Transformer
How does pay-per-confirmed-post work on Transformer?
On Transformer the brand's saved card is charged automatically once the creator accepts an offer, before they post, the money is held, and it's released to the creator only after the Transformer team confirms the post is live on X, from the creator's account, with the offer's link and a disclosure. If the deal doesn't happen, the money goes back to the brand's balance, so neither side has to trust the other to pay or deliver.
Updated November 8, 2026
Why hold the payment?
The two usual ways to pay creators each leave one side exposed:
| Approach | Who carries the risk |
|---|---|
| Pay before the post | The brand, if the post is late, missing or leaves out the link |
| Pay after, on invoice | The creator, who may wait weeks to be paid |
| Hold, then release on confirmation | Neither side: the money exists before work starts, and it moves on an agreed check |
What does Transformer check?
When the creator submits a post URL, a person on the Transformer team reviews the creator's evidence (the post URL, an optional screenshot of the Paid partnership label, and automatic checks that the post is live, from the right account, with the tracked link and the label on) and approves or rejects it with a reason. The post passes when it is:
- live and public on X;
- published from the creator's own account, the handle the offer was sent to;
- carrying the offer's link, as X shows it after expanding t.co links, ignoring the scheme,
www., letter case, a trailing slash and the query string; - clearly disclosed with X's Paid partnership label, which is the disclosure; no #ad is needed;
- the right format: video offers must contain a video.
It doesn't check wording. Creators write in their own voice. A rejected post can be fixed and resubmitted before the post-by date.
What are the payment states?
| Payment status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| unfunded | Not paid yet. Sending charges nothing; the brand's saved card is charged when a creator accepts, and if that fails the brand has 72 hours to pay by link |
| funded | The brand has paid and the payout is held; the creator can now post |
| released | Every deliverable passed; the creator's 80% is credited to their balance |
| paid_out | The creator has withdrawn it |
| refunded | The offer was declined, cancelled before acceptance or expired, and the money went back to the brand's balance |
What if a post fails the check?
The submission is kept as rejected and the creator is told why, for example a missing link or a missing Paid partnership label. They can fix the post and submit again. Nothing is released until every deliverable passes. Transformer's terms say it may also review deliverables by hand, and either side can ask support to review a decision.
What if the post is deleted later?
The post is reviewed when it's submitted. Transformer's terms ask creators to keep a confirmed post up for at least 30 days unless the offer says otherwise, and its guidance suggests stating any longer period in the ask.
What does it cost?
The brand pays the offer's payout and nothing else. A $250 post costs the brand $250; the creator receives $200 and Transformer keeps $50, which covers the held payment, post review, tracked links and payouts. See pricing and fees.
Why doesn't the review check the wording?
Because the wording is the creator's job. Audiences trust creators who write in their own voice, and posts that read like ad copy tend to lose that trust. So the check sticks to objective facts both sides agree on in advance: the post exists, it's from the right account, it has the link, it's disclosed and it's the right format. What to say is covered by the ask, which gives talking points and must-haves without scripting the post.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the money while the post is reviewed?
Held by Transformer. The brand's card is charged when the creator accepts, and the payment is released only when the Transformer team confirms the post, or returned to the brand's balance if it isn't.
Can a creator see the money is there?
Yes, before posting. The brand pays after the creator accepts, and a creator can't submit a post until that payment is held.
Does Transformer review posts on Instagram or TikTok?
Paid offers and post review run on X today. Transformer says other networks will follow.
Can I pay on commission only?
Every offer has a payout, which can be small, plus an optional commission of 0–50% on tracked sales.
Who decides whether a post passes?
A person on the Transformer team, who reviews the creator's evidence and automatic checks and approves or rejects the post with a reason. Its terms make the decision final for payment purposes, and either side can ask support to review it.
How fast is the creator credited?
As soon as the Transformer team confirms every deliverable. Transformer doesn't publish a review time.