Rate Cards for Influencer Services: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide
Influencer marketing is booming in 2026. Creators and brands need clear pricing. That's where rate cards for influencer services come in.
Rate cards for influencer services are price lists showing what creators charge for sponsored content. They break down costs by platform, content type, and audience size. Think of them as menus for influencer partnerships.
Understanding rate cards matters for everyone. Creators use them to set fair prices. Brands use them to budget campaigns and negotiate deals. Without clear pricing, deals fall apart or leave money on the table.
This guide covers everything you need to know about rate cards in 2026. We'll show you real pricing data, common mistakes, and how to build your own. Let's dive in.
Understanding Influencer Tiers and Their 2026 Pricing
Influencers aren't all the same. Different follower counts mean different prices. Here's how the industry breaks it down.
The Five-Tier Classification System
Nano-influencers (1K-10K followers) charge $50-$500 per post. They're just starting out. They have tight communities and high engagement rates.
Micro-influencers (10K-100K followers) charge $500-$5,000 per post. This is where most creators live. They're trusted by their audiences and affordable for brands.
Mid-tier influencers (100K-1M followers) charge $5,000-$25,000 per post. They have real reach and professional setups. Brands trust them with bigger budgets.
Macro-influencers (1M-10M followers) charge $25,000-$100,000+ per post. They're celebrities in their niches. Only major brands can afford them.
Mega-influencers (10M+ followers) charge $100,000-$500,000+ per post. Think top TikTokers and Instagram stars.
There's also a premium category. Luxury influencers (celebrities with 6-7 figure earnings) negotiate custom rates. These deals often exceed $500,000 per campaign.
How Engagement Rate Trumps Follower Count
Here's a secret: follower count is overrated in 2026.
Engagement rate matters more now. A creator with 50K followers and 8% engagement beats someone with 500K followers and 1% engagement. Real engagement means real influence.
Calculate engagement rate like this: (likes + comments + shares) ÷ followers × 100 = engagement percentage.
Brands check engagement carefully. They use tools to spot fake followers. If rates seem too low, red flags pop up. That tells them the account bought followers.
Authentic engagement commands premium rates. A micro-influencer with a tight, loyal community charges more than a macro-influencer with fake followers.
New Tier Categories for Emerging Platforms
The influencer landscape keeps changing. New platforms create new pricing categories.
TikTok Shop creators are in high demand. They specialize in social commerce and integration with TikTok Shop. They charge premium rates because they drive sales directly.
Pinterest influencers focus on long-form, evergreen content. Their rates differ from Instagram creators. They charge based on pins saved and clicks, not followers.
Threads-first creators are emerging fast. They build audiences on Threads before other platforms. Early movers command higher rates.
BeReal specialists focus on authentic, unfiltered content. Brands pay extra for this raw, honest aesthetic.
influencer marketing trends and platform growth shows that cross-platform expertise commands 15-25% premiums over single-platform specialists.
Platform-Specific Pricing Breakdowns for 2026
Each platform has different rules. Pricing varies by content type, reach, and engagement.
Instagram Rate Cards (Stories, Reels, Feed Posts, Carousels)
Instagram remains the industry standard. Here's what creators charge.
Feed posts are the baseline. A micro-influencer (10K-100K followers) charges $500-$2,000 per feed post.
Instagram Reels command 15-30% premiums over feed posts. They get more reach. Brands love them. A micro-influencer charges $750-$2,500 per Reel.
Stories are cheaper than feed posts. They disappear after 24 hours. Prices range from $200-$1,000 for micro-influencers.
Carousel posts (multiple images) cost slightly more than single posts. They showcase products better. Add 10-15% to your base rate.
Static images vs. video content also matters. Video costs 20-40% more. Video production takes more time and skill.
Rights and exclusivity change prices too. Exclusive content (no competitors featured) costs double. Perpetual usage rights add 30-50% premium.
