UGC deals can be exciting, but they can also be a legal minefield.
If you’re not using a legitimate contract, you’re taking a huge risk with your content, your payment, and your rights. And no, asking ChatGPT to whip you up a free template isn’t the answer (trust us, they’re not all created equal).
A solid UGC contract ensures you get paid on time, know exactly what you’re signing up for, and retain the rights you deserve. Because when it comes to protecting your work, you don’t want to cut corners.
But before you dive into contracts, let’s break down exactly what should be in yours so you can negotiate with confidence.
Do you need a lawyer for a UGC contract?
You don’t need a lawyer to send your contract, but having one create it for you in the first place can prevent major headaches down the line.
Sure, free contract templates exist (*cough* ChatGPT *cough*) but they’re not always reliable. And when your content, payments, and legal rights are on the line, that’s not a risk worth taking.
You can’t say ‘contemporaneous negotiations’ let alone write them down, so leave it to the experts.
Instead, we recommend using a lawyer-drafted creator contract that’s been made with UGC creators in mind. It’s an investment, but one that your future self will thank you for.
What to include in a UGC contract
Before we get into a whole lotta legal jargon, know that Better Legal AI exists and thank us later.
Better Legal AI translates legal jargon into plain English, so you know exactly what you’re signing. Whilst our advice will always be avoid AI and get a lawyer, if you are going to DIY it, give yourself the best chance to understand what’s going on.
1. SCOPE OF WORK
Be crystal clear on what you’re delivering. One video? Five? A monthly retainer? Is it organic UGC or for paid ads? The more detailed, the better.
📝 Example: “Creator agrees to produce [number] videos (the “Content”) for Brand, which may be used for promotional or other purposes.”
2. CONTENT OWNERSHIP
Who owns your content once it’s delivered? Ideally, you keep ownership and grant the brand a license to use it, but always check the fine print.
📝 Example: “Creator grants Brand a non-exclusive, worldwide license to use the Content for marketing and promotional purposes.”
3. COMPENSATION
No one likes chasing invoices. Outline exactly how much you’re getting paid, when, and how.
And if there’s a late fee for delayed payments — good.
📝 Example: “Brand shall pay Creator [amount] per video within [number] days of content approval.”
4. DELIVERABLES & TIMELINE
What are you delivering, and when? Are raw files included? Should there be different versions for testing? Lay it all out so there’s no confusion.
📝 Example: “Creator shall deliver the Content to Brand by [date] in an agreed-upon format. Deliverables include: [list of items].”
5. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES
This is the “don’t steal other people’s work” clause. It ensures your content is original, legal, and doesn’t violate anyone else’s rights.
📝 Example: “Creator warrants that the Content is original, does not infringe on any third-party rights, and complies with applicable laws.”
6. INDEMNIFICATION
The legal safety net. If things go south—copyright issues, legal disputes—this section protects you and the brand from unexpected liabilities.
📝 Example: “Creator agrees to indemnify and hold Brand harmless from any claims arising from a breach of this Agreement.”
7. CONFIDENTIALITY
If you’re working on unreleased products or sensitive campaigns, brands will want you to keep things under wraps. This is where NDAs come in.
📝 Example: “Creator shall not disclose any confidential information about Brand, including campaign details and proprietary data.”
8. TERM & TERMINATION
How long is this contract valid? Can you walk away if things aren’t working out? This section should make that crystal clear.
📝 Example: “This Agreement shall remain in effect until all services are completed. Either party may terminate with [number] days’ notice.”
9. GOVERNING LAW
This just means which country or state’s laws will apply if a dispute arises. Make sure this section makes sense for where you’re based.
📝 Example: “This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [State/Country].”
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
Basically, if it’s not in the contract, it doesn’t count.
No chats, no verbal promises — this document is the final word.
📝 Example: “This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements.”
What if a brand breaches your contract?
So, the brand isn’t holding up their end of the deal? Frustrating—but don’t panic. Here’s how to handle it:
○ Review your contract: Go through your agreement carefully to confirm that a breach has actually occurred. Sometimes, miscommunication can be the issue rather than intentional wrongdoing.
○ Gather evidence: Keep records of emails, messages, invoices, and any proof that the brand hasn’t honored the contract. If you end up needing legal support, this will be crucial.
○ Contact the brand: A polite but firm email outlining the issue and referencing the contract terms can sometimes resolve the problem quickly. If needed, escalate to a formal letter requesting payment or compliance.
○ Send a demand letter: If they’re ignoring you, consider sending a formal demand letter (ideally reviewed by a lawyer) giving them a final deadline before legal action is taken.
○ Seek legal advice: If all else fails, consult with a legal professional who specializes in contracts. They can advise you on next steps, whether that’s small claims court, arbitration, or another legal route.
Whatever you do, don’t let brands get away with ignoring contracts.
Your work has value, and enforcing agreements is part of running a successful UGC business, not just a side hustle.
💭 Final thoughts
At the end of the day, your contract is your safety net.
It ensures you get paid, protects your content, and sets clear boundaries.
Brands wouldn’t dream of running their business without contracts — you shouldn’t either. So, before you sign anything, read the fine print, protect your rights, and make sure you’re setting yourself up for success.
Your work deserves it.
📋 TL: DR
- A strong contract protects your content, payments, and rights.
- Clearly outline your deliverables, ownership, and compensation.
- Indemnification & confidentiality clauses help you avoid legal issues.
- Avoid free contracts — bite the bullet and get a lawyer-drafted one that actually protects you.
- If a brand breaches your contract, take action and seek legal advice.
