It depends on the brief. Some briefs tell you exactly what they pay. Others are built for you to name your own rate — and on those, sharing your number is exactly what the brand is expecting.
Either way, compensation is worked out directly with the brand, inside the brief. Cohley doesn't set or negotiate rates on your behalf.
The Compensation line on a brief card tells you which kind you're looking at:
- A dollar amount (for example $500) — a set rate. Everyone accepted is paid that amount.
- Negotiable — the brand wants you to tell them your rate.
- Based on followers — the rate is tied to your follower count. If you see this, it means you have not yet connected the specified platform, so Cohley has yet to determine your rate/follower count.
- $0.00 — a product-only brief. There's no cash payment; the product is the compensation.
If the brief lists a dollar amount
That number is what the brand is offering, and most creators apply at it. You can ask for more, but be aware of the trade-off: plenty of other creators are applying at the listed rate, so asking for a higher one can make you less likely to be accepted.
If the brand wants to open a conversation, they'll message you directly in the brief.
If the compensation says "Negotiable"
On these briefs the rate comes from you. The brand is deciding compensation creator by creator instead of setting one number for everyone — so telling them what you'd like to be paid isn't pushy, it's the whole point.
Share your rate in whichever way the brief gives you:
- Answer the question about your rate, if the brief asks one when you apply.
- Include it in your application message if there's no question — say what you'd like to be paid and, if it helps, what that covers.
- Reply if the brand messages you. Brands often reach out to the creators they're interested in to ask directly.
Be realistic and specific. A clear number with a sentence about what you're delivering is easier for a brand to say yes to than a range or "open to discussion."
Settle the number before you're accepted
This is the important part. The rate you agree on before the brand accepts you is the rate you'll be paid. Once you've been accepted, the brand isn't obligated to agree to a higher number — so don't count on adjusting it later.
If you work something out in the brief chat, make sure it's stated clearly in writing there before you're accepted, so you and the brand are looking at the same number.
A note on what you deliver
Your compensation is tied to completing the brief as written. If you deliver only part of what the brief asked for, the brand may pay a matching portion of the agreed rate rather than the full amount. If something comes up that stops you finishing, tell the brand in the brief chat as early as you can — most are willing to work with you if they hear about it in time.
Still have questions?
Reach out to support@cohley.com and we'll help — though remember that the rate itself is always between you and the brand.