Does TikTok Have Contracts With Influencers? 2025 Updated Info

Does TikTok have contracts with influencers? This is a question we hear a lot from creators trying to figure out the TikTok ecosystem. If you’re one of them, you’re definitely in the right spot. In this blog post, we’re going to break down how TikTok engages with its influencers, clear up the confusion about direct contracts, and explain the actual types of contracts you’ll see influencers using, particularly when they work with brands. Plus, stick around, because we’ll share a TikTok influencer contract template for your reference.

Does TikTok Have Contracts With Influencers?

The straightforward answer is that TikTok typically doesn’t require influencers to sign formal, direct contracts with the company just to create content or gain influence. 

Unlike traditional media, where talent might have exclusive contracts, TikTok operates differently.

At its core, TikTok primarily generates revenue through advertising and brand partnerships, not by directly paying or contracting with individual creators for every post. 

However, this doesn’t mean there’s no formal relationship or ways for creators to earn money directly from TikTok. Join GDT Agency to explore the programs and agreements that do exist.

TikTok Creator Fund

Launched in 2020, the TikTok Creator Fund was introduced as a way to directly support and financially reward eligible creators for their content. Positioned initially as a significant initiative, it aimed to help creators potentially turn their passion into a livelihood.

It’s important to note that the Creator Fund wasn’t structured like a traditional grant or standard ad revenue sharing model. Payouts to creators were based on various performance factors that naturally fluctuate, meaning earnings could vary significantly.

However, in December 2023, the Creator Fund was discontinued entirely. It has been effectively replaced by the Creator Rewards Program, designed to offer creators potentially greater earning opportunities based on original content performance metrics.

TikTok Creator Rewards Program

The TikTok Creator Rewards Program is the current iteration of TikTok’s direct monetization efforts for creators, replacing the Creator Fund.

To be eligible, creators must be based in and have an account registered in one of the currently supported countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea, France, or Brazil.

While you won’t be asked to sign a unique, standalone contract specifically for this program, participation is contingent upon agreeing to and strictly following several key TikTok policies and terms. 

These include the general Terms of Service, the Community Guidelines, the Creator Code of Conduct, the Copyright Policy, and the specific terms outlined for the Creator Rewards Program itself.

Therefore, even without a distinct contract document, your agreement to participate is legally binding and relies on your adherence to these comprehensive rules and guidelines. 

These policies and terms collectively function as the formal understanding and agreement between you and TikTok concerning your involvement in the program.

>>> Explore: How To Hire TikTok Influencers

Do TikTok Influencers Have Contracts With Brands?

While we’ve established that TikTok doesn’t have formal contracts with influencers for general content creation or platform participation (beyond agreeing to terms), the landscape changes significantly when it comes to brand collaborations.

TikTok serves as a major platform where brands connect with creators for sponsored content. These partnerships are frequently facilitated through TikTok’s advertising tools or directly negotiated.

However, the crucial point is that the legal agreement – the contract – is almost always directly between the influencer and the brand, not involving TikTok as a contracting party for the specific campaign deliverables. 

For example, if a fashion brand wants a TikTok creator to promote a new product line, they will enter into a contract directly with that creator. 

TikTok provides a platform to share videos and, potentially, go viral. The terms of the promotion, the payment details, and content specifics are hammered out and legally bound between the influencer and the brand itself.

These brand-influencer contracts are vital. They establish clear expectations for both parties, ensure deliverables are met, and provide legal protection.

Contracts help ensure both influencers and brands are aligned on expectations, deliverables, and compensation, fostering a professional working relationship.

Some influencers may even secure long-term partnerships with brands, leading to ongoing contracts that span several months or even years.

>>> Learn more: How To Become A TikTok Influencer

TikTok Influencer Contract Template [2025]

Building upon the discussion of brand-influencer agreements, we recognize the need for a starting point.

While we are providing a sample influencer contract template below, it is absolutely critical to understand that this is a starting point. 

You must adapt any template to precisely fit the unique details of your specific brand partnership, project requirements, and legal jurisdiction. Seeking legal counsel is highly recommended before finalizing any contract.

However, here are some common and essential sections you should typically include or consider when creating or reviewing a TikTok influencer contract with a brand:

• Agreement Parties & Basics: Clearly identify the brand/advertiser and the influencer. Include the effective date and a brief description of the partnership’s purpose.
• Campaign Timelines: Define the duration of the campaign and specific deadlines for content creation, submission, and posting.
• Deliverables: Explicitly list the exact content required (e.g., number of videos, specific video format, required features like sound or effects). Mention potential consequences for late delivery.
• Cancellation & Termination: Outline the conditions under which either party can terminate the contract, such as non-performance, breach of contract terms, or violation of brand guidelines/platform policies.
• Approved Assets & Briefing: Detail any specific brand assets (logos, messaging points, product samples) or briefing materials the brand will provide to the influencer.
• Restricted Content: Specify any topics, phrases, or competitor mentions the influencer must avoid in the sponsored content.
• Approval Process: Clearly define the brand’s content review and approval process and the timeframe for feedback. This can be a negotiating point.
• Confidentiality & Exclusivity: Include clauses protecting sensitive information shared by the brand and potentially restricting the influencer from working with direct competitors during or shortly after the campaign.
• Compensation Structure: Detail the payment amount and method (flat fee, product, performance bonus), outlining any incentives for exceeding performance goals.
• Legal Compliance (e.g., FTC): Reiterate the influencer’s responsibility to follow relevant advertising guidelines and disclosure requirements (like clearly marking sponsored content).
• Payment Terms: Specify the invoicing process, payment due dates, acceptable payment methods, and penalties for late payment.
• Additional Clauses: Consider adding clauses like Force Majeure (addressing uncontrollable events), confirming the influencer’s status as an independent contractor (not an employee), and specifying the governing law for the contract.

Here is the template:

>> TikTok Influencer Contract Template <<

Conclusion

So, does TikTok have contracts with influencers? The key takeaway is this: While TikTok itself doesn’t typically contract directly with creators for general content, formal agreements are essential for earning through its specific programs (by adhering to policies) and are standard practice between influencers and brands for sponsored content.

For more insights and guides on navigating TikTok marketing and influencer collaborations, be sure to subscribe to the GDT Agency’s TikTok blog.

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