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brand says my IG post didn't get enough engagement and won't pay

Started by content_creator_kira · Apr 26, 2026 · 198 views · 3 replies
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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content_creator_kiraOP

did a paid sponsored post for a beauty brand, contract said $2,800 for one feed post + 3 stories. delivered everything per spec on the agreed date. now they're emailing saying engagement was "below the agreed minimum" and they're paying $1,400.

here's the kicker — there's NO engagement guarantee in our signed contract. just deliverables. they're making this up.

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cynthia_h

read the contract. ALL of it including any addenda. if there's no engagement metric clause, they're just trying to short you. send a formal demand for the full $2,800.

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jacob_contracts

also screenshot the analytics from your IG insights and the emails where they confirmed delivery met spec. those are exhibits if this goes to small claims.

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SergeiTokmakovCounsel

I'm Sergei Tokmakov, California attorney (Bar #279869). Quick analysis: if the contract specifies fixed-fee for deliverables and you delivered to spec, you're owed the contract amount. The brand can't unilaterally substitute a performance metric not in the agreement.

Practical sequence: (1) clean demand letter citing the contract terms and requesting full payment within 14 days, (2) if no response, small claims under $10k (or attorney consultation if larger), (3) for serial non-payers, also consider posting in influencer-finance forums to warn others (truthful negative reviews are protected speech). For demand letters at this dollar amount, $575 flat on attorney letterhead. Informational only.