According to Influencer Marketing Hub's 2026 data, Instagram creators earn 35% of their influencer income from sponsored posts. This confirms Instagram's continued dominance in rate cards.
TikTok and Short-Form Video Pricing
TikTok is where growth happens. Short-form video commands strong rates.
Native TikTok creators (those who built audiences on TikTok first) charge more. They understand the platform's algorithm. A micro-influencer charges $500-$3,000 per video.
Repurposed content (Instagram Reels reposted to TikTok) costs 30-50% less. It takes less effort. Brands accept this.
TikTok Shop integration adds 25-50% premium. When creators link to products, they drive conversions. Brands pay for performance.
TikTok Lite markets (India, Southeast Asia) have lower rates. Cost of living is lower. Creators charge $50-$300 per video.
Algorithm advantage means higher engagement. TikTok's For You Page pushes videos to millions. Creators charge premiums accordingly.
Performance-based pricing works well on TikTok. Brands prefer paying for clicks and conversions, not just views.
YouTube, Podcasts, and Long-Form Content
Long-form content tells deeper stories. Creators charge differently here.
YouTube sponsorships vary by subscriber count. A channel with 100K subscribers charges $2,000-$10,000 per video. With 1M subscribers, expect $10,000-$50,000.
Video length affects pricing. A 10-minute video costs less than a 45-minute deep dive. Add $1,000-$3,000 per 15 minutes of content.
Podcast host-read ads are premium. Hosts read ad copy naturally. This feels authentic. Rates range from $500-$5,000 per episode depending on downloads.
Pre-produced ads (submitted scripts) cost 30-40% less. They feel less authentic but take less creator time.
YouTube Shorts pricing sits between Reels and long-form. They're easier than full videos but harder than Stories.
Affiliate integration adds flexibility. Creators earn commission instead of upfront fees. This aligns incentives.
Service Type Pricing: A Complete Breakdown
Not all content costs the same. Different services have different prices.
Single-Post and Campaign Pricing Models
One-off posts follow the tier system we covered earlier. A single Instagram post for a micro-influencer runs $500-$2,000.
Campaign packages offer discounts. Here's typical bundling: - 3 posts: 10-15% discount - 5 posts: 15-20% discount - 10+ posts: 20-30% discount
Multi-platform campaigns combine services. Instagram + TikTok + YouTube bundles cost 15-25% less than individual rates added together. Creators save time managing one client.
Exclusive content prevents the brand's competitors from working with that creator. This costs 50-100% premium. Brands pay extra for protected positioning.
Usage rights matter enormously. Limited-time rights (30 days) cost less than perpetual rights. Add 30-50% for perpetual.
Territorial restrictions apply globally. A brand might buy rights for North America only. This costs less than worldwide rights.
Content Creation and Production Services
Sometimes creators shoot content from scratch. This costs more than posting existing content.
Concept creation ($200-$1,000): Strategy, creative direction, planning shots.
Photography/videography ($500-$5,000): Actual shooting, equipment, locations.
Editing and post-production ($200-$2,000): Color grading, sound, effects, final cuts.
Revision rounds ($100-$500 each): Changes after initial delivery.
Total content creation easily doubles the posting rate. Expect 100-150% premium over base rates.
Professional equipment and studio access add costs. Location fees also apply. Rush orders add 20-50% premium.
Before negotiating with creators, understand influencer contract templates and what they typically include regarding production responsibilities.
Specialized Services and Add-Ons
Beyond standard posts, creators offer premium services.
Live streaming ($500-$5,000): Real-time engagement, unpredictable, harder to execute.
Q&A sessions ($300-$2,000): Direct audience engagement, builds community.
Affiliate marketing (5-30% commission): Pay based on performance, not upfront.
Brand ambassadorships (long-term): Monthly retainers replace per-post fees. Expect 30-50% discount per post compared to one-offs.
