The UGC Field Guide

Learn how to create content for brands—and understand the business behind it.

Ever watched a product demonstration, unboxing or everyday-style video and wondered how people get started creating that kind of content?

That's user-generated content (UGC). Brands use it to showcase products, explain features and connect with their customers.

But creating videos is only part of the picture. Understanding what to charge, how to build a portfolio, where to find potential brand opportunities and how to approach businesses professionally matters, too.

MEET THE UGC FIELD GUIDE.

A beginner-friendly, interactive web app by The SHYNE Academy that brings UGC education, practical resources and creator-business tools together in one place.

Whether you're exploring UGC for the first time or looking to approach content creation more professionally, the Field Guide gives you a structured place to start.

No unnecessary equipment. No complicated strategies. No promises of overnight success.

Just practical education, adaptable templates and resources to help you put what you're learning into action.

The UGC Field Guide is an interactive web app—not a downloadable ebook.

Access it through your browser on your phone, tablet or computer. Work through the chapters at your own pace, revisit resources when you need them and use the available tools to organize your creative work.

Your education and practical creator resources, all in one place.

WHAT'S INSIDE? 12 PRACTICAL CHAPTERS.

1. START HERE

Discover what UGC is, who typically hires creators and how to begin developing your skills. Explore a starter framework and practical ideas for your first 30 days.

2. THE GEAR

Learn about cameras, lighting, audio and tripods so you can make informed equipment decisions without unnecessary spending. You don't need an expensive studio to start learning UGC.

3. VIDEO TYPES

Explore face-forward videos, voiceovers, B-roll, unboxings and other common UGC formats. Understand how different video styles are used in brand marketing.

4. ANATOMY OF A UGC VIDEO

Learn a practical four-beat video structure used in many performance-style advertisements, from capturing attention to presenting a product and communicating a clear call to action.

5. RATE CARDS

Explore example pricing ranges, content bundles and negotiation templates to help you prepare professional quotes and understand the value of different deliverables. Actual rates vary by market, niche, experience and project requirements.

6. PORTFOLIO CHECKLIST

Learn how to organize and present your creative work. Explore the sample videos, essential sections and information brands commonly look for when reviewing creator portfolios.

7. BRANDS HIRING UGC

Explore a periodically reviewed directory of brands with publicly documented creator programs or previous collaborations. Research potential opportunities and identify brands that may align with your content style and interests. Current opportunities and eligibility are not guaranteed.

8. UGC OPPORTUNITY HUB

Explore additional UGC opportunities and resources to support your brand research and discover different ways to pursue creator collaborations.

9. OUTREACH & EMAIL

Access adaptable cold-pitch, follow-up and retainer templates to help you approach potential brands professionally. Learn how to introduce yourself, present your work and communicate the services you offer.

10. BARTER & TRADE

Explore how some creators structure product exchanges and other trade arrangements involving stays, meals or equipment. Understand the importance of clear deliverables, written agreements and applicable tax and advertising disclosure requirements.

11. DEAL TRACKER

12. The UGC Creator's Filming Studio

Develop a more organized approach to your creator business. Keep track of pitches, potential collaborations, invoices and deliverables so important details don't get lost as you explore new opportunities.

MORE THAN A GUIDE. YOUR CREATOR TOOLKIT.

Go beyond reading lessons with practical resources designed to help you apply what you learn.

30-DAY ACTION PLAN: Follow a structured, self-paced introduction to UGC.

PORTFOLIO BUILDER: Organize and showcase your creative work.

PRICING & LICENSING TOOLS: Explore project pricing, deliverables, usage rights and licensing considerations.

BRAND DIRECTORY & OUTREACH TRACKER: Research potential opportunities and keep your outreach organized.

MY UGC STUDIO: Manage your content plans, collaborations, deadlines and creator-business records.

CONTENT PLANNING & COMPLIANCE RESOURCES: Plan videos, understand advertising disclosures and approach collaborations professionally.

LEARN IT. CREATE IT. KEEP IT ORGANIZED.

The UGC Field Guide is designed to help you move beyond simply learning what UGC is.

Explore the skills behind creating content, develop a portfolio, understand the business side of brand collaborations and build an organized approach to your creative work.

Access the app online and learn at your own pace, whether you're working from your phone, tablet or computer.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Whether you're completely new to UGC, exploring a potential side business or looking to develop your existing content creation skills, The UGC Field Guide gives you a structured place to begin.

You don't need thousands of followers, an expensive camera or a professional studio to start learning.

You need an understanding of the fundamentals, a willingness to practice and a practical plan.

$39 USD. ONE-TIME PURCHASE.

11 chapters. One interactive app. Practical creator resources.

No subscription. No additional charges for included features.

Learn at your own pace, develop your portfolio, explore potential brand opportunities and build your skills as you go.

YOUR PHONE CAN DO MORE THAN SCROLL.

Discover what you can learn to create with it.

GET THE UGC FIELD GUIDE FOR $39 USD.

The UGC Field Guide is an educational resource. Purchasing it does not guarantee income, employment or paid brand collaborations. Pricing examples are illustrative, and actual rates, opportunities and results vary. Brand-directory listings do not guarantee that applications are currently open or that a brand will work with you.