How to Become a UGC Creator in 9 Steps
UGC, or user generated content, has become a symbiotic relationship between content creators and brands. Companies are increasingly turning to UGC to connect with audiences in a more authentic and relatable way. Imagine getting paid to create content that feels natural and fun, all without needing a massive following - that's the magic of UGC today.
Speaking of magic, innovative content creator Zach King’s unique illusion videos generated so much attention they helped him snag a wealth of brand deals, from Apple, Sony, Nike, and Coca-Cola to this more recent promo for Capex Global.
The current rapid growth of UGC means there’s never been a better time to jump right in and start your journey as a UGC creator - you can turn your passion for content creation into a lucrative UGC side hustle or even a full time career. Let's get started!
What Is UGC?
UGC is any form of online content - videos, photos, reviews, social media posts - created by regular people rather than brands themselves; that's what gives those posts their authentic feel. It’s the stuff you see daily on your social media feeds: your friend’s Instagram about a new café, a TikTok review of the latest video game, or a post about a new beauty product that someone just tried.
What makes UGC so powerful is its authenticity. People trust content from real users much more than they trust traditional ads; UGC content starts conversations and can literally kick off buying trends. (If you want to dive deeper into what UGC is and why it’s a Big Deal, check out this detailed article!)
What Is a UGC Creator?
A UGC creator creates content that's contracted and utilized by brands for marketing. Unlike traditional influencers, UGC creators don’t require a large following to succeed, because their value lies in producing authentic, engaging content that resonates with real-life audiences. Brands favor UGC creators for several reasons:
- Authenticity and trust: User generated content feels genuine. The best description of UGC is that you're getting a recommendation from a friend; this helps foster trust with potential customers. Real users sincerely showcasing products significantly sway purchasing decisions, enhancing the products' appeal and trustworthiness.
- Cost-effectiveness and speed: Collaborating with UGC creators is often more economical for companies than hiring traditional well-known celebrities or creating high-budget ads, and it allows for quicker responses to trends and feedback (most well-known brand ads can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to plan and shoot.)
- Enhanced brand visibility: Regularly sharing UGC on social media platforms keeps brands consistently prominent in consumers' minds, increasing brand recall and leading to eventual purchases.
- Increased purchases: Speaking of purchases - you know that "gotta have it" feeling when you see a new product you love? That's the result of a good UGC segment. Showing off a product as it's being used in real life (in a positive way) makes consumers feel that the product can bring positivity to their life, too, and that's when the brand will start seeing increased sales.
- Community cultivation: UGC fosters a sense of community around products, showcasing brands' appreciation for their customers and cultivating a loyal fan base. A product being so popular that it rapidly goes viral after a UGC creator's post is a company's dream come true.
How to Become a UGC Creator in 9 Steps
1. Learn How to Create UGC!
First things first: start by mastering the basics of content creation. This includes understanding lighting, framing, and editing for photos and videos. High-quality content stands out and attracts brands, so take the time to learn and practice these skills (you might be surprised at how many people throw together a portfolio of blurry, poorly lit, unprofessional video clips... and then wonder why no brands will work with them.)
There are countless UGC tutorials available online to help you get started as a UGC creator, and learning programs like Adobe Premiere and CapCut will help you capture those pro UGC aesthetics. Create an outline of what you're going to say/do, whether you're creating on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or another social media platform, and add in some kind of audio or visual hook to catch your viewers' eyes and ears.
2. Research, Research, Research
Identify the types of brands and niches that align with your interests and style. Keeping a shortlist of companies you'd love to work with as a UGC creator is a great start, and will help you identify the product niches you'd be most comfortable creating content for. Watch how other UGC creators in these niches are producing branded content - this research will help you stay on top of current UGC trends so you can work well in that space, while bringing your own unique, authentic twist to your own content. Understanding what works in different industries and niches will help you tailor your UGC to meet specific brand needs.
3. Build Your UGC Portfolio
Create a digital UGC portfolio showcasing your best work. This doesn’t need to be professional content or even UGC examples at first; your portfolio can simply include samples of content you’ve created for personal use. As you learn your craft over time, refine your UGC portfolio, too, to make sure you're highlighting your strengths, showcasing a range of product niches, and championing your own unique style as a UGC creator, as well as drawing attention to well-known brands you've created UGC for.
You can even use online tools like Canva to create your UGC portfolio; Canva is one of several sites that make it possible for UGC content creators to make a great portfolio without having professional design skills.
4. Polish Your Profiles
Ensure that your social media profiles are polished and professional before you start contacting brands. This means using a clear, compelling profile picture; writing a crisp, concise bio highlighting your skills as a UGC content creator; and keeping your content relevant, authentic, and high-quality. Your profiles don't have to be perfect, and you don't have to stick to a single niche or angle - remember that UGC is about real people using products - but clips that stand out as being abrasive, insulting to brands, or that otherwise make you look bad might not be advisable to keep in your feed. Brands will definitely be looking at your socials and your content creation to assess your suitability for their UGC campaigns. Having a website of your own in place, like one you can create at Fourthwall, is another way to put forth a good impression!
