UGC Creator: Sell Content, Not Your Soul
UGC (User-Generated Content) creators make videos for a brand's own social media ads. Unlike influencers, you don't post to your own feed. You provide the raw or edited files, and the brand pays you for the asset. No followers required—just a phone and a creative eye.
Best UGC Marketplaces (2026)
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The "Ghost" Portfolio
Don't wait for a brand to hire you. Pick 3 products in your house, film "mock" ads for them, and put them in a Canva website portfolio.
Focus on "The Hook"
Brands pay for retention. If your first 2 seconds don't stop the scroll, the rest of the video doesn't matter. Master the "Visual Hook."
Audio > Video
Clear, crisp voiceovers are more important than 4K video. Use a cheap lavalier mic or the "sock over the phone" trick.
Native Editing
Learn CapCut. Brands want videos that look like a friend sent them, not a professional commercial. Keep it lo-fi but high-quality.
Anatomy of a High-Converting UGC Video
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1
0-2s: The Hook. Show a problem or a shocking result. (e.g., "I stopped using normal soap and this happened...")
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2
2-10s: The Value. Show the product in use. Demonstrate the texture, the app interface, or the result.
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3
10-15s: The CTA. Tell them exactly what to do next. (e.g., "Check the link in bio to get 20% off today.")
UGC Quick FAQ
What are "Usage Rights"?
This is the permission you give the brand to use your face in their ads. Standard is 30-90 days. "Whitelisting" is when they run ads *through* your account handles.
Do I need a ring light?
Natural light from a window is actually better for UGC because it looks more "authentic" and less like a studio setup.
How do I get the products?
Most brands will ship you the product for free once a deal is signed. Some beginner "gifted" collabs let you keep the product in exchange for the video.