TL;DR: UGC Creators get paid to make authentic, short-form videos that help brands sell through trust. To start, study what works, choose a niche you understand, and create sample videos with products you already use. Build a simple portfolio, price your work fairly, and pitch to brands or agencies consistently. Stay active in the UGC community to attract new opportunities, and use your early wins to build long-term income streams. Once you’re ready to expand, tools like Stan make it easy to turn your skills into offers, products, and services you fully own.

You’ve probably seen Creators on TikTok or Instagram getting paid to make short videos for brands and thought, “I could do that.” Then you scroll through their pages and wonder if the secret is having thousands of followers or expensive gear.

Here’s the truth: it’s not. Brands today want content that feels real—videos that look like something you’d see from a friend, not an ad. That’s why UGC Creators are in such high demand.

If you can talk naturally on camera, tell a story, or show how a product fits into everyday life, you already have what it takes. You just need the right plan: how to start, what brands actually look for, and how to turn your first few clips into steady income.

That’s exactly what this guide will show you. Let’s get into it.

Table of Contents

• What Is a UGC Creator?
• UGC Creator vs Influencer: What’s the Difference?
• Why UGC Is Booming Right Now
• What Brands Want from UGC Creators
• How to Become a UGC Creator (Step-by-Step)
• Tools and AI for UGC Creators
• Where to Find Paid UGC Jobs
• How to Scale From UGC Gigs to a Business
• Common Mistakes New UGC Creators Make
• UGC Creator Examples
• Where UGC Fits in Your Bigger Creator Journey

What Is a UGC Creator?

UGC stands for user-generated content, which simply means photos or videos made by everyday people instead of brands.

Think of the short, casual clips you see on TikTok or Instagram—someone testing a skincare product, unboxing a gadget, or showing how a meal kit fits into their routine.

A UGC Creator is the person behind that kind of content. They get paid by brands to create authentic, relatable videos that feel natural on social media.

Most of these Creators aren’t influencers. They don’t need followers or a personal brand. They’re hired purely for their ability to make content that converts.

For brands, UGC feels like social proof—real people using real products. For Creators, it’s a way to make money doing what they already enjoy: creating short, engaging videos that fit each platform.

So when you see an ad that looks like a TikTok but sells like a commercial, there’s a good chance a UGC Creator made it.

UGC Creator vs Influencer: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse UGC Creators with influencers since both make content for brands. But what separates them is ownership and purpose.

Influencers get paid for access to their audience. Brands partner with them to reach followers who already trust their recommendations. The Creator’s personal brand is the product.

UGC Creators, on the other hand, get paid for their content itself. They create videos that brands can post on their own pages or use in ads.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

UGC Creators are the behind-the-scenes storytellers shaping how brands connect with audiences today. Influencers get the spotlight, but UGC Creators fuel the results. It’s the easier, faster way to break into the Creator economy.

Why UGC Is Booming Right Now

Scroll through your feed for five minutes, and you’ll notice something: the videos that stop you aren’t from glossy brand pages. They’re from real people.

The marketing world has caught on. Big and small brands alike are realizing that authenticity sells better than polish. A creator with an iPhone and good lighting can often outperform a full production team—because their content feels human.

Over the past few years, UGC has exploded for three big reasons:

1. Trust has shifted. Consumers are tired of traditional ads. They want to see products in everyday life, not studio setups.
2. Short-form video took over. TikTok, Reels, and Shorts made it easy for brands to blend advertising with entertainment.
3. Brands need more content than ever. One campaign can require dozens of video variations. Hiring full-time creators to produce that volume just makes sense.

The result? UGC creators are now in constant demand. From startups to global brands, companies are paying creators who can make content that feels real (but still sells).

What Brands Want from UGC Creators

Before you start creating, it helps to know what brands are actually paying for. Hint: it’s not perfect lighting or a flawless background. It’s believability.

Brands use UGC to connect with audiences who tune out traditional ads. They’re looking for content that feels natural, relatable, and native to the platform it’s posted on.

