TikTok Brand Deal Checklist: A Creator's Complete Guide to Vetting, Negotiating & Closing Deals

Introduction

The TikTok creator economy is booming in 2026. Creators are earning more from brand partnerships than ever before. However, not all brand deals are created equal. Some deals will waste your time or damage your reputation.

A TikTok brand deal checklist helps you evaluate opportunities before committing. This guide gives you a systematic approach to vetting, negotiating, and closing brand partnerships safely. Whether you have 10,000 followers or 10 million, this TikTok brand deal checklist protects your interests.

Brand deals can diversify your income beyond ad revenue and creator funds. The key is choosing the right partnerships for your audience and brand. This guide covers everything from spotting red flags to negotiating rates.

Ready to level up your partnership strategy? Let's dive in.

Understanding TikTok Brand Deals in 2026

Types of Brand Deals Available Today

Sponsored Content Deals are the most common partnership type. You create content featuring a brand's product with creative freedom. Brands pay you a flat fee regardless of performance.

Product Seeding involves receiving free products to mention organically in your videos. This works well for creators with smaller audiences. Payment may be the product itself or a small stipend.

Affiliate & Commission-Based Deals tie your earnings to performance. You earn money when followers click your link, make a purchase, or sign up. These deals work best if your audience trusts your recommendations.

User-Generated Content (UGC) deals let brands use your existing content across their own channels. You may receive a one-time flat fee or residual payments. This model is growing rapidly in 2026.

Subscription & Long-Term Partnerships involve recurring monthly or quarterly payments. You commit to creating regular content for a brand over several months. These deals provide income stability.

Exclusive Brand Ambassador Roles are multi-month or multi-year commitments. You agree not to work with competing brands during the partnership. Compensation is typically premium due to exclusivity restrictions.

2026 Brand Deal Landscape Changes

AI-powered brand matching platforms now dominate the partnership discovery space. These tools connect creators with relevant brands automatically. The technology has reduced time spent searching for opportunities.

Niche creator partnerships are more valuable than ever. Brands prefer authentic voices in specific communities over generic large accounts. Your micro-niche audience may be worth more than a larger generic following.

Performance-based compensation is becoming standard for many brands. Instead of flat fees, you earn based on clicks, conversions, or sales. This shift reflects brands' focus on measurable ROI.

TikTok Shop integration is creating new commerce opportunities. Brands want creators to drive sales directly through the platform. This trend is opening doors for commission-based deals with higher earning potential.

Why This TikTok Brand Deal Checklist Matters

Common mistakes cost creators thousands annually. Some creators accept deals without checking payment methods, leading to non-payment situations. Others sign contracts with unlimited revision clauses, wasting dozens of hours on edits.

A systematic vetting process prevents these costly errors. According to Influencer Marketing Hub's 2026 Creator Report, 34% of creators experienced payment delays or disputes. Having a TikTok brand deal checklist reduces this risk significantly.

The average creator loses 15-20 hours on a problematic deal attempting to resolve issues. This time could've earned money through better opportunities. Using this TikTok brand deal checklist upfront saves time and stress.

Tier-Specific Eligibility & Deal Expectations

Micro-Influencers (10K-100K followers)

Micro-influencers earned between $200-$2,000 per post in 2026, according to Creator.co's rate analysis. Your rates depend heavily on engagement rate and niche. Beauty and fashion creators typically command premium rates.

Most micro-influencer deals involve single sponsored posts or product seeding. Brands prefer testing with micro-influencers before scaling campaigns. This tier offers more brand diversity and deal frequency.

A professional media kit for influencers is essential for attracting brand attention at this tier. Include your follower count, engagement rate, audience demographics, and previous brand partnerships. Brands receive dozens of pitches daily and need quick proof of value.

Expect brands to request 2-4 weeks timeline for deliverables. They may ask for product photos, testimonials, or user-generated content alongside TikTok videos. Communicate clearly about what's included in your package.

Mid-Tier Creators (100K-1M followers)

Mid-tier creators typically earn $2,000-$25,000 per sponsored post in 2026. Your rates depend on engagement rate, audience quality, and niche specialization. Gaming and lifestyle creators often command higher rates than general entertainment creators.