Crisis management adds premiums. If reputation risk exists, creators charge extra. This can add 50-100% to base rates.
AI-generated content is emerging. It's cheaper than authentic content. Expect 30-50% discount. But audiences prefer authentic content, so high-end creators avoid this.
Compliance consultation ($300-$1,000): Ensuring FTC disclosures, legal requirements, platform rules.
Geographic and International Rate Card Variations
Location changes everything. Cost of living, market maturity, and platform dominance vary globally.
US, UK, and Western Europe Pricing Standards
United States sets the global standard. A US micro-influencer charges baseline rates. $500-$2,000 per Instagram post.
United Kingdom creators charge 15-25% less than equivalent US creators. London prices higher than regional UK cities.
Western Europe varies significantly. Scandinavia is most expensive (30-50% above US). Southern Europe is cheaper (20-30% below US).
VAT and taxes affect pricing. European creators add 20-25% for VAT. This is legally required.
Cost of living explains these differences. A London creator needs more income than a Manchester creator. They charge accordingly.
Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Emerging Markets
India has millions of creators. Micro-influencers charge $50-$300 per post. Volume compensates for lower rates.
Indonesia and Philippines follow similar patterns. Platforms emphasize TikTok and YouTube. Instagram rates are lower.
Brazil leads Latin America. Portuguese-speaking creators earn 20-30% more than their Indian counterparts.
Thailand and Vietnam are emerging markets. Rates climb as creators professionalize.
These rates reflect real cost-of-living differences. Fair pricing respects local economies. Avoid paying Western rates to emerging market creators unless their engagement justifies it.
Currency, Payment Terms, and International Compliance
Invoicing needs clarity. Specify currency (USD, GBP, EUR). Include payment terms (Net 30, Net 60).
Payment methods vary. Wire transfers work internationally. PayPal, Wise, and Stripe handle cross-border payments. Factor in 2-3% processing fees.
Tax obligations differ by country. US creators file 1099s. UK creators file self-assessment. Have creators provide tax documentation.
Escrow services protect both parties. For large deals, consider holding payment until delivery and approval. This costs 2-3% but prevents disputes.
Use digital contract signing for influencers to streamline international agreements.
Hidden Costs, Add-Ons, and True Rate Card Expenses
Rate cards show base prices. But actual costs run higher. Here's what gets added.
What's NOT Included in Base Rate Card Pricing
Production costs aren't in base rates. If creators shoot new content, they invoice separately. This includes equipment, props, locations.
Editing and revisions get billed separately. Each revision round costs extra. Three revisions might add $500-$2,000.
Usage rights licensing fees apply. Perpetual, worldwide rights cost 50% more than limited rights.
Management commissions (15-25%) apply. Agencies take a cut. Direct deals avoid this.
Talent fees apply if featuring other creators or models. Each additional person adds 10-20%.
Compliance review ($300-$1,000): Legal checking, FTC compliance, platform policy review.
Insurance and permits cover studio shoots, location shoots, or stunts.
Bundling, Discounts, and Negotiation Strategies
Smart packaging saves money.
Three-post packages: 10-15% discount off individual rates.
Month-long partnerships: 20-25% discount. Creators love consistent income.
Multi-platform bundles: 15-20% discount across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube.
Seasonal pricing matters. Q4 (October-December) sees 30-50% higher rates. Demand peaks for holiday campaigns. Q1-Q2 drops 15-25%. Lower demand means lower rates.
Performance-based pricing aligns incentives. If sales matter, pay commission instead of upfront fees.
Long-term contracts (6-12 months) reduce monthly rates 20-30%. Creators value predictable income.
Never pressure creators to discount below their minimums. This devalues their work. Instead, bundle services or extend timelines.
Rights Usage and Exclusivity Premiums
Non-exclusive content: Creator can repost anywhere. Standard rates apply.
Exclusive content: Brand gets exclusive positioning. No competitors featured. Add 50-100% premium.
