Clipping Campaign Rules: Why Clips Get Rejected or Earn Nothing

Why clips get rejected or earn nothing

There are two different failure modes, and it helps to separate them. A post can be rejected because it breaks a rule in the brief. Or it can be valid but earn nothing because it never reached the minimum views for that campaign.

• Missed brief requirement. The post does not do something the brief asks, such as using the song, adding the logo or following a length limit.
• Wrong footage or sound. The post uses material the brief does not allow, or a different sound from the one promoted.
• Too few views. The post is fine, but it did not reach the minimum view count before earnings start.
• Integrity problems. Fake engagement, reposted work from someone else or posting from an account that is not yours.

Most of these are avoidable. If you are new to the model, what is clipping explains the basics and how to make money clipping walks through getting started.

The minimum views threshold

Campaigns generally set a minimum number of views a post needs before it earns. Below that line the post earns nothing, however good it is. As of October 2026, across the 105 live campaigns tracked by ClippingCalc, the typical minimum is around 2,000 views. It varies by campaign, and some briefs add a minimum engagement rate on top.

Campaigns also usually set a maximum payout per post. The typical cap across live campaigns is about $500, though some are much lower or higher. Check both numbers before you invest hours in one edit.

The earnings calculator applies typical campaign numbers to your last posts, so you can see how many would have cleared the threshold. It gives an estimate, not a forecast.

Required sound, song name and lyrics on screen

In music campaigns the song is the product. Briefs typically make sure it is actually used, audible and attributed.

• Use the promoted sound. The post usually has to use the campaign's official sound or audio, not a lookalike or a re-upload.
• Song name in the caption or a comment. Many briefs ask you to credit the song and artist in the caption or a pinned comment.
• Lyrics on screen. Some briefs ask for part of the lyrics to appear in the video as text.
• Song stays prominent. Briefs commonly ask that the song is loud and clear and that the edit visibly cuts to it.

For how song campaigns work end to end, see music edits: get paid to promote songs.

Language, length, quality and style rules

These are the rules that show up on almost every brief.

• English only. A large share of briefs require English-language content and English on-screen text.
• Length limits. Many specify a minimum and maximum clip length, often somewhere in the range of ten seconds to a minute. Check the exact numbers.
• Quality and effort. Briefs for edits often ask for only high-effort, high-quality work. Low-resolution footage, no cuts or a bare loop is a common reason for rejection.
• Own text or caption. Some clipping briefs require you to add your own on-screen text so the post is not a raw copy of the source.
• Specific style. A brief might require a certain subject on screen or a particular type of content, such as a specific game or genre.

For quality benchmarks on movie and show edits, see movie and TV edits guide. Anime fans can read the anime edits guide.

Watermarks, logos and provided content

Brand campaigns, usually logo and clipping campaigns, are strict about assets. If the brief supplies a logo or a watermark, it will normally have to appear in the post, sometimes at a certain point in the video. Others say the logo should not appear at the start or that the video should react when the logo shows up.

Many briefs also give you a folder of approved content and say clips must come from it. Others allow your own sources but exclude certain types of content. This is the single most important area to follow exactly: briefs define what footage you may use, and using anything outside that is a typical reason for a post not counting. We do not give legal advice on copyright, so when in doubt, follow the brief and ask in the campaign's support channel if it provides one.

Originality, authenticity and account rules

• Make your own edit. Re-uploading another creator's edit, even with a new caption, does not meet the spirit of most briefs.
• No view botting or fake engagement. Bought views, bots and engagement pods break campaign rules and platform rules and can get posts or accounts removed.
• Post from your own account. The account you submit should be one you own and control.
• Respect campaign dates. Campaigns have end dates. A post made after the campaign closes, or views that arrive after it, may not count.
• Tags and hashtags. Some briefs ask for a particular hashtag, tag or link in bio. Add exactly what is asked.

Authentic work is also the best long-term strategy. Honest accounts with steady output are easier to grow than ones built on tricks.

Rule, reason and how to check

Pre-post checklist

Run through this list for every post. It takes a couple of minutes and prevents most rejections.

1. Reopen the brief and read it line by line, since briefs are sometimes updated.
2. Confirm the campaign is still live and you are inside its dates.
3. Check the footage source is allowed.
4. Check length, language and on-screen text.
5. Confirm the correct sound is used and audible.
6. Add the song name, tags and any required caption or comment.
7. Confirm the logo or watermark if the brief supplies one.
8. Watch the exported file once, on a phone, with the sound on and again off.
9. Post from your own account, natively, and never buy engagement.