The meeting provided a comprehensive overview of User Generated Content (UGC), clarifying what it is, why brands value it, and how creators—even those with no followers—can get started quickly.
Participants discussed the five key steps for launching a UGC career, strategies for finding and pitching to brands, current market rates, and essential equipment.
Bonus tips included the types of UGC videos, how to build a professional media kit, and best editing and pricing practices for new creators.
No major business decisions were made, but the session served as a practical guide for anyone looking to enter the UGC space.
Action Items
No specific dates or named owners were mentioned for follow-up tasks during this call.
UGC Overview & FAQs
UGC is content (photo, video, text, review) created authentically by everyday users of a product or brand.
Brands prefer UGC since it provides authentic promotion, often appears more genuine to viewers than professionally produced ads, and is cost-effective.
Distinct from influencer content: UGC creators make content for brands to use, but don't need to post or have an audience themselves.
How to Get Started as a UGC Creator
Understand what UGC looks like in your chosen industry by researching trending ads on TikTok’s ad library.
Select an industry to specialize in, which helps position you as an expert to prospective brands.
Build an initial portfolio by creating content with products you already own and use, focusing on authenticity and clear presentation.
Assemble your work in a media kit or website portfolio, using simple tools like Canva to create a professional look.
Pitching & Finding UGC Opportunities
Prepare a concise, personalized pitch email for brands, including a video sample, specific reasons for your interest, and a link to your portfolio.
Use a professional-looking email signature; free signature generators like HubSpot’s are recommended.
Identify brands to pitch by reviewing active ads on TikTok’s ad library; prioritize brands already spending on marketing.
Additional job discovery strategies include searching “UGC creators needed” on Twitter and LinkedIn, and joining specialized platforms (e.g., Trend, Tribe, Billow, Incense) and general freelance sites (Fiverr, Upwork).
UGC Content Creation & Pricing Tips
Typical video types for UGC include: aesthetic/product-focused, unboxing, voiceover, review/demonstration, and problem/solution formats.
Starting rates: ~$150/video for organic social use; $275+/video for ads. Recommend offering package deals to brands.
Rates may increase if raw footage, extra hooks, multi-dimension exports, or multiple creators are involved.
Refer to specific TikTok creators and resources (e.g., @ugc.social) for more advanced pricing guidance.
Equipment & Editing Best Practices
Minimum equipment: smartphone, tripod, good lighting (natural or artificial), and a crisp microphone for voiceovers.
Editing tip: Ensure all video content, especially for ads, is formatted to fit within a 4x5 aspect ratio to prevent key visuals or text from being cropped on different platforms.
Decisions
No formal decisions were made during this meeting.