Here’s what most brands look for in UGC Creators:

1. Authenticity over aesthetics. Brands want Creators who look and sound like their customers. Your tone, reactions, and small imperfections make the video feel real.
2. Clarity in communication. Whether it’s showing how a product works or why it solves a problem, the message should be simple and direct.
3. Understanding of platform trends. Brands want Creators who stay current by using trending sounds, hooks, and editing styles that perform on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts.
4. Content that sells without selling. The best UGC doesn’t push a product. It shows the experience of using it, often through storytelling or a casual “try-on” moment.

In short, if you can make a viewer stop scrolling, smile, and think “That’s exactly what I need,” you’re already what most brands are looking for.

How to Become a UGC Creator (Step-by-Step)

Becoming a UGC Creator doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with learning what brands want, creating samples that prove your skill, and knowing where to find paid opportunities.

Let’s walk through the steps that take you from beginner to booked.

1. Study What Works

The fastest way to become a paid UGC Creator isn’t by filming right away. It’s by studying. The Creators who earn the most understand what performs, why it works, and how to recreate that success for any brand.

Start With Real UGC Ads

Open the TikTok Creative Center or Meta Ad Library. These platforms feature thousands of real ads, many created by UGC Creators just like you.

Spend a few minutes studying them. Notice how the best ones open. Every strong ad hooks attention within the first three seconds, keeps a conversational tone, and follows a simple flow: problem → product → result.

Forget cinematic editing. The top-performing UGC videos feel casual, even a little unpolished. They look like something you’d see from real users on your feed—and that’s exactly what makes them believable.

Pay Attention to What Brands Ask For

Go through campaign listings on platforms like Billo or Collabstr and read the brand briefs. These short descriptions reveal exactly what companies want. Most of them ask for:

• Vertical (9:16) videos under 30 seconds
• Natural lighting and phone-shot content
• Voiceovers or storytelling that feels personal
• Clear before-and-after moments

This helps you understand what to create before you start shooting. You’re no longer guessing what “authentic” means. You can see it in black and white.

Study Top UGC Creators

Search “UGC Creator” on TikTok or Instagram and observe how the pros operate. Notice how they talk to the camera, structure their videos, and present products like part of their routine.

You don’t need to copy their style, but studying them trains your creative eye. Over time, you’ll start spotting patterns and understanding why certain clips grab attention while others fall flat.

Create a Swipe File

Finally, collect what inspires you. Start a Notion page or Google Doc where you save standout UGC examples and note why they work: the hook, pacing, angle, or tone. This becomes your creative library, something you’ll return to every time you need ideas or want to pitch a new brand.

The more you analyze what’s already performing, the faster you’ll find your footing. Once you know what “good” looks like, you can adapt it to your own voice and niche. That brings us to the next step.

2. Pick a Niche You Understand

Not every Creator fits every product, and that’s a good thing. The best UGC Creators don’t try to appeal to everyone. They choose a niche that matches their lifestyle, interests, or experience, then build authority within it.

Why? Because brands can tell when you actually understand their product. You know the language, the pain points, and what feels natural in the content.

Choose a Space You Can Speak About Naturally

Think about the products you already use or talk about. That’s often your easiest entry point. For example:

• Beauty and skincare: Creators who can show real results, routines, or tutorials.
• Fitness and wellness: Creators who demonstrate exercises, supplements, or recovery gear.
• Food and lifestyle: Creators who love cooking, hosting, or reviewing snacks.
• Tech and gadgets: Creators who enjoy testing new tools and simplifying features.
• Pet and baby products: Creators who can capture relatable, real-life moments.

When you create within a niche you know, your delivery sounds natural, not scripted.

Don’t Worry About Being “Too Small”

You don’t need to dominate a niche. In fact, brands often prefer Creators who represent a specific slice of their audience. A skincare brand might hire ten different UGC Creators, each with a unique background or skin type, to test how their content performs across audiences.

Your job isn’t to be the best in your niche. It’s to be believable in it.

Test a Few Niches Before You Commit

If you’re unsure where you fit, experiment. Create a few sample videos for different industries, then see what clicks both in creativity and comfort. You’ll quickly discover what comes easiest and what gets the best reactions.

After that, double down. Build your portfolio and outreach strategy around that niche, and you’ll start attracting brands that align with it naturally.

3. Create Sample UGC

You don’t need a paid brand deal to prove you can create great UGC. In fact, most Creators start by making sample videos, often called spec content, to show potential clients what they can do.

