How to Get Paid Doing UGC (User-Generated Content)

You’ve probably seen authentic, relatable videos from real people in your social media feeds promoting products they love and thought, I could do that. You absolutely can, and brands will pay you for it. This isn't about having a million followers, it's about creating content that connects. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to go from creating content for fun to getting paid as a User-Generated Content creator.

So, What Exactly Is Paid UGC?

User-Generated Content, in this context, refers to original, brand-specific content created by customers or fans that a brand then uses for its own marketing purposes. Think of it as creating authentic-style ads for a brand’s social media feeds, website, or email newsletters. The content feels genuine because it’s made by a real person, not a professional production studio.

UGC Creator vs. Influencer: What's the Difference?

This is the most common point of confusion, so let's clear it up. The main difference comes down to distribution and deliverables.

• An influencer is paid to promote a product to their own audience on their personal social media channels. Their value lies in their reach and the trust they've built with their followers.
• A UGC creator is paid to create content for the brand to use on the brand's channels. The brand owns the content (based on your agreement) and you deliver the raw video files or photos. Your value lies in your ability to create high-quality, authentic content that converts, regardless of your follower count.

Essentially, you are acting as a freelance content creator. Brands love UGC because it performs incredibly well - it feels less like an ad and more like a trusted recommendation from a friend. They get relatable content without the high price tag of a traditional advertising shoot.

Step 1: Build Your Foundation as a UGC Creator

Before you can land paid deals, you need to set up a solid foundation. This involves choosing your lane, getting your basic gear together, and practicing your craft so you can build a portfolio that shines.

Find Your Niche

While you can be a generalist, brands often look for creators who are experts or have a genuine interest in a specific category. This makes your content more believable. When you’re passionate about a niche, it comes through in your videos.

Consider categories you already enjoy and know well:

• Beauty & Skincare: Are you always trying new serums and makeup?
• Tech & Gadgets: Do you love unboxing new tech and explaining how it works in an accessible way?
• Health & Wellness: Are you passionate about fitness, supplements, or mental health apps?
• Home Goods & Decor: Do you love organizing, decorating, or finding the perfect home gadget?
• Parents & Baby: Are you navigating life with little ones and can speak to products that make it easier?

Choosing a niche helps you target the right brands and makes your portfolio more focused and appealing.

Get Your Gear Ready (Keep It Simple)

Forget the fancy studio equipment. The beauty of UGC is its raw, authentic feel. Most brands want content that looks like it was filmed on a smartphone, because it was.

Here’s all you really need to start:

• A Modern Smartphone: Any recent iPhone or high-quality Android phone with a great camera is perfect. Shoot in 4K resolution if you can.
• Good Lighting: Natural light is a fantastic option. Sit facing a window for bright, even lighting. A simple ring light is also a great, inexpensive investment.
• A Tripod: Nobody wants to watch shaky content. A small, inexpensive smartphone tripod will make a massive improvement in your video quality.

Practice by Making "Spec" Content

Speculative, or "spec," content is work you create for brands you admire without being paid. This is the best way to build a portfolio when you’re starting from scratch. Grab products you already own and love, and create the kind of content you’d want to make for a brand.

Create a few different types of videos to show your range:

• Unboxing: Capture the excitement of opening a product for the first time.
• Product Demo: Show the product in use. How does it work? What are its key features?
• Testimonial/Review: Talk directly to the camera and share your honest thoughts and experience with the product.
• Problem/Solution: Start by highlighting a common problem, then introduce the product as the solution.

This not only gives you content for your portfolio but also helps you practice storytelling, framing your shots, and editing your videos.

Step 2: Build a Portfolio That Gets You Hired

Your portfolio is your single most important tool for landing jobs. It’s your visual resume, showcasing your skills, style, and potential value to a brand. Brands won’t hire you without seeing examples of your work first.

Where to Host Your UGC Portfolio

Again, keep it simple. You don't need a custom-coded website. A clean, professional, and easy-to-navigate portfolio is what matters. Here are a few great options:

• Canva Website: Canva offers free, one-page website templates that are perfect for portfolios. You can create a professional-looking site and share a single link.
• Dedicated Social Media Profile: Create an Instagram or TikTok account specifically for your UGC content. Name it something like "[Your Name] UGC". This acts as a living portfolio.
• Carrd: A simple and very affordable one-page site builder perfect for portfolios.

