with 5% engagement is more valuable than a macro-influencer with 1% engagement. Adjust your rate card to reflect this advantage.

Consider your niche expertise. A finance creator with 50,000 followers might charge more than a general lifestyle creator with 200,000 followers. Niche expertise commands premium pricing.

Use influencer rate calculator tools to benchmark your rates against competitors in your niche. This prevents underpricing.

Niche-Specific Pricing Breakdown

Different niches have different brand budgets. Understanding your niche's rate standards is crucial.

Beauty and cosmetics creators have the largest brand budgets. In 2026, established beauty creators charge $1,000-$5,000+ per post. Beauty brands invest heavily in influencer marketing.

Tech reviewers also command high rates. A popular tech creator with 100,000 followers can charge $2,000-$5,000 per video review. Brands need third-party credibility for tech products.

Fitness and wellness creators have moderate-to-high budgets. Gym equipment, supplements, and activewear brands pay well. Expect $500-$2,000 per post for established fitness creators.

Finance and crypto creators face challenges in 2026 due to regulatory scrutiny. However, established finance creators still earn well—$1,000-$3,000 per post. Compliance costs more, so brands budget accordingly.

Fashion and lifestyle creators have competitive pricing. Established fashion creators earn $800-$3,000 per post. This niche has lots of creators, so pricing can be lower.

Food and recipe creators have moderate budgets. Expect $400-$1,500 per post. Food brands love influencers but often negotiate heavily.

Parenting and family creators work with family-oriented brands. Expect $300-$1,200 per post. This niche doesn't have as much brand competition as beauty or fashion.

B2B and SaaS creators often earn the most per post. SaaS companies have higher budgets than consumer brands. Expect $2,000-$10,000+ per post if you have B2B expertise.

Create a niche-specific rate card template that reflects your industry's standards. Research 5-10 creators in your niche and their publicly listed rates.

Pricing Model Options

Flat-rate pricing is simple but not always best. Consider alternative models that increase your income potential.

Tiered pricing packages work well for creators. Offer Bronze ($500), Silver ($1,000), and Gold ($2,000) packages with different deliverables. Brands often choose the middle tier—Silver—giving you predictable revenue.

Performance-based pricing ties your income to campaign results. For example: $500 base fee + $0.05 per click driven to the brand's website. This aligns your incentives with the brand's goals. Brands love it because they only pay for results.

Affiliate commission models work great for product-based niches. Offer 10-20% commission on sales generated through your unique link. Beauty and fashion creators thrive with this model.

Hybrid models combine flat rate + performance bonus. Charge $1,000 base fee plus 5% of sales. This gives you guaranteed income plus upside potential.

Seasonal pricing adjusts rates based on demand. During holiday season (October-December), increase rates 20-30%. During slow season (January-February), decrease rates 10-20%.

Crisis pricing adjusts rates when algorithm changes impact reach. If TikTok's algorithm shifts and your views drop 50%, temporarily lower rates to maintain partnership flow. Raise them back when metrics recover.

Include all pricing options in your rate card. Let brands choose which model works for them. This flexibility closes more deals.

Designing Your Media Kit for Maximum Brand Appeal

A beautiful media kit attracts brands. An ugly media kit gets deleted. Professional design is non-negotiable.

Visual Design Best Practices

Your media kit should look professional, not trendy. Trends change yearly. Professional design lasts.

Use a clean, modern color scheme. 2-3 colors maximum. Consistency matters more than complexity.

Include your logo and brand name prominently. Brands remember visual branding. Make sure your media kit visually represents your brand identity.

Use readable fonts. Stick to 2 font families maximum—one for headers, one for body text. Font sizes should be at least 12pt for body text, 18pt+ for headers.

Include high-quality images. Blurry screenshots or low-resolution photos look unprofessional. Use clear, vibrant images that represent your best content.

Use white space effectively. Don't cram information everywhere. Breathing room makes media kits easier to read.

Create a visual hierarchy. Use size, color, and bold text to guide readers' eyes to important information.

Keep it to 1-2 pages maximum. One page is ideal. Brands don't read past page 2. Prioritize the most important information.

Optimize for mobile viewing. Many brands review media kits on phones. Ensure it reads well on small screens.

Structuring Information for Easy Scanning

Brands skim media kits. They don't read every word. Structure yours for quick scanning.

Start with a compelling headline about yourself. "Beauty Creator Teaching 100K+ Women Natural Skincare" is better than "Media Kit."

