A clear agreement protects both the brand and the creator. It avoids awkward misunderstandings about deadlines, payment or where content can appear. This checklist covers the topics most agreements should address. It is general guidance only, not legal advice. Laws vary by country, so always get proper advice before you sign.
The basics
- Names and contact details of both parties.
- A description of the work and the campaign.
- The fee, payment schedule and how invoices should be sent.
- Key dates for drafts, approvals and publishing.
Deliverables and approvals
- The exact number and type of content pieces, and which platforms.
- How many rounds of feedback are included.
- What happens if content needs changes after it goes live.
- How long the content should stay on the creator’s channel.
Usage rights
This is often the area that causes the most confusion. Be specific about:
- Where you can use the content: your social channels, website, email, paid ads or in-store.
- How long you can use it, with a clear start and end date.
- Territory, if use is limited to certain countries.
- Edits, including whether you can crop, cut or add text.
- Ownership, stating who owns the original content.
Broader or longer usage is usually worth more to the brand, so expect it to be reflected in the fee.
Responsibilities and protections
- Clear advertising disclosure, following the platform’s rules and local regulations.
- Any exclusivity period and which competitors it covers.
- What happens if either side needs to cancel.
- Expectations about conduct and brand safety.
- Confidentiality before launch.
Keep it readable
Creators should be able to understand what they are signing. A short summary of key terms at the top can help. Encourage them to ask questions or seek their own advice.
Getting agreements right early makes the creative work far smoother. If you would like help preparing for creator partnerships, the Northpeak team is ready to talk.
