📹 ✅ Here’s the truth: the brief is your roadmap. Ignore it (or skim too quickly), and you risk missed details, reshoots, and frustrated brands. Read it carefully, though, and you’ll deliver content that hits the mark on the first try - which brands love and reward with rehires.

On Clip, every project starts with a brief. But reading it isn’t just about scanning the page - it’s about decoding it. Here are 4 main things you should always look out for (and confirm if unclear).

🎤 1. Script or Talking Points?

Not all briefs are created equal:

• Full script provided: stick to it like glue. Think of it as non-negotiable - especially for medical / supplement products, even small wording changes can throw off legal checks or compliance. If you wish to run a bit off-script, ALWAYS communicate with the brand prior to shooting.

• Talking points only: more freedom! But make sure every single point is included - they’re usually the brand’s must-haves and the main USPs (Unique Selling Points) that need to be explained.

👉 Pro Tips:

• If you’re unsure whether they want “natural delivery” or “word-for-word,” ask upfront.

• We always recommend sending a script for approval prior to shooting (if not provided in the brief) - this can save you time in the long run (less edits and reshoots) - especially for testimonial videos!

🪄 2. Main USPs & Key Scenes

Brands will always highlight their Unique Selling Points (USPs) and certain shots they need to see.

• Think: “Show foam lathering on skin” or “Highlight eco-friendly packaging.”

• These are not suggestions. They’re non-negotiables. These key scenes will explain the brand’s key USPs in an organic and visual way.

👉 Pro Tips:

• Highlight USPs in bold on your shot list.

• Shoot at least two variations of each key scene (different angle, lighting, or POV). This gives you more options in editing and makes your footage more valuable.

• Add one creative extra shot around each USP (this shows initiative and often impresses brands). Think “texture closeup” or an unexpected spontaneous moment.

📹 3. Content Type Requirements

Here’s where many creators slip up: not all briefs call for the same style.

• Testimonial: This means talking head is essential. B-roll can support, but your face-to-camera delivery is the star.

• Unboxing / How-to: Think high quality shots, beautiful settings, think styling, and making sure the voiceover meets the visual at all times.

• Up to the creator: Keep thinking about those USPs - you don’t want to miss anything while focused on your creative vision.

👉 Pro Tips:

• Read the “Video Type” section like it’s written in neon.

• If you’re mixing testimonial + b-roll, keep at least 40% talking head to ensure the testimonial is strong enough.

• When in doubt? Ask the brand what balance they prefer.

⚙️ 4. Technical Aspects (Don’t Skip This!)

This is the part most creators gloss over - but it can literally make or break your video.

• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 vertical (TikTok/IG) vs. 16:9 horizontal (YouTube). If you film the wrong one, your video will be unusable - often a reason for a complete reshoot.

• Add-ons: Subtitles, music, variations (hooks, or CTA). These can change how you frame and pace your shots. So always keep in mind before shooting!

• Audio: Check if they want voiceover, music only, or both. A silent, music-only video when they needed a VO or testimonial = a total redo.

👉 Pro Tips:

• Always triple-check aspect ratio before filming. (Set your camera/phone in the correct mode - don’t rely on cropping later, this never works perfectly.)

• If subtitles are required, leave enough negative space at the bottom of your frame. Make sure they don’t cover anything important throughout the video.

• If VO is needed, record in a quiet room with a mic or phone close to your mouth, (but not too close to avoid the “p” sound distortion).

👀 ✅ Your Anti-Imposter Syndrome Checklist

The brief is your first form of communication with the brand - but it should never be the last. Always clarify, always confirm, and keep the conversation flowing. It saves you time, avoids reshoots, and makes you look like the pro you are.

👀 WATCH THIS! 👀

Want More Creator Tips & Tricks?

In this episode, we're sharing our top effective communication secrets for UGC success. This video is for anyone looking to level up their UGC game and start seeing real results. So, what are you waiting for? Watch now and start creating content that truly connects!

👉 Go listen now on Spotify or YouTube - and DM us your hot takes after 🎙️

🚀 🛠 Now you know how to read a brief… Log in to Clip, check out the latest briefs, and start applying today!

Happy Creating,

Team Clip