Turning your social media scrolls into something more rewarding is a great idea. If you want to become a UGC creator, there’s no better time than now. With 80% of marketers saying that UGC content influences buying decisions – there is a lot of demand. 

Especially if you know social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok inside out and can produce engaging content. Every time you post a picture of your breakfast or review your new headphones, you're a step closer to joining this creative club.

But what does it really mean to become a UGC creator, and why should you consider hopping on this trend?

In this read, we’re unpacking the essentials of UGC and how you can snag some cool jobs creating content you love.

Let's get started.

What is a UGC creator?

A UGC creator is anyone who creates User-Generated Content. This is a marketing term for any content created by real people rather than brands. This can take any form, including photos, videos, blog posts, product reviews, etc.

But being a professional UGC creator goes beyond casual posting. The content you post for brands has to resonate with others and even influence decisions. It has to fit in with the brands' UGC strategy, yet be ethical, transparent, and to the point.

The creator’s job is to turn everyday moments into shareable types of content that other internet users (potential customers of the brands) can relate to, enjoy, and trust.

For this job, you don't need fancy equipment or a huge follower count. A genuine passion for sharing your perspective and experiences is a great starting point here. And the best part? Companies are always on the lookout for authentic voices like yours to add a touch of realness to their brands. So, by becoming a UGC creator, you're shaping the way other people see the world.

For their work, User-Generated Content creators can charge per project or receive compensation through other means, such as royalties, commissions, or in forms like gifts or freebies.

Working as a UGC creator offers exciting opportunities, but it's not without challenges. Often, the work is project-based or consists of one-off gigs, which can result in fluctuating income and the constant need to seek new opportunities in a competitive field.

UGC creators vs. influencers

Influencers are major social media players. They set trends. In 2024, over 37% of organizations reported collaboration with up to 10 influencers. This number showcases their significant impact.

On TikTok, Josh Richards is one of the hottest influencers right now.

Influencers like Josh build large dedicated audiences based on their lifestyle, opinions, or expertise. Brands love collaborating with them for their ability to reach a wider audience and sway opinions. They constantly reach for more significant follower numbers and are perceived as celebrities in one’s Instagram feed.

On the other hand, UGC creators are the friends who give honest advice.

UGC creators publish content that might not reach millions but is authentic and relatable. They might not have a massive following, but their content is valuable because it's genuine and engaging.

While influencers may push a product, UGC creators share their real experiences with it.

Why work with UGC creators

But why are brands turning to UGC creators for their marketing campaigns? The answer lies in these unique benefits that only user-generated content can provide:

• Authenticity: Social media users are hard to fool. They appreciate content that feels real and unfiltered. As I mentioned above, content creators bring this authentic vibe to the table, making their posts more relatable and trustworthy than polished, professional ads. Their content is more like getting a recommendation from a friend instead of a salesperson.

• Cost-effective: Traditional advertising can break the bank. UGC, on the other hand, is a more affordable option that still delivers impactful results. By collaborating with UGC creators, brands can generate fresh content without the hefty price tag of professional shoots.

• Trust and credibility: People trust people, not ads. When a UGC creator shares their honest experience with a product, it resonates more with their audience. Content creators are extremely valuable for trusted media brands looking to improve credibility and increase their presence online.

• Sales enhancement: Authentic, relatable content converts viewers into customers. When people see real-life examples of a product in action, they're more likely to buy it.

Brands can repurpose a UGC creator’s genuine content across their social media platforms, embed it on their websites, and highlight it in email marketing campaigns. This way, it will work as social proof to potential clients.

5 Steps to becoming a successful UGC creator

If your dream is to become a UGC creator, and you’re not sure where to start, follow these five steps to turn it into reality.

1. Identify your niche

First, you need to find your specialty. What gets you excited? Is it fashion, sports, food, or maybe travel?

Identify something you love and know a lot about. This is your niche. A niche is that one area of your expertise. By focusing on a specific area, you become the go-to person for that topic, making your content stand out among the generalists.

2. Build your online presence

Now that you’ve got your niche, it’s time to shine online. Choose platforms where your target audience hangs out. For some niches, Instagram works best, while others get the most engagement from TikTok or YouTube. Create a catchy bio, share your first posts, and engage with others.

If you have a website, you can use Google Analytics 4 to track the traffic or your profile’s engagement levels. Analyzing data helps you see what works, refine your strategies, and grow your audience effectively.

3. Collaborate with others

Support from other social media creators is invaluable, opening doors to numerous connection opportunities. Engage with other creators, join online communities, and don’t shy away from reaching out to brands you love. Collaboration can expand your reach and bring new opportunities to create sponsored content.

If you’re using Instagram, there’s another strategy you can use to amplify your reach even further. Why not get IG likes through reputable third-party providers? This can complement your collaborative efforts, making your social media content more visible and attractive to potential collaborators and brands.

4. Create high-quality UGC

Start creating high-quality content that adds value, entertains, or solves problems. High quality doesn't always mean high cost— focus on clear visuals, engaging stories, and genuine experiences. Ask for feedback, learn from others, and keep improving.

To convince brands to work with you, you need a convincing UGC portfolio.

Showcase your best work by organizing your content into a comprehensive portfolio. Highlight different projects and successful collaborations to illustrate your range and impact.

5. Monetize your content

Once you've built a solid base, it’s time to reap the rewards. There are many monetization opportunities, like sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or selling your own products or services.

Be transparent about sponsorships and keep your content’s authenticity—it’s what got you here in the first place!

Top strategies for finding UGC jobs

Finding UGC jobs successfully entails a mix of showcasing your best work, connecting with the right people, and being proactive in your job search. Your next UGC gig could be just around the corner. You just need to know where to look for opportunities.

Check out these top strategies to land your UGC jobs:

Utilize job search engines

Search engines like Google and Bing can reveal many exciting opportunities. Simply input keywords such as “UGC creator jobs” or “content creation partnerships” along with your niche to uncover potential listings and collaborations not featured on traditional job platforms.

Platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn list a variety of UGC-related jobs. Use keywords like “UGC creator,” “content creator,” or “social media contributor” to find opportunities that fit your niche.

Social media platforms

To find brands that are actively seeking UGC creators, focus on companies with large marketing budgets—those often investing in Facebook Ads, for example. A practical tip is to explore the Facebook Ads Library, where you can discover brands running campaigns, giving you insight into who might be open to collaborations.

Follow these brands. This way, you can jump at the opportunity to create UGC when they start running new campaigns again. You can reach out to them and offer your services.

Networking

Never underestimate the power of a good network. Take part in industry events, join online communities, and connect with marketers and people with similar interests.

A recommendation from a peer can sometimes open more doors than an impressive resume.

Freelancing platforms

Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great for finding freelance UGC projects.

Create a compelling profile showcasing your best work and start bidding on projects that match your skills and interests.

Influencer collaboration platforms

Sign up for platforms designed specifically for influencer marketing. They connect brands with content creators.

Platforms like AspireIQ, Collabstr, or BrandSnob can help you find partnerships that align with your niche and content style.

Conclusion

You now have the complete roadmap to becoming a successful UGC creator and finding those exciting UGC jobs. With the right approach, you can start making a significant impact in the digital world.

Dive into your niche, build your online presence, and start creating authentic content that matters. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. But with passion, perseverance, and a pinch of creativity, you can become a great UGC creator and turn your social media skills into a career. Good luck!