UGC Creators: Who Are They and How Can You Join Their Ranks?

Think of a social media post you've seen from a stranger that feels so authentic and relatable that it feels like your friend is sharing their new find. That's the power of user-generated content. 

UGC isn't just a buzzword; it's the magic that happens when ordinary people transform into content creators who share authentic experiences and stories with the digital world. UGC is so influential that 90% of consumers prefer to see brand content from actual customers. 

Behind every captivating UGC post is a UGC creator—"regular" folks who have the power to influence and inspire. The good news is that you can also become a UGC creator. This article will take you on a journey to understanding who UGC creators are and how you can join their ranks.

What is a UGC creator?

A UGC creator makes user-generated content like videos, photos, or posts others can see on social media or websites. They often create sponsored content that looks real but is meant to promote a business or product.

Most UGC creators use videos, especially on Instagram and TikTok. The hashtag #UGCCreator has 1.3 million posts on Instagram and over 984K on TikTok. Creators usually film and narrate from their own POV, making the content feel more authentic. UGC looks more natural than influencer content, keeping its genuine feel.

A brand doesn't directly employ a UGC creator, but their work helps promote it. They're not just casual contributors; they influence opinions, spark discussions, and engage audiences in ways traditional marketing can't.

As a UGC creator, your contributions to brands include:

• Creating authentic testimonials (different from organic reviews)

• Showcasing or revealing products

• Participating in brand promotions as a customer

• Boosting brand visibility on social media by talking about the brand

• Making content to promote a brand's product or service

• Joining viral campaigns as an end-user or customer

Are UGC creators getting paid? Yes, there are paid UGC creators. These people get incentives for creating content, like money or free products. Brands look for them to produce authentic-looking content regularly.

Brands partner with professional UGC creators for several reasons. One factor is changes in how people consume content. The global UGC platform market was worth $4.4 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow by nearly 30% by 2030. 

Audiences now prefer genuine, straightforward content that feels natural and aligns with their favorite creators' posts. Since brands may struggle to create this in-house, they partner with UGC creators to provide relatable, valuable content for their audience.

"When I am doing paid influencer content, I always stick to my tone and style that followers have grown used to. I do not do scripts, 'ads,' or anything that sounds overly promotional. This is a HUGE turnoff for my followers"

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What is the difference between a UGC creator and an influencer?

This question is crucial for understanding the digital marketing industry, where the lines between the two roles often blur.

You'll find pure UGC creators, influencers, and some who are both on various platforms. While both UGC creators and influencers help shape brand stories and engage audiences, they differ in terms of the methods they use. UGC creators focus on authentic, relatable content, while influencers often use their large followings to promote brands and products more directly.

Distribution of content

UGC creators focus on making authentic and relatable content. They don't usually share branded content with their followers; instead, brands use it on their channels. 

Influencers, however, are closely connected to their audience. They share branded content directly with their followers and actively interact with them. They tend to build personal connections, making their content feel more tailored and compelling.

Brand engagement

UGC creators usually work as freelancers and sometimes also act as influencers. They get paid to make specific content for brands on different platforms. Once they deliver the content, UGC creators may not retain its rights.

Influencers, on the other hand, form broader connections with brands. Their deals typically involve making and uploading content on their own accounts. Brands may be able to reuse or repurpose influencers’ content, but this depends on their agreement with the influencer.

Marketing 

UGC creators produce authentic, impactful testimonials that make a brand feel easier to connect with. This type of content is critical to building trust and creating a more relatable image for the brand.

Conversely, influencers are vital to social media campaigns focusing on expanding reach and driving sales. Their power lies in their solid relationships with their followers, making their recommendations highly persuasive.

In short, to become an influencer, you need a large following on your social media platform. This isn't required for UGC creators. Influencers aim to "influence" their audience to adopt aspects of their lifestyle, while UGC creators provide similar services on a smaller scale.

It's also essential to distinguish UGC creators from content creators and affiliates. UGC creators focus on sharing personal experiences or reviews with a niche audience interested in the brand. Content creators, however, aim to build and keep a dedicated audience. Meanwhile, affiliates primarily promote products with the goal of earning commissions. 

