In writing: the deliverables (format, length, number of mentions, links and codes), the posting date, the fee and when it is paid, how many rounds of edits, how long and where the brand may reuse the video, any exclusivity, what happens if the brand cancels, and how the sponsorship is disclosed. IU's Fair Deal sets six of these: paid within 30 days; 50% up front over $1,000; usage has an end date; two rounds of edits; exclusivity is paid for; kill fee if cancelled.
The Fair Deal — six terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| I. Paid within 30 days | Net-30 from delivery, with a late fee after that. |
| II. 50% up front over $1,000 | Bigger deals start with a deposit. |
| III. Usage has an end date | Organic use is time-limited; paid ads and whitelisting are licensed and priced separately. |
| IV. Two rounds of edits | Further revisions are billed. |
| V. Exclusivity is paid for | Blocking competitors costs extra and has an end date. |
| VI. Kill fee if cancelled | Work started is work paid — at least 50%. |
Paste them into a reply: the Fair Deal in full. If a brand does not pay: what to do. This is practical guidance, not legal advice.
Method
InfluencerUnion reads the public descriptions of recent videos from the YouTube channels it indexes (10K+ subscribers) and records affiliate links, discount codes and disclosed paid promotions. Rates use IU’s published rate method. Figures refresh daily. Not legal or financial advice.
Cite as: InfluencerUnion, “What a YouTube sponsorship contract should include”, influencerunion.com/answers/what-should-a-youtube-sponsorship-contract-include (2026).