Limited-time rights (30-90 days): Content expires. 50% discount off perpetual rights.
Perpetual rights: Brand owns content forever. Add 30-50% premium.
Geographic exclusivity: Exclusive within North America, for example. Add 20-30% premium.
Category exclusivity: No competitor posts for 90 days. Add 15-25% premium.
Buyout rates: Complete ownership transfer. Expect 100-300% premium over standard rates.
Use clear media kit for influencers to document your rate structure and rights policies upfront.
Building Your Own Rate Card: Step-by-Step Framework
Creating rates is personal. Different creators charge differently. Here's how to build yours.
For Creators: Establishing Your Baseline
Calculate your minimum hourly rate.
First, figure out cost of living. Research what you need annually. Divide by 2,000 work hours. That's your baseline hourly rate.
If you need $50,000 yearly, that's $25/hour minimum.
Factor in production time.
One Instagram post takes 1-3 hours (shooting, editing, posting). At $25/hour, charge at least $75. But influencers are experts. Charge $500 minimum.
Research comparable creators.
Find 5-10 creators in your niche with similar follower counts. What do they charge? This shows your market rate. Check their media kits and rate cards publicly.
Create platform-by-platform rates.
TikTok might be cheaper than Instagram for you. Price accordingly. Build a spreadsheet.
Design service tiers.
Basic (simple repost): $500 Standard (some custom content): $1,000 Premium (full production): $2,500
Increase rates regularly.
Every 10K followers, raise rates 10-15%. Every 1% engagement increase, add 5-10%.
Try influencer rate card generator tools to build professional cards fast.
For Brands: Setting Campaign Budgets and Allocations
Know industry benchmarks.
Most brands spend 40-50% of marketing budgets on creators. Within that, allocate across tiers: - Nano-influencers: 30% of budget, high volume - Micro-influencers: 50% of budget, best ROI - Macro-influencers: 15-20% of budget, brand lift - Mega-influencers: 5-10% of budget, awareness
Calculate cost per engagement.
Cost per engagement = Total spend ÷ Total engagements.
If you spend $5,000 and get 2,500 engagements, that's $2 per engagement. Is that good? For brand awareness, yes. For conversions, no.
Set ROI targets.
For awareness: 3:1 ratio (3 dollars in sales per 1 dollar spent). For conversions: 5:1 ratio minimum.
Use bundled packages.
Negotiate packages combining nano, micro, and macro influencers. You save money. They get guaranteed volume.
Compare direct vs. agency.
Direct deals save 15-25% (no agency fee). But agencies handle everything. Factor in your time.
Simplify budget tracking with influencer campaign management platform tools.
Using Tools and Templates
InfluenceFlow's free rate card generator walks you through everything. No credit card required.
Steps: 1. Enter your niche and follower count 2. Select platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.) 3. Input engagement rate 4. Adjust for location and experience 5. Download your professional rate card (PDF or image)
Contract templates matter. Include: - Deliverables (what content, when, how many revisions) - Payment terms (amount, due date, payment method) - Rights usage (exclusive, perpetual, territorial) - Deadlines (posting dates, approval timelines) - Cancellation terms (what if plans change?)
Invoice templates keep business organized. Include project details, rates, dates, totals, payment instructions.
Digital signatures speed deals. Both parties sign electronically. InfluenceFlow handles this for free.
Spreadsheet templates track spending. Monitor actual costs vs. budgets. Track ROI per influencer. Identify top performers.
Performance-Based Pricing and ROI-Driven Models
Modern influencer marketing rewards results. Performance-based pricing ties fees to outcomes.
Conversion Tracking and Affiliate Commission Structures
Affiliate commissions work well. Creator earns 5-30% of revenue generated.
Industries vary: - E-commerce: 5-15% typical - SaaS/apps: 15-30% typical - Fashion: 8-20% typical
Promo codes track purchases. Brand gives creator unique code (e.g., "JANE15"). Every purchase with that code counts.
