The five things that actually matter
Choosing an agency isn’t about who has the flashiest pitch or the biggest promises. It’s about the terms, the transparency, and whether they can actually grow your revenue by more than they cost. Here’s the checklist.
Fair terms
Revenue-share, no upfront fees. If they ask for money before earning any, walk away.
No lock-in
A fair contract has an exit. Long lock-in periods protect the agency, not you.
You keep ownership
Your account, content and fans stay yours. The agency works inside your account, never around it.
Transparency
Weekly reporting on revenue and results. If they can’t show numbers, be cautious.
The questions to ask before signing
Ask any agency: What did you change for a creator last month, and what did it do to their numbers? What’s your commission, and is it in writing before I sign? What happens if I want to leave? A good agency answers all three clearly. Vague answers are a red flag.
Run the honest math with our commission calculator, and read our full guide on agency red flags.