Term, trial and notice
How long does the contract run, is there a trial period, and how much notice do you need to give to leave? A short trial and a reasonable notice period protect both sides. Be wary of long minimum terms or fees for leaving early.
Exclusivity
Many agencies ask for exclusivity, meaning you cannot work with another agency for the same services while the contract runs. That can be reasonable. Check it covers only the services the agency actually provides, and that it ends when the contract ends.
Ownership of your account and content
- The account should stay in your name.
- You should keep ownership of everything you create.
- Any licence the agency gets to use your content should be limited to promoting your page, and end when you leave.
- You should be able to change your password and remove access at any time.
Payouts and commission
Payouts should go straight to you. The contract should state the commission rate, whether it is calculated on gross or net earnings, when you are invoiced and how quickly you must pay. Our guide to how agency commission works explains why gross versus net matters.
Your data and what happens when you leave
The contract, or the agency’s privacy notice, should explain what personal information it keeps, for how long, and that it will delete or return it when you leave. It should also confirm that access to your accounts ends on the last day.
Red-flag clauses
- Any promise of a set income, or wording like “guaranteed growth”.
- The agency owning your content, your stage name or your social accounts.
- Payout details changed to the agency’s bank account.
- Penalties for leaving that are out of proportion to the work done.
- Commission continuing after you leave, for longer than any agreed notice period.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Platform features and rules change, so check your platform’s current terms. Last checked .