Use headers to break up content. Section headers help readers find what they need quickly.

Use bullet points instead of paragraphs whenever possible. One-line facts are easier to scan than paragraphs.

Put your best metrics first. Lead with engagement rate or audience size. Put less important metrics later.

Include a clear call-to-action at the bottom. "Ready to collaborate? Email [email protected]" tells brands exactly what to do next.

Add a contact section with multiple options. Include email, phone, manager contact, and a booking link (Calendly or similar).

Creating a Strong Call-to-Action

Your media kit should make collaboration easy. Don't make brands hunt for contact information.

Include a prominent email address for inquiries. Use a professional email—not a personal Gmail if possible. Create a business email like [email protected] if you can.

Add your response time commitment. "Typically respond within 24 hours" signals professionalism.

Include a direct booking calendar link. Brands appreciate one-click scheduling. Use Calendly, Acuity, or similar tools.

Add legal disclaimers at the bottom. Include an FTC disclosure statement about sponsored content. Include your rates are in USD (or your currency).

Mention your contract process. "All partnerships require a signed contract" protects you legally.

Include payment terms. "Net 30 invoicing" or "50% upfront, 50% upon delivery" prevents payment disputes.

Rate Card Negotiation Tactics and Scripts

Most brands try to negotiate lower rates. You need tactics and scripts to hold your ground.

How to Justify Your Rates to Brands

Data-driven justification works best. Never say "I charge $1,000 because I'm worth it." Instead, show the math.

Calculate your CPM (cost per thousand impressions). If your post reaches 100,000 people and you charge $1,000, your CPM is $10. Many brands pay $5-$20 CPM for digital ads. You're competitive.

Show engagement value. If your average post gets 5,000 engagements (likes, comments, shares), brands pay $0.20-$0.50 per engagement. Document this.

Calculate audience demographic value. If your audience is 80% female, 25-35 years old, with $60K+ household income, luxury brands will pay premium rates to reach them.

Document previous campaign results. If a past brand saw 10,000 clicks or 2,000 purchases from your post, share those numbers. Results justify rates.

Gather client testimonials. If a brand says "Working with [Creator] drove 15% increase in sales," include that in your rate card.

Research competitive rates using creator rate benchmarking resources. Show brands that your rates match industry standards.

Handling Common Objections

Brands always try to negotiate. These scripts help you respond professionally.

Objection: "Your rates are higher than other creators I've found." Response: "I understand budget concerns. My rates reflect my engagement rate of 5.2%, which is 40% higher than industry average. Higher engagement means more conversions for your brand. Can we discuss a performance-based model instead? You pay per result rather than per post."

Objection: "Can we do this for exposure instead of payment?" Response: "I appreciate the opportunity. Unfortunately, I work with brands on paid partnerships only. Exposure doesn't pay my bills or cover production costs. However, I'm happy to discuss a budget-friendly package if your budget is limited."

Objection: "We have a smaller budget; can you lower rates?" Response: "Absolutely, I work with brands at different price points. For a smaller budget, I offer these options: (1) Single post at discounted rate, (2) Performance-based model where you only pay for results, or (3) Shorter-term pilot campaign to test results. Which interests you?"

Objection: "We found someone with more followers at a lower rate." Response: "That's helpful context. Follower count varies widely in quality. My engagement rate is [5%], which generates more actual interest than follower count alone. Plus, my audience demographics match your target market perfectly. I'd suggest testing both creators and comparing ROI."

Objection: "Can you lower rates if we commit to 3+ posts?" Response: "Yes, I offer volume discounts for multi-post campaigns. For 3+ posts, I can offer 10% off per post. For 6+ posts, 15% off. This gives you predictable pricing and helps me plan content in advance."

When to Say No

Not every deal is worth taking. Protect your brand and mental health.

Say no to unreasonable terms. If a brand wants full ownership of content you created, you're giving up future licensing income. It's usually not worth it.

Say no to exposure-only deals. Your time has value. Never work for free unless it's truly strategic (launching a new niche, testing a brand you love, etc.).

Say no to brands with unrealistic expectations. If a brand wants 20 posts per month for your rate, that's unreasonable. Renegotiate or walk away.

Say no to brands that disrespect you. Demanding you hide brand relationships, posting fake reviews, or asking you to violate FTC rules—walk away.

