Complete Guide to Becoming a UGC Creator
Sep 17, 2025
Sep 17, 2025
Discover a step-by-step guide to becoming a successful UGC creator. Learn how to build a portfolio, pitch to brands, and start earning today.
In today’s digital age, user-generated content (UGC) has emerged as a powerful avenue for aspiring creators to monetize their creativity and collaborate with brands. But how do you break into the world of UGC and build a sustainable career? Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your approach, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the journey, from defining your goals to securing paid brand deals. Let’s dive in!
Why UGC Is the Perfect Opportunity for Aspiring Creators
Brands are increasingly turning to UGC creators for authentic, relatable content that resonates with their target audience. Unlike traditional influencers, UGC creators focus solely on content production for brands, without needing a massive personal following. This makes it an accessible option for those who are skilled in content creation but aren’t interested in becoming full-time influencers.
What’s more, the demand for UGC has skyrocketed. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are filled with examples of brands leveraging UGC to enhance their marketing efforts. If you’re entrepreneurial, creative, and ready to put in the work, UGC can be an exciting and lucrative career path.
Step 1: Define Your Goals and Set a Deadline
Before diving into the mechanics of UGC creation, it’s crucial to define what success looks like for you. Ask yourself:
How much money do you want to earn monthly through UGC?
What is your deadline for achieving this goal?
Why is this goal important to you?
Write down your goal in this format: "By [date], I want to earn [specific dollar amount] consistently through UGC creation." Post this goal somewhere visible - whether it’s as a phone screensaver or on your desk - to keep yourself motivated. Bonus points if you share this goal publicly with friends or on social media for added accountability.
Step 2: Research the UGC Landscape
As with any new venture, research is key. Spend one week immersed in UGC content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to gain a solid understanding of the space. Here’s how to conduct effective research:
Search for "UGC creators" on TikTok or Instagram and study their profiles and content.
Identify brands that frequently share UGC on their social media.
Save at least 30 pieces of UGC content you find inspiring into folders on TikTok or Instagram.
Once your research week is complete, analyze the content you’ve saved. Ask yourself:
What made this content stand out?
Which editing styles, lighting setups, or scripting techniques resonated with you?
How would you approach creating a similar piece of content?
This step will help you develop a clearer perspective on what makes UGC effective and lay the foundation for your own portfolio.
Step 3: Choose Your Niche and Ideal Brands
To succeed as a UGC creator, you’ll need to pick a niche and focus on brands within that space. Why? Specializing in a specific product category - whether it’s beauty, wellness, tech, fitness, or pet care - helps you stand out and appear as an authority in that area.
For example, if you choose beauty as your niche, focus on working with skincare, makeup, or haircare brands. Avoid trying to appeal to every industry, as this dilutes your expertise and makes it harder for brands to trust your authenticity.
Start by making a list of product categories or industries you’re genuinely passionate about. Then, identify 5–10 brands within that niche that you’d love to work with. Keep this list handy as you progress to the outreach phase.
Step 4: Create a Starter Portfolio
Even if no brand has hired you yet, you’ll need to create sample UGC content to showcase your skills. Here’s how to get started:
Use what you already have. Raid your home for products that align with your niche. For example, if you’re in the wellness niche, pick out your favorite protein powder or yoga mat.
Film 3–4 demo videos. These videos should demonstrate your ability to create high-quality, engaging content. Use this simple script structure:
Intrigue: Hook the audience with a question or attention-grabbing statement.
Outcome: Highlight the product and explain its key benefits.
Emotion: Share how the product positively impacted you.
Call to Action: Encourage the audience to take the next step (e.g., buy the product).
Optimize your setup. Use good lighting (natural light works well), the rear camera on your phone, and a basic tripod. Don’t worry about investing in expensive equipment at this stage.
Once your demo videos are complete, edit them to look polished and professional. This will form the core of your portfolio.
Step 5: Build a UGC Portfolio on Social Media
Rather than creating a traditional portfolio website, use social media as your showcase. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram make it easy for brands to discover your work. Follow these steps:
Set up a dedicated UGC account with a bio that clearly states you’re a UGC creator.
Upload your demo videos, posting one per day.
Over time, add content from actual brand collaborations (with their permission).
Use pinned posts to feature:
Your best work
A glowing testimonial from a brand
A general introduction showcasing your expertise
This strategy ensures potential clients see your top content and credibility as soon as they land on your profile.
Step 6: Start Pitching to Brands
Once your portfolio is set up, it’s time to proactively reach out to brands you want to work with. Focus on small to medium-sized brands with under 100,000 followers, as they’re more likely to collaborate with emerging creators.
Here’s a simple pitch template to use:
Greet the brand and express your admiration for their products.
Introduce yourself as a UGC creator and explain how you’d love to create content for them.
Share a specific idea for a UGC video that highlights one of their products.
Direct them to your portfolio for examples of your work.
Make it personal and concise, and aim to pitch to at least 5 brands per week.
Step 7: Turn One Deal into Multiple Opportunities
Once you’ve secured your first brand deal:
Fulfill the brief with exceptional quality and timeliness.
Consider over-delivering by providing extra options or creative touches (but without giving away free content).
After the project concludes, pitch the idea of a content series or retainer agreement to secure ongoing work.
By building strong relationships with brands, you’ll create a foundation for repeat business and long-term collaborations.
Step 8: Track Your Progress and Analyze Results
To succeed as a UGC creator, you’ll need to stay organized and track your outreach efforts. Use a simple spreadsheet to record:
The brands you contacted
The date of your pitch
Their response (if any)
The pitch message you used
Periodically review this data to identify which pitches are most effective. Over time, you can refine your approach to maximize results.
Key Takeaways
Set Goals with Deadlines: Define how much money you want to earn and by when.
Research is Key: Spend time studying UGC content on Instagram and TikTok to understand trends and styles.
Pick a Niche: Specialize in one product category to stand out and build authority.
Create Demo Content: Use products you already own to film sample videos for your portfolio.
Utilize Social Media Portfolios: Showcase your work on TikTok or Instagram with a professional bio.
Proactively Pitch to Brands: Reach out to small and medium-sized businesses with personalized pitches.
Turn Deals into Long-Term Relationships: Exceed expectations and pitch ongoing collaborations.
Track and Analyze: Keep a record of your outreach to improve future pitches.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a successful UGC creator takes dedication, creativity, and persistence. By following this structured approach, you’ll not only gain the skills needed to create compelling content but also establish yourself as a trusted partner for brands. So, roll up your sleeves, get started, and remember: consistency is the key to success in this exciting field!
Source: "Become a UGC CREATOR by the end of the year | Content creation for beginners" - Jade Beason, YouTube, Aug 10, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtXTDhXAYp4
Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.