This is where you turn what you’ve learned into something tangible. Brands want to see your style, storytelling ability, and camera presence before hiring you. A few polished examples can make the difference between being ignored and landing your first collaboration.

Start With Products You Already Own

Look around your home. The skincare you use, the coffee maker on your counter, your favorite supplement—all of these are perfect candidates for spec UGC.

Pick one and record a 15–30 second video that highlights a clear benefit.

Examples:

• Show your morning routine using a moisturizer.
• Film how your favorite blender makes smoothies faster.
• Capture an unboxing or first impression moment.

Focus on the experience, not just the product. Brands want content that makes viewers think, “That could be me.”

Keep It Real, Not Perfect

Your goal isn’t to make a cinematic ad. UGC works because it feels organic. Film in natural light, use your phone camera, and talk naturally as if you’re recommending the product to a friend. Avoid heavy filters, loud music, or overediting.

If you’re doing voiceovers, record in a quiet space. Keep your tone casual, confident, and conversational.

UGC Creator Hannah (@hannah.ugc.creator) shares a few quick tips for filming and editing UGC content:

Structure It Like a Mini Story

Every good UGC video has a simple but effective structure:

• Hook: Grab attention in the first 2–3 seconds. Example: “I didn’t think this would actually work.”
• Problem or desire: Relatable setup (“I’ve tried so many moisturizers that broke me out”).
• Product introduction: Show what you’re using and why.
• Result or takeaway: End with transformation, reaction, or recommendation.

That’s all a brand needs to see that you understand storytelling.

Create Variety

Don’t make all your videos look the same. Instead, mix in different formats to show your range, such as:

• Talking head videos (you on camera)
• Voiceover with product B-roll
• Unboxing or demo-style content
• POV clips (hands-only or lifestyle moments)

Three to five strong examples are enough to start building your portfolio.

Edit and Export the Right Way

Use simple tools like CapCut or Descript for clean cuts and captions. Keep your videos in vertical (9:16) format and under 30 seconds unless a brand requests otherwise.

When you’re done, export your videos in high resolution (1080×1920) and save copies for both social and ad use. Some brands may also request the raw footage, so keep everything organized.

4. Build Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is your storefront. It’s the first thing brands see, and often the only thing they’ll use to decide whether to work with you.

Even if you don’t have paid projects yet, a clear and professional portfolio helps you look established and trustworthy. Those two things matter more than follower count.

Keep It Simple, Not Fancy

You don’t need a website with animations or a custom domain. A clean, easy-to-scroll page is enough. Many successful UGC Creators host their portfolios using:

• Canva or Notion pages for drag-and-drop simplicity
• Google Drive folders with clear labeling
• A link-in-bio page that showcases videos and contact links

What matters most is clarity. A brand should be able to click your link and understand, within 10 seconds, what you do and what kind of content you make.

What to Include

• Your Best 3–5 Videos: Start with the samples you created in Step 3. Mix formats—one talking head, one voiceover, one lifestyle shot—to show range.
• Short Bio and Niche Focus: A short paragraph is enough. Example: “I’m a fitness and wellness UGC Creator who specializes in authentic, first-person videos that highlight everyday routines and results.”
• Brands You’ve Worked With (Optional): If you’ve done even small collaborations, include their logos or names. Social proof goes a long way.
• Contact and Booking Links: Add an email button or a simple contact form. If you’re using Stan or another platform, link your “Work With Me” page directly.

Here’s an example of a simple, clean Canva portfolio layout from UGC Creator Mischka Abadiano:

Make It Skimmable

Most brand reps scroll fast. Use short text, headings, and visual previews. If you’re using Canva or Notion, arrange your clips in a grid with titles like Product Demo, Voiceover UGC, or Unboxing Video. The goal is to make browsing effortless.

Keep It Updated

Your portfolio should evolve with your skills. Each time you create new content or sign a campaign, replace weaker examples with stronger ones. Treat it like a living résumé—always current, always relevant.

5. Set Your Rates and Packages

Pricing is one of the biggest hurdles for new UGC Creators. Charge too little and brands won’t take you seriously; charge too much and you’ll struggle to land your first few deals. The goal is to find a rate that reflects both your effort and the value your videos deliver.

