If a brand is all about authenticity, engagement, and trust in their promotional content, they often prefer UGC creators. But wait, what is a UGC creator?
Well, they are a content creator that shines by being genuine, clear, and relatable. Brands love to work with them for promoting new products, rebranding campaigns, and more.
Guess what? 84% millenials influenced by UGC creators when buying products. And thanks to social media, UGC creators have now become influencers with a loyal following in many platforms.
Sounds interesting? Now, if you’re into the idea of being a UGC content creator, let’s talk about why it’s an awesome career and how to become a UGC creator. Let’s get started!
What is UGC Creator?
A UGC creator is someone who makes user-generated content (UGC). Basically, UGC is content created by unpaid contributors, usually fans or users of a product. As a result, they often play a role in promoting a brand through their content.
UGC creators are all about creating unique content, ranging from testimonials and how-to guides to unboxing videos and reviews.
When you find Luke Miani’s review of the latest MacOS Sequoia, he shows what a UGC content creator does. Luke shares his own thoughts and opinions about the new operating system.
That’s right. UGC creators are known for making content that feels real and “homemade”, unlike fancy studio videos made by professionals. That’s why their content feels more genuine.
Also, UGC creators don’t just make content for themselves. Why? They use their creative skills to produce content that connects with their audience, promoting interaction and building a community vibe.
But do they really make all the content for free? Yes, but not always.
Some UGC creators often work with brands to promote their content. In those cases, they get paid. But usually, the content still shows their unique style and characteristics, instead of just following the brand’s idea.
Now, how much do UGC creators get paid? Well, it all depends on their experience, platform, and the brand they work with.
On average, UGC creators make about $34 to $76 per hour. In June 2024, the average yearly income for a UGC creator in the United States is around $116,615, or about $56.06 per hour.
A UGC creator said she made $1000 in a week when she started making UGC content:
Read Also: What is Social Media Creator
UGC Creators vs Content Creators: What are the Differences?
UGC creators are a type of content creator. To make it easy to understand, all UGC creators are content creators, but not all content creators are UGC creators. You can refer to this table for their differences:
| UGC Creator | Content Creator | |
|---|---|---|
| Types of Creators | usually self-taught and don’t have professional training | professionals, media outlets, influencers, hobby enthusiasts, and more |
| Types of Content | customer reviews, unboxing videos, testimonials, etc | vlogs, tutorials, art, comedy, etc |
| Focus | primarily on brand products or services | various topics |
| Platforms | use social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram to share their content | can be found on various platforms such as social media, blogs, podcasts, television, or professional streaming platforms. |
| Production | a “homemade” feel to their content, using fewer resources | range from homemade to high-quality professional production |
| Engagement | tend to have high engagement with their audience | engagement levels can vary |
Why Becoming a UGC Creator is Great
Here are the reasons why it’s a great idea to become a UGC content creator:
1. Brands Love It
The big question is always: “why do brands like UGC content creators?” It’s simple. People listen to the UGC content creators’ honest recommendations.
40% of shoppers believe user-generated content help them choosing what to buy. Also, 34% of shoppers have bought a product from social media platforms.
That’s why brands like working with UGC creators who are social media influencers. They help people find the brand and buy products, without brands spending too much on promotion.
Daniel Wellington worked with small influencers to feature their watches in daily life, and sales skyrocketed. This shows that real user-generated content really influences what people buy.
2. Additional Income Stream
When you asked “what is a UGC creator,” you didn’t think it was about someone who makes content as a hobby, right?
Their content focuses on the products of certain brands. While some UGC creators do it for fun, many of them want to earn money and become professional influencers.
UGC creators can earn money by doing sponsored posts or affiliate marketing. They can also sign up for programs like the TikTok Creator Marketplace to collaborate with brands for partnerships.
How much money do they make? It depends on the type of influencer they are and the brand they work with. For example, Khaby Lame can earn up to $750,000 for just one video when working with a big studio in the USA.
3. Lower Barrier to Entry
Brands are looking for UGC creators. And here’s the good news: it’s way easier than you might think to become one and work with these awesome brands.
Why? Unlike those mega influencers, you don’t need an army of followers. With just up to 1000 followers, you can become a successful nano influencer, promoting products for certain audiences.
