TL;DR

Creators can earn $100–$1,000 per clip by productizing deliverables, proving performance, and selling rights and distribution (whitelisting/Spark Ads). Start with a clear entry tier for raw clips, add edited masters and deliverable bundles, and then sell outcomes - retainer strategy, whitelisting, and performance incentives. Below is a simple pricing matrix, practical packaging options, and negotiation scripts you can use immediately.

Why pricing is a product question, not a feeling

Pricing is a hypothesis about value. Brands buy outcomes (CTR, CVR, ATC, ROAS) and operational simplicity (reliable footage, fast turn, usable formats). Position your rates around what you deliver to both: the asset (raw + edit) and the outcome (ads that convert or handle that scale). That’s the difference between $150 one-off clips and $1,000-per-clip retainers paired with whitelisting. Darkroom’s playbook treats creator output as a measurable input - not vanity content - and prices accordingly.

The pricing ladder (simple matrix)

Notes:

• These are ranges - pick what fits your niche, evidence and demand.

• Always quote a base fee + add-ons (extras, rush fees, usage expansion).

• If you can prove conversion (even a small CTR/ATC lift), you justify higher rates.

  
  

1) Entry vs Premium: what justifies higher rates

Brands pay up for three things: proof, predictability, and exclusivity.

Proof (performance evidence)
A creator who can show ad-level signals (hook/hold, CTR, add-to-cart lift) converts better. Even small case studies - “30s clip drove 1.8x CTR vs baseline” - materially increase your leverage. Track outcomes and package them with clips.

Predictability (reliability & throughput)
Can you deliver consistent assets on time and at scale? Premium buyers want an efficient pipeline: capture checklist, labeled raw files, edits delivered within 48 hours, and metadata (timestamps, shots list). The less hand-holding you require, the more you can charge.

Exclusivity & rights
Premium contracts include limited exclusivity windows, expanded usage rights (paid ads, high-spend campaigns), and whitelisting/handle access. Usage rights are separate pricing levers: ads only, platform exclusivity, global exclusivity, or evergreen licensing.

2) Packaging - how to bundle deliverables customers actually buy

A. Raw Clip Pack (entry)

• 1–3 raw vertical clips, 30–60s each

• Filename + short usage suggestions

• Delivery: Drive/Dropbox link
  Value drivers: fastest to produce, useful for agencies that edit.

B. Edited Master Pack (standard)

• 1 edited master (color+audio) + captions + thumbnail suggestion

• One revision included

• Deliverables tailored to platform (TikTok 9:16, Reels 4:5)
  Value drivers: brand-ready asset, less work for buyer.

C. Creative Variant Pack (performance)

• 2–3 hooks (first-3s variants), 1 mid-form demo, 1 testimonial edit

• B-roll and text overlays, subtitles

• A/B suggestion & simple experimentation plan
  Value drivers: increases ad testing velocity; preferred by media buyers.

D. Premium + Whitelisting

• Full pack above + monthly whitelisting fee: brand runs ads through your handle or account (permissions + reporting).

• Monthly report + 1 strategic call.
  Value drivers: recurring revenue; brands pay for creator authenticity + scale.

E. Retainer / Production Partnership

• Weekly or monthly clip quota, prioritized scheduling, rights bundle, performance reporting.

• Optional inclusion: creative ideation and script proposals.
  Value drivers: predictability for both parties; best path to 6-figure creator revenue.

  
  

3) Negotiation scripts & relationship upgrades

Use scripts as templates - personalize them.

Cold pitch (first paid ask)

Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name] - I make short-form ad creative for brands in [niche]. I can send a 30–45s demo using your product this week (no cost) so you can see my style. If you like it, my standard pack is $250 (edited master + captions). Would you like a demo?
— [Your name] [Portfolio link]

Scope confirmation (after verbal yes)

Thanks, [Name] - excited to start. To confirm: I’ll deliver one 45s edited master, captions, and one 15s hook variant by [date] for $[amount] (payment upon delivery). Usage rights: paid social for 12 months (global), non-exclusive. One revision included. Want me to add the raw files as an extra for +$50?

Upgrade to whitelisting (after a strong performance)

Congrats on the early wins - your ad performed well in the first 72 hours. We can increase scale by allowing you to run ad spend through my creator handle (whitelisting). Monthly fee: $[amount] + media spend. Benefits: improved authenticity signals and access to creator-optimized audiences. If you want, I’ll include a weekly performance summary and two edits per month.

From one-off to retainer

The clips we’ve been producing are consistently meeting your KPIs. I’m offering a retainer option: [X] clips/month + priority scheduling + monthly strategy calls for $[amount]/mo (30-day minimum). This stabilizes creative velocity and reduces per-clip cost. Interested in a 60-day trial?

Negotiation tips

• Always split asset fee (production) and usage fee (rights & distribution).

• Anchor high and offer a “starter” option - it makes the standard offer look reasonable.

• Offer clear upgrade paths (raw files for $X, whitelisting $Y, retainer $Z).

• Add scarcity: “I reserve premium slots for two retainer clients a month.”

  
  

Rights, licensing & practical clauses (must-haves)

• Usage: specify platforms, paid/organic, geographies, and duration.

• Exclusivity: optional - price higher for category or product exclusivity.

• Revisions: define included revisions and hourly or flat fee for extras.

• Payment terms: 50% upfront for first-time clients, 50% on delivery; faster turn requires rush fee.

• Indemnity & compliance: expressly state responsibility for third-party music/assets and that delivered footage is brand-safe.

• Whitelisting permission steps: require admin permissions workflow and a short operational checklist (page linking, ad account permissions).

  
  

How to earn recurring revenue and scale to 6 figures

• Stack clients: 3–5 clients at $2–3k/mo retainer = six figures. Focus on retainers that include both volume and distribution rights.

• Leverage whitelisting: recurring fee + low effort once configured. A single whitelisting at $500/mo is passive and scales.

• Productize: offer a “90-day creative sprint” with guaranteed deliverables and a performance audit. Sell outcomes, not just clips.

• Collect proof: save conversion screenshots, hook/hold stats and client testimonials to validate pricing increases.

  
  

Common pricing pitfalls to avoid

• Underpricing the rights. Charging $300 for a clip and forgetting that paid ad usage is unlimited - separate the licensing fee.

• Not having upgrade paths. If a client wants more scale, don’t negotiate on the fly - have pre-priced add-ons.

• Lack of delivery standards. Premium clients expect predictable file naming, captions, and a delivery folder structure - include that in your agreement.

  
  

Frequently asked questions

How do I move from $100 clips to $500 clips?
Prove performance (even small wins), reduce buyer friction (deliver platform-ready edits), and add a simple retainer/whitelisting option. Demonstrable outcomes let you justify a higher fee.

Do brands really pay for whitelisting?
Yes. Whitelisting converts creator authenticity into scalable ad inventory. Many brands pay $250–$1,000+/month for creator handles depending on reach and track record.

How do I price for international usage?
Charge a geographic uplift or offer tiered licensing (domestic vs. global). For global rights, add 25–50% depending on demand and exclusivity.

Should I charge hourly or per asset?
Per asset is cleaner and preferred by brands. Use hourly for discovery work, coaching calls, or big edits that exceed scope.

Can I license the same clip to multiple brands?
Only with explicit permission/terms and at a reduced rate. Most brands expect exclusivity (even category-level), so be transparent.