Briefs versus a direct offer
Post a brief when you want applicants. Send an offer when you already know the creator. They are not the same job.
A brief is a public ask. You describe the work, the budget per creator, how many people you need, and a deadline. Live creators apply with a short pitch and, if they have one, a sample. You pick. Picking creates an accepted offer and starts the same escrow path as a direct hire.
A direct offer is for when you have already found the person. You open their card, name the job, name the price, and they have 48 hours. An expired offer cannot be accepted. An offer to a profile that is not live cannot be sent, because that profile is not on the directory.
Use a brief when the niche is wide and you want to see how people talk about the product. Use an offer when the creator's past work is already the reason you are here. Both require a verified brand. An unverified business can set up an account. It cannot publish either.