Benefits of UGC creators in digital marketing

UGC creators can significantly impact public opinion, influence trends, and contribute to online discussions about products, services, or topics. UGC creators are seen as more authentic and trustworthy in content marketing and brand promotion than traditional advertising or branded content. 

Here are some key reasons why companies seek out UGC creators:

Brands can keep it real with customers

UGC creators bring a refreshing touch of honesty to brand messaging. They connect brands with consumers, helping the latter see the former as more genuine. UGC stands out as honest and relatable in a world full of flashy ads. It helps brands overcome consumer doubt and grab attention naturally. 

UGC acts as social proof, showing potential customers real people enjoying and recommending products, which builds trust more effectively than traditional ads. It also humanizes brands by displaying products in real-life situations. 

Budget-friendly approach to creating content

Regarding influencer marketing costs, brands spend an average of $214 per influencer. That can be quite a burden, especially for startups or SMBs. UGC cuts production costs significantly compared to traditional methods, which often involve expensive photographers, videographers, and studio rentals. On the other hand, UGC utilizes the creators' own resources and creativity, saving on equipment and staff expenses. 

Additionally, UGC is authentic and less costly than polished content, which can sometimes seem staged. Brands can scale their UGC efforts by working with various creators and reaching more people without extra expenses. 

UGC also performs well on social media and can effortlessly keep up with social media trends. These drive organic reach and engagement without heavy spending on ads. Plus, UGC can keep delivering value long after it's made, as it can be reused across different marketing channels at no extra cost.

More people engage with UGC content

UGC creators can uniquely boost engagement and create meaningful interactions with brands, often more effectively than traditional marketing.

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UGC creators feel like peers to their audience, sharing genuine experiences that build trust and encourage likes, comments, and shares. Their content serves as social proof, showing others that a product or service is valuable and encouraging more people to get involved.

UGC acts like digital word-of-mouth, where people trust and follow the recommendations of their online friends and communities. This helps spread the word about brands and significantly impacts consumer decisions. Nearly 80% of consumers noted that UGC influences their purchasing decisions.

Search Logistics

UGC also helps build a community, creating a space where people connect and share experiences, fostering loyalty to both the creator and the brands they promote. Plus, with various content formats like images, videos, and reviews, UGC appeals to different preferences and reaches a broader audience.

How to become a UGC creator

Becoming a UGC creator shouldn't be your only goal; aim to excel. Natalie Sportelli, Head of Content at Thingtesting, mentioned that the best UGC creators they've worked with for TikTok had a variety of examples and demos of different video and photo styles. This diversity makes it easy to see how their creativity fits the brand's needs.

UGC can be profitable if you put in the effort. Here are the essential steps to become a UGC creator:

1. Decide on a niche

Picking a specific niche is vital to standing out in the busy UGC world. This is different from making content for your personal accounts. Focusing on a niche helps you concentrate your efforts, build expertise, and attract a loyal audience. 

Though it might be tempting to try to reach everyone, finding your niche lets you:

• Establish authority

• Connect with your audience

• Streamline content creation

• Attract brand partnerships

Natalie Sportelli noted this about niches: "The more informed someone is about a particular category makes them like a better creator for other brands in that area." She notes that choosing one category can be risky since you won't have as many clients as possible. But Sportelli then proceeds to say that if a creator is known for beauty, working with a beauty brand can give their content a lot of credibility.

To pick a niche, begin by researching popular content categories and looking for gaps in the market. Identify brands that might benefit from a fresh perspective on their products. 

Here are some niches you might consider:

• Cooking/Recipes: Focus on specific areas like bento lunches for kids, vegan-friendly recipes, or bread-making. 

• Fitness/Wellness: Create UGC for working moms, 15-minute morning workouts, or environmentally friendly workout accessories.

• Skincare: Talk about a multi-step skincare routine and how to deal with issues like acne or teen-friendly products.

• Fashion: Share outfits for occasions, pre-vacation shopping hauls, or seasonal must-haves.

• Books: Share book rankings on specific genres, unique book aesthetics, or quirky book accessories.

2. Develop your content creation skills

Don't just be a UGC creator. Be a good one. Study, experiment, and refine your skills to produce top-notch output consistently.

• Photography: Using your smartphone is good. But going beyond the basics will immensely help you create more appealing images. Studying composition, lighting, and editing can make your visuals more engaging. Experiment with angles, perspectives, and filters to find your style. Take online courses or tutorials to learn the basics and advanced techniques.