Understand What You’re Really Selling

You’re not selling 30 seconds of footage; you’re selling a piece of marketing content that can generate thousands in sales. Brands pay for:

• Your time (planning, shooting, editing)
• Your skill (storytelling, hooks, angles)
• Usage rights (permission to post or run as ads)
• Exclusivity (if you can’t work with competitors)

Once you view your content as an asset, pricing becomes less about hours worked and more about outcomes.

Know the Going Rates

UGC pricing varies by experience and deliverables, but here’s a general range you can benchmark:

These numbers aren’t fixed, but they provide a realistic starting point. If a brand’s potential ad spend or audience is large, your content is worth more.

Create Packages That Simplify the Decision

Instead of offering random prices, build two or three tiers that make sense for most campaigns:

• Starter Package: 1 video + raw clips for testing content
• Standard Package: 3 videos + 30-day usage rights
• Premium Package: 5 videos + usage rights + custom hook scripts

Clear packages make negotiation smoother and position you as a professional.

Don’t Skip the Fine Print

Always clarify:

• How long the brand can use your content (usage rights)
• Whether they can run it as a paid ad (ad usage)
• If you’re granting exclusivity within your niche

Put it in writing. Even a short email agreement protects you.

6. Pitch to Brands and Agencies

Getting noticed as a UGC Creator doesn’t happen by luck. The Creators landing consistent deals are the ones sending thoughtful pitches, showing real examples of their work, and explaining how their content can help a brand sell more.

Start With the Right Targets

Don’t waste time pitching to brands that don’t need UGC. Focus on companies that:

• Already run TikTok or Instagram ads.
• Engage with Creators in your niche.
• Have products you’d genuinely use.

Small to mid-sized brands are ideal. They move faster than large corporations and are usually open to working with new Creators if your style fits their audience.

Find the Right Contact

Look through the brand’s TikTok, Instagram, or website. You’ll often find a “PR” or “marketing” email in the bio. If not, try searching LinkedIn for roles like Influencer Marketing Manager, Content Strategist, or Social Media Manager. These are the people who handle Creator partnerships.

Keep a simple spreadsheet of the brands you’ve contacted—name, email, date, and status. Treat it like a business pipeline.

Write a Short, Direct Pitch

You don’t need paragraphs of self-promotion. The best UGC pitch emails are short, personalized, and focused on the brand’s goals. Here’s a simple framework that works:

Subject: UGC content for [Brand Name]’s next campaign

Body: 

Hi [Name], 

I’m a [your niche] UGC Creator who helps brands create scroll-stopping videos that feel authentic and drive conversions. I’ve worked on content in [related niche or product type] and would love to create something similar for [Brand Name].

Here are a few examples of my work: [link to your portfolio]

If you’re open to new Creators for upcoming campaigns, I’d love to chat about ideas or send a quick concept your way.

Thanks for your time, 

[Your Name]

Lead With Value, Not Need

Don’t pitch with “I’d love to work with you.” Pitch with how you can help. Mention a recent campaign or post you liked and how you could improve or extend it. Brands get hundreds of generic emails, but only a few that show genuine understanding.

Stay Consistent

Reaching out once and stopping doesn’t work. Make pitching part of your weekly routine. Even one email per day adds up. Most Creators who land recurring deals are simply more consistent.

7. Stay Active in the UGC Community

Pitching gets you noticed. Staying active keeps you remembered.

Brands don’t just find Creators through cold emails; they scout them through hashtags, comment sections, and Creator groups. The more visible you are in the right places, the more likely you are to attract inbound offers without even trying.

Show Up Where Brands Are Searching

Start by posting your UGC samples on TikTok and Instagram. Use discovery hashtags like: #ugccreator, #ugccreatorswanted, #ugcportfolio, #ugccreatorcommunity. These are the exact tags marketing teams use to find fresh talent.

You don’t need to post daily. Consistency matters more than volume. Two to three high-quality posts per week, each showing a different product or style, can be enough to position you as active in the community.

Join UGC Communities

Join UGC-focused groups on Facebook, Discord, and Reddit. Many are free and packed with feedback threads, real campaign briefs, and Creators sharing what’s working right now.

You’ll also find brands posting directly, like the example below.

Engage with other Creators, share tips, and ask questions. It’s a fast way to stay updated on rates, contracts, and new platforms hiring UGC Creators. Networking here also builds real relationships. Many get referrals or take overflow projects when another Creator is fully booked.

