Does a brand need a formal contract for every influencer collaboration in India?

Contract threshold framework for Indian influencer deals: Under ₹2,000 + no product: WhatsApp/DM confirmation is sufficient. Document clearly: what they'll post, when, and what they get. ₹2,000–₹10,000: brief email confirmation with deliverables, payment terms, and disclosure requirement. Both parties reply to confirm. Above ₹10,000: formal contract required. Include deliverables, payment schedule, content rights, exclusivity (if any), revision clause, dispute resolution. Any deal with usage rights or exclusivity: formal contract regardless of amount — these terms have real value and need to be explicit. Free product + no cash: still confirm in writing (DM/email) — "you receive [product] in exchange for 1 Reel and 2 Stories, posted by [date], with #Ad disclosure." Documentation protects both parties and takes 5 minutes.