Running reimbursement campaigns on Vidovo can be incredibly effective for brands that rely on product-in-hand creator content. It’s important to understand exactly how the process works, how charges are handled, and the responsibilities involved. This guide breaks down everything brands need to know, including how to set up a reimbursement campaign step-by-step, what happens when a proposal is accepted, platform safeguards, and best practices to ensure smooth collaboration with creators.
Whether you're new to Vidovo or refining your campaign strategy, this walkthrough will help you use reimbursement features confidently and responsibly.
1. Overview of Reimbursement on Vidovo
What are reimbursement campaigns? How do they differ from a paid campaign?
Reimbursement campaigns are campaigns where the creator purchases a product upfront, and the brand reimburses them for that cost. This is different from paid, where a creator gets paid an agreed-upon amount for their content.
When does a reimbursement campaign make sense for brands?
Reimbursement really makes sense for brands when you're running product-based collaborations. For example, when you need creators to physically purchase your item to show it in their content. It’s a great fit for things like retail-style campaigns (when the creator goes into a brick-and-mortar store to film and purchase a product, Amazon, TikTok Shop, or products that creators need in-hand to create.
2. How to Create a Reimbursement Campaign on Vidovo
When you’re creating a new campaign, you’ll eventually reach the Payment / Compensation Method section. Once you get to that section, here’s what to do:
Choose “Money” instead of “Gifted.”
This opens a box for:
A payment (flat fee) price range
A dedicated “Offer Reimbursement” option - this is the option we will be working with!
Under the “Price Range” section, you’ll see an “Offer Reimbursement” section.
Check the box to activate the reimbursement.
Once you check it, a new field appears where you can enter the reimbursement amount.
Add the reimbursement amount for your product(s).
Make sure to factor in taxes, shipping, fees, and any other costs the creator will need to cover up front.
Below that, you’ll see an optional text box for Reimbursement Details. This is a great place to explain exactly what expenses are covered, like:
Product details
Product cost
Shipping
Any required accessories
While this section is technically optional, we strongly recommend filling it out with clear, detailed information so creators understand what’s expected before they apply.
Then continue with the rest of your campaign setup as normal.
When you are finished setting up your campaign and adding in the details, before you click “Publish” and go live, we recommend double-checking:
The reimbursement amount
The reimbursement details/description
Once everything looks correct, go ahead and publish your campaign!
3. How Brand Charging Works
Instant Charge at Proposal Acceptance - When a brand accepts a creator’s proposal on a reimbursement campaign, the full reimbursement amount is charged to that brand instantly.
No Delays, No Escrow - There’s no delay, no waiting period, and no escrow. The moment you hit “accept,” your card is charged.
Creator Deposit Timing - At the same time, the creator’s reimbursement gets instantly deposited into their connected Stripe account. So they receive those funds immediately and can move forward with purchasing the product to create content for the campaign.
No Platform Fee - Vidovo does not take a platform fee on reimbursement amounts. Whatever reimbursement you agreed to pay the creator, 100% of that goes directly to them.
4. Brand Risk & Liability
100% Brand Risk - When you choose to use a reimbursement campaign, the brand takes on 100% of the risk. Reimbursements are non-refundable. So if a creator fails to deliver, changes their mind, or doesn’t end up completing the work, the brand still absorbs that cost.
No Chargebacks via Vidovo - Vidovo does not process chargebacks on reimbursements, and we don’t mediate reimbursement disputes between brands and creators. Our Terms of Service explicitly note that all reimbursement liability falls on the brand.
5. Platform Safeguards & Updates
Creators Must Have Stripe - Only creators with a connected Stripe account are allowed to apply to reimbursement campaigns. This ensures they can actually receive the reimbursement instantly.
Pop-Up Warning for Creators - There’s a new pop-up warning that appears before creators apply. It explains the requirements and makes sure they fully understand the expectations of reimbursement campaigns.
6. Ethical Use & Considerations
Follow Standard Guidelines - Brands must still follow standard guidelines, such as (but not limited to): communicating clearly, setting expectations, and using reimbursement campaigns responsibly.
Reviews Not Guaranteed - Remember: a reimbursement does NOT guarantee a review, specific performance, or content outcome. It simply covers the cost of the product.
Encouraged to Stay Ethical - Vidovo encourages ethical creator-brand collaboration, but we don’t oversee communication unless there’s a direct platform issue. So it’s important to stay transparent and respectful throughout the process.
7. Best Practices for Brands
Defined Deliverables - Clearly define your deliverables inside your campaign, your proposal messaging, and your content briefs.
Be Intentional - Use reimbursement campaigns intentionally, not as a cost-saving tactic, but when it genuinely fits the collaboration.
Reimbursement ≠ Guarantee - Remember that reimbursement is not a guarantee of content results or performance. It’s simply a payment method.
That’s everything you need to know about how reimbursement campaigns work on Vidovo on the brand’s side! If you're ready to put these strategies into action, head into your Vidovo dashboard and start building your next campaign or explore additional resources to keep improving your workflow. If you have questions, Vidovo’s support team is here to help if you have questions along the way.