Applications and bids
How creators in your program apply to a Spark! campaign with a rate, a pitch and screening answers, and how you accept or decline each application.
Last updated: 2026-10-19
An application (also called a bid) is a creator’s request to join one of your active campaigns. The creator names their own rate, says how they want to be paid, pitches the idea and answers your screening questions. You accept or decline. Accepted creators join the campaign at the rate they asked for, so nobody haggles over email.
Before creators can apply
- The campaign’s status is Active. Draft, paused and completed campaigns don’t take applications.
- The creator has joined your Spark! program. Your campaigns aren’t listed to anyone else.
- Optional: up to four screening questions on the campaign, each up to 280 characters.
What the creator does
Browse campaigns
In their Spark! portal, the creator opens Campaigns → Browse. They can search by name or description and filter by type. Each campaign shows its requirements and deliverables.
Apply
They choose Apply and fill in the application. Every screening question needs an answer, or the application can’t be sent.
Track it
The application shows under Campaigns → Applications. While it’s pending they can Edit application or Withdraw it. Each creator can send one application per campaign.
What an application contains
| Field | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Your rate | The amount the creator asks for. It must be more than zero. |
| How you want to be paid | Flat fee, per post or revenue share. |
| Message to the brand | Their pitch: why they fit and what they would make. |
| Platforms | Where they would post, such as TikTok or Instagram. |
| Estimated reach | How many people the creator expects to reach. |
| Links to your work | Past posts or a portfolio. |
| Screening answers | One answer for each of your screening questions, up to 1,000 characters each. |
Review applications
Each application shows the creator’s name, email and company, the campaign, every field above, and your screening questions next to their answers, so you can compare applicants side by side.
- Accept: the creator is added to the campaign as accepted, with the rate from their application as their compensation. They can open the campaign’s briefs and start submitting content.
- Decline: you can add a note. The creator sees the status and your note on their application.
Spark! records who reviewed each application and when.
Application statuses
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Pending | Waiting for your review. The creator can still edit or withdraw it. |
| Accepted | The creator is on the campaign at the rate they asked for. |
| Declined | You said no. Any note you added shows on the creator’s application. |
| Withdrawn | The creator pulled it back before you decided. |
You and the creator see the same status.
Applications vs invitations
Applications come from the creator. Invitations come from you: when you want a specific creator who hasn’t applied, invite them from the campaign. They see it under Campaigns → Invitations and accept or decline. Either way, an accepted creator ends up on the campaign the same way.
Accepting an application sets what the creator is owed for the campaign. If you want deliverables, usage rights and payment terms in writing, send a contract next.
Common questions
Does Spark! suggest a rate?
No. The rate on each application is the creator’s own ask.
Can a creator change an application after I accept it?
No. Only pending applications can be edited or withdrawn.
A creator says they can’t see my campaign
Check that the campaign is Active and that the creator has joined your program.
Related
- Campaign applications: how applications help you hire creators faster.
- Spark! for creators: what the creator portal looks like.
- Glossary: influencer partner, affiliate network.
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