UGC (user-generated content) creators are changing the game in digital marketing—and the best part? You don’t need a massive following to get started. In fact, brands are actively seeking relatable content from everyday people.
Whether you're creating unboxing videos, product reviews, or aesthetic TikToks, there’s room for you in this space. And now, with the rise of AI UGC generators, it's easier than ever to test, create, and deliver content that gets brands' attention—fast!
If you're wondering how to become a UGC creator, this guide will walk you through everything—from setting up your portfolio to landing your first deal.
What Is a UGC Creator?
A UGC creator is someone who makes content that feels real and relatable—like a customer sharing their thoughts about a product.
UGC stands for user-generated content. It’s different from influencer marketing because you don’t need a large following.
Instead of posting to your own audience, you create content that brands use in their ads or on their social pages.
UGC creators usually make videos and photos that look natural and unscripted.
The goal is to help people see how a product fits into real life.
Here are some common types of UGC:
- Product reviews (talking about how something works)
- Demos (showing how to use it)
- Lifestyle clips (using the product in a real-life setting)
Brands like UGC because it feels more honest than traditional ads. According to Nielsen, [] UGC helps brands look more human and less like they’re selling something.
It also saves them time and money because they don’t have to produce content from scratch.
If you're thinking about creating UGC, you don’t need a big camera or a huge platform. You just need to understand what brands need and how to create content that speaks to their customers.
How to Become a UGC Creator: What You Need to Get Started
You don’t need a fancy setup to begin creating UGC. Most creators start with what they already have. Here’s a breakdown of what you'll need to get going.
#1. A smartphone and basic lighting
A phone with a high-quality camera is important. If you’re using an iPhone, the iPhone 13, 14, or 15 all shoot in 4K and handle light well.
On Android, the Samsung Galaxy S21, S22, or Google Pixel 7 are good choices. You don’t need the newest model—just one that can shoot clear video and focus smoothly.
Lighting makes a big difference. Natural daylight is best.
Film near a window when you can. For indoor shoots or cloudy days, a small ring light works well.
The Neewer 10” Ring Light (around $30) comes with a tripod and lets you adjust brightness. The UBeesize Ring Light is another good option for beginners.
#2. Free editing tools
You’ll need a way to trim clips, add captions, and adjust timing. These tools are free and easy to use:
- CapCut – Great for adding subtitles, transitions, and TikTok-style effects
- InShot – Simple for trimming, resizing, and adding background music
- Canva – Use it for making video covers, adding brand colors, or combining clips with text
#3. A portfolio to show your work
Your portfolio is where you show brands what you can do. You can make this before landing paid work. Use everyday items at home—like skincare, snacks, or coffee cups—to film short demos or reviews.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can build a solid UGC portfolio from scratch—even if no brand has hired you yet.
How to Build Your Portfolio (Even With No Clients Yet)
If you’re new to UGC, you don’t need to wait for a brand to hire you before creating your portfolio.
You can start with what you already have at home. Brands just want to see that you can create clean, clear, and creative content.
1. Record demo videos with products you already own
Look around your home for everyday items you enjoy using. This could be skincare, snacks, kitchen tools, clothing, or tech.
You DON'T need to show the brand logo. Focus on how you use the product and how it fits into your daily routine.
These videos help brands see your filming style, camera quality, and editing skills.
2. Shoot short-form content in different formats
Try a few different video types to show range. Keep each one short—under 30 seconds is great for Reels or TikToks. Here are three useful styles to include:
- Testimonial – Talk to the camera about why you like the product
- Voiceover – Record clips and add your voice over them later
- POV (Point of View) – Film from your point of view, like pouring a drink or opening a package
This helps brands picture how their product would look in your hands.
3. Use AI UGC tools to create mockups and plan
Before filming, you can use AI tools to test content ideas. MakeUGC lets you create fake ad layouts or moodboards for practice.
ChatGPT can help you write video scripts, outlines, or caption ideas. Some creators also use Midjourney or Ideogram to generate mock photos or plan video settings before shooting.
This can help you stay focused and confident, especially when you’re just starting out.
4. Organize your content in a simple, clean way
Once you have 3–6 videos, save them in one place. This is your portfolio. You can:
- Upload them to a Google Drive folder and share the link
- Use Notion to create a basic portfolio layout
- Build a simple landing page using Carrd.co or Canva Sites
Label your videos by type, like “Testimonial – Skincare” or “POV – Coffee Maker.” Make it easy for someone to look through and understand your style.
Your portfolio doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to show that you know how to create content—and that you’re ready to work.
Where to Find Paid UGC Opportunities
Once you have a few videos made, it’s time to look for paid work. There are different ways to connect with brands, even if you’re just starting out. Some are direct, while others happen through platforms or communities.
