Usage rights decide how long a brand can run your content as an ad. The shorter and more specific, the better for you: every renewal is another fee.
Common periods and starting prices
| Usage | Typical add-on to the content fee |
|---|---|
| Organic only (they repost, no ads) | Often included |
| Paid ads: 30 days | +30% |
| Paid ads: 90 days | +50% |
| Paid ads: 12 months | +100% |
| Perpetual (forever) | +100% to 150%, or decline |
These are common starting points from 2026 UGC rate guides; your rates can be higher.
Get these into the contract
- Start date: usually the date the content goes live, not the contract date.
- Where: which platforms, and paid ads vs website vs email.
- Territory, if it matters (one country or worldwide).
- What happens at the end: the brand stops using it, or pays a renewal.
When rights run out
Brands often keep content running past the end date. Track the date, and a week or two before it, offer a renewal at your usage rate. After it, ask them to stop or invoice the renewal.
FAQs
What's a normal length for usage rights?
30 or 90 days of paid ads are common for UGC; 12 months costs much more, and perpetual rights should cost the most, if you agree at all.
Should I agree to perpetual usage rights?
Only for a much higher fee (often +100–150%), because you'll never be paid for a renewal.
Plan it in minutes
Counts down to when each deal's usage rights end and works out the renewal quote. Editions for the UK, US, Canada and Australia.
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