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If you’re a UGC creator, you know the value of your work. You’re creating authentic content that resonates with audiences and drives real results for brands. But when it comes to pricing raw files (or b-roll), many creators undervalue their work—and it’s costing them big time.

Here’s the hard truth: brands can do a lot with your raw files. They can create an infinite number of videos, repurpose the content for multiple campaigns, and edit it to fit their own vision. That’s an immense amount of value they’re getting from your work. It’s time to understand why your raw files are one of your most precious assets—and why you should charge a premium for them.

Why Raw Files Are Worth More

1. Unlimited Usage by Brands

Raw files are a goldmine for brands. With just one set of b-roll, a brand can:

• Create THOUSANDS of videos for social media.
• Build customised ads for different platforms.
• Repurpose content for months, even years.

While you may only be paid once, the brand can reap ongoing value by continuously squeezing new content out of your work. This is why raw files should come with an extra price tag—brands are paying for long-term usage potential, not just a one-time campaign.

2. They’re Selling You “Convenience” as a Tactic

When brands ask for raw files, they’ll often frame it as a favour to you. They might say, “This will save you time. We’ll handle the editing ourselves, so you don’t have to!” and then offer a measly $50 for 20 clips…

At first, you might feel flattered—or even relieved—to avoid hours in your editing software. But don’t be fooled. This tactic is meant to downplay the immense value of your original footage. Brands are essentially asking you to hand over full creative control, which drastically increases their flexibility and profitability.

Your b-roll isn’t just extra content—it’s the foundation of their campaigns. Charging more for raw files ensures you’re compensated fairly for the power and potential they hold.

How Much Should You Charge?

Here’s the good news: you can (and should) charge significantly more for raw files. They’re not just random clips; they’re valuable assets that can transform a brand’s marketing efforts.

To give you a clear example, my standard rate for an edited video is £150. But if a brand wants the raw files, I charge an additional £250 on top. That’s nearly double the price—and it’s justified, given the potential long-term use of the content.

If you’re unsure of how to price, consider these factors:

• The Brand’s Size: Larger brands with bigger budgets should absolutely pay more.
• The Footage’s Purpose: Will it be used for ads, across multiple campaigns or platforms?
• Your Worth: Remind yourself of your skills and the value your content brings to their business.

I’ve been a creator for years and I make most of on my money from raw files and trust me, the right brands know it’s value and they DO pay. As creators, we need to stop accepting jobs like this for $50 and educate brands on why it’s exploitative.

Yes you will lose some tiny clients along the way, but you will gain many more right ones too. Find out where you can get great clients in my FREE list of apps and websites where you can find work as a UGC creator.

Tips for Negotiating Raw File Rates

1. Stay Firm: If a brand questions your pricing, clearly explain the long-term value they’re getting. Remind them of the potential multiple uses of the files.
2. Package Deals: Offer raw files as add-ons instead of defaults. For example, “My rate for an edited video is £150; raw files are available for an additional £250.”
3. Set Boundaries in Your Contract: Make sure you specify usage rights. Some creators also limit raw file use to a specific time period (e.g., one year) unless the brand pays extra for unlimited usage.

If a brand asks for your costs for raw files, here’s a template response you could use:

“Since raw files allow for unlimited repurposing, enabling the creation of thousands of videos and campaigns over an extended period, there is an additional cost associated with them. For raw files, my rate is XX. This ensures fair compensation for the long-term value and flexibility these files offer.”

Get more templates and learn EVERYTHING you need about UGC in just 7 days with the Ultimate UGC Guide.

Stop Undervaluing Yourself

Your talent, time, and vision are worth premium pay. Don’t sell yourself short by undervaluing your raw files, which hold immense potential for brands. Charging more isn’t just about earning extra cash—it’s about recognising the real value of your work and ensuring brands respect it too.

If you haven’t thought about raw file pricing, now’s the time to revisit your rates. Stand firm, know your worth, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. The right brands will respect you for it—and you’ll be walking away with fairly compensated work.