You read it right. Marketing Dive even says that engagement gets better with fewer followers. That’s why more marketers go for nano-influencers. They may not reach many people, but have loyal fans.
4. Flexibility
Have you ever thought about making money without being stuck in a 9 to 5 job? As a UGC creator, you can pick projects that match what you like and believe in. No more strict schedules. It’s all about flexibility and independence.
As a UGC creator, you can partner with different brands, set your own hours, and work from anywhere with an internet connection. So you can enjoy a better work-life balance and the chance to explore diverse creative projects.
5. Content Diversification
Creating the same things all the time is not good for creators. It can make your viewers bored. To keep them interested, try making different types of content like reviews and unboxing videos.
Let’s think about this: Who would be perfect for unboxing the latest Nintendo Switch release? Gamers. And who would do a great job reviewing a new anime? A cosplayer or Vtuber can be the one.
If you’re all about streaming gameplay as a gaming streamer, mix it up with an unboxing video now and then. Adding variety to your content can lead to exciting opportunities and expand your audience beyond your original niche.
6. Networking Opportunities
Becoming a UGC creator allows you to build strong connections with brands, other content creators, and niche communities. This opens up opportunities to collaborate on certain projects and earn money.
For example, if you often review action figures, you can become well-known in the community of action figure collectors. This will make brands see you as the perfect person to partner with if they want to promote action figure products or new anime merchandise.
How to Become a UGC Creator
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to become a UGC creator:
1. Find Your Passion and Niche
When it comes to passion, it’s all about doing what you love. It drives you to create content that matters to you and resonates with others who share your interests.
Finding your niche is vital as well. It means focusing on a specific product or community that needs what you have to offer. Your niche could be gaming, ASMR, food vlogging, music, and more.
To be a great UGC creator, find the perfect mix of passion and niche. Showcasing your expertise and authenticity in your content will earn customers’ trust. Brands value this trust, as most consumers prefer UGC in marketing.
Think about gamers who share their gameplay on Twitch. This allows them to have fun and make money from ads and sponsors.
2. Define Your Brand
Branding is making a unique identity for yourself online. It’s about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and how you can help others.
How to become a UGC creator with good branding? Well, it goes beyond having a catchy tagline. It’s about making a promise to your followers that your content will always be top-notch, entertaining, and informative.
It can be as simple as “Just want to make people happy. CoFounder DrinkNutcase CIO @ $GAME“
76% of people buy things they see on social media, and 84% buy from brands they follow. Being a popular UGC creator can benefit both you and the brands you work with.
3. Invest in Equipment and Skills
Can you be a UGC creator with just your phone? Why not? You can start with what you have. Even famous creators like Nastya and Lisa Koshy started using their phone cameras.
But getting better equipment can help you make better content. Also, don’t forget to keep improving your skills as a UGC creator. This means gaining the knowledge to create awesome content that keeps your audience engaged.
When making your own reviews, HD video quality is fine for unboxing. But if you’re aiming for top-notch footage and 4K videos, consider getting a 4K camera and proper lighting setup. This will step up the quality of your content, giving it a more polished and professional look.
4. Choose the Right Platforms
Your social media platforms are the stage for your content. It’s where you put all your content marketing strategies into action to show off your absolute best work.
Why limit yourself to just one platform when you can use them all as a UGC creator? Each platform has its own unique audience, nuance, and features.
Think about who you want to connect with through your content. Do you want to reach TikTok, LinkedIn, or Instagram users? Think about how you prefer to share your stories. Do you like posting eye-catching pictures on Instagram or creating quick TikTok videos?
Not only do you need to choose wisely for a bigger impact, but managing multiple platforms can also be time-consuming and exhausting, especially in the beginning.
5. Create High-Quality Content
If you want to be a user-generated content creator, you need to make special and top-notch content.
Guess what? Over 16,000 videos are uploaded to TikTok every minute. If you want people to notice your videos, you have to get creative. Try coming up with new ideas that nobody has done before. You can try out awesome trends, make up fresh concepts, or even create your own unique challenges.
Ideas alone aren’t enough. To make your content stand out, focus on high-quality content. Use good equipment for great pictures or videos, show your editing skills, and tell captivating stories. This will make your content visually appealing and interesting.
