How to become a UGC creator: pitching brands explained

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 10 Nov 2026 · 13m ago

What UGC creators do

User-generated content, or UGC, originally meant content made by real customers, such as reviews and unboxing videos. Today many brands hire creators to make content in that style: short videos and photos that feel natural, personal and relatable rather than polished studio advertising. Brands then use this content in paid social ads, on product pages, in emails and on their own social accounts. A UGC creator might film a skincare routine using a product, record a quick demonstration of a kitchen gadget, react to unboxing a parcel or explain why they switched to a new app. Because the brand posts the content, UGC creators can earn without building a large audience, which makes it an accessible side hustle for people who are comfortable on camera and good at simple storytelling.

UGC versus influencer work

Influencers are paid largely for access to their audience and post sponsored content on their own channels. UGC creators are paid for the content itself and the right for the brand to use it. Some creators do both, but the skills and pricing are different. For UGC, brands look at hooks, clarity, lighting, sound, authenticity and how well a video could perform as an ad, not follower counts.

Step 1: Choose a niche

Focus on product categories you genuinely use and understand, such as skincare, fitness, home and kitchen, pets, parenting, tech accessories, apps, food or fashion. A niche helps brands imagine you representing their product, and it makes your portfolio coherent. You can broaden later once you have clients.

Step 2: Create sample videos

Use products you already own to create three to six sample videos in common UGC formats: a problem and solution video, an unboxing, a tutorial or demonstration, a testimonial-style review and a short hook-driven clip for ads. Keep videos 15 to 60 seconds, film vertically, use natural light, clear audio and captions. Start with a strong hook in the first seconds. Label samples as unpaid examples rather than implying brand partnerships.

Step 3: Build a simple portfolio

Host your samples on a simple website, a portfolio platform or a shared folder with a clear introduction: who you are, your niche, the types of content you create, examples and how to contact you. Make it easy for a busy marketing manager to view your work on a phone in under a minute.

Step 4: Create a rate card

List your base price per video, packages for several videos, and add-ons such as paid ad usage rights for a set period, extended usage, exclusivity, raw footage, extra hooks or versions and additional revisions. Keep the rate card simple and adjust it as you gain experience.

Step 5: Find brands to pitch

Look for brands already running UGC-style ads, which you can often see in social media feeds and ad libraries. Small and medium brands, newly launched products and direct-to-consumer companies are often more open to new creators than large corporations. Check whether they have creator programmes or application forms on their websites.

Step 6: Write a short pitch

A good pitch email or message is brief: introduce yourself in one sentence, mention something specific about their product or ads, suggest one or two content ideas, link to your portfolio and propose a next step. Personalised pitches perform far better than mass messages.

Step 7: Follow up politely

Busy teams often miss emails. Follow up once or twice after about a week, adding a new idea or sample rather than simply repeating the request.

Step 8: Agree terms in a contract

Before filming, confirm deliverables, deadlines, number of revisions, payment amount and schedule, usage rights including where and for how long content can be used, exclusivity, whether products are gifted or must be returned and who pays for shipping. Request a deposit for larger projects.

Worked example: pricing a package

A brand wants 3 videos with 30 days of paid ad usage. Your base rate is 150 per video, so 450. Paid usage for 30 days adds 30 percent, which is 135. Two extra hooks per video at 25 each add 150. The package totals 735. If the brand later wants 90 days of usage, and you charge 20 percent of the 450 base fee, which is 90, for each additional 30 days, that adds 2 multiplied by 90, or 180. The percentage calculator on this site helps build quotes.

Step 9: Follow the brief and deliver well

Read briefs carefully, note key messages and things to avoid, film several takes and deliver files in the requested format with clear names. Meeting deadlines and briefs leads to repeat work.

Disclosure rules

When you post sponsored or gifted content on your own channels, advertising rules in many countries require clear disclosure of the relationship. Avoid false claims about product results.

Scams to avoid

Beware of brands asking you to pay for products, training or platform access, fake contracts requesting bank logins, and overpayment schemes.

Filming setup on a budget

You do not need expensive equipment to start. A recent smartphone camera is enough for most UGC work, especially because brands want content that looks natural on social feeds. Invest first in light and sound: filming near a large window during the day gives soft, flattering light, and an inexpensive ring light helps in the evening. A small clip-on microphone makes voiceovers and talking-to-camera videos much clearer than the phone's built-in microphone. A simple tripod or phone stand keeps shots steady. Choose a few clean, uncluttered backgrounds in your home, such as a kitchen counter, a desk or a neutral wall, and keep them tidy so products stand out. Free or low-cost editing apps let you trim clips, add captions and adjust colour.

Writing strong hooks

The first two or three seconds decide whether viewers keep watching, which is why brands value creators who write good hooks. Effective hooks name a problem, make a surprising statement, show a dramatic before and after or ask a direct question that the product answers. Write several hook options for each video and film them separately, so brands can test which performs best in ads. Offering multiple hooks is also a simple way to add value and increase the price of a package.

Understanding usage rights

Usage rights explain how and where a brand can use your content, for how long and whether you can work with competitors. Organic usage on the brand's own social accounts is usually included in base rates, while paid ad usage, longer usage periods, use in television or print, and exclusivity typically cost more because they give the brand more value. Write these terms clearly in your contract, including what happens when the agreed period ends. Clear rights protect you and help brands understand exactly what they are paying for.

Building relationships for repeat work

Many UGC creators earn most of their income from brands that hire them repeatedly. Deliver on time, communicate clearly, accept reasonable feedback and suggest new ideas based on what performed well. After a successful project, ask whether the brand has upcoming launches or seasonal campaigns, and offer a package for regular monthly content.

Tracking income and taxes

Record every payment, gifted product and expense such as equipment, props and software. Creator income is usually taxable, and gifted products may count as income in some places.

Pitching checklist

| Step | Done |

|---|---|

| Niche chosen | |

| Three to six sample videos | |

| Portfolio link works on phones | |

| Rate card with usage add-ons | |

| Brand researched and personalised idea ready | |

| Follow-up scheduled | |

| Contract terms confirmed | |

Using creator platforms

Some platforms connect brands with UGC creators through briefs and applications. They can help beginners find first projects, but read their fees, payment terms and usage rules before applying.

Keeping your portfolio fresh

Replace older samples with paid client work when contracts allow, and add new formats as brand requests change.

Reader questions

Questions about creator side hustles? Send them through the Ask page on this site.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Rates vary; figures are illustrations. No income is guaranteed.

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