Most TikTok creators either charge too little because they are excited to get a deal, or quote a random number and lose the opportunity entirely. This guide gives you a real framework for pricing your TikTok sponsorships.
Brands don't just look at follower count. Here is what actually goes into their budget decision:
CPM (Cost Per Mille) — brands think in terms of cost per 1,000 views, not per post. If you average 50,000 views and a brand's target CPM is $20, they are thinking $1,000 for your video.
Engagement rate — a 100K creator with 2% engagement is worth less to most brands than a 30K creator with 9% engagement. Engaged audiences buy things.
Niche alignment — a supplement brand will pay a fitness creator 3x more than an entertainment creator with the same stats.
Audience demographics — US-majority audiences command a 20–30% premium over international audiences for most brands.
Here is a straightforward starting point:
Example: 45,000 followers, fitness niche, 7% engagement, first deal
Target rate: ~$1,000 per post
Your floor — the minimum you will accept. Know this before the conversation starts.
Your target — what you actually want to get paid, based on your real stats.
Your ask — start 20–30% above your target. You will negotiate down to your target, and occasionally get your full ask.
Never say "I'm flexible" or "what's your budget?" That signals you do not know your value.
Instead, say: "My rate for a single sponsored post is $X, which includes [deliverables]. If you are interested in usage rights or a package deal, I can put together a full proposal."
Then stop talking. Whoever speaks next loses the negotiation.
Quoting too low to get the deal — sets a precedent. Brands share what they paid.
Not asking about usage rights — if they want your video as a paid ad, that is worth 50–100% on top of your rate.
Accepting free product as payment — once you have 5K+ followers, your time is worth more than product.
Agreeing to unlimited revisions — cap revisions at two in your agreement.
Brands know most creators do not know their market value. They start low because it works. The fix is knowing your exact number before the conversation starts.
GhostOS audits your TikTok profile and gives you your exact rate card — single post, 3-post package, monthly ambassador rate, usage rights add-on, and exclusivity add-on — all calculated from your real stats.