Affiliate links use tracking URLs. Clicks through the link to the product. Conversions are attributed to that creator.
CPA (Cost Per Acquisition) models pay per customer. If a creator brings 10 customers at $50 CPA, they earn $500.
CPC (Cost Per Click) pays per click. Useful for awareness campaigns. $0.50-$2.00 per click typical.
This approach aligns incentives. Creators who drive results earn more. Brands only pay for results. Win-win.
Real 2026 example: A cosmetics brand pays an influencer $0 upfront, then 10% commission on sales. Month one: 500 sales at $50 average = $2,500 commission. Much higher than their usual $1,500 flat rate. The influencer loved it.
Seasonal Pricing Variations and Peak Demand Periods
Pricing isn't flat year-round. Seasons matter enormously.
Q4 (October-December) is peak season. Holiday campaigns dominate. Influencers raise rates 30-50%. Book early or pay premium prices.
Q3 (July-September) is secondary peak. Back-to-school campaigns drive demand. Rates increase 15-25%.
Q1 (January-March) is slower. New Year's resolutions drive some activity. Rates stay moderate.
Q2 (April-June) is slowest. Budget exhaustion and summer slowdown. Rates drop 10-20%.
Micro-influencers see less seasonal variation. They're always in demand.
Macro-influencers face huge seasonal swings. Book months ahead for Q4.
International variation matters. Indian Diwali (October-November) boosts rates. Brazilian Carnival (February-March) does the same.
Smart brands negotiate annual contracts. One rate applies all year. Cheaper for brands, stable for creators.
Avoiding Common Rate Card Mistakes
Mistakes cost money. Learn from others' errors.
Mistake #1: Charging Based Only on Follower Count
Wrong: "I have 50K followers, so I charge $500 per post."
Right: "I have 50K followers, 8% engagement, niche audience, so I charge $1,200 per post."
Engagement matters more. Always calculate it.
Mistake #2: Undercutting Yourself
Wrong: "Everyone's competing, so I'll charge $200 per post."
Right: "My rate is $500. If that's outside budget, I offer packages or performance-based alternatives."
Low rates attract low-budget brands. They're often disorganized. Payment delays happen. Charge your worth.
Mistake #3: Offering Free or Heavily Discounted Content
Wrong: "I'll do a free post for exposure."
Right: "Exposure doesn't pay bills. My minimum is $500."
Established creators don't post free. Neither should you. Exposure is rarely valuable.
Mistake #4: Not Including Revisions Limits
Wrong: Unlimited revisions. Client requests 10 revisions.
Right: "Two revisions included. Additional revisions are $100 each."
Set boundaries. Unlimited work for fixed pay is unsustainable.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Usage Rights
Wrong: Brand posts content forever. Creator earns nothing extra.
Right: "Perpetual, worldwide rights cost an additional $500."
Usage rights have value. Don't give them away.
Mistake #6: Accepting Late Payments
Wrong: Brand says "We'll pay in 90 days."
Right: "Payment due within 14 days of invoice. Late fees apply after 30 days."
Late payment kills cash flow. Be firm on terms.
According to a 2026 Influencer Marketing Hub survey, 34% of creators reported payment delays exceeding 30 days. Don't be that brand.
How InfluenceFlow Helps With Rate Cards
InfluenceFlow makes rate cards simple and free. Here's how.
Rate Card Generator
Our tool guides you through building professional rate cards in minutes. Answer simple questions about your niche, followers, engagement, and experience level.
The generator creates rate card images you download instantly. Share on your website, media kit, or send to brands. No design skills needed.
Media Kit Creator
Your rate card lives in a professional media kit. InfluenceFlow's media kit creator includes: - Rate card section - Audience demographics - Past campaign examples - Contact and booking information - One professional link to share everywhere
Brands see everything they need. Negotiations happen faster.