Deal frequency increases significantly at this tier. Expect 2-5 brand deal inquiries per month if you're actively pitching. Some creators manage 8-12 brand partnerships annually while maintaining quality.

Premium influencer rate cards become important at this level. Brands expect transparency about your pricing structure. Use InfluenceFlow's rate card generator to create professional pricing that reflects your value.

Exclusive vs. non-exclusive deals become negotiation points. Brands may request exclusivity windows (30-90 days) where you can't work with competitors. Higher fees compensate for these restrictions.

Macro-Influencers (1M+ followers)

Macro-influencers command $25,000-$100,000+ per sponsored post. Some negotiate even higher fees based on audience size and engagement. Celebrity creators can charge significantly more.

Deal quality becomes more important than quantity at this tier. You can afford to be selective about partnerships. Poor brand fit damages your carefully built reputation.

Agent representation becomes common at this level. Agencies handle negotiations, contracts, and payment processing. They typically take 10-20% commission while handling administrative burden.

Contract complexity increases dramatically. Legal review becomes necessary for high-value deals. Multi-million-dollar brand deals may include indemnification clauses, insurance requirements, and dispute resolution procedures.

Pre-Deal Brand Vetting Checklist

Legitimacy & Red Flags Assessment

Always verify a brand's legitimacy before accepting any deal. Check their official website for contact information, physical address, and company registration details. Scam brands often lack professional websites or have recently created domains.

Research the brand's history with creators. Search TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for mentions of their partnerships. Look for creator complaints in forums or social media. A single negative experience doesn't mean much, but patterns indicate problems.

Check payment history directly. Ask the brand for references from previous creators they've worked with. Most legitimate brands will provide this information. If they refuse, that's a major red flag.

Review the brand's social media accounts for legitimacy signals. Legitimate brands have verified badges, consistent posting history, and genuine engagement. Accounts that seem inactive or recently created warrant extra caution.

Verify FTC compliance history and any brand controversies. Search "[brand name] FTC" to check regulatory issues. Google the brand name with "lawsuit" or "scam" to identify serious problems. Recent controversies don't automatically disqualify a brand, but context matters.

Brand Alignment & Audience Safety

Ask yourself: Does this brand align with my values and content style? A beauty creator working with a predatory lending company damages their credibility. Misaligned partnerships erode audience trust faster than anything else.

Analyze audience demographic matching. Does the brand's target customer match your audience? A financial services brand seeking 18-24 year olds benefits from a young-focused creator. Demographic misalignment often signals poor deal performance.

Assess reputation risk honestly. Search "[brand name] controversies" and "[brand name] criticism" to identify past issues. Some brands face legitimate criticism. Others have serious ethical concerns. Your association with the brand reflects on you.

Check the brand's engagement quality on social media. Do real people interact with their content or mostly bots? Low-quality engagement suggests either a struggling brand or someone buying fake followers. Either way, it's a warning sign.

Consider niche-specific factors in your decision. Finance creators must verify that brands don't make unrealistic promises. Fashion creators should check for sustainable and ethical sourcing. Health creators need brands with proper disclaimers and regulatory compliance.

Financial Viability Check

Confirm the payment method before committing. Will they pay via direct deposit, PayPal, check, or another method? International creators must verify they can receive payments in their country. Some payment methods have fees that reduce your earnings.

Ask about payment timing explicitly. When will you receive payment—immediately after posting, at campaign end, or 30 days later? Long payment delays can strain your cash flow. Require payment within 30 days of deliverables as your standard.

Identify any hidden costs you might cover. Does the brand ask you to purchase supplies for content creation? Some deals expect you to cover props, locations, or travel expenses. These should be negotiated upfront.

Compare rates to industry benchmarks using InfluenceFlow's rate research tools. Are you being offered fair compensation for your tier? The 2026 average for micro-influencers is $200-$2,000 per post. Offers significantly below this range warrant questioning.

International creators must understand currency conversion and payment fees. A deal paying in EUR or GBP fluctuates in value. Verify that payment method fees don't consume 10-15% of your earnings.