UGC platforms
These websites connect creators and brands. You can apply to open projects and get paid if selected. They often give you a brief, which is a short description of what the brand wants. A few trusted platforms include:
- Billo – Focuses on short product review videos
- Trend – Offers creative projects, usually for TikTok or Reels
- Creator.co – Works with smaller brands and tracks payments in one place
Each platform is free to join, but some may ask you to apply before getting full access.
Cold pitching
Cold pitching means reaching out to brands first. You can do this through email or Instagram DMs. Keep your message short.
Say who you are, link to your portfolio, and share an idea for a video you could make. Smaller brands are more likely to reply, especially if your style matches their product.
Here’s a simple message you can try:
Hi [Brand Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a UGC creator who makes short-form videos for TikTok and Reels.
I love your product and think it would look great in lifestyle content. I’d be happy to create a sample video—here’s my portfolio: [Link].
If you're open to it, I’d love to send over a few ideas.
Thanks for your time!
[Your Name]
Keep it polite, clear, and casual. You don’t need to sell yourself—just start the conversation.
Join creator communities
Many creators find jobs through online groups. These are places where people share paid gigs, tips, and support. Try:
- Facebook groups like “UGC Jobs & Opportunities”
- Reddit forums like r/UGCcreator
Check in often and be helpful. Some jobs get posted and filled quickly.
Getting your first paid project takes time, but you don’t need to wait for permission. Keep reaching out, testing new ideas, and using the tools you have.
How to Price Your UGC Work
Knowing what to charge for UGC can be tricky when you're just starting. There’s no set rate, but there are some common pricing ranges and things to consider when setting your rates.
What most new creators charge
If you’re new, most brands expect to pay between $50 to $150 per video, depending on the length and style.
A simple 15–30 second video with natural lighting and no voiceover is usually at the lower end.
If you offer a batch of 3–5 videos, you can often charge a bit more—usually $200 to $400 for the set.
One-time payment vs. licensing fees
A one-time payment means the brand pays you once and may use your video for a set amount of time.
But if they want to use your content in ads, on their website, or for more than 3 months, you can ask for licensing fees. Licensing means they pay extra to keep using your content longer or in more places.
This is common in UGC deals. Make sure to ask how and where they plan to use your video before agreeing on a price.
What affects your price
Several things can make your work more valuable:
- Usage rights – If your video will be used in paid ads or multiple platforms
- Platforms – TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube all have different value depending on the brand’s goals
- Turnaround time – If the brand needs content fast, you can charge a rush fee
- Revisions – If they ask for changes, make sure your price includes how many edits are covered
When you’re unsure how to price, ask what the content will be used for. Start with fair, simple rates, and increase over time as your experience grows. Keep things clear in writing, and don’t be afraid to charge for the value you bring.
Tips to Stand Out in a Crowded UGC Space
UGC is growing fast, and a lot of people are creating content now. To get noticed, you don’t need to be the loudest or flashiest. You just need to be thoughtful, consistent, and real in how you present yourself and your work.
Stay updated on trends and features
Each platform has its own style. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts all favor short videos, but the editing and pacing are different.
For example:
- On TikTok, videos often start with a fast hook like, “3 things I wish I knew before using this,” or “Watch this before buying...”
- On Instagram, bold text overlays and looped clips help keep people watching.
- Some creators use jump cuts (quick edits with no pauses) to keep things moving quickly.
Watch videos in your niche for a few minutes each day. Save ones that work well and try to understand why they hold attention.
Focus on natural delivery
You don’t need to act or sound like a salesperson. Speak clearly and in your own voice. Pretend you’re talking to a friend who asked, “Hey, does this really work?”
Keep your face relaxed. Don’t overuse hand gestures or fake energy. A calm, honest tone builds trust faster than trying too hard.
Storytelling over setup
Instead of just showing a product, tell a quick story. Think about:
- What made you try it?
- Was there something unexpected?
- Did it solve a small problem in your day?
Example: “I bought this water bottle because I kept forgetting to drink water. After using it for a week, I realized I was drinking almost double what I used to. It’s helped more than I expected.”
This kind of simple story connects with people. You don’t need perfect lighting or a fancy camera to make it work.
Collect testimonials and feedback
After you complete a project, ask the brand how it performed. You can say, “Let me know if the video helped with engagement or sales—always happy to improve.”
Save any positive replies in a Google Doc or folder. Over time, this becomes your track record. You can even include one or two short quotes in your pitch emails or portfolio.
These small things show brands that you’re thoughtful, dependable, and easy to work with—and that’s what helps you stand out.
Conclusion
Becoming a UGC creator in 2025 doesn’t require a fancy camera or thousands of followers.
What you need is creativity, consistency, and a smart approach to content creation. With AI UGC generators by your side, you can test faster, pitch smarter, and deliver better content—without burnout.
So grab your phone, start filming, and get yourself out there. The brands are waiting.