A UGC Creator’s Guide to Usage Rights
By: Mariah Lukashewich, Founder @ Hive Haus
Why Charging Usage Rights is Hurting You (and What to Do Instead)
Every week, I see creators overcomplicating their rates with one little phrase that sends brands running: “plus usage rights.”
I get it. You want to protect your work and be paid fairly for what you create. But in the UGC world, usage rights are one of the biggest reasons creators lose repeat clients without even realizing it.
This might sound bold, but it’s true.
The Truth About Usage Rights
If you’re an influencer, usage is a different story. A brand is paying for your name, likeness, and audience. They’re leveraging your personal platform, so charging usage makes sense.
But as a UGC creator, you’re work-for-hire. The brand is paying for the asset itself. Once you deliver it, they own it. That’s the agreement.
I often hear creators say, “What if my video makes them millions? I want a piece of the pie.”
That’s actually the point. Your role as a creator is to help brands grow through your content. When a brand wins with your video, it reflects your ability to drive performance and results, which makes them more likely to rehire you.
Adding usage rights just creates friction. Brands and agencies don’t want to manage multiple contracts or track whether a two-second clip in a mashup ad is “out of usage.” They’ll always choose creators who keep things simple.
It’s like a wedding photographer charging you every month because you printed your own photos. It just doesn’t make sense.
Check out Hive Haus, a curated community for creators & brands to connect, hire/be hired, and have support from others in the same space they are.
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The Better Way: One Flat, Fair Rate
Instead of stacking on usage fees, build it into one flat rate.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “I already do that. My rate for one edited video is $750 to $1,000.”
Here’s where things get tricky. Many brands, especially smaller ones, have limited monthly ad spend. If your content costs $1,000, they might have to cut their ad budget in half just to work with you. That’s not sustainable.
The goal isn’t to charge as much as possible once. It’s to make it so easy and effective for brands to work with you that they keep coming back month after month.
Brands Want Easy
Creators who land consistent work are the ones who make brands’ lives easier. They charge one fair rate, deliver on time, communicate clearly, and don’t overcomplicate contracts.
That approach builds trust, and trust leads to repeat work. When your content performs and brands know you’re reliable, you become their go-to creator. That steady stream of work compounds far faster than one-off, inflated projects padded with usage fees.
Keep It Simple, Build Longevity
If you want longevity in this space, focus on being the easiest creator to work with. Prioritize clarity, performance, and strong relationships. That’s what keeps your calendar full and your income steady.
(Whitelisting is a different story, and yes, that’s something you should charge monthly for. But that’s a post for another day.)
Want to Learn How to Price Like a Pro?
Inside Hive Haus, we teach creators how to price strategically, build lasting brand relationships, and scale their business without burnout or confusion.
If you want consistent paid work and brands that keep coming back, this is where it starts.