The Deal Negotiation Checklist

Essential Terms to Clarify Before Signing

Deliverables must be crystal clear in writing. How many TikTok videos? What's the minimum length? When must you post them? How many revisions are allowed before final approval? Vague deliverables lead to disputes.

Usage Rights determine how the brand can use your content. Can they share it on Instagram and YouTube? For how long? Can they edit your content? Do they own it permanently or just during the campaign? Broad usage rights without additional compensation is a loss.

Payment Structure should be detailed. Is it a flat fee of $3,000? Or $3,000 base plus $500 per 100,000 views? Payment terms matter—full payment upfront, 50% deposit plus 50% on completion, or all at the end? Deposit requirements protect you.

Creative Freedom varies by brand. Some give complete freedom while others require pre-approval of every post. Will they request changes you disagree with? Can you add your personal hashtags? Negotiate for reasonable creative input.

Disclosure Requirements are legally mandatory. FTC rules require clear disclosure of sponsorships. Where does #ad or #sponsored go in your caption? Early in the text or at the end? Agree on exact language before posting.

Post-Campaign Performance metrics should be defined upfront. If it's performance-based, what counts as success? 100,000 views? $5,000 in sales? How will you measure results? Define metrics before starting, not after.

Negotiation Tactics & Scripts

Start negotiations with confidence in your value. You have something the brand needs—access to engaged followers. Never accept the first offer without negotiation. Brands expect pushback.

A simple opening line: "Thanks for the opportunity. Based on my engagement rate of 8% and audience of 150K, my rate is $4,000 per post. I'm open to discussing package deals for multiple posts."

When receiving lowball offers, don't accept immediately. Ask: "Can you help me understand how you arrived at that figure? My engagement rate is X%, and comparable creators in my niche charge Y. What flexibility do you have?"

For higher rate requests, provide data. "My last post reached 450,000 views with 2.8% engagement, which is 35% above TikTok averages. My audience demographic matches your target customer perfectly. A $5,000 investment seems appropriate."

Using influencer rate cards during negotiations provides structure. Share your rate card showing different packages. "I have several options: single post at $3,500, three-post package at $9,500, or a month-long partnership at $12,000. Which interests you?"

Negotiate exclusivity premium specifically. "I can offer 60-day exclusivity in your category for an additional $2,000. Without exclusivity, my rate is $3,000. What works for your budget?"

Red Flags in Contracts

Unlimited revisions are a major red flag. Most contracts should specify 2-3 rounds of revisions included. Beyond that, charge additional fees. Protect yourself from endless back-and-forth.

Overly long exclusivity periods (6+ months) restricting your ability to earn from competitors is problematic. 30-90 days is standard. Anything longer requires significant premium compensation.

Brands owning your content permanently after the campaign ends is unfair. You should retain content ownership even if they have exclusive usage rights temporarily. Some brands try to use your content forever without ongoing compensation.

Non-disparagement clauses that restrict your speech beyond campaign scope are concerning. You shouldn't be prevented from criticizing the brand's practices years after the deal ends.

Refund clauses with vague performance metrics create risk. "If the post doesn't go viral, refund the fee" is undefined. Never agree to refund clauses based on unclear metrics.

Payment contingent on viral performance is unrealistic. You control content quality, not virality. The algorithm determines performance. Never accept payment tied to undefined success metrics.

Overly broad indemnification clauses that make you liable for any issue are problematic. You shouldn't be responsible for brand decisions or market conditions beyond your control.

FTC Disclosure & Platform Requirements

The FTC requires clear, conspicuous disclosure of sponsored relationships. In 2026, #ad or #sponsored must appear early in your caption. Don't bury it at the end where followers miss it.

TikTok's specific guidelines recommend placing #ad in the first line of your caption. The platform may suppress reach if disclosures aren't clear. Proper placement actually helps algorithm performance.

FTC violations carry penalties ranging from $43,792 per violation (as of 2026). Non-compliance isn't worth risking. Document that you included proper disclosures. Save screenshots of every sponsored post before deletion.

Affiliate disclosures differ from sponsored content. If you earn commission based on sales, use #ad or specify your affiliate relationship. The rule applies whether you earn flat fees or performance-based compensation.