• Video Editing: UGC videos are top-tier. Learning to use editing software can give you an edge. Practice cutting, trimming, adding transitions, and using music and sound effects to create engaging stories. Explore different editing platforms and keep practicing.

• Writing: Good captions, descriptions, and reviews can boost your UGC's impact. Focus on clear communication, storytelling, and relevant keywords. Practice writing clearly and engagingly. Consider taking online writing courses to sharpen your skills.

• Beyond the Basics: Don't just stick to traditional content. Try graphic design, animation, or podcasting. Find the mediums that fit your skills and interests, and keep improving.

Make the time to hone your skills and experiment with different techniques. Get inspired by the work of others. See which elements work with your technique and incorporate them seamlessly. Ask your loved ones and community for feedback to help you identify areas for improvement.

3. Build a portfolio

A strong portfolio highlights your best work and demonstrates your skills and creativity. In the UGC world, your social media presence is your main portfolio. 

Thataadigital

As Natalie Sportelli noted, "A strong narrative portfolio can go a long way to showing you're the right fit for a brand."

A portfolio or media kit adds credibility to your pitch. It helps remove obstacles when proving yourself or justifying your pricing to brands. @creativelycarla, a TikTok UGC creator, mentioned that having a portfolio is crucial for showcasing your work to brands. She emphasized, "What this really shows is the power of optimizing your social media." She secures all her deals through her TikTok and Instagram profiles.

There are several effective UGC strategies you can use to expand your portfolio. Curate your content to showcase your best work on your socials. Quality over quantity is always the game. Ensure you highlight content that aligns with your niche and showcases your unique style and skills.

It's also smart to consider creating a dedicated Fiverr profile for your portfolio, like Allie Madison. This can provide a more professional setting for showcasing your work, especially when pitching to brands or seeking paid opportunities.

Allie Madison's portfolio page is a masterclass in showcasing oneself as a top-tier UGC creator. As soon as you land on her page, you're greeted by a vibrant snapshot of Allie herself, sitting in a car with a warm, inviting smile—a perfect teaser for the natural, selfie-style videos she specializes in.

Her credentials also speak volumes: 

• She has a "Pro" badge and a "Top Rated" designation, indicating experience and quality.

• She has a 5.0 rating from 364 reviews.

• The profile notes, "People keep coming back!" and "This seller has many repeat buyers.”

• The profile lists recognizable brands like Marriott International and Acura as clients.

But what really sells Allie's services is the clarity of her offering. In just a glance, potential clients know exactly what they're getting: a short, snappy 100-word video, perfect for that authentic, in-the-moment feel that brands crave. And with a 7-day turnaround and 3 months of usage rights, it's a package that screams value.

4. Network and engage

You may create your own content, but UGC is a big new world. Networking helps you become more visible and grow your audience. Interact with fellow UGC creators in your niche for chances to collaborate. 

• Engage with others: Follow and interact with creators in your niche. Comment on their posts, share their content, and join discussions. Genuine interaction builds relationships and can lead to valuable collaborations.

• Join online communities: Sign up for niche-related forums, groups, and social communities. Be active on these forums. Share your thoughts and knowledge. Ask questions. Give a shout-out and commend others for their excellent work.

• Attend industry events: Take the time to attend real-life events, conferences, and meet-ups. Networking becomes more solid when you can put a face behind the name.

A great example of a UGC community is Bookstagram (or BookTok). In this literary world, UGC creators have built a lively community on Instagram and TikTok. They share book reviews, reading recommendations, and creative photos of their favorite books. 

Bookstagrammers and BookTokers often join reading challenges, buddy reads, and book discussions, connecting with others who love literature just as much as they do.

livsliteratures

5. Join UGC platforms

As UGC grows, new platforms focus on facilitating UGC brand deals. Some let creators apply for opportunities, while others ask you to list your content creation services. 

Platforms like Fiverr offer a space for creators to build their brands. UGC platforms let them show their skills, connect with brands, and monetize their content.

With Fiverr,  you're tapping into a global marketplace, with clients worldwide eager for your authentic content. It's like having a 24/7 showcase for your talent, where your work speaks for itself and attracts opportunities around the clock.

