Getting Started as a UGC Creator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine getting paid to create a simple 30-second video on your phone without fancy equipment, no massive following required, and you can do it from your home.

Sounds too good to be true? It's not. It's called UGC (user-generated content) creation, and thousands of everyday people are earning anywhere from a few hundred dollars a month in side income to six-figure yearly salaries doing exactly this.

And if you are instered in becoming a UGC creator, whether you're aiming for extra bucks per month or building toward a full-time creator career, this comprehensive guide walks you through exactly how to go from zero experience to getting paid as a UGC creator — step by step.

1. What Is UGC (User-Generated Content)?

UGC stands for user-generated content, meaning real, authentic videos or photos created by everyday people — not influencers. Brands use UGC in ads, product pages, emails, and social media because:

• It looks natural and trustworthy
• It converts better than polished ads
• It doesn’t require you to have followers or be on camera
• Anyone can create it from anywhere, with $0 startup cost

UGC is one of the fastest-growing digital industries. Consumers consider UGC 50% more trustworthy and 20% more influential than other media types. This trust translates directly into sales, which is why brands are pouring millions into UGC campaigns. The market is projected to grow exponentially over the next several years as more companies realize that authentic content outperforms traditional advertising.

Anyone can create UGC from anywhere, with virtually zero startup costs. You don't need expensive equipment, a large following, or previous experience. All you need is a smartphone, creativity, and the willingness to learn the craft.

Step 1: Immerse Yourself in UGC (Research Phase)

Before creating your first piece of content, you need to understand what UGC looks like. This research phase is crucial because it trains your eye to recognize what works and why.

Conduct Your Research:

1. Go to TikTok/IG search and search for things such as:

UGC creator
UGC video
UGC ad
UGC for [your niche] (e.g. skincare, fitness, fashion)

2. Visit UGC creators’ profiles and watch their content.

‍Note their style, hooks, editing, lighting, angles. Notice how they present products and tell stories within short timeframes. This is also a great opportunity to find creators who share tips and educational content about being a UGC creator—and learn from them.

For example, Mino Lee shares a series about his routine as a UGC creator:

3. Save some UGC videos you genuinely like into a dedicated folder. Then, at the end of your research phase, review your folder and analyze:

1. What hooks grabbed you?
2. How fast-paced were the videos?
3. What kind of lighting did they use?
4. Was it face-to-camera, hands-only, product close-ups, vlogs?
5. What editing style did they use (cuts, text, captions)?
6. If you were the creator, what would you change or improve?

Remember, you're not copying anyone. You're training your eye to recognize patterns in successful content so you can develop your own authentic style.

Step 2: Pick Your Niche + Style

Next step is find how can how can you use user-generated content in your strategy. all start with picking a niche.

Your niche = the type of products that feel natural to you.

You don’t need to limit yourself to one category, but you should have a consistent vibe. This is HUGE for standing out. If you try to “do everything for everyone,” you blend into the noise.

Ask yourself:

• What products do I naturally use every day?
• What topics do I enjoy?
• What’s my aesthetic? Clean? Colorful? Minimal? Trendy?

Examples:

• Skincare & beauty
• Wellness & supplements
• Home & lifestyle
• Tech & gadgets
• Fashion
• Travel
• Food & cooking

Beyond choosing a niche, you need to develop a recognizable style that makes your content distinctly yours. Your personality should shine through every video you create.

Brands want someone who fits their audience’s style.

Why niche matters:

If you’re a beauty brand, who are you more likely to hire?

• Creator A: Works with beauty, tech, outdoor, finance, pets
• Creator B: Portfolio is 90% skincare, makeup, and beauty tools

You’d choose Creator B. Brands want people who “get” their world.

From day one, build your portfolio around one product category or closely related ones.

You can always expand later. Starting focused gives you a better chance of standing out and attracting your first paying clients.

Step 3: Build Your UGC Portfolio

Your portfolio is your ticket to your first paid deal — even with zero experience.

Many aspiring creators get stuck here, thinking they need an expensive website or professional photography before reaching out to brands. That's not true.

You don’t need a fancy website when starting. When you're just starting, your TikTok or Instagram profile can function as your portfolio.

Create a dedicated account:

• Username can be neutral or niche-y
• In your name field, include “UGC Creator” (for search)
  • Example: “Jade | UGC Creator”

In your bio:

• Mention your niche
  • “Beauty & skincare UGC creator”
  • “Fitness & wellness UGC content creator”
• Add:
  • Contact email
  • “DM or email for UGC collaborations”

Post your demo content:

• Upload all 3–4 demo videos
• Post 1 per day until your grid looks “full” enough
• When you start working with brands, ask permission to:
  • Share the content you created
  • Tag them

Use the “Pinned Posts” strategy:

Once you have some content:

• Pin:
  1. Your two best UGC examples
  2. One testimonial from a brand (turned into a graphic)

So when brands land on your profile, they instantly see your best work.

‍

Step 4: Create Your UGC Content

Yes, you’re going to create content before you get paid.

Think of this as practicing in public and building your portfolio. Every professional creator started exactly where you are now.

Planning Your First Videos

Start by grabbing items already in your home:

• Skincare
• Makeup
• Hair products
• Snacks
• Tech gadgets
• Supplements
• Anything you naturally use

The key advantage of using products you already own is that you can speak about them authentically. You know how they work, what you like about them, and how they fit into your life. This genuine knowledge translates into more compelling content.

