10 Brand Deal Contract Redlines Every Creator Should Demand

Redline #1 — Exclusivity must be narrow and time-boxed

Brands routinely ask for category exclusivity that lasts months. Cap it at 30 days unless you're paid materially more.

Redline #2 — Usage rights end when payment ends

If the brand wants to use your content in paid ads, that's a separate license — and it's worth multiples of the base fee.

Redline #3 — Approvals can't be unlimited

Tie approval rounds to specific milestones: script, rough cut, final. Two rounds maximum.

Redline #4 — Morality clauses must be mutual

If the brand can terminate you for "reputational harm," you must be able to terminate them for the same reason.

Redline #5 — Payment terms

Net-30 from invoice, not net-60 from publish. Late fees of 1.5% per month.

Redline #6 — Kill fees

If the brand pulls the deal after you've started production, you keep at least 50%.

Redline #7 — FTC disclosure compliance

The brand must indemnify you against FTC actions caused by their messaging mandates.

Redline #8 — Whitelisting and dark posting

Spell out exactly which ad accounts can boost your content and for how long.

Redline #9 — Performance guarantees

Never guarantee impressions, views, or conversions. Ever.

Redline #10 — Governing law and venue

Pin disputes to your state, not the brand's HQ.

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