Contract Templates
Every rate card needs clear terms. Our contract templates cover: - Deliverables and deadlines - Payment terms - Usage rights and exclusivity - Revision limits - Cancellation policies
Customize in minutes. Both parties sign digitally.
Campaign Management for Brands
Brands use InfluenceFlow to manage creators and budgets. Track: - Rate cards from your roster - Campaign costs per influencer - Content approval and revisions - Payment status and invoices - ROI metrics and performance
Everything in one dashboard.
Digital Payments and Invoicing
Send invoices instantly. Creators receive payment directly to their bank or PayPal. Track payment status in real-time. No more chasing payments.
All tools are completely free. No credit card required. Start building your rate card today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good rate card for a micro-influencer in 2026?
For a micro-influencer (10K-100K followers) with 4-8% engagement, charge $500-$2,000 per Instagram post. TikTok runs $500-$3,000. YouTube videos run $1,000-$5,000 depending on length. Base rates on engagement, not just follower count. High-engagement micro-influencers justify premium pricing. Research similar creators in your niche. Adjust rates as your portfolio grows.
How do I calculate my influencer rate card?
Start with your minimum hourly rate. Estimate annual income needed. Divide by 2,000 work hours. That's your baseline. Then factor in content production time per post (1-3 hours). Research comparable creators. Survey 5-10 creators in your niche. Check their publicly available rates. Build rates higher than your baseline to account for expertise and platform requirements. Use InfluenceFlow's free rate card generator for professional formatting. Review and adjust quarterly.
Should I use performance-based or upfront pricing?
Both work. Upfront pricing (flat fees) guarantees income but limits upside. Performance-based (commission) ties to results and can pay more but adds risk. Many creators use hybrid models. Charge 50% upfront, 50% based on performance. For new brands, request upfront payment. For trusted partners, consider commission-only deals. Performance works best for affiliate, e-commerce, and conversion-focused campaigns.
How much should brands budget for influencer campaigns?
Industry average is 40-50% of marketing budgets going to creator partnerships. Within that, allocate 30% to nano-influencers (high volume, low cost), 50% to micro-influencers (best ROI), 15% to macro-influencers (brand lift), and 5-10% to mega-influencers (awareness). For a $10,000 budget: $3,000 nano, $5,000 micro, $1,500 macro, $500 mega. Calculate cost per engagement and set minimum ROI targets (3:1 for awareness, 5:1 for conversions).
What rights and exclusivity should I include in a rate card?
Standard rates include non-exclusive rights for 30-90 days. Exclusive content costs 50-100% premium. Perpetual rights add 30-50% cost. Limited-time rights (30 days) cost less than perpetual. Geographic exclusivity (North America only) adds 20-30%. Category exclusivity (no competitors) adds 15-25%. Buyout rates (complete ownership) cost 100-300% premium. Document all options clearly in your rate card to avoid disputes.
How do I increase my influencer rates?
Raise rates every 10,000 new followers (10-15% increase). Increase rates with engagement growth (5-10% per 1% engagement increase). Add 15-20% when launching new services (video production, long-form content). Increase 30-50% seasonally (Q4 peak). Build a portfolio of successful campaigns. Case studies justify higher rates. Testimonials and results prove your value. Annual rate increases of 20-30% are normal as you build authority.
What's the difference between nano and micro-influencers on rate cards?
Nano-influencers (1K-10K followers) charge $50-$500 per post. They're affordable and have tight communities. Micro-influencers (10K-100K) charge $500-$5,000 per post. They're the sweet spot for ROI. Nano-influencers often deliver better engagement rates. Micro-influencers offer better reach. Brands often use many nano-influencers instead of one macro. This strategy spreads budget further and reaches diverse audiences.
How do I handle contract negotiations with brands?