Engage With Brands Organically

Before pitching, follow the brands you want to work with. Comment on their posts, share their campaigns, and interact genuinely. When they later see your email or DM, your name already feels familiar—a small advantage that increases your odds of landing a collaboration.

Tools and AI for UGC Creators

You don’t need a professional studio to create UGC that sells. Most top Creators build their workflow around simple tools that make filming, editing, scripting, and delivery fast and repeatable.

Here are the essentials to make your process smooth and your content look polished:

Filming and Setup Tools

• Smartphone with a good camera: An iPhone or recent Android model is enough. Focus on good lighting and steady framing.
• Tripod or phone stand: Keeps your shots consistent and professional.
• Ring light or natural window light: Bright, soft lighting makes any video look clean.
• Clip-on mic: Optional, but helpful for clear audio during talking-head videos. You can go for something simple like a Boya M1 or a low-cost wireless lav mic on Amazon.

Editing Tools

• CapCut: A free, mobile-friendly video editor used by most UGC Creators. It includes auto captions, templates, and transitions that match TikTok and Instagram trends.
• VN Editor: Ideal for quick cuts and syncing audio with visuals.
• Descript: Transcribes audio automatically and lets you edit videos by editing text, perfect for voiceovers or testimonial-style content.
• InShot or Canva Video: Great for adding text overlays, resizing clips, or repurposing your videos across platforms.

Scripting and Ideation

• ChatGPT: Use it to brainstorm hooks, outline talking points, or draft natural-sounding voiceover scripts.
• Wordtune: Helps you rewrite your portfolio bio or polish copy into a clean, professional tone.
• CoSchedule: Analyze your hooks and headlines to test their impact before you record.

Organization and Delivery

Once brands start hiring you, things can get busy. Use:

• Trello: Track clients, campaigns, and deadlines.
• Google Drive: Store deliverables in clearly labeled folders (for example, “Raw Footage,” “Edited Clips,” “Usage Rights”).
• Stan: Keep your portfolio link, service packages, and contact options all in one place.

AI for Efficiency, Not Imitation

AI tools can speed up scripting, editing, and admin work, but they can’t replace your perspective. What makes your UGC valuable is your voice, your face, and the trust you bring to the camera. Use technology to enhance those strengths, not to hide them.

Where to Find Paid UGC Jobs

You’ve got your videos, your portfolio, and your confidence. Now it’s time to land paid work.

There are more opportunities for UGC Creators than ever before, but they’re scattered across different corners of the internet. The key is knowing where to look and how to position yourself so brands can find you easily.

Let’s break down the best ways to find consistent UGC projects.

1. UGC Marketplaces

Marketplaces are platforms built specifically to connect brands and Creators. They act as matchmakers: brands post briefs, and Creators apply with their portfolios.

Some of the best options include:

• Trend.io: Curated campaigns for lifestyle, wellness, and fashion Creators.
• Collabstr: Combines UGC and influencer deals; great for early exposure.
• Billo: Lets you apply for short-form video projects directly in the app.
• JoinBrands: A growing platform focused solely on UGC content creation.

These marketplaces are perfect for beginners because they handle most of the logistics: briefs, communication, and payments.

Pro Tip: Apply even if the budget looks small. Your early projects build proof and lead to bigger brand relationships.

2. Freelance Platforms

If you’re comfortable managing your own clients, freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great long-term plays.

• On Upwork, create a profile optimized for “UGC Creator” or “UGC video ads.” Use your spec videos as samples.
• On Fiverr, build clear packages (1 video, 3 videos, or ad variations) and include thumbnail previews from your portfolio.

Freelance platforms reward consistency. Once you complete a few projects successfully, your visibility and client trust grow quickly.

3. Social Media Visibility

Many brands hire directly through social media. Stay active on TikTok and Instagram, using hashtags like: #ugccreator, #ugccreatorswanted, #ugccontent, #ugcportfolio.

Post your samples regularly, tag brands you’d love to work with, and engage with their content. Even a simple comment can put you on a brand manager’s radar.

4. Creator and Marketing Agencies

Many brands outsource their UGC campaigns to Creator or marketing agencies. Partnering with these agencies can help you access a steady stream of projects without having to pitch every brand individually.

