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How to Handle Scope Creep in Brand Deals

Last updated: February 2026

"Can you just add one more video?" "Actually, can we try a different angle?" "Oh, and we need vertical AND horizontal versions."

Welcome to scope creep — the slow death of your profitability.

It starts small. One extra revision. One additional format. Before you know it, you're doing twice the work for the original price.

Here's how to prevent it, spot it, and shut it down.

What Is Scope Creep?

Scope creep happens when project requirements expand beyond what was originally agreed — without corresponding increases in compensation or timeline.

Examples:

Why Scope Creep Happens

From the Brand Side

From the Creator Side

Prevention: Your Contract Is Your Shield

Be Painfully Specific in Your Scope

Bad scope:

"Creator will produce video content for Client's social media."

Good scope:

"Creator will produce 3 vertical videos (9:16, 1080x1920, 20-30 seconds each) for TikTok. Each video will include one hook. Final deliverables: 3 MP4 files, no raw footage."

The more specific, the less room for "interpretation."

Cap Your Revisions

"Scope includes 2 rounds of revisions based on Client's consolidated feedback. Additional revision rounds: $[X] each."

Key word: consolidated. They can't send feedback five times and call it one round.

Define What's NOT Included

"Not included in this scope: raw footage, additional platforms, extended usage rights, hook variations, re-shoots, or concept changes. These may be added at additional cost."

Sometimes spelling out exclusions is clearer than listing inclusions.

Add a Change Order Clause

"Any changes to the agreed scope will require a written change order signed by both parties, with adjusted compensation and timeline."

This creates a formal process for scope changes — which discourages casual asks.

Spotting Scope Creep in Real-Time

Red Flag Phrases

When you hear these, your scope-creep radar should activate:

The Incremental Pattern

Watch for requests that come one at a time:

  1. Day 1: "Can you add captions?"
  2. Day 3: "Can you try a different intro?"
  3. Day 5: "Actually, can we see it in landscape too?"

Each feels minor. Together, they're 50% more work.

How to Respond to Scope Creep

The Framework

  1. Acknowledge the request
  2. Reference the original scope
  3. Offer a path forward (with pricing)

Scripts for Common Situations

"Can you add one more video?"

"I'd be happy to add another video! That would be $[X] on top of our current agreement. Want me to send a quick update to the scope?"

"We need this in multiple formats now."

"Absolutely — I can deliver in additional formats. Each additional format is $[X]. Should I add Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts to the scope?"

"Can we try a completely different approach?"

"A new concept would be a separate deliverable from what we scoped. I can quote that for you — would you like to replace the original or add it as an additional video?"

"One more round of revisions."

"I want to make sure you're happy with the content! We've used our 2 included revision rounds. Additional rounds are $[X] each. Should I proceed?"

"Can you send the raw footage?"

"Raw footage wasn't included in our original scope, but I can add it for $[X]. Want me to update the agreement?"

The Tone

When to Push Back vs. Accommodate

Consider Accommodating When:

Always Push Back When:

The "Can We Just" Calculator

Before agreeing to any "quick" addition, calculate:

Time cost: How long will this actually take?

Precedent cost: What does agreeing set up?

Resentment cost: How will you feel?

If any of these costs are significant, it's not "just" anything.

Mid-Project Scope Changes

Sometimes legitimate changes happen mid-project. Here's how to handle them professionally:

The Change Order Process

  1. Receive request in writing
  2. Assess impact on time, cost, deliverables
  3. Send change order with new scope, price, timeline
  4. Get signature before proceeding
  5. Document in project files

Change Order Template

CHANGE ORDER #[X]

Project: [Name]
Original Agreement Date: [Date]
Change Order Date: [Date]

ORIGINAL SCOPE:
[What was agreed]

REQUESTED CHANGES:
[What they're asking for]

IMPACT:
- Additional fee: $[X]
- Timeline extension: [X days]
- Revised deliverables: [List]

NEW TOTAL: $[X]
NEW DELIVERY DATE: [Date]

By signing below, both parties agree to the changes outlined above.

Creator: _____________ Date: _______
Client: _____________ Date: _______

When You've Already Said Yes (Oops)

Already agreed to something you shouldn't have? Options:

If Work Hasn't Started Yet

"After reviewing the full scope, I realize the additional [X] will require more time than I initially thought. I can include it for $[X] extra, or we can proceed with the original scope."

If Work Is In Progress

Complete what you agreed to, then:

"Going forward, [X type of request] will be quoted separately. I want to make sure we're on the same page for future projects."

Learn for Next Time

Update your contract template. Add the exclusion. Raise your rates slightly to account for inevitable small asks.

Scope Creep Prevention Checklist

Before signing:

During project:

Summary

Scope creep is a tax on creators who don't set boundaries. The solution isn't being difficult — it's being clear.

Clear contracts prevent most creep. Clear communication handles the rest. And clear pricing for additions means you get paid for every hour you work.

Your time has value. Protect it.

Related: 10 Clauses Every Contract Needs | How to Write a UGC Contract

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