How to Pitch a Collab to Another Creator (Without Being Awkward)

You've found a creator you want to collaborate with. Their content is great, your audiences would overlap, and you've got an idea that could work for both of you.

Now you have to actually reach out to them. And this is where most creators freeze up.

What do you say? How do you not sound desperate? What if they think you're just trying to use them for clout? What if you come across as annoying or pushy?

The fear of being awkward stops more potential collabs than anything else. Creators sit on great ideas because they don't know how to pitch them without feeling weird about it.

Here's the thing: reaching out doesn't have to be awkward. There's a way to pitch collabs that feels natural, respects the other person's time, and actually gets responses.

Why Most Collab Pitches Get Ignored

Before we get into what works, let's talk about what doesn't.

Most creators send some version of this:

"Hey! Love your content. We should collab sometime! Let me know if you're interested."

This message is polite. It's friendly. And it gets ignored almost every time.

Here's why:

It's vague. "We should collab sometime" means nothing. What kind of collab? When? On whose channel? The recipient has to do all the mental work to figure out what you're even proposing.

It's generic. "Love your content" could be copy-pasted to anyone. There's no sign that you've actually watched their stuff or understand what they do.

It puts all the work on them. "Let me know if you're interested" asks them to come up with the idea, figure out the logistics, and drive the conversation. That's a lot to ask from a stranger.

There's no clear benefit to them. Why should they say yes? What do they get out of it? The message doesn't answer this.

Creators — especially ones with any significant following — get dozens of messages like this. They can't respond to all of them, so they respond to none of them.

If you want a response, you need to stand out from the pile.

The Anatomy of a Good Collab Pitch

A pitch that gets responses has five elements:

1. A specific hook about their content

Show that you've actually engaged with their work. Not "I love your videos" but "Your video about [specific topic] made me think about [specific thing]."

This does two things: it proves you're a real fan (not just someone mass-messaging creators), and it gives context for why you're reaching out to them specifically.

2. A clear, concrete idea

Don't say "we should collab." Say "I think we could do a video where we [specific concept]."

Give them something to react to. A concrete idea is 10x easier to say yes to than a vague suggestion. Even if they don't love your specific idea, it opens a conversation about what could work.

3. The benefit to them

Why should they care? What's in it for them?

Be explicit: "My audience is really into [topic], so I think they'd love your perspective." Or: "This would expose you to [X] subscribers who've never heard of you." Or: "I can handle all the editing, so it's zero extra work for you."

4. Credibility without bragging

Give them a reason to take you seriously. This doesn't mean flexing your subscriber count — it means showing that you're a real creator who makes quality content.

A simple link to your channel and a one-line description of what you do is enough. If you have relevant experience or a relevant audience, mention it briefly.

5. An easy next step

Make it simple to say yes. Don't ask them to commit to a full collaboration in their first response. Ask for something small: "Would you be open to a quick call to discuss?" or "Let me know if this sounds interesting and I can send more details."

Lower the barrier to responding.

Templates That Actually Work

Here are templates you can adapt for different situations. Don't copy them word-for-word — use them as structures and make them your own.

Template 1: The Content Collab Pitch

Hey [Name],

I'm [Your Name] — I run a [type of channel] about [your niche] with about [X] subscribers.

I just watched your [specific video/episode] about [topic] and really liked [specific thing you appreciated]. It actually gave me an idea.

I've been wanting to make a [video/podcast/etc.] about [topic], and I think it could work really well as a collab. The concept would be [one or two sentences explaining the idea].

I think your audience would be into it because [reason], and my audience would too because [reason]. Plus, I'd handle [editing/promotion/logistics/etc.] so it's minimal extra work on your end.

Would you be open to chatting about this? Totally understand if the timing doesn't work — just thought it was worth reaching out.

[Your name]
[Link to your channel]

Template 2: The Podcast Guest Pitch

Hey [Name],

I'm [Your Name], and I [one sentence about what you do and why it's relevant to their show].

I've been listening to [podcast name] for a while — your episode with [guest] about [topic] was especially good. The way you explored [specific thing] really resonated.

I think I could be a good guest for your show. I [brief description of your expertise or story], and I think your audience would find it valuable because [reason].

Some topics I could speak on:

• [Topic 1]
• [Topic 2]
• [Topic 3]

If any of these sound interesting, I'd love to chat. Happy to send more info or jump on a quick call.

Thanks,
[Your name]
[Relevant links]

Template 3: The Skill Exchange Pitch

Hey [Name],

I'm [Your Name]. I'm a [your skill/role] and I've been following your content for a while.

I noticed [specific observation about their content — something you could help with]. I'd love to offer my [skill] in exchange for [what you want — a shoutout, collaboration, etc.].

Here's what I'm thinking: I could [specific deliverable — e.g., "create 3 custom thumbnails for your next videos" or "edit a highlight reel from your recent streams"]. In return, [what you're asking for].