What to Include in Your Portfolio

Your portfolio should quickly show a brand everything they need to know. Make sure to include:

• Your Best Videos: 5-9 high-quality videos are enough to start. Showcase your spec work and, eventually, your client work.
• A Brief Bio: A sentence or two about who you are, what your niches are, and what you’re passionate about.
• Your Services & Rates: Be upfront about what you offer (e.g., 1 video, 3-video package, photos) and your starting prices. More on this below.
• Contact Information: Make it easy for brands to reach you with your email address or a simple contact form.

Step 3: How to Find and Land Paid UGC Deals

With your foundation and portfolio in place, it’s time to find paying clients. There are several effective ways to do this, from joining platforms to pitching brands directly.

Pitching Brands Directly (The Proactive Method)

Pitching is the most direct way to get noticed. It involves reaching out to brands you genuinely love and want to create content for. Begin by identifying 10-15 brands in your niche that you'd be excited to feature, and consider creating a new piece of spec content just for them.

Here’s a simple process for cold pitching:

1. Find the Right Person: Search on LinkedIn for a "Social Media Manager," "Marketing Manager," or "Brand Manager" at the company, and find their contact information.
2. Craft a Killer Email/DM: Keep your pitch short, personalized, and value-driven.

Here’s a simple template you can adapt:

Subject: UGC Video Idea for [Brand Name]

Hi [Contact Name],

I'm [Your Name], a user-generated content creator who is a genuine fan of [Brand Name] - I've been using your [Product Name] for months! I create authentic, short-form videos for brands in the [Your Niche] space.

After seeing your recent TikToks, I had an idea for a short video that highlights the [Specific Feature or Benefit] of [Product Name]. I think it would resonate really well with your audience.

You can see examples of my work in my portfolio here: [Link to Portfolio]

Would you be open to a paid collaboration? Thank you for your time.
Best,
[Your Name]

Remember, personalization is key. A generic, copy-pasted pitch is easy to spot and ignore.

Use a Platform

There are now marketplaces designed to connect brands with UGC creators. These are great places to find your first few paying gigs, as brands are actively looking for talent there.

Some of the top platforms include:

• Billo
• Insense
• JoinBrands
• CreatorX

You’ll create a profile, upload your portfolio, and apply for jobs that match your niche. While these platforms may take a fee, they can be a great way to secure your first deals and build momentum.

Optimize Your Socials for Inbound Leads

Don't underestimate the power of social media to bring clients to you. Position yourself as a go-to creator in your niche:

• Update Your Bio: State clearly that you’re a "UGC Creator" in your TikTok and Instagram bios. Include the link to your portfolio.
• Post Your work: Share your best UGC content and consider adding a subtle watermark like "[Your Name] UGC".
• Engage with the Community: Follow hashtags like #ugccreator, #ugccommunity, and #ugctips. Interact with other creators, this is a community where you can find opportunities and connect with brands.

Step 4: Pricing Your Services and Getting Paid

Figuring out how much to charge is a challenge for every new freelancer. Don’t undervalue your work. You are providing a valuable service to brands and you deserve to be compensated well for your time and creativity.

UGC Common Packages and Deals

• Per Video: A flat rate for one edited video.
• Bundled Packages: Offer discounts for multiple deliverables, such as a package of 3 videos and 10 photos.
• Monthly Retainer: A monthly agreement to deliver a set number of videos (e.g., 4 videos) for a fixed price, which is ideal for clients who need a consistent flow of content.

Pricing Your UGC Rates

As a beginner, a good starting point is to charge between $150 to $250 per video. As you gain experience, produce high-quality work, and get great results for brands, you can confidently increase your rates. Your portfolio of successful client projects will justify higher prices.

Usage rights matter. It's crucial to clarify if a brand will only use your content on their organic social media feeds or if they will use it in paid advertising. If they plan to put ad spend behind your content, you need to charge for usage rights. A common practice is to add an extra 30% to 50% to your base price for paid ad rights for a specific timeframe.

Final Thoughts

Turning content creation into a paid career as a UGC creator is an absolutely achievable goal. The first step of building a portfolio and landing your first client can be the most challenging part, but it unlocks an exciting and creative career path where your work is valued and rewarded. Start today by creating spec content for brands you truly admire and build a portfolio that showcases your best work.

As you begin creating more video content for various clients and platforms, staying organized can become a major challenge. We wanted to build a social media scheduling tool that was both powerful and easy to use. Postbase was built specifically for creators who make video content like Reels and TikToks so you can manage your work with the same native feel as the platforms themselves. It simplifies the entire scheduling process, freeing up more of your time so you can focus on the creative work that you and your clients love.