Brand Deal Red Flags: What Creators Should Watch For
Last updated: February 2026
That brand sliding into your DMs might be a dream opportunity. Or it might be a nightmare waiting to happen.
After seeing thousands of creator-brand deals go sideways, we've identified the warning signs that separate legitimate partnerships from scams, exploitation, and relationships you'll regret.
Here are the red flags to watch for — before you sign anything.
Communication Red Flags 🚩
1. They Found You Via Random DM With No Details
What it looks like:
"Hey! Love your content. We'd like to work with you. Interested?"
Why it's a problem: Legitimate brands and agencies usually include:
- Their company name
- The specific campaign or product
- Why they chose you
- Basic compensation info
A vague DM could be a mass-send to thousands of creators, a scam, or someone fishing for free content.
What to do: Ask for specifics before continuing. If they can't clearly explain the opportunity, pass.
2. They Refuse to Get on a Call
What it looks like: All communication through DM or email, won't do a quick video chat to discuss the project.
Why it's a problem: Real brands have real people. If they won't show their face or have a conversation, something's off.
Exception: Some large agencies do handle everything via email, but they'll have verifiable company emails, not Gmail addresses.
3. Pressure to Decide Immediately
What it looks like:
"We need an answer by end of day" (when they just reached out this morning)
Why it's a problem: Legitimate opportunities allow reasonable time for consideration. Pressure tactics are used by scammers and brands who don't want you to think too hard about bad terms.
What to do: Any brand worth working with will give you 48-72 hours minimum. If they won't, walk away.
4. Communication From Personal Email
What it looks like: gmail.com, outlook.com, or other free email addresses instead of company domains.
Why it's a problem: Real brands have company email (name@brandname.com). Personal emails make it impossible to verify who you're dealing with.
Exception: Very small startups or solo founders. But verify the brand exists independently.
Contract Red Flags 🚩
5. No Contract Offered
What it looks like:
"We don't usually do contracts for projects this size" "Let's just keep it casual"
Why it's a problem: No contract = no protection. If something goes wrong, you have no recourse. This isn't casual — it's your work and your money.
What to do: Always require a written agreement, even for small projects. If they refuse, they're not serious.
6. "Work for Hire" Language
What it looks like:
"All content created under this agreement shall be considered work for hire and the sole property of Client..."
Why it's a problem: Work for hire means the brand owns everything — your raw footage, outtakes, the final content, and potentially your likeness rights. You're giving up all ownership.
What to do: Push for license-based language instead. You retain ownership; they receive a license to use specific content for specific purposes.
7. Unlimited Revisions
What it looks like:
"Creator will make revisions until Client is satisfied"
Why it's a problem: This is a blank check for scope creep. Some brands will request endless changes, essentially getting multiple pieces of content for the price of one.
What to do: Cap revisions at 2 rounds. Additional revisions = additional fees.
8. Perpetual, Royalty-Free, Worldwide License
What it looks like:
"Client receives a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide license to use the Content in all media now known or hereafter developed..."
Why it's a problem: Your $300 TikTok can be used forever, anywhere, for any purpose — including TV ads, billboards, and campaigns that make them millions. And you get nothing extra.
What to do: Limit usage by time (12 months), platform (organic social only), and territory. Extended usage = extended pay.
9. Long Exclusivity Without Extra Pay
What it looks like:
"Creator agrees not to work with competitors for 6 months following delivery"
Why it's a problem: You're losing income from other potential deals. Six months of exclusivity in a fast-moving creator economy is significant.
What to do: 30 days is reasonable for base compensation. Longer exclusivity should come with substantial extra payment.
10. Vague Payment Terms
What it looks like:
"Payment upon completion of campaign" "Payment within reasonable timeframe"
Why it's a problem: "Campaign completion" could mean months. "Reasonable" is subjective. You need specific dates.
What to do: Get exact payment dates (e.g., "within 15 days of final delivery") and partial payment upfront.
Payment Red Flags 🚩
11. Product-Only Compensation
What it looks like:
"We'd love to send you our product in exchange for a video!"
