How to write a simple collaboration contract

By the My Collabs team · 31 October 2026

You don't need a 20-page legal document for every brand deal. But you do need the important points written down and agreed by both sides. A short, clear contract protects your time, your money and your content, and most good brands are happy to sign one.

Contract or confirmation email?

For smaller deals, a confirmation email listing the terms, with the brand replying "confirmed", gives you a clear written record. For larger deals, long usage rights, exclusivity, or anything you're unsure about, use a proper signed contract, and consider having a lawyer review it.

The clauses, one by one

1. Parties

Your full name (or business name) and the brand's registered legal name and address. If an agency is involved, say who you're contracting with: the brand or the agency.

2. Scope of work

Exactly what you'll create: format, number, length, platform, key messages, and anything you won't do. "1 Instagram reel (30–60s) and 3 stories with a link sticker" leaves no room for "can you add a YouTube Short too?"

3. Timeline and approvals

Draft due date, how many days the brand has to give feedback, how many revision rounds are included, and the go-live date. Add what happens if the brand is late with feedback: usually the go-live date moves, not your quality.

4. Fee and payment

The total fee, whether it's plus GST, the advance, when the balance is due, and how to invoice. See our guide to payment terms.

5. Usage rights

Where the brand can use your content, whether organic or paid, and for how long. Our usage rights guide explains the options.

6. Exclusivity

Which competitor categories you'll avoid, and for how long. Keep it narrow, time-limited and paid. See exclusivity clauses.

7. Disclosure

How the post will be labelled as an ad or collaboration. In India, influencer ads must be clearly labelled; agree the label in advance.

8. Cancellation

What you're paid if the brand cancels after you've started. A cancellation fee (for example 50% after the draft is shared) is fair and common.

9. Ownership

Usually you keep ownership of your content and give the brand a licence to use it as agreed. Be wary of clauses that transfer ownership or allow unlimited editing.

10. Changes and conduct

Any change to scope or fee must be agreed in writing. Some brands add "morals" or conduct clauses; read them carefully and make sure they're reasonable and mutual.

A short template

COLLABORATION AGREEMENT Between: [Your name], [address] ("Creator") And: [Brand legal name], [address] ("Brand") 1. Work: [1 Instagram reel (30–60s) + 3 stories with link sticker] 2. Dates: draft by [date]; Brand feedback within [3] working days; [1] revision round included; go-live on [date]. 3. Fee: ₹[amount] [+ GST]. [50]% advance on signing; balance within [30] days of go-live, against Creator's invoice. 4. Usage: Brand may repost on its own [Instagram/website] (organic only) until [date]. Paid ads or edits need a separate written agreement. 5. Exclusivity: [none / no [category] brands for [2] weeks after go-live]. 6. Disclosure: posts will carry the label "[#ad / Paid partnership]". 7. Cancellation: if Brand cancels after the draft is shared, [50]% of the fee is payable. 8. Ownership: Creator keeps ownership; Brand receives the licence in 4. 9. Changes must be agreed in writing by both parties. Signed: ____________ (Creator) ____________ (Brand) Date: ________

Before you sign

Read every clause, including anything labelled "standard terms".
Check that the deliverables, dates and fee match what you discussed.
Ask for changes. It's normal, and good brands expect it.
Keep a signed copy, and note the key dates in your tracker.

Track every collab in one place. My Collabs is a free app that shows what each brand has agreed, paid and still owes you, with alerts before deadlines.

Try My Collabs free

This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change, so check the current position or ask a professional for your situation.