Influencer contract template: what to include for a US brand

The six clauses every influencer contract needs

1. Deliverables and timeline. Exact description of what the creator will post: format, length, platform, quantity and posting dates. Include a draft submission deadline and a posting window.

2. Content approval rights. Your right to review content before posting and the number of revision rounds included (one is standard). Include language specifying that you will review within a defined timeframe (48-72 hours) so creators are not waiting indefinitely.

3. FTC disclosure requirements. Specify exactly what disclosure language is required: #ad in the caption before the first line break, disclosure in video overlay if applicable. Include a clause that failure to disclose appropriately requires the creator to correct the post at their own expense.

4. Content ownership and usage rights. Specify whether the brand can repost, repurpose or use the content in paid ads after posting, for how long and on which platforms. Usage rights are often the most negotiated clause - be specific.

5. Exclusivity period. If applicable, define the period during which the creator cannot post for direct competitors. Standard is 30 days around the campaign window. Exclusivity beyond that typically commands a premium.

6. Payment terms. Amount, currency, payment method, timeline from deliverable completion and any conditions (for example, payment requires the UTM link being active in bio for a minimum period).

What to add for paid partnership campaigns

Morality clause. Gives the brand the right to terminate and not pay if the creator posts content that materially damages the brand's reputation during the campaign period. Keep this narrow and specific rather than broad - overly broad morality clauses create disputes.

Whitelisting permission. If you plan to boost the creator's posts as paid ads (whitelisting), this requires explicit written consent. Include a specific clause granting the brand the right to whitelist for a defined period and platform.

Product return or gifting terms. For gifted products, clarify whether the creator keeps the product regardless of whether they post. This avoids awkward post-campaign conversations.

Common contract mistakes US brands make

No draft approval clause. Without specifying that content requires approval before posting, a creator can post immediately after creating. Include a hard rule that content cannot go live before written approval.

Vague usage rights. "We can use the content for marketing" is not a usage rights clause. Specify: which platforms, which formats, whether the content can appear in paid ads, for how long and whether the creator's name or likeness is included in that permission.

Missing payment trigger. When does payment release? On posting? On content approval? 30 days from invoice? Be specific. "After the campaign" is not a payment term.