5. Make Those Connections
Create a plan for how you’ll market yourself as a UGC creator to potential clients. This involves identifying target brands and niches, crafting personalized pitches, and showcasing your UGC portfolio. For those target brands/niches, we're going back to your shortlist. Research each brand on your list before you contact them - look into their preferred demographics, company goals and values, and see where and how your content can line up with their UGC needs. Then, write a custom email pitch for each brand - a pitch is a basically a way to open the door to companies who don't yet know you. You'll briefly introduce yourself as a UGC content creator, use your research to demonstrate a connection with the brand, direct them to your UGC portfolio, and close with a CTA (call to action) to ask if they'd like to explore collaboration possibilities. (For detailed advice on collaborating with brands, read Fourthwall’s article on how to collaborate with brands as a creator.)
6. Rates and Contracts
Determine how much you’ll charge for your UGC services. Consider factors like the complexity of the UGC content you'll be creating and your experience level, and do some more research to see what current industry rate standards are. Then, make sure to set up a UGC creator contract (getting it signed on both sides) to outline the terms of your agreements with brands, protecting both parties and ensuring clarity. (You can find free UGC contract templates to get you started on sites like UGC Club.)
7. Feedback and Improvement
After completing projects, politely seek feedback from the brands you work with as a UGC creator, and use their input to improve your content and processes. Constructive criticism is invaluable for content creator growth and will help you become a more effective and in-demand UGC content creator; if you do a great job with UGC creation for a brand, you might get asked back for more campaigns, become part of a UGC creators team, or even get the opportunity to become a brand ambassador. And don't forget to update your portfolio as you go!
8. UGC Networking
There are several platforms and communities dedicated to connecting UGC creators with brands. Joining these can help you find opportunities, get feedback, and learn from other content creators. Networking in UGC creator spaces can also lead to collaborations and more visibility.
9. Get Paid!
This might seem like a no-brainer, but make sure you have a clear system in place for invoicing and receiving payments from your UGC creator deals. A simple, personalized blank invoice form you can fill in with the details of each UGC contract, plus an account on a site like PayPal or Bill, can make these transactions easier and faster. Timely and accurate invoicing is crucial for maintaining professionalism and getting paid for your UGC content and all of your hard content creation work.
FAQ
How much do UGC creators make?
UGC creators' earnings vary widely based on factors like experience, the quality of content, and the brands/niches they work with. Some UGC creators earn a few hundred dollars per project, while others make thousands. Setting your UGC rates based on your skills and the value you bring to brands is essential; don't expect thousands of dollars immediately, but also make sure you're not starting too low and therefore devaluing yourself. Doing research into current UGC industry rates will only be to your benefit, as you'll enter the UGC creators field armed with valuable information.
Can you be a UGC creator without showing your face?
Absolutely! Many UGC creators produce content focusing on products, services, or specific niches without ever showing their faces; the point is to create engaging, authentic, high-quality content that resonates with audiences. Being a creative UGC content creator is key, so think about the most interesting, attention-catching ways to make your UGC stand out while staying aligned with the brand you're working with.
How many followers do you need to be a UGC creator?
Unlike traditional influencers, UGC creators don't need a large following. Brands are more interested in your content's quality and authenticity than your number of followers. Even with a small audience, you can be a successful UGC creator as long as your content is compelling.
Can I be a UGC creator with no experience?
Yes! Everyone starts somewhere, and you can begin as a UGC creator even without prior experience. Focus on learning and improving your content creation skills, and gradually build your UGC portfolio. With dedication and practice, you'll attract brand partnerships over time.
How do I reach out to brands?
Personalize your pitch to show that you’ve done your research when reaching out to brands. Concisely explain why you’re interested in working with them as a UGC creator, what you're enthused about in regards to their product/company, and how your content aligns with their brand. Include examples of your content creation work, briefly highlight your unique value and skills as a UGC content creator, and close with a CTA to encourage return correspondence and open the door to negotiations. A professional, friendly approach will always increase your chances of landing UGC collaborations.
Start Your UGC Journey with Fourthwall!
Becoming a UGC creator offers a unique opportunity to blend creativity with lucrative brand partnerships. UGC builds trust, authenticity, and brand loyalty for companies; these are qualities that traditional advertising often lacks, and you can take advantage of this fact by filling that space with your creative content on the brand's behalf.
Fourthwall empowers content creators with the tools and support to turn passion into profit, to build a brand, and to host a central gathering place online for your fans and followers. With Fourthwall, you can create your own customized website, design and sell branded merch, utilize community-building tools, study your site's analytics, and take advantage of multiple monetization options through memberships and more. Create an entire support structure for your journey as a UGC creator by joining Fourthwall today!