What is a UGC creator, and how do you become one?

For many, content creation is a dream job.

Having your favorite brands send you products to review and share with an audience would be a dream for anyone, but for influencers, it’s their day-to-day

If you’ve ever thought that creating content for brands sounds dreamy but you aren’t sure if you’re ready to take steps toward full-time influencing, experiment with user-generated content to monetize your creativity and test the waters.

What is UGC?

UGC, short for user-generated content, is any content created by users rather than brands. It’s authentic (or made to appear so) and provides insight to how real people interact with products and services. Both brands and creators post UGC content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, acting as word-of-mouth for the digital age.

You’ve probably already encountered UGC content in some of these forms:

• Social media posts: Tweets, TikToks, Facebook status updates, Instagram stories and more that include or review brands’ products or services.
• Photos and selfies: The classics! From a meal at a popular new restaurant to a day out wearing a brand’s shoes, hat or jacket, these visuals count as promotions, as long as the brand or company is featured (and you can take great pics on your iPhone).
• Reviews and testimonials: Brands love showcasing social proof, which is honest feedback from real users or purchasers.
• Videos: Videos are dynamic and captivating. Popular UGC videos include unboxing a brand’s product or subscription box and tutorials showcasing how to use a brand’s product or service.
• Blog posts: When you love (or dislike) a product so much, you might write an entire article about it — that means you’re a user generating content about that particular product.
• Forum discussions: Sites like Reddit and other niche forums count as UGC, too, because they allow for open and deep conversation about brands’ products and services.

What is a UGC creator?

A UGC creator is a content creator who specializes in personal and unique videos, images, and stories promoting brands’ products and services, often without any initial sponsorship.

In some cases, brands and companies may choose to financially support some content that started out unsponsored, especially if they encounter a particularly genuine endorsement from a UGC creator. Reposting the average users’ glowing reviews is great for brands to show honest opinions of their (stellar) products.

UGC creators share their authentic experiences and preferences online, which can naturally attract attention and engagement from their audience. This can lead to brands paying them for promotions or even potential partnerships or collaborations, whether the creator is a part-time creator or career influencer.

Why is UGC important, and why do brands pay for it?

The digital age proves that genuine human experiences are worth their weight in gold, and that’s why brands happily open their wallets for UGC. User-generated content fosters trust, community and inclusion online, boosting company reputations, helping customers make informed decisions, empowering creators.

Here’s why UGC is important:

• Authenticity: UGC stands out in an advertisement-heavy world. Consumers trust real, genuine brand experiences more than polished messages.
• Exposure boost: UGC creators generate buzz with their photos and videos, sparking conversations across social media platforms and encouraging higher levels of interaction.
• Search engine optimization (SEO) perks: Did you know that online chatter about a brand, especially on reputable platforms, can improve search engine rankings? This means more substantial reach and better visibility.
• Cost-effective: In many cases, UGC is often more affordable than traditional advertising campaigns due to lower production costs and shorter contracts.
• Fresh perspectives: Every UGC creator creates content through their own unique lens, and this new perspective helps brands resonate with wider audiences.

How to become a UGC creator

Becoming a freelance UGC creator doesn’t require tons of experience or engagement. You don’t need any special equipment, though some UGC creator jobs benefit from filming and photography set-up, especially if you want to become a full-time influencer down the line.

You also don’t need a broad audience, since you’re offering a genuine response that a small following will appreciate and a brand can leverage to their advantage.

Follow these steps to dip your toes into UGC creation:

Set up your account

Having an engaging account that’s easy to find is a key part of being a UGC creator. Create a new account on a platform that vibes with your UGC-creator goals (use a memorable username). Add a magnetic bio with all your need-to-know details, including your own personal brand or niche, and follow other UGC creators to see what they’re up to.

Pro tip: Don’t separate the personal from the professional. Your individuality is what sets you apart as a creator.

Do your research

Roll up your sleeves and do some research to learn more about the industries and platforms you want to work with. From baking to beauty, books and beyond, there’s a brand for every interest and hobby – you just need to find it. Consider your interests, brands and creators you admire and how you can help companies reach their goals.

Pro tip: Got a list of dream brands? Review their social media accounts to see how they approach content and try to match their tone in your content.

Come up with a game plan

Now that you’ve decided on a niche, it’s time to think about how you want to do UGC. If you’re just posting for fun, consider the brands and products you’d like to promote, and how often you want to post. If you’d like to turn UGC creation into a career, devise a simple marketing plan that includes content objectives, set a consistent posting tempo, and figure out the best times to post.

Pro tip: Consistency doesn’t mean daily video and photo dumps — focus on quality over quantity, like two strong weekly posts instead of random daily ones.

Produce stellar UGC

It’s production time. Create content like snaps, stories, videos and photos for brands, ensuring each piece is creative and authentic. Let your personality shine through and focus on producing high-quality, original and engaging content.

Pro tip: Need to be more familiar with a specific content type? There’s a course for that. Never hesitate to upgrade your UGC creation and influencer skills with a certification.

Create your UGC portfolio

Every artist needs a gallery. Curate your best works to showcase your abilities and provide proof of your evolution as a content creator, even if you haven’t made money from UGC yet. Remember that your portfolio showcases what brands gain from collaborating with you, and you want it to be convincing. UGC portfolio examples should be your best pieces but include various work showcasing your skills. If you’re just starting out, film a few sample videos so brands know what you offer.

Pro tip: Platforms like Canva are game-changers for building stunning portfolios, but you can also build portfolio websites to add to your Linktree and social profiles.

Reach out to brands

Reach out to your favorite companies and brands. Engage with campaigns, start conversations, and remember that you’re offering unique value.

Pro tip: Sometimes, the best opportunities arise from simple outreach. Be bold, and don’t wait for brands to come to you.

How to get paid as a UGC creator

Passion might drive your content creation, but earning money as a creator is great, too. There’s no harm in pocketing some rewards for your hard work, and becoming a UGC creator is a viable career path if you dedicate yourself to the cause.

Here’s your playbook for turning those likes into bucks:

Leverage UGC platforms

Use dedicated UGC platforms for connecting with brands. While some platforms offer a look at new opportunities, others allow you to showcase your services. Popular options include Fiverr, where you list your UGC services, Upwork, where you apply for UGC projects and promote your services, and Insense, an app-based platform with job postings. There’s also the TikTok Creator Marketplace if you’re dedicated to short-form video content.

Network with brands online

If you’ve got your eye on partnering with specific brands, ramp up your networking on platforms like TikTok, Linkedin and Twitter. Reach out directly to people who work for and with your favorite companies or upload posts promoting your services (remember calls to action to get in touch with you). New businesses and startups, hungry for social visibility, often need partnerships.

Write a persuasive pitch

Your pitch is your personal brand advertisement and needs to stand out. Keep it company-centric, highlight the value of your content, and customize it for every brand you pitch to. The competition is stiff among UGC creators, especially if you’re trying to turn content creation into a full-time career, and it’s important to show brands how you can help them achieve goals like more customers and conversions.

Establish your value

UGC creation often lacks a standard rate card. While brands might set their rates themselves, stay current on the creator economy to ensure you’re being compensated fairly. Follow other UGC creators to build an online support network

Monetize your UGC with Linktree

Want to showcase your freelance UGC from your TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter profiles? Add Linktree, the social bio link tool for influencers, to all your social channels, and you’ll be the talk of the town with brands in no time.

To learn more about content and social media marketing for small businesses, including how to grow your audience, Instagram giveaway ideas and more, visit our blog.