You can see examples of my work here: [link]

Let me know if this sounds interesting. No pressure either way.

[Your name]

Template 4: The "Starting From Scratch" Partner Search

Hey [Name],

This might be a different kind of message than you usually get, so bear with me.

I'm [Your Name]. I've been watching your content for a while and really appreciate [specific thing about their work or approach].

I'm looking for someone to [start a channel/podcast/project] with. I've got [what you bring — ideas, skills, time, equipment, etc.], but I don't want to build something alone.

Your [content style/personality/expertise] made me think we might be a good fit. If you've ever thought about building something with a partner — or even if this is a new idea — I'd love to chat and see if our visions align.

I know this is a bigger ask than a typical collab, so no pressure at all. But if it sounds intriguing, let me know and we can talk.

[Your name]
[Link to any relevant work]

Where to Send Your Pitch

The channel you use matters almost as much as what you say.

Creator collaboration platforms are the easiest option. Platforms like ONUNDI connect creators who are already looking to collaborate. Everyone there wants to be pitched — so you skip the awkwardness of cold outreach entirely.

Email is best for serious pitches. Most creators list a business email on their YouTube About page or in their social bios. Email feels more professional and doesn't get lost in a sea of DMs.

DMs work for smaller creators and casual pitches. Twitter DMs, Instagram DMs, and Discord DMs are fine for creators with smaller followings or for more informal outreach. Just know that DMs are easy to miss or ignore.

Don't pitch in comments. Comments are public and putting a collab pitch in someone's YouTube comments or tweet replies looks desperate. Save it for private channels.

Use their preferred contact method if they state one. Some creators explicitly say "DM me for collabs" or "business inquiries: email@email.com." Respect that.

How Long Should Your Pitch Be?

Short enough to read in under a minute. Long enough to include the five elements above.

Most good pitches are 100-200 words. If you're going over 250, you're probably including unnecessary information.

Creators are busy. They're not going to read a five-paragraph essay from a stranger. Get to the point.

Following Up Without Being Annoying

Didn't get a response? That doesn't necessarily mean no.

Creators miss messages all the time. They see it, mean to respond later, and forget. They get busy. The message gets buried under other notifications.

One follow-up after 5-7 days is completely acceptable. Keep it short:

Hey [Name], just floating this back up in case it got buried. No pressure either way — just let me know if you're interested or if the timing doesn't work.

Don't follow up more than once. If they don't respond after your follow-up, they're either not interested or not available. Either way, sending more messages won't help.

Don't take it personally. Not getting a response isn't rejection — it's just silence. They might love your work but be too busy. They might have a policy against collabs. They might have missed both messages. You'll never know, and that's okay.

Move on and pitch someone else.

What If They Say No?

A no isn't the end of the world. It's not even the end of the relationship.

Respond gracefully. Thank them for considering it. Something like: "Totally understand — appreciate you letting me know. Best of luck with your content!"

Don't argue or push back. If they say no, accept it. Trying to convince them to change their mind is the fastest way to burn a bridge.

Leave the door open. A no today isn't a no forever. Maybe the timing is wrong. Maybe they'll think of you later when they are looking for collabs. End on a positive note.

Keep engaging with their content. If you genuinely like their work, keep watching, commenting, and supporting. Over time, you might build enough of a relationship that a future pitch lands differently.

The Mindset Shift That Makes Pitching Easier

Here's the thing that makes collab pitches awkward: thinking of it as asking for a favor.

When you frame it as "I want something from you," you feel like a burden. You downplay your value. You apologize for reaching out. You write messages that radiate insecurity.

But a good collab isn't a favor — it's a trade. You're offering something valuable (your audience, your skills, your ideas, your content) in exchange for something valuable from them.

When you internalize this, pitching stops feeling awkward. You're not begging for attention. You're proposing a partnership that benefits both sides.

If your pitch is solid, you're doing them a favor by reaching out. You're offering an opportunity they might not have found otherwise.

That's the energy that gets responses.

What If Pitching Isn't For You?

Some people hate cold outreach. The whole process — crafting the message, sending it, waiting, following up — feels exhausting and uncomfortable.

That's valid. Cold pitching isn't the only way to find collaborators.

The alternative is to be in places where creators are actively looking for collabs. Where you don't have to convince anyone to be interested, because everyone there is already interested.

That's why we built ONUNDI.

ONUNDI is a platform where creators across YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, podcasts, and more come to find collaborators. Instead of sending cold DMs and hoping for responses, you can:

Browse creators who are actively looking for collabs, guest spots, or creative partners
See exactly what they're looking for — no guessing whether they're open to it
Filter by platform, niche, and availability to find the right match
Connect directly with creators who want to hear from you

Everyone on ONUNDI is there because they want to collaborate. No awkward pitching. No wondering if you're being annoying. Just creators finding other creators.

If cold outreach isn't your thing, check out ONUNDI and skip the awkward part entirely.