# How do you set your rate as a creator?

> Your rate depends on more than just the video itself. It's determined by the time you spend, the number and type of deliverables, how and for how long the brand may use your content, any exclusivity, and your experience. Start from your desired hourly rate, estimate how many hours a campaign takes, and add extra for usage rights and exclusivity. On Influentials, the brand states the compensation in the brief, so you can decide for yourself whether a campaign is worth it for you.

- Canonical: https://www.influentials.com/en-us/knowledge/for-creators/how-to-set-your-rate-as-a-creator
- Locale: en-us
- Hub: creators
- Published: 2026-11-05
- Updated: 2026-11-05

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Many creators find it hard to decide what their work is worth. Ask too little and you work for next to nothing. Ask too much and you miss out on campaigns. A clear way of thinking about your rate helps you make better choices, both on Influentials and in other collaborations.

## What determines your rate?

- **Time.** Count all the hours, not just the filming. Think of reading the brief, writing a script, preparing, filming, editing, communicating and any revisions.
- **Deliverables.** How many videos or photos do you need to deliver? Are raw clips enough, or does the brand want a finished video? Extra hooks or versions take extra time.
- **Usage rights.** This is one of the biggest factors. Content that the brand only shares on its own channels is worth less than content used in paid ads. The longer the brand may use your content, the higher your rate.
- **Exclusivity.** If you're not allowed to work with competitors for a certain period, you miss out on income. That deserves extra compensation.
- **Posting on your own channels.** If the brand also wants you to post on your own account, your reach and engagement come into play as well.
- **Experience and quality.** As you gain experience, build a strong portfolio and receive good reviews, you can ask for more.
- **Costs.** Do you need to buy props, travel or hire a location? Include these costs.

## How to calculate your rate

1. **Set your desired hourly rate.** What do you want to earn per hour? Remember that not every hour is billable, and that you pay tax on your income.
2. **Estimate your hours.** How many hours will this campaign really take, from reading the brief to delivering the final version?
3. **Calculate your base rate.** Multiply your hours by your hourly rate.
4. **Add extra for usage rights and exclusivity.** Increase your base rate if the content will be used in ads, for a long period, or if there's exclusivity.

## Example (fictional figures)

Suppose you want to earn €25 per hour and a UGC video takes you four hours in total. Your base rate is then €100. If the brand wants to use the video in paid ads for three months, you add an extra amount for those usage rights. If you're also not allowed to work with competitors for that period, you add a little more for exclusivity.

## Rates on Influentials

On Influentials, the brand states in the brief what you'll receive: a fee, a product or both. You don't need to negotiate. Instead, you decide whether the compensation fits the work being asked. Use the points above to assess that. Also look at the usage rights and any exclusivity in the brief.

## Paid campaigns versus product campaigns

Product-only campaigns can be a good way to build your portfolio and collect reviews when you're just starting out. As you gain experience, you can be more selective and focus more on paid campaigns.

## Tips

- **Don't undervalue your time.** Editing and revisions often take longer than you think. Include them.
- **Raise your rate as you grow.** Your experience and portfolio grow with every campaign. Review your rate regularly.
- **Pay attention to usage rights.** Never give unlimited usage rights away for free without thinking about it.
- **Be consistent.** Use the same reasoning for every collaboration, so you can explain your rate.

## Taxes

As a creator, you're responsible for your own tax affairs, and you may need to register as a business. Your obligations depend on your situation. Check with the tax authorities or an accountant if you're unsure.

Ready to start? [Sign up as a creator](https://www.influentials.com/become-a-creator) and get matched with brands looking for content like yours.
