what do influencers charge in new zealand? 2026 rate guide
what nz creators actually charge in 2026
one of the most common questions we get from brands: “what should we pay influencers in new zealand?”
the answer depends on platform, follower count, content type, and usage rights. this guide breaks it all down with real nz market rates.
understanding creator tiers
before looking at rates, understand the tier system:
- nano creators (1k-10k followers) — small but highly engaged audiences. great for local, niche campaigns.
- micro creators (10k-50k followers) — the sweet spot for nz campaigns. strong engagement, reasonable rates, authentic content.
- mid-tier creators (50k-200k followers) — significant reach within nz. professional content quality.
- macro creators (200k+ followers) — broad reach, often national-level awareness. higher rates, more polished content.
in the nz market, most campaigns work with nano and micro creators. the talent pool at the mid-tier and macro level is smaller than in larger markets, which means rates can vary significantly.
tiktok rates in nz
tiktok remains the highest-performing platform for organic reach in nz. creators here often have outsised view counts relative to their follower numbers.
| tier | single post | 3-part series | spark ad rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| nano (1k-10k) | $100-$300 | $250-$700 | +$50-$150 |
| micro (10k-50k) | $300-$800 | $700-$2,000 | +$150-$400 |
| mid-tier (50k-200k) | $800-$2,500 | $2,000-$6,000 | +$400-$1,000 |
| macro (200k+) | $2,500-$8,000+ | $6,000-$20,000+ | +$1,000-$3,000 |
spark ad rights let you run the creator’s post as a paid ad from their account. always negotiate this upfront — it’s one of the most valuable things you can get from a tiktok campaign.
instagram rates in nz
instagram is more established and rates tend to be slightly higher than tiktok, especially for feed posts and carousels which require more production effort.
| tier | reel | feed post | story set (3) | carousel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nano | $150-$350 | $100-$250 | $80-$200 | $200-$400 |
| micro | $400-$1,000 | $300-$700 | $200-$500 | $500-$1,200 |
| mid-tier | $1,000-$3,000 | $700-$2,000 | $500-$1,200 | $1,200-$3,000 |
| macro | $3,000-$10,000+ | $2,000-$6,000 | $1,200-$3,000 | $3,000-$8,000 |
youtube rates in nz
youtube is the most expensive platform for creator content because production effort is highest and content has the longest shelf life.
| tier | dedicated video | integration (60s) | short |
|---|---|---|---|
| nano | $500-$1,500 | $200-$600 | $100-$300 |
| micro | $1,500-$5,000 | $600-$2,000 | $300-$800 |
| mid-tier | $5,000-$15,000 | $2,000-$6,000 | $800-$2,500 |
| macro | $15,000+ | $6,000+ | $2,500+ |
ugc rates (content only, no posting)
ugc is content created by real people that your brand owns and uses in its own ads and channels. the creator doesn’t post it — they just produce the asset.
| content type | rate range | notes |
|---|---|---|
| single video (15-60s) | $150-$500 | raw footage, brand owns rights |
| photo set (5-10 images) | $200-$600 | lifestyle product shots |
| video bundle (3 videos) | $400-$1,200 | multiple hooks/angles for ad testing |
| testimonial video | $100-$300 | talking-head review format |
ugc is typically the most cost-effective way to get a high volume of content for paid media testing.
what affects pricing
rates aren’t just about follower count. these factors push pricing up or down:
- exclusivity — if a brand wants the creator to not work with competitors, expect +20-50% on top
- usage rights duration — 30-day usage is standard. 6-12 months or perpetual costs more
- revision rounds — one round is standard. additional revisions cost extra
- turnaround time — rush delivery (under 48 hours) typically adds +25-50%
- content complexity — multi-location shoots, props, or styling requirements increase cost
how to get the best rates
- book multiple pieces — creators offer better per-piece rates for bundles
- build ongoing relationships — retainer deals are cheaper than one-off bookings
- be clear in your brief — vague briefs lead to revisions which cost everyone time and money
- pay on time — creators talk. brands that pay late get quoted higher next time
want the full detailed guide?
this is a summary of our complete nz creator rate guide 2026 — which includes additional breakdowns, negotiation tips, and platform-specific advice.
need help running a campaign at the right price? talk to our team — we know the nz market and we’ll match you with the right creators at fair rates.
faq
are nz creator rates higher or lower than australia?
generally 20-40% lower than australian rates at equivalent tier levels. the nz market is smaller, so audience sizes are smaller, but engagement rates tend to be higher.
should i negotiate with creators?
yes, but respectfully. most rates have 10-20% flexibility, especially for ongoing work or multi-piece deals. avoid lowballing — it damages relationships and your brand reputation.
how do i know if a creator is overcharging?
compare their rate to the benchmarks above, then check their engagement rate. a creator with 50k followers but 0.5% engagement is overpriced at mid-tier rates. engagement quality matters more than follower count.