Start by researching agencies that specialize in UGC or Creator marketing and introduce yourself with a short, professional pitch. When you build genuine relationships, one good agency connection can keep your project pipeline full for months.

5. Direct Outreach to Brands

Never underestimate the power of direct pitching. Once you’ve built your portfolio and a few strong examples, reach out to brands that fit your niche. Many smaller businesses—e-commerce brands, local companies, or startups—are looking for affordable, high-quality UGC Creators but don’t know where to find them.

How to Scale From UGC Gigs to a Business

Landing a few UGC deals is exciting. But if you want to turn this into steady income—something predictable, not just occasional—you need to think like a business owner, not a freelancer.

The difference between a Creator who makes a few hundred dollars a month and one who earns full-time income isn’t talent. It’s systems, repeat clients, and scalability.

Here’s how to grow beyond one-off projects:

Turn One-Off Clients Into Retainers

If a brand loves your first video, there’s a high chance they’ll need more. Don’t wait for them to reach out again; propose it yourself.

At the end of a successful project, send a short message like:

“If you plan to run more UGC campaigns this quarter, I’d love to create a few fresh variations for testing. I can also handle editing and ad optimization if needed.”

This simple follow-up often turns a single project into a monthly retainer.

Offer Bundled Services

As you grow, think beyond filming. Brands need more than one video; they need multiple ad variations and supporting assets. You can expand your offers to include:

• Editing packages (repurposing content for different platforms)
• Scriptwriting or creative direction (helping brands craft their hooks)
• Content strategy consulting (advice on what performs best by platform)

By offering end-to-end packages, you position yourself as a creative partner, which helps you charge premium rates and secure repeat work.

Build a Client Management System

Treat your UGC career like a real business. Use tools like Notion, Trello, or Google Sheets to track campaigns, deliverables, deadlines, and payments. When clients see that you’re organized, they trust you with larger budgets.

You can even use Google Drive or Dropbox to create branded folders for each client, with subfolders for raw clips, edited videos, and invoices. Professional presentation increases perceived value.

Collect Testimonials and Results

Ask happy clients for short testimonials or performance data. Even a message like “Your video doubled our click-through rate” can become powerful social proof. Add these quotes to your portfolio to increase your credibility when pitching new brands.

Here’s a strong example from UGC Creator Katherine Choi, who displays client testimonials visually inside her portfolio to reinforce trust:

Diversify Your Income

Eventually, you’ll want to rely on more than brand work. You can:

• Sell digital products such as UGC script templates or portfolio kits.
• Offer consulting sessions for aspiring UGC Creators.
• Create mini-courses or guides on UGC pitching, pricing, or workflow.

This is where Stan makes the difference. It lets you sell digital products, offer consultations, and share templates—all from a single link. With everything managed in one place, you can grow from creating UGC for brands to building a full-fledged Creator business of your own.

Common Mistakes New UGC Creators Make

Every UGC Creator starts somewhere. But while the learning curve is natural, some mistakes can slow your growth or make brands hesitant to work with you.

Here are the most common traps beginners fall into, and how to sidestep them.

1. Overediting the Content

Many new Creators think brands want cinematic transitions and heavy filters. In reality, that kills authenticity. UGC works because it looks real. Keep your edits minimal. Focus on clean cuts, natural light, and an easy flow. If it feels like something you’d actually post on your feed, you’re doing it right.

2. Undercharging or Skipping Contracts

This is a classic rookie mistake. You might start low to get experience, but don’t undervalue your work—it hurts both you and the market.

Even for small projects, use a simple written agreement. Clarify usage rights, payment timelines, and deliverables. This protects you from unpaid work and miscommunication later.

Pro tip: If a brand seems hesitant to discuss contracts or payment terms, take it as a sign to proceed carefully and make sure expectations are clear before starting.

3. Ignoring the Hook

The first three seconds of your video decide everything. If you start slow or sound rehearsed, viewers scroll away. Always test different hooks: a surprising statement, a question, or a quick result—anything that earns those first few seconds of attention.

4. Forgetting the Audience

UGC isn’t about you; it’s about the viewer. Many Creators focus too much on themselves instead of the pain points or desires of the target customer. Before recording, ask: What would make someone stop and think, “That’s me”? Then build your video around that moment of connection.