Always stay professional. "Thank you for the opportunity, but this partnership isn't the right fit at this time" is sufficient.

Media Kit Tools and Software (2026 Edition)

Creating a professional media kit requires the right tools. You have many options.

InfluenceFlow's Free Media Kit Creator

InfluenceFlow makes creating professional influencer media kits and rate cards effortless. Best of all, it's completely free.

Start with pre-designed templates optimized for different platforms. Templates for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and emerging platforms are built-in.

Automatic metrics integration connects directly to your social accounts. Your audience data, engagement rates, and growth trends update automatically. No manual data entry.

The rate card generator includes industry benchmarks for your niche and follower count. Adjust pricing instantly and see different tiers side-by-side.

Create professional media kit templates quickly with drag-and-drop design tools. No Photoshop or design experience required.

Built-in contract templates protect you legally. Create partnership agreements, specify usage rights, and establish payment terms.

Digital contract signing streamlines partnerships. Brands can sign agreements directly in InfluenceFlow without printing or scanning.

Payment processing integration simplifies invoicing. Create invoices, track payments, and get paid faster.

Best part? You need no credit card. Zero cost forever. Get started immediately at InfluenceFlow.com.

Alternative Tools Worth Considering

Canva is excellent for design-focused creators. Templates are readily available. The design process is intuitive. However, you still manually enter data. Each update requires recreating the PDF.

Google Slides works fine for simpler media kits. It's free and straightforward. However, it lacks professional polish and design templates.

Figma offers design flexibility for advanced users. However, it has a steep learning curve. Most creators don't need this power.

Pitchdeck tools like Pitch or Beautiful.ai are overkill for media kits. They're designed for investor presentations, not creator portfolios.

Comparison: InfluenceFlow saves time through automation and built-in rate card calculations. Canva requires more manual work but offers more design customization. Google Slides is simplest but least professional.

For most creators, InfluenceFlow's free media kit creator offers the best combination of ease, professionalism, and features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I include in my media kit?

Include these essential elements: (1) Your name and brand identity, (2) Audience demographics (age, location, gender, interests), (3) Engagement metrics (engagement rate, average reach, growth rate), (4) Content samples showcasing your best work, (5) Brand partnerships and testimonials, (6) Your rate card with pricing options, (7) Contact information and response time, (8) FTC disclosure and legal information. A strong media kit includes 4-6 of these elements on 1-2 pages maximum.

How often should I update my media kit?

Update your media kit monthly. Your engagement metrics and follower count change constantly. Outdated metrics damage your credibility. Set a calendar reminder for the first of each month to review and update your metrics. If your engagement rate jumps 50% or follower count increases significantly, update immediately. If you launch a new platform or content type, update your media kit to reflect it.

What's a good engagement rate?

In 2026, engagement rates vary by platform. Instagram: 1-3% is average, 3-5% is good, 5%+ is excellent. TikTok: 3-5% is average, 5-8% is good, 8%+ is excellent. YouTube: 2-4% is average, 4-6% is good, 6%+ is excellent. Facebook: 0.5-1% is average, 1-2% is good. LinkedIn: 2-4% is average. Your engagement rate matters more than follower count—always emphasize it in your media kit.

How do I calculate my rate if I don't have a brand portfolio yet?

Use the follower count method as a baseline. For 10,000 followers, charge $300-$500 per post. For 50,000 followers, charge $800-$1,500. For 100,000 followers, charge $1,500-$3,000. Adjust upward if your engagement rate exceeds 5%. Adjust downward if engagement is below 2%. Research competitors' rates in your niche for more accurate pricing. Start lower as a new creator and raise rates quarterly as you gain experience.

Should I include my rates in my media kit or keep them private?

Include rates in your media kit. Transparent pricing signals professionalism and saves everyone time. Brands want to know upfront if you're in their budget. Hiding rates creates friction—brands will ask anyway. However, add a note: "Custom rates available for long-term partnerships and multi-platform campaigns." This leaves room for negotiation while showing typical prices.

What's the difference between CPM and flat-rate pricing?

CPM (cost per thousand impressions) ties your fee to how many people see your content. You calculate it as: (Total fee ÷ Total reach) × 1,000. CPM works best when your reach is stable and predictable. Flat-rate pricing charges a fixed amount per post regardless of reach. Flat rates work best when you want guaranteed income. Many creators use both: offer flat rates as default but accept CPM negotiations with larger brands.

How do I negotiate better rates with brands?

