What is Plug?+
A marketplace where creators connect with each other and with brands. Trade shoutout swaps with creators in your niche, run paid micro-deals, and book in-person appearances — all in one place, all escrow-protected.
Who is Plug for?+
Creators in the middle — past the very beginning, but not yet agency-represented — and the brands that want to work with them. We launched in Beauty, with more verticals rolling out over time.
Is it free to join?+
Yes. Making a profile, browsing, messaging, and running swaps or collabs are all free. You only ever pay a fee on paid deals.
What's the difference between a swap and a paid deal?+
A swap is a creator-to-creator trade — you each post for the other, no money changes hands. A paid deal is money for a post (or an in-person appearance), funded up front and held in escrow until the work is verified.
How much does Plug cost?+
Swaps and collabs are free. On paid deals the creator keeps 92% (standard) or 96% on the founding rate; brands pay a flat 8% on top (10% each side on in-person). Full details on the pricing page.
How does the founding rate work?+
The first 500 creators lock in a 4% platform fee for life, versus the standard 8%. It stays with your account as long as you're on Plug.
How does payment and escrow work?+
On a paid deal the brand funds the full amount before any work begins. Plug holds it in escrow and releases your payout once the post is confirmed live. Payouts run through Stripe to your bank.
How do you verify posts?+
When you submit your post link, Plug Verify checks that it's public and that the agreed mention, hashtags, and link are present, and captures a screenshot for the record. The other side confirms, and escrow releases.
Which platforms are supported?+
TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch for deals, plus more for your profile. You can connect an account to auto-verify your handle and follower count.
Can creators send each other in-person bookings?+
Yes. Creator-to-creator in-person works the same as any other paid in-person deal: one creator funds the booking, escrow holds it, the other shows up at a public venue, and the funds release on confirmation. Both creators clear the same identity bar — a public handle, display name, and either a connected social or a verified phone.
Why do brands need to verify before sending in-person offers?+
Symmetry. Creator profiles are publicly identifiable by default — handle, display name, and a connected social — so anyone can search for the person they’re about to meet. Brand accounts open more loosely (just an email + company name), so we ask brands to clear the same bar with phone + business email + a short founder review before sending in-person offers. It typically takes a couple of minutes. Brands can keep sending paid shoutouts and running campaigns while in review. Brand verification lives here.
What does the 💜 Verified Brand badge mean?+
A Verified Brand has confirmed a phone number, verified a business email, and passed a manual review by Plug. The badge shows on every offer they send, on the deal page, and on their public brand profile — so creators know who they're being contacted by.
What if something goes wrong?+
Every paid deal can be disputed. Funds stay in escrow while our team reviews the evidence from both sides and resolves it — refund, release, or split.
Still have questions?
Reach us any time at .
Get started