Glossary / Brands

Internet speak

Barter collab

A barter collab is a creator collaboration paid in products or services instead of money: the brand sends something, and the creator posts about it.

Also called: barter collaboration, barter deal, product for post

By Aulto · Last reviewed

Why are barter collabs so common in India?

They're how many small brands and new creators start working together: easy for the brand to afford and a way for the creator to build a portfolio.

Does a barter collab need to be disclosed?

Yes. India's advertising standards body, ASCI, treats free products as a material connection, so the post should be clearly marked as a collaboration or ad.

When should a creator say no?

When the product isn't worth the work, the brand wants rights to reuse the content, or the audience wouldn't care. Many creators move to paid deals once they have results to show.

Example

A Jaipur jewellery brand sends a creator two pieces in exchange for one reel and three stories, marked as a paid partnership.

  • Rate card

    A rate card is a creator's price list for brand work, with a price for each format, like a reel, story or post, plus extras like usage rights.

  • Media kit

    A media kit is a creator's one- or two-page summary for brands: who they are, their audience, their reach and engagement, and past collaborations.

  • Influencer marketing

    Influencer marketing is a brand working with creators to reach their audiences, paid in money, products or both.

  • D2C

    D2C (direct to consumer) is a brand that sells straight to customers, usually through its own website and social media, instead of through shops or marketplaces.

  • EPK

    An EPK (electronic press kit) is an artist's digital press pack: bio, photos, music, videos, press quotes and contacts in one place for media, promoters and brands.

  • Lead magnet

    A lead magnet is something useful you give away, like a guide, preset or checklist, in exchange for someone's email, follow or contact details.

Sources

Turn every click and comment into a fan you can reach

Smart links, pre-saves, bio pages and Reply Drop for Instagram, in one place.

Start free trial