6. Track and Analyze Your Performance
Imagine if you had no clue which content works and which doesn’t. You’d end up creating content that nobody likes. And that’s not going to help your UGC career, right?
Checking out how your content is doing and keeping track is important. It shows you where you can improve the content. And remember, it’s not just about you and your content. If you collaborate with a brand, they’ll make sure the project meets goals and gets results.
MrBeast started by making videos about how much money YouTubers make and playing Minecraft. But then he realized that his viewers wanted to see more challenges. As counting from 1 to 10,000 wasn’t enough, he decided to take on even bigger challenges like spending 7 days stranded at sea and protecting a yacht.
Useful tools like Vidiq can help you with YouTube. For TikTok or Instagram, Hootsuite and Sprout Social are good for tracking data, monitoring your brand, and comparing your performance to competitors.
7. Grow Your Audience
Becoming a UGC creator isn’t an instant process. You have to build your audience and actively engage with them beyond just sharing social media posts.
Bear in mind, audience growth is not only about community-building. It opens doors to collaborations with various brands, both in your niche and larger ones.
So, how do you go about it? Start by getting to know your audience. Figure out who they are, what they’re into, and what challenges they face. Also, don’t just post content randomly. You need a regular schedule that keeps your audience engaged and excited for your next creation.
A timely Instagram Reel might ignite a conversation, while a thoughtful blog post can attract a whole new audience with valuable insights.
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8. Build Relationships with Brands
If you find yourself in Bella Poarch’s shoes, being a HyperX brand ambassador must be exciting, right?
Well,top influencers often get approached by brands for sponsorships, while new UGC creators might have to wait for their turn in the spotlight. So, how do you do it?
First, find brands that match your values and niche. Just like Bella, who often creates content related to music and gaming, HyperX was a perfect fit for her.
Secondly, think about brands you genuinely love and use in your life. Look at how MrBeast teamed up with Zaxby’s: “I grew up going to Zaxby’s, so when we started talking and decided to make the MrBeast Box, I knew it’d be perfect to include my new Feastables bar in it.”
Next step, find brands that share your passion and vision. When you focus on brands that resonate with you, your interactions will be authentic and leave a lasting impression.
Remember to interact with brands on social media. Follow them, like and comment on their posts, and share their content with your followers.
9. Negotiate Contracts
Serious influencers usually come prepared with a rate card that lists their services and prices. But sometimes, you have to talk about the contract and negotiate with the brand.
This is important for UGC creators who want to become professional influencers. It’s about finding a fair agreement that works for both you and the brand.
How to become a UGC creator in this phase? make sure you’re data-driven and know the industry standards for UGC rates. Consider your experience, audience size, and content type. Don’t undervalue your work and be upfront about what you can deliver.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate if the first offer from a brand doesn’t meet your expectations. You can justify your rates with your experience, audience engagement, and the value you provide. You can also think about other perks like free products, event access, and more.
Read More: How to Get Brand Deals as an Influencer
What You Need to Become a UGC Creator
To become a good UGC creator, you need two main things: tools and skills. Some of them are:
Good Camera
Starting as a UGC creator is easy with just a mobile phone camera. Any smartphone will work. But the latest smartphones like the iPhone 15 have a 48MP main camera that offers great image quality. You can take stunning close-ups and wide shots without needing extra lenses or equipment.
For a more professional approach right from the start, it’s recommended to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera. These cameras provide superior image quality, versatility, and manual controls.
If you’re planning to capture fast-paced action like downhill biking or motovlogging, an action camera is the way to go. They are durable, compact, and have stabilization features.
Read Also: Best 4K Camera for Content Creators
Video Editing Software
You need video editing software to change raw footage into great content. Editing can make even simple videos look better. And the best part is, you don’t have to be an expert to use it.
For beginner UGC creators, there are mobile apps like CapCut and InShot. These apps have an easy-to-use interface and cool features like trimming, merging clips, and applying filters.
If you want more advanced editing options, you can use desktop software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X. These have a lot more tools and features, like fixing colors, mixing audio, and adding special effects.
Lighting Equipment
Lighting equipment might seem like an afterthought, but it’s a game-changer for UGC creators. It can turn a boring video into something amazing.
Natural light is good if you’re outside or near a window, but it’s not always reliable. That’s when artificial lighting comes in. Even with just a smartphone, you can get a simple ring light or a small LED panel. These are not expensive and can make a big difference.