The beauty of Fiverr is how it smooths out the business side of things. No more chasing payments or wrestling with contracts – the platform's got your back, letting you pour your energy into what you do best: creating killer content. 

And as you rack up those glowing reviews and snag badges like "Top Rated," you're not just completing gigs but building a reputation that can bump your rates.

You set the rules – your prices, your hours, your workload. Want to offer a quick selfie video for a startup, or a premium package for a big brand? Fiverr's tiered pricing lets you do both.

6. Pitch brands for collaboration

Be proactive by contacting brands within your niche and expressing your interest in collaborating. Startups and small businesses, in particular, often need UGC to build their social media presence, making them ideal targets for your outreach. 

Make your pitch stand out by emphasizing the benefits you can provide to the brand. Tailor each pitch specifically for the opportunity, ensuring your portfolio showcases examples relevant to the brand's industry and target audience. This targeted approach will help you make a strong impression and increase your chances of securing a collaboration.

End your pitch with a clear call to action, inviting the brand to discuss potential collaborations further. Provide your contact information and express your eagerness to connect. If you don't hear back within a reasonable timeframe, don't hesitate to follow up politely. Persistence can often be the key to getting a response.

@rebel.socials, a UGC and influencer coach, highlights that improving your brand outreach strategy is essential for scaling as a content creator. If you're not getting brand responses, you won't secure brand deals or earn money. While finding brands and the best platforms to pitch UGC is essential, perfecting your pitching strategy should be your priority.

7. Stay ahead of trends

Something new arises every day in the digital world. If you don't keep up, your efforts will go in vain. Be on the pulse by following industry news. Subscribe to industry giant blogs and social profiles to keep up with UGC and niche trends. It's also essential to keep up with new tech and tools like artificial intelligence. There are tons of AI-powered tools that can help you edit your videos or improve your equipment.

Be prepared to adapt your strategies and embrace new trends as they arise. Flexibility and a willingness to learn will help you stay ahead of the curve and maintain your relevance as a UGC creator.

Examples of UGC creators

Motivated now? To get more inspired, here are three UGC creators who are excelling in their niches:

1. Simon Hill (Fiverr)

Simon Hill's profile is a good example of freelance UGC success. With 18 years of voice acting experience, a stellar 4.9-star rating, and clients like Mattel and Cartoon Network, he showcases professionalism and versatility. His "Pro" status, diverse skills, and quick response time make him a top pick for voice-over projects.

2. @oneoffryan (TikTok)

oneoffryan

Ryan Santoyo is a UGC creator and coach who enjoys connecting with creators and brands. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging the growing UGC trend and focuses on DTC brands rather than retailers. Santoyo offers advice on brand content creation, runs a “Creator Academy” course, and reviews helpful equipment for aspiring and experienced UGC creators.

3. @thefoodmedic (Instagram)

thefoodmedic

Dr. Hazel Wallace is a medical doctor and nutritionist who blends informative content with beautiful food photography and practical advice. She shares nutritional recipes and meal prep ideas. She focuses on women's health, helping her followers make healthier choices through education and inspiration.

Sell and buy UGC services on Fiverr today

Whether you're a creator or a business, Fiverr is your go-to platform for UGC services.

Creators can showcase their talents, connect with businesses, and turn their creativity into a thriving freelance career. Businesses can easily find authentic content creators to elevate their marketing strategies. Sign up today to explore Fiverr's marketplace and start buying or selling UGC services.

For creators looking to enhance their skills, check out our online courses hub. For businesses seeking premium UGC talent, Fiverr Pro offers an all-in-one solution with access to top-tier freelancers.

Join Fiverr now to either jumpstart your UGC career or find the perfect creator for your brand's needs!

UGC creator FAQ

Do UGC creators make money?

Yes, they do. The payment depends on content complexity, campaign size, creator experience, platform, and deliverables.

What does UGC stand for?

UGC stands for user-generated content. This can include any brand-specific content, such as photos, product reviews, and videos, posted by users on social media platforms or websites. 

How much to pay for UGC?

UGC services typically range from $150 to $212, while the average cost on Fiverr for a UGC video is $80.

How much do UGC creators make on TikTok?

TikTok earnings vary based on views, engagement, and brand deals. UGC creators with 10K followers can earn $100 for a 60-second video.