Documentation protects you legally. Keep records of every brand deal contract. File copies of posted content with disclosures. Maintain proof of payment received. This documentation defends you if FTC questions arise.

Tax Implications for Brand Deal Income

Brand deal income is taxable income in virtually all jurisdictions. You must report all earnings to tax authorities. This includes international brands paying in foreign currency.

In the US, creators typically receive 1099 forms from brands paying over $600 annually. You report this on Schedule C (sole proprietor) or your business tax return. Many creators miss this income type and face audits.

Set aside 25-30% of brand deal earnings for taxes. Quarterly estimated tax payments may be required depending on income level. Working with an accountant familiar with creator income prevents surprises.

Track business expenses related to brand deals. Content creation supplies, equipment, software subscriptions, and professional services are deductible. Keep receipts for everything.

International creators face additional complexity with currency conversion. Document exchange rates on payment dates. Some countries have tax treaties that may affect withholding requirements.

Contract Protection Essentials

Read every contract completely before signing, even if it seems standard. Real examples: One creator missed a clause allowing the brand to edit content and change messaging. Another didn't notice a non-compete preventing any fitness content for 12 months.

Key protective clauses include: payment guarantees, content ownership terms, usage rights expiration dates, revision limits, and dispute resolution procedures. Verify these exist in every contract.

High-value deals ($10,000+) warrant legal review. Lawyers specializing in creator contracts cost $300-$1,000 for review. This investment protects deals worth thousands. For smaller deals, self-review is acceptable if you know what to look for.

Create your own contract template for consistency. InfluenceFlow offers influencer contract templates that protect creator interests. Customizing a pro-creator template saves negotiation time.

Insurance for creators is emerging as a consideration for high-value deals. Professional liability insurance covers claims arising from your content. It's relatively affordable and increasingly important as brand partnerships grow more valuable.

Payment Structures & Rate Card Strategy

Common Payment Models in 2026

Flat Fee Model remains most common—brands pay fixed amounts regardless of performance. This model provides income certainty and appeals to risk-averse brands. It's ideal for creators with consistent engagement.

Performance-Based Models tie earnings to specific metrics: views, clicks, conversions, or sales. These deal types require excellent audience quality. They work best if your audience actively purchases products.

Tiered Compensation provides base pay plus bonuses for hitting KPI targets. Example: $2,000 base fee plus $500 for every 100,000 views over 500,000. This model balances brand risk with creator upside.

Hybrid Models combine guaranteed minimums with performance bonuses. You earn $3,000 regardless, but can earn up to $6,000 based on performance. Brands appreciate the transparency; creators appreciate the security.

Equity/Revenue Share agreements are emerging for startup brands and long-term partnerships. You receive a percentage of revenue generated through your affiliate link or referral code. This model builds wealth but requires trust and transparency.

Industry Rate Benchmarks by Creator Tier

According to Creator.co's 2026 rate analysis, micro-influencers (10K-100K) earn $200-$2,000 per post. Rates vary significantly by niche—beauty creators earn 2-3x more than general entertainment creators.

Mid-tier creators (100K-1M) typically charge $2,000-$25,000 per post. Gaming creators often command premium rates due to high audience purchasing power. Lifestyle creators in saturated niches earn lower rates despite follower count.

Macro-influencers (1M+) negotiate $25,000-$100,000+ per post. Some earn significantly more—mega-creators can command $150,000-$300,000 for single posts. Celebrity creators operate in a different pricing universe entirely.

Your personal rate depends on engagement rate, audience quality, niche, and brand demand. High engagement (5%+) justifies premium rates. Engaged audiences have higher purchasing power.

Calculate your baseline using this formula: (Monthly Earnings Goal ÷ 12) ÷ Deal Frequency = Rate per Post. If you want $60,000 annually and do 10 deals per year, your rate should be around $500 per post minimum. This ensures profitability.

Building Your Rate Card with Confidence

Create a professional rate card showing different package options. InfluenceFlow's rate card generator creates PDFs instantly. Share it with interested brands to streamline negotiations.

