The digital marketing world is evolving, and User-Generated Content (UGC) is at the forefront of brand promotion. Businesses are constantly searching for authentic, relatable content that resonates with their audiences, and UGC creators are becoming an essential part of this strategy.
If you're wondering how to become a UGC creator and start earning money by creating content for brands, this guide will walk you through every step, from building your portfolio to finding high-paying clients.
What is UGC (User-Generated Content)?
User-Generated Content (UGC) refers to videos, photos, reviews, and testimonials created by everyday people rather than traditional influencers or big-budget production teams. The key difference between an influencer and a UGC creator is that UGC creators don’t need a large following—they create content for brands to use on their social media, websites, and paid ads.
Some examples of UGC content include:
Product demos
Unboxing videos
Testimonials and reviews
"Day in the Life" content featuring a product
Aesthetic lifestyle shots featuring a brand’s product or service
Brands love UGC because it looks organic, drives engagement, and converts better than traditional advertising. That’s why companies are willing to pay for high-quality UGC content—and you can tap into this growing market!
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Step 1: Build Your UGC Portfolio
Before you start reaching out to brands, you need a portfolio that showcases your ability to create compelling UGC-style content.
1. Create Sample Content
If you don’t have paid work yet, create mock UGC ads using products you already own. Here’s how:
Pick a product (skincare, food, electronics, fitness, etc.)
Film a 15-30 second video using the product naturally
Use engaging storytelling, clear audio, and good lighting
Add captions, text overlays, and light music to make the content ad-ready
Example: If you want to work with beauty brands, create a short "Get Ready with Me" video featuring your favorite makeup products.
2. Set Up a UGC Portfolio
Once you have sample content, compile it into a professional-looking portfolio. Here’s how:
Google Drive Folder: Organize your best videos into separate folders.
Notion or Canva Portfolio: Create a sleek portfolio page with embedded videos and descriptions.
Personal Website: If you're serious about UGC, consider launching a simple website with a "Work With Me" page.
Your portfolio should include: ✔ A brief bio about you and your content style
✔ Examples of UGC work (3-5 high-quality videos)
✔ Services you offer
✔ Contact information
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Step 2: Optimize Your Social Media Presence
Since brands look for UGC creators on social media, make sure your profiles are optimized for discovery.
1. Update Your Bio
Your Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter bio should clearly state what you do. Example:
"UGC Creator | Engaging Brand Videos | DM for Collaborations"
2. Post Sample Work
Brands are more likely to work with you if they see your content in action. Start posting your UGC-style videos on your feed and use relevant hashtags like:
3. Engage With Brands and Other UGC Creators
Follow and interact with brands you’d love to work with. Comment on their posts, share their content, and stay on their radar.
Join UGC Facebook groups, Twitter threads, and Discord communities where brands and creators connect.
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Step 3: Finding Paying Clients
Now that you have a portfolio and a social media presence, it’s time to land your first UGC deal. Here are the best ways to find brands that will pay for your content.
1. Reach Out to Brands Directly (Cold Pitching)
Many brands already use UGC in their marketing campaigns. Find these companies and pitch your services.
✔ Where to find brands?
Look for businesses that run UGC-style ads on Instagram or TikTok.
Research small businesses in need of content marketing.
Check eCommerce brands on Shopify or Amazon that sell products in your niche.
✔ How to reach out?
Email Marketing Teams: Find the brand’s contact email on their website or LinkedIn.
DM on Social Media: Send a short, engaging pitch introducing yourself and your services.
✔ Cold Email Example:
Subject: Let’s Elevate [Brand Name] with Engaging UGC
Hi [Brand Manager’s Name],
I love what [Brand Name] is doing, and I noticed you use a lot of organic-style content in your marketing. I’m a UGC creator specializing in engaging product videos and would love to create high-quality, conversion-driven content for you.
Would you be open to a quick chat? I’ve attached my portfolio with examples of my work. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Best,
[Your Name]
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2. Join UGC Marketplaces & Platforms
UGC marketplaces help connect brands with creators. Some platforms to check out:
Billo (Billo.app)
JoinBrands
Upwork & Fiverr (for freelance UGC projects)
These platforms often have job listings where brands seek UGC creators for product reviews, testimonials, and social media content.
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3. Use TikTok & Instagram to Attract Clients
Many brands search for UGC creators on social media. Use this to your advantage: ✔ Post your UGC content with brand-friendly captions.
✔ Engage with brands that use UGC and comment on their posts.
✔ Tag brands in relevant posts to get their attention.
Example: If you create a mock UGC ad for a skincare brand, tag them and write,
"Loved creating this testimonial-style video for [brand]! Would love to collaborate on future campaigns. #UGCcreator"
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Step 4: Pricing Your UGC Services
One of the biggest questions new UGC creators ask is, “How much should I charge?”
Here’s a general pricing guideline:
✅ Beginner (0-5 paid projects)
$50-$150 per video
✅ Intermediate (5-15 projects, good portfolio)
$200-$350 per video
$500-$1,000 for bundle deals (3-5 videos)
✅ Advanced (Experienced & worked with bigger brands)
$400-$800 per video
$1,000+ for 5-10 video packages
Pro Tip: Brands may ask for raw footage, ad usage rights, or exclusivity. Charge extra for these!
✔ Raw footage: +$50-$100
✔ Ad usage rights: +50% of your base rate
✔ Exclusivity (if they don’t want you working with competitors): +$200-$500
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Step 5: How to Get Repeat Clients & Scale Your UGC Business
Once you’ve landed a few paid UGC projects, focus on long-term success.
✔ Deliver Quality Work Quickly: Brands love fast, high-quality content.
✔ Follow Up: Check in after a project and offer a discount for repeat work.
✔ Create UGC Packages: Offer monthly content plans (e.g., 5 videos/month).
✔ Network: Stay active in UGC communities to find referrals and opportunities.
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Final Thoughts: Start Your UGC Journey Today!
Becoming a UGC creator is one of the best ways to monetize your content creation skills without needing a large following. With a great portfolio, strategic outreach, and high-quality work, you can start landing paid brand deals and turn this into a thriving business.
Action Steps:
✅ Create your first 3 UGC videos
✅ Build a portfolio and optimize your social media
✅ Start pitching brands and applying to UGC platforms
✅ Set competitive pricing and deliver high-quality work
The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will come your way. Ready to start making money as a UGC creator? Let’s do this!
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