If you have a DSLR camera, you might want to get more lights, softboxes, or reflectors. This lets you control the direction, brightness, and color of your lighting.
Storytelling Skills
Having good storytelling skills is vital for UGC creators. Even if your content looks nice, it won’t be interesting without a captivating story.
Whether you’re sharing a story about your own experiences or giving a review, adding a story to your content can make it more interesting and relatable. You can create suspense, show conflict and resolution, or anything to make it engaging.
Read Also: How to Vlog and Become a StoryTeller
Creativity
Without creativity, storytelling skills can lead to dull content. To keep things interesting, try thinking outside the box and finding unique angles to showcase products or spark curiosity.
Let’s say you’re promoting eco-friendly cleaning products. You might think of simply listing their features and benefits. But, why not add a touch of humor by making a short video of a fun dishwashing session with your daughters?
Adaptability
As a UGC creator, you need to be adaptable. Why? It’s all about finding the perfect balance between staying true to your own voice and following a brand’s guidelines, no matter the projects.
90% of consumers think authenticity is important when choosing brands to support. If you pretend to be someone you’re not, you might lose your audience’s trust.
Remember, brand guidelines give you a structure, but it’s up to you to add your own personality, style, and viewpoint to the content.
UGC Creator Trends in 2024
In 2024, several trends might be influencing UGC creators:
- Short-Form Video — Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels were already on the rise by 2021, and this trend likely continued. Short-form videos are becoming the preferred way for creators to engage their audience due to their snackable and shareable nature.
- Livestreaming — Live video streaming allows creators to interact with their audience in real-time. This trend was gaining traction as it offers a sense of authenticity and direct engagement that traditional pre-recorded content might lack.
- Niche Communities — Creators are focusing on building communities around specific niches of interest. A good example is the Instagram account @plantkween, which focuses on plant care and urban gardening, run by Christopher Griffin. It has gained popularity for its colorful content and helpful plant care tips.
- Transparency — Audiences increasingly value authenticity and transparency from creators. Creators who showcase their real lives, struggles, and behind-the-scenes moments tend to resonate more with their viewers. That includes when you use #ads to reveal a sponsored post.
- Sustainability and Social Impact — People care more about the environment and social problems now. This has been increasing and is still important in 2024. Creators who help causes and make good changes are getting more popular, connecting with audiences who like meaningful content.
- AR and VR Integration — As augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies advance, creators might explore new ways to incorporate these immersive experiences into their content.
- E-commerce Integration — Social media and influencers are now closely linked to shopping. Facebook, for instance, offers live shopping features. Sephora, for instance, utilizes Facebook Live Shopping to showcase products and engage with customers, ultimately boosting sales.
- Platform Diversity — Creators might be expanding beyond traditional platforms to newer, emerging ones, depending on where their target audience is most active.
- Cross-Platform Promotion — TikTok and Instagram are popular but UGC creators are always looking for new platforms to reach new people. Lemon8 is one of these platforms.
- AI and Automation — Automation tools could assist creators in various aspects of content creation, from video editing to content scheduling, allowing them to focus more on creativity and engagement.
Conclusion
UGC creators are content creators that make special content about brands and products. They change how we see content and connect with brands. If you want to be a UGC creator, now is the right time.
We have given you all the information and steps to become a content creator. Just follow your interests, be real, and build real relationships.
We hope this article helps. Subscribe to our blog for tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you on your UGC journey. Join Gank for free if you want to make money as a content creator.
FAQ UGC Creator
How do I maintain consistency in content creation as a UGC creator?
Creating a content calendar and setting achievable goals can help you stay consistent. Additionally, batch content creation and scheduling tools can streamline the process.
Are there any risks associated with using copyrighted material in UGC?
Using copyrighted material without permission can lead to legal issues. It’s essential to either create original content or ensure proper licensing for any material you incorporate.
What role do hashtags play in UGC creator’s success?
Hashtags can significantly increase the discoverability of your content, helping you reach a wider audience and connect with like-minded individuals.
How can I effectively measure the impact of my UGC creations?
Engagement metrics like likes, comments, shares, and follower growth are indicators of your content’s impact. Monitoring these metrics helps you gauge your audience’s response and adjust your strategy accordingly.