Why it's a problem: Unless you actually want and would buy the product anyway, this isn't compensation — it's marketing getting free content.
What to do: Product is nice as a bonus. It's not payment for professional work. Know your worth.
Exception: Gifted/seeding campaigns where there's no content obligation. That's different from contracted work.
12. "Exposure" as Payment
What it looks like:
"Think of the exposure you'll get to our 1M followers!"
Why it's a problem: Exposure doesn't pay rent. And brands with large followings can definitely afford to pay creators.
What to do: Politely decline. Exposure is a bonus of paid work, not compensation.
13. Payment "After Content Performs"
What it looks like:
"If your video gets 100K views, we'll pay you $500"
Why it's a problem: You're taking all the risk. Platform algorithms are unpredictable. Your work has value regardless of performance — that's the brand's problem.
What to do: Get paid for your work, period. Performance bonuses can be on top, never instead of base pay.
14. Request for Banking Details Upfront
What it looks like: Asking for full banking info, SSN, or financial details before any agreement is signed.
Why it's a problem: Could be identity theft. Legitimate brands collect payment info after contracts are signed.
What to do: Provide payment details only after contract is signed. PayPal email is safer than bank routing numbers.
Brand Behavior Red Flags 🚩
15. They Don't Know Your Content
What it looks like:
"We love your content!" (but they can't name a single piece or explain why you specifically)
Why it's a problem: Mass outreach to hundreds of creators. You're not special to them, and they probably won't treat you well.
What to do: Ask why they chose you. If they can't answer specifically, proceed with caution.
16. Negative Reviews From Other Creators
What to do before any deal:
- Search "[brand name] + scam" on Twitter/X
- Search "[brand name] creator" on Google
- Ask in creator communities if anyone has worked with them
- Check if other creators are currently partnering with them
Red flag: Multiple creators reporting non-payment, scope creep, or poor treatment.
17. They Want Content Before Contract
What it looks like:
"Can you just shoot a quick draft so we can show the team?"
Why it's a problem: Once they have content, they have leverage. Some brands ghost after receiving "drafts."
What to do: Nothing gets created until the contract is signed. Mood boards and concepts are fine. Actual content is not.
18. Constantly Changing Requirements
What it looks like: Scope keeps shifting during negotiations, or they can't give straight answers about what they want.
Why it's a problem: If they're disorganized now, imagine during production. You'll end up doing 3x the work for the same pay.
What to do: Pin down exact requirements in writing before signing. If they can't commit, pass.
The "Too Good to Be True" Red Flag
19. Offer Seems Way Above Market Rate
What it looks like: A brand you've never heard of offering $5,000 for a simple TikTok when your normal rate is $500.
Why it's a problem: Could be a scam (they'll ask for your banking info then ghost), money laundering, or a bait-and-switch where the actual requirements are much more demanding.
What to do: Verify the brand is real. Ask for a contract before getting excited. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
What to Do When You Spot Red Flags
One Red Flag: Proceed With Caution
Ask clarifying questions. The issue might be miscommunication or inexperience, not malice.
Two Red Flags: Negotiate Hard
Get everything in writing. Push back on concerning terms. Be ready to walk.
Three+ Red Flags: Walk Away
Not worth the risk. There are other brands. Protect your work and mental health.
Quick Reference Checklist
Before signing with any brand:
- Communication from verified company email?
- Clear explanation of opportunity and why you?
- Written contract provided?
- Specific scope of work defined?
- Revision limits included?
- Clear payment terms with dates?
- Reasonable usage rights?
- No "work for hire" language?
- Reasonable exclusivity (if any)?
- Kill fee for cancellations?
- Can find other creators who worked with them successfully?
- No pressure to decide immediately?
Summary
Red flags exist to protect you. A great brand partnership is worth the vetting process. A bad one can cost you money, time, and mental health.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. There are thousands of brands looking for creators — you don't need to work with the sketchy ones.
Related: How to Write a UGC Contract | 10 Clauses Every Contract Needs