The Catch+Release Creator Community is a network of creators who have expressed an interest in licensing their existing content and opted into Catch+Release. These creators are typically more responsive and willing to participate in commercial licensing, which means your projects can move faster and with greater confidence.
While permission is still required from the creator and any individuals identifiable in a shot, Creator Community content tends to clear more smoothly than public UGC.
Why use the Creator Community?
Faster turnaround times – Creators in this community understand the licensing process and are more likely to approve use.
No Clearance Fees – Unlike public UGC, there is no $250 clearance fee for initial requests on Creator Community content, which means no upfront payout is required to explore the licensing possibility.
Higher likelihood of approval – Once a shot is saved to a project, you'll see a Licensability Rating (1–9) that helps you prioritize content that’s easier to clear.
How to access and use the Creator Community
Visit catchandrelease.com/discover to start searching in the Creator Community.
Use the search bar to explore based on mood, topic, or style. Try terms like “sunset bike ride”, “girls trip to Nashville”, or “moody garden cinematic”.
Filter by photo or video, and source platform (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Direct Upload).
Click into any shot to see more detail and explore the Creator’s profile – a great way to find more content in a similar style or with the same models.
Click the Save button on any shot you like to add it to your project. Once saved, you’ll be able to use all of the Project tools, including:
Checking the Licensability Rating (1–9) for early success predictions.
The Creator Community tag is added to the saved shot for easy filtering.
Additional tools like downloading comps, making selects, building storyboards, and requesting clearance for licensing. ADD URLS
💡 Pro Tip: Saving content early not only gives you access to helpful insights but also allows your team to begin planning clearance strategy while exploring more options.
A quick note about licensing and fees
Although the $250 clearance fee is waived for the initial request on Creator Community content, a license fee still applies if the content is approved and you select it for licensing. This licensing fee is determined based on the usage rights you request (media, term, territory, etc.).
When we reach out to a Creator for permission, we offer them a fee in exchange for granting those rights. This offer is shaped by your usage details and ensures we can build a license that’s fair to both the Creator and the brand.
If you need to change the rights after the shot has been submitted for clearance, such as expanding to new media, increasing the term, or adjusting the geographic region, we’ll need to re-engage the Creator. In that case, an additional clearance fee may apply.
We’ll always confirm and communicate any potential changes before proceeding, so you can make informed decisions without surprises.
Need help?
If you’re unsure how to navigate the Creator Community or want help prioritizing shots for clearance, your Catch+Release team is happy to help. You can also reach out to success@catchandrelease.com.