Start by setting a high anchor price—the first number asked is powerful. Use data to justify every rate you quote. Focus on engagement and audience quality over follower count. Create tiered pricing so brands see they get more value at higher price points. Offer discounts for longer partnerships (3+ posts get 10% off). Never negotiate down to flat rates without adding value elsewhere (more posts, stories, extended usage rights).

Can I charge different rates for different platforms?

Absolutely. Different platforms have different advertiser value. TikTok typically commands higher rates than Instagram. YouTube long-form content earns more than Shorts. Create platform-specific rate cards. Show pricing for: TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, Instagram feed posts, Instagram Stories, YouTube videos, YouTube Shorts, podcast sponsorships, and any other platforms you use. Brands understand that different platforms have different reach and engagement.

Include: (1) FTC disclosure statement about sponsored content, (2) Your business name or "Independent Creator," (3) Payment terms ("Net 30 invoicing" or similar), (4) Cancellation policy ("Non-refundable deposits after content creation begins"), (5) Usage rights clarification (whether brands can repost or edit your content), (6) Liability disclaimer, (7) Your email and contact information. Consult with a lawyer or tax professional to ensure compliance in your jurisdiction.

Should I list my follower count prominently in my media kit?

De-emphasize follower count and emphasize engagement instead. In 2026, brands know that follower count matters less than engagement. If your engagement rate is strong, highlight it first. Put follower count in smaller text below engagement metrics. For example: "98,000 followers | 4.8% engagement rate | 25K average post reach." This shows you understand modern metrics while being transparent about size.

How do I present audience demographics I don't have data for?

Use only data from your platform's native analytics. Instagram Insights, TikTok Creator Center, and YouTube Analytics provide demographic breakdowns. If you don't have specific data (like household income), don't guess or make it up. Brands appreciate honesty. Write: "Detailed income data unavailable, but my audience skews toward [profession/interest] based on engagement patterns."

What should I do if a brand wants to negotiate my rates down significantly?

Listen to their budget, but don't agree immediately. Offer alternatives: (1) Reduce deliverables (fewer posts or less complex content), (2) Switch to performance-based pricing, (3) Extend timeline (lower monthly rate but longer commitment), (4) Add affiliate commission instead of lowering flat rate. If their budget is truly incompatible with your rates, professional decline: "I appreciate the opportunity, but my rates reflect my audience value. I'm not a good fit for this budget. Good luck finding someone who is!"

How do creators use rate cards for affiliate partnerships?

Create a separate affiliate rate card section. List commission rates for different product categories. For example: "Fashion & apparel: 15%, Skincare & beauty: 20%, Tech products: 10%, Home goods: 8%." Include your affiliate metrics: "Average audience conversion rate: 0.5-2%, typical order value: $50-150." Show brands the earning potential through your audience. This makes affiliate partnerships feel like wins for both sides.

What metrics matter most to brands in 2026?

In order of importance: (1) Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares per post), (2) Audience demographics (exact match to their target customer), (3) Niche expertise (are you credible in this space?), (4) Previous campaign results (what happened last time?), (5) Growth trajectory (are you growing or declining?), (6) Platform reach (absolute numbers), (7) Follower count (least important). Structure your media kit to lead with engagement rate and demographics, not follower count.

Should I include video samples or just static images in my media kit?

Include both if possible. For content creators, embed video links in your digital media kit. Show 2-3 best-performing videos with view counts. Include static image examples too. Videos demonstrate production quality and editing skills. Static images show aesthetic consistency. If you provide PDF media kits, include thumbnail images with links to video content. Digital interactive media kits] perform better than static PDFs—consider InfluenceFlow's format for this reason.

Conclusion

Influencer media kits and rate cards are non-negotiable in 2026. Without them, you'll miss partnerships and undercharge for your work.

Key takeaways: - Create a professional media kit showing audience data and engagement metrics - Build a rate card reflecting your niche, platform, and audience quality - Use data and benchmarks to justify every price you quote - Update monthly as your metrics change - Negotiate confidently using scripts and objection-handling techniques - Use free tools like InfluenceFlow to create professional materials instantly

Your influencer media kits and rate cards represent your brand. They show businesses you're serious about this career. Professional materials lead to better partnerships and higher pay.

Start now. Create your media kit using InfluenceFlow's free media kit creator. No credit card required. No cost, ever. Get your professional materials in place this week.

Your future partnerships depend on it.