In the adult industry, learning how to vet content partners is one of the most important skills a performer or creator can develop. Whether you’re planning a one-time collaboration or building long-term working relationships, properly vetting content partners helps you avoid red flags, protect your work, and maintain professional boundaries. It’s not just about safety—it’s about setting yourself up for sustainable success.
Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through the red flags to watch for, the green lights to look for, and the tools you need to protect yourself and your brand.
Why Vetting Matters
The adult industry thrives on trust and mutual respect—but it’s also full of freelancers, independent contractors, and creators who operate without oversight. Vetting helps you:
- Ensure professionalism
- Avoid unsafe or unethical behavior
- Protect your content and personal boundaries
- Build a solid reputation
1. Start with a Background Check (Yes, Even Informal)
Search their name or alias on platforms like:
- Twitter / X
- Adult Talent List/Sexy Jobs
- Industry-specific Discord servers or forums
Look for:
- Consistent branding and presence
- Testimonials, endorsements, or prior collaborations
- Any history of drama, ghosting, or misconduct
2. Ask for References
Don’t be shy—ask who they’ve worked with and reach out directly. A simple message like:
“Hi! I’m thinking of collaborating with [Performer Name]. Would you recommend them?”
This step can reveal a lot about someone’s punctuality, hygiene, communication style, and more.
3. Have a Pre-Collaboration Call
Before shooting, schedule a video chat or phone call to discuss:
- Comfort levels and on-camera dynamics
- Content ownership and distribution rights
- Boundaries and consent (“Yes/No” list)
- Testing results and safety protocols
- Release forms and 2257 compliance
If someone won’t do a call, consider that a red flag.
4. Review Their Testing Status
Use reputable services like:
- Talent Testing Service (TTS)
- Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS)
- CLEAR (CLRD Testing for Adult Industry) — A PASS-certified STI testing service tailored to adult content creators
Always verify results directly from the provider’s portal. Do not accept screenshots.
5. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, it probably is. Some common red flags:
- Last-minute rescheduling with vague excuses
- Refusal to use paperwork or testing
- Overly pushy or flirty during negotiation
- Poor communication or inconsistent details
6. Get It in Writing
Use a simple contract or agreement outlining:
- Content rights and where it can be posted
- Model release and IDs
- Testing verification
- Timeline for edits or distribution
Free templates are available from organizations like APAG (the Adult Performance Artists Guild) and the Free Speech Coalition for performer well-being and documentation best practices.
You can also use this ready-to-fill Shared Rights Collaboration Agreement to get started:
👉 Download: Two-Person Shared Rights Agreement (PDF)
7. After the Shoot: Follow Up
Check in afterward to:
- Make sure both parties are happy with the content
- Confirm when and where it will be posted
- Ensure files are securely transferred and credited
Maintaining that professional rapport builds long-term trust and opens the door for future collabs.
Final Thoughts
Collaborations can be amazing—but only when they’re rooted in trust, communication, and respect. Taking the time to properly vet content partners can save you heartache, stress, and legal headaches down the line. Don’t skip this step just to rush into a shoot. A little due diligence now can protect your brand and make future collabs even more successful.
Ready to connect with verified, professional collaborators? Browse performer profiles and post content trade listings today on Adult Talent List—a platform focused on verified connections and professional networking in the adult industry.
