How Much Should Brands Pay Creators in 2026?

US creator economy ad spend is expected to reach $43.9 billion in 2026, increasing 18% year-over-year. But beneath that topline growth lies increasing tension between the two sides of the partnership.

Brands are under increasing scrutiny to prove ROI on every dollar spent on creators. Meanwhile, 70% of creators say they "always" or "often" receive offers below their standard rates. The industry needs better shared infrastructure, clearer benchmarks, and standardized terms, and that's exactly what this report aims to provide.

We surveyed nearly 1,200 creators and combined their responses with insights from Aspire's team of creator marketing experts to build the most comprehensive breakdown of creator pricing available today.

Download it now to gain insights into:

• Flat-fee pricing by platform, deliverable, tier, and niche
• Affiliate and commission rate expectations
• Retainer and ambassador pricing
• Usage rights and exclusivity benchmarks
• Negotiation best practices
• And more