A sample rate card includes: - Single TikTok post: $3,500 - 3-post package (weekly): $9,500 (saves brand 10%) - Monthly partnership (4 posts): $12,000 (saves brand 14%) - Exclusive 90-day partnership: $15,000 (adds premium)

Justify your rates using data. "My average post reaches 380,000 views with 6.2% engagement, 40% above TikTok average. My audience is 73% female, ages 18-24, matching your target demographic perfectly."

Offer package deals that provide value without undermining rates. A 10% discount for three-post campaigns incentivizes larger deals while maintaining profitability. Volume deals build stronger brand relationships.

Adjust rates seasonally based on demand. Q4 (October-December) sees higher brand budgets due to holiday spending. Increase rates 15-20% during peak season. January-February rates can decrease 10% as budgets reset.

Post-Deal Execution & Optimization

Content Creation & Deliverable Tracking

Create a project management system for tracking brand deliverables. Use tools like Asana, Monday.com, or simple spreadsheets. Document posting dates, content requirements, revision rounds, and payment status.

Timeline management prevents last-minute stress. Agree on posting schedule weeks in advance. If a brand wants content posted Tuesday at 9 AM, confirm this in writing. Algorithm timing affects performance significantly.

Quality assurance before submission matters. Review your content against brand requirements. Does it meet length requirements? Include all required hashtags? Maintain authentic voice while hitting brand messaging? Only submit when you're confident in quality.

Maintain authentic voice while meeting brand requirements. The best brand deals don't feel forced. Your audience can tell when you genuinely endorse something versus pushing a product. Balance brand requirements with authenticity.

Document everything for payment disputes and delivery proof. Keep screenshots of approval messages. Save copies of videos submitted. Record dates and times. This documentation protects you if disputes arise.

Performance Tracking & Reporting

Monitor key metrics across all your brand partnerships. Track views, engagement rate, click-through rate (if applicable), and conversions. Most brand deals benefit from tracking beyond just vanity metrics.

Tools like InfluenceFlow provide TikTok analytics and performance tracking dashboards. Professional analytics demonstrate value to brands. They help justify rate increases in future negotiations.

Create post-campaign reports for brands showing performance data. Include views, engagement metrics, audience demographics, and top comments. Professional reporting encourages repeat partnerships and referrals.

Use performance data to justify future rate increases. "My last three brand partnerships averaged 520,000 views and 6.8% engagement. Industry research shows this performance level warrants a $4,500 rate."

Document everything for negotiation leverage. Save all positive brand feedback. Screenshot congratulatory messages about campaign performance. This evidence strengthens future rate negotiations.

Long-term relationship building matters more than individual deal terms. Brands prefer consistent partners over constantly switching creators. Solid performance builds trust and leads to repeat deals at better rates.

Handling Brand Disputes & Issues

Communication protocols prevent small issues from becoming major disputes. Respond promptly to brand inquiries. Establish clear response time expectations upfront. Professional communication builds trust even during problems.

If deliverables have issues, address immediately. "I reviewed your feedback on the video—you're right about the lighting. I'll refilm the intro and resubmit by Friday." Taking ownership and fixing issues maintains goodwill.

Renegotiate terms only if circumstances significantly changed post-agreement. "The product arrived damaged, preventing authentic demonstration. Can we adjust the deliverable to focus on the brand story instead?" Most reasonable brands accommodate genuine issues.

Address payment delays professionally. "I haven't received the agreed payment yet. The contract specified payment by March 15. Can you confirm the payment status? I'm happy to send my payment details if there's an issue."

Document everything in writing via email or contract platform. Avoid verbal agreements about problem resolution. Written documentation prevents misunderstandings and protects you legally.

Escalation procedures protect you when brands become uncooperative. First: direct communication with your contact. Second: escalation to brand management. Third: legal counsel involvement if necessary.

Protect your reputation during disputes. Avoid public complaints about brands on social media. Stay professional even if frustrated. Publicly attacking brands damages your reputation and future opportunities more than it damages theirs.

Advanced Strategy: Finding & Matching with Right Brands

Proactive Deal-Sourcing Methods

Optimize your profile for brand discovery. Use keywords in your bio related to your niche and audience. "Fashion & sustainability advocate | 156K engaged followers | DM for partnerships" signals your availability.

