UGC glossary

The usage rights and brand deal terms UGC creators run into, in plain English.

UGC

User-generated content. In brand deals, it usually means photos or videos a creator makes for a brand to use, often in the style of a real customer.

The brand's permission to use your content. They usually set where it can run, for how long and in which countries.

What a brand pays you to make the content. Usage rights are often priced separately.

What a brand pays for permission to use the content beyond what the content fee covers.

Posting your content on the brand's own channels without paying to promote it.

Running your content as paid ads, usually from the brand's own ad account.

Letting a brand run ads through your account or handle. It is also called creator licensing.

A TikTok ad format that promotes an existing organic post, using the creator's post and handle.

A Meta ad format that lets a brand run ads that show both the creator's and the brand's accounts.

The agreed time a brand can use your content, from a start date to an end date.

A new agreement that lets the brand keep using the content after the usage period ends, usually for a new fee.

Usage rights with no end date. Because you never get a renewal, creators usually price them much higher.

A promise not to work with competing brands for a set time and category. It limits your other income, so it is usually paid separately.

Unedited clips from a shoot. Brands may ask for them so they can edit their own versions.

The opening seconds of a video, written to stop someone from scrolling. Brands often ask for several versions to test.

The countries or regions where a brand can use your content.

The specific content you agree to provide, such as two 30-second videos and three hooks.

The brand's instructions for the content, such as its message, must-haves and deadlines.