Frequently asked questions

Varanda is a marketplace where brands hire everyday creators to make user-generated content (UGC): short videos, reviews, voice-overs, skits, unboxings and more. It bridges Nigeria and its diaspora: Nigerian brands, diaspora brands and international brands can all hire creators in Nigeria and abroad.

Anyone aged 18 or older. Creators can be based anywhere in Nigeria or in the diaspora (UK, US, Canada and beyond); there's no follower minimum. Brands can be businesses of any size, in Nigeria or abroad. One account can be both a creator and a brand.

Yes. That's one of the main reasons Varanda exists. Post a brief or invite creators from their profiles. Prices and checkout are in naira for now; USD and GBP pricing is coming soon.

Creators set their own prices (minimum ₦10,000 per service). Brands pay the creator's price plus a 5% service fee. Varanda keeps a 10% commission from the creator's price, and the creator receives the rest. There's no subscription and no fee to sign up.

When a brand hires a creator, the brand pays into escrow through Paystack before work starts. The money is held until the brand approves the delivery. If the brand doesn't approve, ask for a revision or open a dispute within 72 hours of delivery, the order is approved automatically and the creator is paid.

Every order includes one free revision. Ask for it after delivery and explain what to change. If you still can't agree, either side can open a dispute before the order is approved.

A Varanda admin reviews the brief, the order history, the chat, the deliveries and any evidence both sides add, then decides: release the payment to the creator, a partial refund, or a full refund. In a partial refund, the fees shrink in proportion to the amount refunded.

When you invite a creator, you pay into escrow and the invite is sent. If they decline, or don't reply within 72 hours, you get a full refund.

No. To keep everyone's money protected, contact details, social handles, messaging apps and outside payment details are blocked in chat, pitches, invites, briefs and profiles. Repeated attempts lead to strikes and can get an account suspended. Talk and pay on Varanda.

Once an order is approved, the creator's payout (their price minus the commission) is sent by Paystack transfer to a Nigerian bank account in their name. Payouts are subject to identity checks. Creators outside Nigeria can choose USD payouts instead: the Varanda payment team sends them by hand after approval (automatic USD payouts are coming later).

Once an order is approved and paid, the brand can use the content for the usage-rights period set in the brief. The creator can show it in their Varanda portfolio unless the brief says the work is confidential.

Use the form on our contact page or email hello@joinvaranda.com. We usually reply within 2 working days.