by SponsorLens (LX AI)

Last updated: 2026-09-16

How to use SponsorLens

Open SponsorLens, provide the required inputs, run Demo to preview the workflow, then switch off Demo when a live key is configured.

Know if a brand deal is fair before you sign.

Decision-support only — confirm before you publish or act.

What SponsorLens does

SponsorLens takes a sponsorship offer you describe and returns two concrete pieces of information: a fair‑rate benchmark and an FTC disclosure risk check. The fair‑rate benchmark tells you whether the proposed payment matches what similar creators receive for comparable deliverables, platform, and audience size. The FTC disclosure risk check scans the offer description for language that could trigger a disclosure requirement under the FTC’s Endorsement Guides. Both outputs are meant to support your decision; you still review the final contract before signing.

You start by entering the offer details into a simple form. The form asks for the total compensation, the list of deliverables (posts, videos, stories, live streams), the platform where the content will appear, and the size of the audience you will reach. After you submit the form, SponsorLens processes the data and returns a benchmark range (low, median, high) expressed in dollars, plus a risk level (low, medium, high) with a short explanation of which clauses raised the flag.

Setting up your first evaluation

Before you can run any analysis you need to have the tool open in your browser. The interface is a single page with a form at the top and a results area below. No installation is required.

Inputs you need

Fill each field with the exact numbers from the offer you received. If you are unsure about a number, use the best estimate you have; you can adjust later and see how the benchmark shifts.

Demo mode toggle

At the top right of the form there is a switch labelled “Demo”. When Demo is on, the tool uses a built‑in dataset to show you how the workflow looks without calling any external AI model. This is useful for learning the interface or for sharing a screenshot with a teammate. When you have a valid API key configured in your account settings, turn Demo off to get live results that reflect the latest market data.

Running a Demo preview

To see a preview, leave Demo switched on, fill in the form with any sample data, and click the “Run” button. The results area will populate with a benchmark range and a risk level.

What you see in Demo

Demo results are not based on live market data; they are static examples meant to illustrate the format. Switch Demo off and re‑run with the same inputs to see how the numbers change when the live model is used.

Interpreting the fair‑rate benchmark

The benchmark is presented as three numbers: low, median, and high. The low value reflects the 25th percentile of observed deals for similar creators; the median reflects the 50th percentile; the high reflects the 75th percentile. If the offered amount falls below the low value, the deal may be under‑paid relative to the market. If it falls above the high value, the brand is paying a premium, which could be justified by extra usage rights or exclusivity.

How the benchmark is calculated

SponsorLens looks at three main dimensions: audience size, engagement rate, and deliverable complexity. Each dimension receives a weight that adds up to 100%. The tool then multiplies your inputs by the weight and looks up the resulting score in a historical database of deals.

Dimension Weight Explanation
Audience size 40% Larger reach usually commands higher fees.
Engagement rate 35% Higher likes/comments per follower signal stronger influence.
Deliverable complexity 25% Video production, editing, and multiple formats increase effort.

After the weighted score is computed, SponsorLens returns the corresponding low‑median‑high range from its deal database. The database is updated weekly with anonymized data from creators who have opted in to share their rates.

Adjusting for platform differences

Different platforms have different baseline CPM (cost per thousand views). SponsorLens applies a platform multiplier after the weighted score is calculated. For example, YouTube typically has a higher CPM than Instagram for the same audience size, so the benchmark will be adjusted upward. You can see the exact multiplier used in the “Details” link that appears below the benchmark when you hover over the question‑mark icon.

Running the FTC disclosure risk check

The risk check scans the text you entered in the “Optional notes” field and the deliverable list for phrases that could trigger a disclosure requirement. It looks for language that suggests the content is an advertisement, a paid partnership, or that the brand has control over the editorial message.

Risk factors considered

Each factor adds a point to a simple score. The total score maps to a risk level: 0‑1 points = low, 2‑3 points = medium, 4+ points = high.

What the output means

Low risk: the offer language is unlikely to require a disclosure beyond what you already plan to include. Medium risk: you should add a clear disclosure statement (e.g., “#ad” or “Paid partnership with [Brand]”) in a prominent place before the content begins. High risk: the offer contains multiple restrictive clauses; you should consider negotiating the terms or adding a disclosure that satisfies both the brand’s requirements and the FTC’s guidance. The tool also provides a link to the FTC’s Endorsement Guides for further reading.

For a deeper understanding of AI‑related risk frameworks, you can consult the NIST AI Risk Management Framework https://www.nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework and the OWASP Top 10 for Large Language Model Applications https://owasp.org/www-project-top-10-for-large-language-model-applications. These references inform the way SponsorLens evaluates language patterns that could be problematic.

Building a reusable rate card

If you frequently evaluate similar offers, you can save your inputs as a template. This saves time and ensures consistency across your negotiations.

Saving a template

After you have run an evaluation and are satisfied with the inputs, click the “Save as template” button that appears below the results. Give the template a name that reflects the type of deal (e.g., “Instagram post package”, “YouTube integration”). The tool stores the template in your account under the “Rate cards” tab.

Applying the template to new offers

When a new offer arrives, open the “Rate cards” tab, select the appropriate template, and click “Use template”. The form fields will fill automatically with the saved values. You can then adjust any numbers that differ (such as audience size or compensation) and re‑run the analysis. The benchmark will update instantly, showing you how the change affects the fair‑rate range.

You can also export a template as a JSON file if you need to share it with a teammate who uses a different account. The export option is located in the three‑dot menu on the template card.

Using the Team dashboard (if you have a paid plan)

For creators who work with an agency or a manager, SponsorLens offers a Team dashboard that lets multiple users view and comment on evaluations in real time.

Sharing evaluations

When you finish an evaluation, click the “Share” button in the results area. You can invite teammates by entering their email addresses. They will receive a link that lets them see the benchmark, risk level, and your notes. They can add their own comments, which appear as threaded discussions below the result.

Exporting CSV

If you need to keep a record of all evaluations for accounting or reporting, open the Team dashboard and select “Export CSV”. The downloaded file contains one row per evaluation with columns for date, inputs, benchmark low/median/high, risk level, and any notes you added. This format works with spreadsheet programs and can be imported into your bookkeeping software.

What this is NOT

SponsorLens does not guarantee that a brand will accept your counter‑offer. It does not promise that following its advice will prevent any legal issue. The tool is not a substitute for reading the full contract or consulting a lawyer. It does not provide a 100% accurate prediction of market rates because the underlying data depends on what creators have chosen to share. It does not automatically update your rate card when market conditions change; you must re‑run the analysis to see new numbers. It does not work without an internet connection because the live model relies on external data. It does not include features such as single sign‑on, Slack notifications, or bulk CSV import unless those are explicitly part of the current product build.

References

Frequently asked questions

What is SponsorLens?

Know if a brand deal is fair before you sign.

Who should use SponsorLens?

Operators and builders who need a fast first draft or checklist from SponsorLens.

Does it work without an API key?

Yes in explicit Demo mode. Live AI requires a configured key.

Does it guarantee outcomes?

No. Outputs are decision-support; you still review before publishing or acting.

Does it include SSO, Slack, or bulk CSV?

Only if those features are implemented in this product build — do not assume them from marketing copy.

Where does data go?

Runs may be stored locally under the product's .data/ boundary; treat demos as ephemeral.

References

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