Payments.

Payouts go to you

With an agency, the platform should pay you directly, into your own bank or payout account. The agency then invoices you for its commission. If the agency asks to change your payout details to its own account, stop.

Statements every month

You should get a monthly statement showing what you earned, the commission, how it was calculated and any other charges. If the numbers don't match your platform dashboard, ask in writing.

Gross or net

Commission "on gross" is taken from what fans paid before the platform's fee; "on net" is taken from what the platform paid you. On a platform that keeps 20%, a 50% commission on gross is 62.5% of what you actually receive. See your numbers.

TikTok LIVE and live-gifting apps

Gifts become platform credits that are converted to money by the platform. A network may receive its own payment from the platform. Ask what share of your gift income, if any, the network takes, and get it in writing. You should never pay to join, train or stay.

Webcam studios

The platform often pays the studio, which then pays your share. Your percentage should be written down, you should be able to see your own gross platform earnings for each pay period, and you should be paid on a fixed schedule with no fines or surprise deductions.

Red flags

• The agency wants your payouts sent to its account
• No statements, or statements you can't check
• Fees to join, "training" fees or deposits
• Fines or deductions for missed hours or targets
• "Guaranteed" income promises

General information, not legal or financial advice.