What brands look for

  • A clear topic. They want to know who watches you.
  • Steady posting. An account that posted last week beats one that posted last year.
  • Clean content. Brands check your recent videos before they pay.
  • Following directions. The creators who get asked back are the ones who deliver what the brief asked for.

Way 1. Apply to open campaigns

This is the fastest way to a first paid post. On Sound.me:

  1. Download the app and link your TikTok, Instagram or YouTube account.
  2. Apply to the campaigns you like. New ones are added daily.
  3. Once you are approved, make the video and follow the directions.
  4. You are paid from the views the video gets in its first 72 hours.

In the 90 days to September 16, 2026 the average approved video paid $4.89, and creators with 5,000 to 20,000 followers who were paid made $17.88 on average from 5.4 videos. The top earner in that group made $1,173.

Way 2. Pitch brands yourself

  • Start with products you already use and have posted about.
  • Send a short message: who you are, who watches you, one idea for a video, and links to two of your best posts.
  • Use paid campaign videos as your portfolio. They show you can follow a brief.
  • Agree on what you will post, when, and what you are paid before you film.

What to watch out for

  • Never pay to get a brand deal.
  • Be careful with "deals" that only pay in free products unless you want the product.
  • Read how and when you get paid before you post. Sound.me's rules are on How Sound.me pays creators.