Before you hit record, plan what you want to communicate. Each video should have a clear purpose and structure. A typical UGC ad video follows this formula:

1. ‍Hook (0-3 seconds): Grab attention immediately with a bold statement, question, or visual element. Examples: "I was skeptical about this serum until..." or "If you struggle with dry skin, watch this."
2. ‍Problem or Context (3-10 seconds): Quickly establish why the viewer should care. What problem does this product solve? What need does it fulfill?
3. ‍Product Introduction (10-15 seconds): Show the product clearly and explain what it is. Use dynamic angles and close-ups to create visual interest.
4. ‍Demonstration or Results (15-25 seconds): Show the product in use or display the results it delivers. This is where you build credibility and desire.
5. ‍Call to Action (25-30 seconds): End with a clear next step, even if it's just "Try it yourself" or "Link in bio." Ads always need a CTA.

Technical Considerations

You don't need professional equipment to create quality UGC. Your smartphone camera is more than sufficient when starting out. However, pay attention to these technical elements that separate amateur content from professional-looking UGC:

Lighting: Natural light is your friend. Film near a window during daytime for soft, flattering light. If you're filming in the evening, invest in an inexpensive ring light ($20-40) for consistent lighting.

Audio: Clear audio is non-negotiable. Film in quiet spaces and speak clearly. If you're doing voiceover, record in a small room with soft furnishings that absorb echo.

Stability: Shaky footage looks unprofessional. Use a simple phone tripod ($15-25) or prop your phone against stable objects. Many UGC creators use inexpensive flexible tripods that can grip various surfaces.

Framing: Follow basic composition rules. Keep the product and your face (if on camera) in focus. Avoid cluttered backgrounds that distract from your message.

UGC creators typically shoot 3-5 times more footage than they use in the final edit. Don't expect to nail your video in one take. Record multiple versions of each section, trying different deliveries, angles, and expressions. This gives you options during editing and helps you improve your on-camera presence.

Shoot various angles of the product: overhead shots, close-ups of textures, the product in use, before and after comparisons, and lifestyle shots showing the product in context. This variety makes your content more dynamic and gives brands more footage to work with.

You can edit your videos directly on your phone using free apps like CapCut, InShot, or the native editing tools on TikTok and Instagram. Keep your edits tight and fast-paced. UGC for ads typically features cuts every 2-4 seconds to maintain attention.

Then, map out your content calendar to ensure a good mix, and schedule your posts with a social media scheduling tool to save time and stay consistent.

Step 5: Find UGC Clients

Once you have 3–5 videos, you are ready to land paying clients. This is where many creators get nervous, but remember that brands are actively searching for creators like you right now. You're not asking for a favor; you're offering a valuable service.

You can get clients in two ways:

1. Pitching brands
2. Organic marketing

Pitching brands

Direct outreach puts you in control of your growth. Instead of waiting for opportunities to find you, you actively create them. Here's how to pitch effectively:

Start by identifying brands in your niche that regularly use UGC in their marketing. Many big brands uses UGC content today, just like this example from La Roche-Posay:

Then, use platforms to pitch the brands you choose, like:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Upwork
• Fiverr
• The Right Fit
• JoinBrands
• Trend marketplaces

Sample pitch (short + effective):

Hey [Brand], I’m a UGC creator specializing in [your niche].
I’d love to create content that fits your brand voice and drives conversions.
Here’s my portfolio: [link]

Short. Clear. Easy to read.

Always include your portfolio link — if you make them click too many things, they’ll skip.

If you don't hear back within 5-7 business days, you can always send one polite follow-up message.

Organic Marketing

While direct pitching generates immediate opportunities, organic marketing builds long-term, sustainable growth. This approach involves creating visibility so brands find and reach out to you.

Simply:

1. Post your UGC content online
2. Use keywords like “UGC creator” in your username or bio
3. Share tips, behind-the-scenes, and educational posts
4. Build authority in your niche

As you complete projects, ask satisfied clients for testimonials you can share. Create simple graphics featuring positive feedback and post them to your profile. Social proof is incredibly powerful in attracting new clients.

Brands CONSTANTLY search TikTok and Instagram for creators.

Posting your work increases your:

• Visibility
• Credibility
• Rates
• Inbound inquiries

Every video you post increases your chances of being discovered. Your social profiles become working portfolios that market your services 24/7.

Pricing, Contracts & Taxes

One of the most challenging aspects of starting as a UGC creator is determining what to charge. Pricing varies widely based on experience, niche, content complexity, timeline and usage rights.

When discussing pricing with brands, be confident and professional. Present your rates clearly: "My rate for a 30-second UGC video is $250, which includes one round of revisions and usage rights for paid advertising."

Always get the agreement in writing before starting work. Even a simple email confirming the scope, deliverables, timeline, payment terms, and usage rights protects both you and the brand.

Contracts and Taxes

As you transition from beginner to professional UGC creator, treating this as a legitimate business becomes essential. This means understanding basic contracts and tax obligations.

Contracts protect both you and your clients by clearly defining expectations. You can find UGC contract templates online or have a lawyer draft one for you. This upfront investment protects you from scope creep, payment issues, and disputes.

Same goes for taxes, most creators work with accountants or use softwares to manage finances. This investment provides peace of mind and ensures compliance.

Final Step: Start — and Don’t Stop

You now have everything you need to begin your journey as a paid UGC creator. The framework is clear, the steps are actionable, and the market opportunity is enormous.

Success in UGC creation isn't about viral moments or lucky breaks. It's about showing up consistently — creating content regularly, pitching brands persistently, and improving incrementally. Small actions compound over time into remarkable results.

If you pitch 10 brands per week, that's 40 brands per month and nearly 500 per year. Even with a conservative 5% conversion rate, that's 25 paying clients in your first year. At an average of $300 per video, that's $7,500 in revenue from a skill you didn't have 12 months ago.

But it only happens if you start. And keep going.