UGC creators get paid to make short videos for brands, mostly filmed on a phone. You don't need followers, because the brand posts the videos itself or runs them as ads. This guide covers what the work is, what you need, how to build a portfolio, what to charge and how to land your first paid job.
What a UGC creator does
UGC stands for user-generated content: videos that look and feel like a real customer made them. Brands use them on their own TikTok, Instagram and YouTube accounts, on product pages and, most of all, as ads.
Typical briefs ask for:
- A first-impressions review of a product you just tried.
- An unboxing, showing the packaging and what's inside.
- A routine or "get ready with me" with the product in it.
- A talking-to-camera testimonial about what the product did for you.
- A demo that shows how the product works, close up.
The brand gets the video files and the right to use them for an agreed time. You don't post them on your own account. When a brand also pays you to post to your followers, that's an influencer deal, which is a separate kind of work.
Do you need followers?
No. Followers matter when a brand pays for your audience. For UGC, the brand pays for the video itself. What counts is whether you come across naturally on camera, whether the first seconds make people stop scrolling, and whether the product looks good.
What you need to start
- A recent smartphone. Film vertically (9:16) in 1080p or 4K.
- Good light. Face a window during the day. A ring light or softbox helps in the evening.
- Clean sound. A quiet room with soft furnishings, or a clip-on microphone.
- An editing app. CapCut or the editor built into TikTok or Instagram is enough for cuts, captions and text.
- A tidy background. Nothing that pulls attention from you or the product.
Build a portfolio before your first job
Brands decide from your samples, so make them before you look for work. Film three to five videos with products you already own, and mix the formats:
- One talking to camera, like a review or testimonial. Brands want to see that you speak naturally.
- One demo or routine with a voiceover.
- One unboxing or first impressions.
A few things make samples stand out:
- Hook in the first two or three seconds. Open with a problem, a result or a question, not with "Hi guys".
- Show the product in use, close up and in good light.
- Keep most videos between 15 and 45 seconds.
- Add captions. Many people watch with the sound off.
- End with a reason to act, like where to buy it or what to try first.
Put the videos somewhere anyone can open without signing in: a shared Google Drive folder, a simple portfolio page, or a TikTok or Instagram account just for your UGC.
If a niche comes naturally, lean into it. Brands like creators who already use products like theirs, whether that's skincare, fitness, food, tech or parenting. You don't have to limit yourself to one, though.
What to charge
Prices depend on your experience, the length of the video and what the brand gets to do with it. As a guide, brands on Hypeling usually pay $100 to $300 per UGC video.
Charge more for:
- Paid ads and longer usage. If the brand runs your video as an ad, or uses it for more than a few months, it's worth more to them.
- Extra hooks or variations of the same video, so the brand can test different openings.
- Raw footage on top of the finished video.
- Rush delivery.
Quote per video and say what's included: the length, how many rounds of changes, and how long the brand may use it.
Where to find paid UGC work
- Creator marketplaces. Brands post campaigns and creators pitch for them. On Hypeling you sign up once, get briefs that match your niche and pitch your own price. The brand pays upfront, and you keep 100% of your price. See open UGC jobs.
- Pitching brands directly. Email or message smaller brands whose products you already use. Send your portfolio link and one short idea for a video.
- Your own UGC account. Some brands find creators by browsing TikTok and Instagram, so an account that shows your UGC work helps people find you.
Rules to follow
- Only say what you honestly experienced with the product.
- Make no medical claims, like saying a cream cures acne.
- Use licensed music, or leave the music to the brand.
- Label ads you post on your own account, with #ad or the platform's paid partnership label. In the US, the FTC requires this.
Other ways to earn with video
UGC isn't the only paid video work, and these don't need a camera at all:
- Editing. Turn a brand's raw footage into finished ads and variations. Brands on Hypeling usually pay $40 to $150 per finished video.
- Clipping. Cut long videos, like podcasts and livestreams, into short clips. Brands on Hypeling usually pay $10 to $40 per clip.
Questions
Can I become a UGC creator with no experience?
Yes. Everyone starts with samples. Make three to five videos with products you own, and use those to apply for your first paid jobs.
Do I have to show my face?
Not always. Some briefs only need your hands, the product and a voiceover. Many briefs do ask for talking to camera, though, so being comfortable on camera opens up more work.
Do I need expensive equipment?
No. A recent phone, daylight and a quiet room are enough to start. Add a light or a microphone once you're getting paid work.
Can I do UGC from outside the US?
Yes. Brands hire UGC creators from anywhere, since they post the videos themselves. Hypeling is open to creators worldwide, aged 18 or older.