Your Craft request is a brief to a creator. Write it like you're giving a director the concept for a short film — enough specifics to make something meaningful, enough freedom to make something great.
Why the request quality matters
Creators receive multiple Craft requests. Vague, generic requests (“make something cool for me”) get declined or deprioritised. Clear, enthusiastic requests that show genuine interest in the creator and describe a specific outcome get accepted quickly and result in better videos.
The request is also your opportunity to give the creator what they need to produce something you’ll treasure. A birthday shoutout that includes the person’s name, something they love, and a detail that shows personal connection is exponentially more meaningful than “say happy birthday.”
The anatomy of a great Craft request
1. What is the video for? Be specific about the context. “This is a birthday video for my best friend Mia — she turns 21 next week. She’s a huge fan of your dance content and has been watching your videos for two years.” This gives the creator context, an emotional hook, and a named recipient.
2. What should the video include? Mention specific elements: a name, a personal detail, a message you want conveyed, a specific song or style if relevant. “Can you include her name — Mia — and mention something about dance being her passion?” is much better than “make it personal.”
3. What should the tone be? Enthusiastic and warm? Funny and playful? Sincere and heartfelt? Give the creator a direction. “Keep it energetic and fun — she loves your upbeat style” is helpful. “Be sincere” is also fine if that’s what you want.
4. Any specific length or format preference? Optional, but helpful. “Something around 30–60 seconds is perfect” helps the creator plan. Don’t be too prescriptive — “exactly 47 seconds” is too constraining.
5. Anything to avoid? If there’s something the creator shouldn’t include (a topic, a reference), mention it briefly. “Please don’t mention her job — it’s a sensitive topic right now.”
A sample request that works
“Hi! I’d love a birthday video for my friend Mia who’s turning 21 this Sunday. She’s been following your dance content for over two years and considers you her favourite creator. She’s working on improving her contemporary technique.
Could you say happy 21st to Mia, maybe throw in something about how important dance is and that she should keep going with it? Upbeat and genuine like your usual style would be perfect — she’ll love it.
No need to be too long — 30–60 seconds works great. Thank you!”
This request:
- Identifies the recipient and the occasion
- Gives the creator relevant context about the fan
- Specifies tone and approximate length
- Expresses genuine appreciation
What not to do
Don’t be vague: “Make a fun video for someone I know.” The creator has no idea what to make.
Don’t be overly directive: “Start with X, then say Y, then demonstrate Z move, then close with A and B.” Creators are artists — overly scripted requests constrain them and often result in stilted delivery.
Don’t lowball: Offering $2 for a custom video sends a message about how you value the creator’s work. Most Crafts start at $25+; check the creator’s listed minimum.
Don’t include inappropriate requests: Creators can and do decline anything that makes them uncomfortable. Keep requests respectful and aligned with the creator’s content style.
When to send a Craft vs buy a Drop
A Craft is right when:
- You want something personal and unique — for a gift, a special occasion, or your own collection
- You want the creator to address you directly or make something that exists nowhere else
- You’re willing to pay a premium for the personal effort
A Drop is right when:
- You want to see the creator’s existing exclusive content
- You’re fine with other fans having the same video
- You want something immediately available rather than made to order
Many fans do both: buy Drops regularly and commission an occasional Craft for something special.
