1. Per-platform base rates
List a base rate for each placement: Reel, Story (per frame), TikTok, YouTube integration (per 60s), YouTube dedicated, podcast read. Use ranges, not exact numbers, to leave room to negotiate.
Free template
The Creator Rate Card Template that closes deals faster.
A clean, structured rate card layout covering every platform creators actually price for — plus how to itemize usage rights, whitelisting, and exclusivity as separate line items instead of buried assumptions.
No credit card. Free to use this template — not legal advice.
What a professional rate card includes
Brands choose creators with clear pricing faster. Six sections turn your rates into a closing tool.
2. Bundles & multi-post discounts
Offer 2-post and 3-post bundles at ~10–15% off. Bundles increase average deal size and reduce per-deal admin overhead.
3. Usage rights add-ons
Default rates include 90 days organic usage. Itemize add-ons: extended organic (+25%/quarter), paid whitelisting (+50–100%), perpetual rights (+200%+).
4. Audience snapshot
Followers, average views, average engagement rate, top 3 geographies, top 3 audience age brackets. One line per metric. No vanity numbers.
5. Production & turnaround
Standard delivery (e.g. 10 business days from approved concept), revision policy (2 rounds included), and rush-fee policy (+30% for <5 business days).
6. Payment terms
50% upfront, balance NET-15 from delivery. List late-fee policy. List supported payment methods (wire, ACH, Stripe link, PayPal).
Before you send it: 7-point rate card checklist
- Every platform you actually create on has a base rate listed
- Usage rights add-ons are itemized, not hidden in 'standard usage'
- Audience stats are recent (within 30 days) and platform-verified
- Production timeline and revision policy are stated clearly
- Payment terms specify upfront % and NET window
- Rush fees and add-on fees are written, not negotiated case-by-case
- Card is a PDF or a clean web page — never a screenshot of a Notes app
A rate card opens the deal. Clarity Score closes it on your terms.
Pair your rate card with Black X. When a contract comes back, you get a 0–100 score and the exact clauses to push back on before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Should I post my rate card publicly?+
Most creators send it on request rather than posting it publicly. Public rate cards lock you in; on-request cards let you tailor based on the brand, scope, and usage rights.
How often should I update my rate card?+
Every 3–6 months, or whenever your audience grows 25%+, your engagement shifts meaningfully, or you sign a deal that resets the floor.
Should usage rights be in my rate card or negotiated per deal?+
Both. List default usage (e.g. 90 days organic) in the base rate, then itemize add-ons (extended organic, paid whitelisting, perpetual) so brands self-select what they want.
What's the biggest mistake on creator rate cards?+
Bundling usage rights into the base rate. Brands assume 'standard usage' means 'all media in perpetuity' — and you'll never see the upside on a viral ad.
Black X is not a law firm. This template is informational and is not a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney.