Influencers and creators across Southeast Asia are raising concerns about influencer marketing platform Partipost, accusing the company of delaying or failing to issue payments for completed campaign work.
The controversy has triggered broader conversations around creator rights, payment transparency, and the financial risks influencers face when working with agencies and marketing platforms.
According to reporting from Net Influencer, the Singapore-based platform is now facing criticism from multiple creators across the region, with some complaints reportedly connected to campaigns dating back to 2024.
Creators Claim Campaign Deliverables Were Completed Without Timely Payment
The issue gained momentum after Malaysian creator Kezia Zhang reportedly shared her experience on Threads regarding payment she said remained outstanding for a campaign completed the previous year.
Her post quickly encouraged other creators to speak publicly about similar experiences. According to reports, affected influencers later formed a WhatsApp group to coordinate communication and discuss efforts to recover unpaid earnings.
Singapore-based creator Deborah Kwek also alleged that she had not received full payment for campaign work completed in September 2025. She reportedly claimed that payment processing only moved forward after she threatened legal action.
In the Philippines, creator @Mimirykat publicly appealed to Partipost regarding payment tied to a 2025 campaign. The creator described the issue as urgent and warned that legal action could follow if the matter was not resolved.
Partipost CEO Responds to Complaints
Partipost founder and CEO Jonathan Eg acknowledged that payment delays had occurred but denied that the company intentionally withholds payment for approved creator work.
According to Eg, delays can happen because of operational, administrative, or client-side processing issues. He also explained why creators with unresolved payment concerns might still receive new campaign opportunities, saying campaign management and payment processing operate through separate internal systems.
Why This Is a Serious Issue for Creators
The controversy highlights one of the biggest problems within influencer marketing: creators often complete campaign work long before receiving payment.
Because many influencers operate as freelancers or independent contractors, they may have fewer protections when payments are delayed compared to traditional employees.
For smaller creators, payment delays can create real financial stress. Many campaigns require upfront spending on filming, editing, travel, props, equipment, or product usage before payment is ever received.
The situation also creates reputational concerns for brands. Even if delays are caused by agencies or platforms, brands connected to those campaigns can still face criticism from creators and audiences.
Payment Transparency Is Becoming a Bigger Creator Economy Issue
The Partipost controversy follows growing concerns across the influencer marketing industry regarding payment reliability and creator treatment.
Net Influencer also referenced a separate controversy involving Singapore-based agency BrandTok Media, where the founder reportedly apologized after allegations tied to unpaid commitments and incomplete deliverables.
As influencer marketing expands rapidly across Southeast Asia, creators are increasingly demanding:
- Clearer contracts
- Faster payment timelines
- Better communication
- Stronger dispute resolution systems
- More accountability from platforms and agencies
Lessons for Influencers and Creators
The situation serves as another reminder that creators should approach brand deals like formal business agreements.
Before accepting campaigns, creators may benefit from:
- Carefully reviewing payment terms
- Saving written approvals and contracts
- Keeping records of deliverables
- Documenting communication
- Following up quickly when payment deadlines are missed
As the creator economy matures, professional documentation and contract management are becoming increasingly important for influencers of all sizes.
The Bigger Picture
The Partipost payment dispute shows how quickly creator concerns can escalate publicly in today’s social media environment.
Creators now have stronger tools to organize, share experiences, and pressure companies for accountability. Public complaints can spread rapidly across platforms like Threads, X, TikTok, and Instagram, especially when multiple influencers report similar issues.
For the influencer marketing industry, trust is becoming one of the most valuable assets. Reliable payment systems, transparent communication, and professional creator relationships may ultimately become essential for platforms and agencies hoping to maintain credibility in the growing creator economy.