platform

Whitelisting / Dark Posting

Definition

Whitelisting (also called creator licensing or dark posting) allows a brand to run paid ads directly from a creator's social account, targeting audiences the creator cannot reach organically. Dark posts appear in the ad feed but not on the creator's public profile.

For Creators

Whitelisting fees should be separate from your organic content fee. The brand is leveraging your account and credibility for paid ads—this is a distinct value that warrants additional compensation. Also negotiate limits on targeting and ad creative to protect your brand identity.

For Brands

Creator whitelisting typically produces significantly higher engagement rates than brand-owned ad accounts. Contractually specify the duration, platforms, budget ceiling, and targeting parameters for whitelisted campaigns.

⚠ Red Flag Warning

Granting 'unlimited whitelisting rights' without a time limit, budget cap, or approval requirement over ad creative can result in the brand running misleading ads through your account without your knowledge.

Sample Contract Language

Creator grants Brand the right to use Creator's social media account handle(s) to run paid advertising on the following platforms: Instagram and TikTok. Such advertising shall be limited to a total ad spend of $50,000 per month and shall remain active for no longer than ninety (90) days from the date of Creator's final content publication.

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