Your media kit is your sales tool for brand discovery. Create a professional media kit for influencers showcasing your strengths. Include audience demographics, engagement metrics, previous brand partnerships, and your rate card. Make it downloadable from your TikTok bio link.

Creator marketplaces connect you with brands actively seeking partnerships. InfluenceFlow connects creators with verified brands searching for your specific audience. Other platforms like AspireIQ and Upfluence maintain brand networks seeking creators.

Network directly with brand marketing teams. Identify brands you genuinely love and research their marketing team on LinkedIn. Send personalized pitches: "I've followed your brand for two years. Your sustainability values align with my content. I'd love to discuss a partnership."

Seasonal trends offer timing optimization. Holiday brands (gift companies, beauty) hire heavily September-October. Back-to-school companies recruit July-August. Financial services seek January partnerships. Pitch strategically during high-budget periods.

Creator-Brand Matching Framework

Successful partnerships require alignment on multiple dimensions. A luxury brand seeking premium positioning needs different creators than a budget brand seeking volume. Match your positioning with brand positioning.

Research brand partnership history before pitching. Which creators have they worked with? What tier? What frequency? If they typically work with micro-influencers but you're macro, you may not fit their budget. Understanding their patterns improves pitch success.

Analyze competitor creator partnerships to identify opportunities. If 10 similar creators work with a brand, you likely fit. If no one in your niche works with them, investigate why. Maybe they haven't discovered your niche yet.

Niche-specific considerations dramatically affect success. Beauty creators should vet brands' sustainability and ethical sourcing. Gaming creators should ensure brands align with their gaming preferences. Finance creators need brands with realistic claims and regulatory compliance.

Value alignment matters most for long-term partnerships. A brand that prioritizes diversity and inclusion should work with diverse creators. A sustainable brand should partner with environmentally conscious creators. Misalignment creates friction throughout the partnership.

Audience demographics must align with brand targets. Financial services targeting wealthy retirees shouldn't hire young creators. Baby product brands shouldn't work with beauty creators whose audiences are primarily men. Demographic mismatch wastes brand budget and your time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a TikTok brand deal checklist exactly?

A TikTok brand deal checklist is a systematic tool helping creators evaluate brand partnership opportunities safely. It covers brand legitimacy, contract terms, payment verification, and legal compliance before you commit. The checklist prevents costly mistakes like accepting bad contracts, working with scam brands, or dealing with payment disputes. Using one protects your time, reputation, and income.

How much should I charge for a TikTok brand deal in 2026?

Rates depend on your follower count, engagement rate, and niche. Micro-influencers (10K-100K) typically earn $200-$2,000 per post. Mid-tier creators (100K-1M) charge $2,000-$25,000. Macro-influencers (1M+) negotiate $25,000-$100,000+. Calculate your baseline using your desired annual income divided by expected deal frequency. Always research comparable creators in your niche before setting rates.

What are the biggest red flags in brand deal contracts?

Major red flags include unlimited revisions, overly long exclusivity periods (6+ months), brands owning your content permanently, vague payment performance metrics, and refund clauses. Also watch for non-disparagement clauses restricting your speech, overly broad liability terms, and payment contingent on "viral" performance. Review contracts carefully or have a lawyer check high-value deals.

Do I need to report brand deal income on my taxes?

Yes, absolutely. Brand deal income is taxable income in all jurisdictions. In the US, you report it on Schedule C if self-employed. Brands may issue 1099 forms for payments over $600 annually. Set aside 25-30% of earnings for taxes. Keep detailed records of all brand deals and business expenses. Consider working with an accountant familiar with creator income.

How do I verify a brand is legitimate before accepting a deal?

Check the brand's official website for contact information and company registration details. Research their history with creators on social media and creator forums. Ask for references from previous creators they've worked with. Verify their social media accounts have legitimate engagement and posting history. Google their name with "FTC," "lawsuit," and "scam" to identify serious issues. Never accept deals from recently created brands with minimal online presence.

What should I include in my media kit for brand partnerships?

Include follower count, engagement rate, audience demographics (age, gender, location), content niches, previous brand partnerships with results, and your rate card. Add statistics showing your content performance (average views, engagement metrics). Include a professional photo and concise bio. Make it a downloadable PDF linked in your TikTok bio. Professional media kits increase brand inquiry response rates significantly.