5. Not Delivering Variations

Brands need content they can test. If you deliver only one version of a video, you limit their results and your chance at repeat work. Record two or three intros, slightly different hooks, or alternative call-to-actions. It takes little extra effort but makes you look like a pro.

UGC Creator Examples

One of the fastest ways to grow as a UGC Creator is to learn from people already doing it well. Studying how they package their skills and land brand deals can help you shape your own approach.

Here are a few strong examples:

1. Taylor Ives

Taylor is a direct-response UGC Creator whose work leans heavily into beauty and wellness products, backed by strong visual hooks and scroll-stopping first lines. Her portfolio showcases ad-ready videos designed to convert.

Niche: Beauty + wellness

Notable Partnerships: Sephora, Maybelline, Starbucks

Handle: @ugcwtaylor

Portfolio: Taylor’s portfolio

2. Julia Phillips

Julia specializes in performance-driven UGC for beauty and personal care brands, with a portfolio that highlights paid media ad variations and analytics screenshots to prove results. She focuses on content that’s tested, measured, and optimized.

Niche: Beauty + personal care

Notable Partnerships: Curious Elixirs, Carpe, and Nordstrom

Handle: @juliaphillipscreative

Portfolio: Julia’s portfolio

3. Carolyn Marshall

Carolyn blends UGC creation with consumer psychology, and her portfolio reflects that—she combines lifestyle visuals with thoughtful messaging that taps into emotion and everyday behavior.

Niche: Personal care + wellness

Notable Partnerships: Buff City Soap, ButcherBox, Hilo-Pill

Handle: @creativesbycare

Portfolio: Carolyn’s portfolio

4. Danielle Sabatini

Danielle focuses on travel, interiors, and hospitality-based UGC. Her portfolio features boutique hotels, luxury stays, and interior content that feels elevated, clean, and editorial.

Niche: Travel + interiors

Notable Partnerships: Villa Sunrise, Noble Nest, Park Hyatt

Handle: @danielaaasab

Portfolio: Danielle’s portfolio

5. Baotran Tran

Tran combines native TikTok culture with performance-focused angles, and her portfolio clearly shows high-level UGC integrations across well-known tech and lifestyle brands. She blends storytelling with direct response style hooks that feel organic, not “ad-like.”

Niche: Tech + lifestyle

Notable Partnerships: Adobe, Google, Western Union

Handle: @tran.ugc

Portfolio: Tran’s portfolio

Where UGC Fits in Your Bigger Creator Journey

UGC is one of the fastest ways to start earning as a Creator, but it is also a stepping stone.

Creating UGC content for brands helps you earn while building core marketing skills. You learn to tell stories that sell, position products effectively, and understand what captures an audience’s attention. These are the same skills every successful Creator and entrepreneur use to build lasting income.

Think about what happens after your first few brand deals:

• You understand how to film, script, and edit efficiently.
• You know how to price your time and manage clients.
• You develop an eye for what resonates with people online.

That is the foundation of a Creator business.

From here, you can start expanding beyond UGC gigs into offers you fully own. Things that scale with you instead of relying on brand budgets. You might:

• Build a personal brand and grow your own audience.
• Create digital products or templates that help other Creators.
• Offer coaching or consultations for brands that need help with UGC strategy.
• Launch courses or resources to teach what you have learned.

This is the path many UGC Creators eventually take. 

An example is Mehr Rajput. She started with UGC brand campaigns, then used those same skills to create playbooks, mentorship programs, and consulting offers, all sold directly through her Stan Store.

Mehr is proof of what is possible when you stop relying only on brand budgets and start building offers you fully own. Tools like Stan make this shift easier because everything can live in one place, from digital products to consultations.

If you are ready to move beyond one-off UGC gigs and build offers you own, start your free 14-day Stan trial today.

Your Turn to Build the Creator Life You Want

You’ve learned the process, practiced the skills, and seen how UGC opens real doors. What happens next is up to you.

Keep creating. Keep refining your craft. Each project you take on builds trust, sharpens your storytelling, and strengthens your place in the Creator economy.

Whether you choose to keep collaborating with brands or branch into your own digital offers, remember this: the skills you’ve built through UGC are your foundation. They’re proof that you can create work people believe in—and that’s where every thriving Creator career begins.