Start with your published rate card. This is your opening position. Listen to brand budgets. Offer alternatives: fewer posts, lower platform complexity, performance-based pricing. Bundle services for discounts (3-5 posts get 15% off). Never negotiate below your minimum. Instead, offer package deals or long-term contracts. Use clear influencer contract templates covering deliverables, payment terms, usage rights, and deadlines. Get everything in writing. Digital signatures speed the process.
What hidden costs should I add to my rate card?
Content production (concept, shooting, editing) costs 100-150% premium over posting existing content. Revisions beyond two cost $100-$500 each. Exclusive and perpetual rights cost 30-100% extra. Rush orders (faster turnaround) cost 20-50% extra. Additional talent or models cost 10-20% each. Usage rights licensing varies by territory and duration. Compliance review (FTC disclosure, legal check) costs $300-$1,000. List all potential add-ons in your rate card upfront.
How do international rate cards differ?
US micro-influencers charge baseline rates ($500-$2,000). UK creators charge 15-25% less. Western Europe varies (Scandinavia 30-50% higher, Southern Europe 20-30% lower). India charges $50-$300 (much lower cost of living). Brazil follows similar patterns to Mexico. Emerging markets are 60-80% cheaper than US. Respect local costs of living. Currency differences matter too. Add VAT for European creators (20-25%). Use local payment methods and consider exchange rates when budgeting internationally.
Should I use influencer agencies or direct creator rates?
Direct deals save 15-25% (no agency commission). You negotiate directly with creators. Agencies handle discovery, contract negotiation, and payment processing. This saves your time but costs commission (15-25%). For small campaigns (1-3 creators), go direct. For larger campaigns (10+ creators), use agencies. InfluenceFlow bridges the gap. Use our platform to find creators, negotiate rates, sign contracts, and process payments—all free, no commission. You get agency efficiency without agency fees.
How do seasonal changes affect rate card pricing?
Q4 (Oct-Dec) is peak season. Holiday campaigns push rates up 30-50%. Book 2-3 months early. Q3 (Jul-Sep) is secondary peak. Rates up 15-25%. Q1-Q2 are slower. Rates stay normal or drop 10-20%. Micro-influencers see less variation. Macro-influencers face huge swings. Smart strategy: negotiate annual contracts at one flat rate. Cheaper for brands, stable for creators. Seasonal variation is normal. Plan budgets accordingly.
What platform-specific rate variations should I know?
Instagram feed posts are baseline ($500-$2,000 for micro-influencers). Reels cost 15-30% more. Stories cost 30-40% less. TikTok rates equal or exceed Instagram. YouTube videos vary by length ($1,000-$5,000 for micro-influencers). Podcasts charge per episode ($500-$5,000). LinkedIn content costs 20-30% more (B2B premium). Pinterest differs widely (evergreen content models). Threads and emerging platforms offer first-mover premium rates. Calculate each platform separately in your rate card.
Conclusion
Rate cards for influencer services are essential in 2026. They set clear expectations. They protect both creators and brands.
Here's what you've learned:
- Tier system: Nano ($50-$500), Micro ($500-$5,000), Mid-tier ($5,000-$25,000), Macro ($25,000-$100,000), Mega ($100,000+)
- Platform matters: Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have different pricing
- Engagement beats followers: 8% engagement at 50K followers beats 1% at 500K
- Build bundled packages: 3-5 posts get 15-20% discounts
- Geographic variation: US, UK, Asia, Latin America each have different standards
- Performance works: Affiliate and commission models align incentives
- Usage rights add value: Exclusive, perpetual, and territorial rights cost extra
Ready to build your first rate card? InfluenceFlow makes it free and simple.
Get started today: 1. Visit InfluenceFlow 2. Use our free rate card generator 3. Download your professional rate card 4. Create your media kit 5. Start booking deals
No credit card required. Completely free forever. Whether you're a creator setting prices or a brand budgeting campaigns, InfluenceFlow helps you succeed. Start now and simplify your influencer marketing.