Can I negotiate brand deal rates or terms?

Absolutely. Brands expect negotiation. Never accept initial offers without pushback. Provide data supporting your rate: "My average engagement is 7.2%, 45% above average. I'm requesting $4,500 instead of $3,000." Negotiate specific terms too—revisions, usage rights, exclusivity periods. Professional negotiation increases earnings 20-50% on average without burning bridges.

How long should exclusivity periods last in brand contracts?

Standard exclusivity periods are 30-90 days after posting. Anything longer significantly restricts your income potential. Six-month exclusivity requires premium compensation. During exclusivity, you can't work with competing brands. Negotiate shorter periods for niche categories (competing fitness brands) versus broader exclusivity (can't discuss health at all). Write exclusivity periods clearly into contracts with specific dates.

What FTC disclosures do I need for sponsored TikTok content?

Place #ad or #sponsored early in your caption, preferably the first line. The FTC requires clear, conspicuous disclosure so viewers immediately understand the sponsorship. Don't bury disclosures at the end where followers miss them. TikTok recommends early placement because it may help algorithmic performance. Keep screenshots of all sponsored posts with proper disclosures for your records.

How do I handle payment delays from brands?

First, confirm the agreed payment timeline in your contract. Send a professional reminder at the due date: "I'm following up on the payment due today per our contract. Can you confirm payment status or provide an updated timeline?" If delays continue, escalate to brand management. For substantial delays beyond 60 days, involve legal counsel. Never proceed with future work until payment is received.

Should I accept performance-based or affiliate deals?

Performance-based deals work best if your audience actively purchases products. They provide income uncertainty but upside potential. Affiliate deals earning 5-10% commission only make sense if conversion potential is high. For most creators, flat fees provide better income predictability. Mix both: flat-fee deals provide stability while one or two affiliate deals offer upside. Choose based on audience quality and brand fit.

How many brand deals should I do per month?

Balance is key. Too many deals—10+ monthly—dilutes your authenticity and exhausts your creative energy. Too few—one per month—limits income. Most successful creators manage 2-4 brand deals monthly. This frequency allows quality content, authentic endorsements, and sufficient audience recovery between sponsored posts. Quality over quantity builds long-term sustainability and audience trust.

What's the difference between UGC deals and sponsored content deals?

UGC (User-Generated Content) deals involve brands using your existing or new content across their channels. You receive a one-time flat fee, typically lower than sponsored deals ($500-$2,000). You retain some content rights but grant brands broad usage rights. Sponsored content deals typically pay more ($1,000-$10,000+) and involve creating content specifically for the brand on your channels. Both have value depending on your goals.

Can I work with multiple brands in the same category?

This depends on exclusivity agreements in your contracts. If one contract includes exclusivity, you can't work with competitors during that period. Without exclusivity, you can work with competing brands. However, audience trust decreases if you promote too many similar products. Limit to one competitor per 30-day period to maintain authenticity. Always verify exclusivity terms explicitly in contracts.

How do I build long-term brand relationships beyond one-off deals?

Deliver exceptional work on initial deals. Provide professional post-campaign reports showing performance. Follow up with results and express interest in future partnerships. Brands prefer consistent creators who understand their goals. Many creators transition from one-off deals to monthly retainers ($2,000-$5,000 monthly) with repeat brands. Long-term relationships increase earnings stability and reduce sales/negotiation workload.

Conclusion

Using a TikTok brand deal checklist protects your reputation, income, and time. Vetting brands prevents scams and problematic partnerships. Understanding contracts prevents costly mistakes. Knowing industry rates ensures fair compensation.

The creator economy rewards informed creators. Those who systematically evaluate opportunities earn more and work with better brands. Start by creating a professional media kit for influencers that showcases your value. Then use the vetting framework from this guide before accepting any deal.

InfluenceFlow makes brand partnerships easier. Our free platform includes contract templates, rate card generators, and brand discovery tools. No credit card required—start protecting your brand partnerships today.

Your TikTok presence is valuable. Protect it with systematic deal evaluation. Use this TikTok brand deal checklist every time an opportunity arrives. Your future earnings will thank you.