How to Start UGC Content Creation: A Guide for Beginners

User-Generated Content (UGC) has become a buzzword in the social media and e-commerce world. But what exactly is it, and why should aspiring content creators and micro-influencers care? In simple terms, UGC refers to content like videos, photos, or reviews created by real users (customers or fans) rather than by the brands themselves. If you’ve scrolled TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen everyday people (not just big celebrities) sharing product reviews, unboxing videos, or testimonials in a casual, relatable style. These UGC creators might not have millions of followers, but their content feels real – like advice from a friend – and that’s exactly why it’s so powerful. Brands of all sizes – from small Amazon sellers to major e-commerce companies – are eagerly tapping into UGC creators to produce genuine posts that build consumer trust. Unlike a traditional influencer who is hired to post on their own profile, a UGC creator is typically paid just to create content for the brand’s use, without necessarily posting it on their own social media. In other words, you can get paid to make great content without needing a huge online following of your own.

This is great news for beginners and aspiring influencers. In fact, the UGC creator field is booming in 2025 – it’s an ideal path for those who love creating content but don’t want the pressure of being a full-time influencer. You can earn money by making relatable product videos and photos without needing tens of thousands of followers. For an aspiring influencer or micro-influencer, doing UGC content can also be a smart way to break into the industry and build your portfolio (think of it like building an “influencer résumé” of content samples). Before we dive into how to start creating UGC, let’s clarify why UGC is such a big deal and how micro-influencers fit into the picture.

What Makes UGC Powerful (and Why Brands Love It)

UGC has exploded in popularity because of one core thing: authenticity. We’ve all grown a bit tired of overly polished ads and celebrity endorsements that feel disconnected from reality. UGC content, by contrast, comes off as authentic, peer-to-peer advice. Studies back this up – for example, 82% of consumers say they’re more likely to purchase a product if a brand uses UGC in its marketing. In other words, seeing a real person genuinely enjoying a product can influence buying decisions more than a slick ad ever could. UGC feels like word-of-mouth, and that sense of realness builds trust with audiences.

Another reason brands love UGC is that it’s cost-effective and abundant. Traditionally, brands had to wait and hope customers might post content about their products on their own. Now, with dedicated UGC creators, brands can actively source authentic-looking content to use in ads, product pages, and social media. It’s a scalable way to get “real” content. As a result, the number of people working as UGC creators has skyrocketed – between 2024 and 2025 the number of UGC creators increased by 93% year-over-year, reflecting how much demand there is for this style of content. Companies have realized that investing in UGC (and the creators behind it) pays off in more engaging marketing.

Why Micro-Influencers and UGC Matter for E-Commerce

Micro-influencers – generally defined as creators with roughly 10,000 to 100,000 followers – play a special role in the UGC landscape. These are the “everyday” influencers who have smaller audiences but very engaged communities. To put them in context, here’s a quick look at how different influencer tiers are defined:

Influencer Tiers at a Glance:

As you can see, micro-influencers hit a sweet spot of authenticity and impact. They may not have the largest follower counts, but their audiences are highly tuned-in to their content. Micro-influencers often enjoy far higher engagement rates on their posts than big influencers do. It’s common to see around 5–15% of a micro-influencer’s followers actively liking, commenting, and clicking on their content, whereas a mega-influencer with millions of followers might only get ~1–2% engagement on average. In fact, data shows micro-creators tend to have roughly 10% engagement rates versus around 2% for macro influencers. This means a micro-influencer with 10k followers might get 1k genuine interactions on a post, while a celebrity with 1 million followers might only get 20k. That higher engagement isn’t just a vanity metric – it signifies a more loyal and responsive audience, which is gold for marketers.

Moreover, micro-influencers and UGC creators deliver a great bang for the buck. Because they are more affordable to work with than big-name stars, brands can partner with many micro-creators for the cost of one celebrity campaign. And thanks to the strong engagement and trust they generate, these campaigns tend to yield excellent returns. One study found that micro/nano-influencer campaigns can achieve around a 20:1 return on investment (ROI) (meaning $20 in revenue for every $1 spent), versus roughly 6:1 ROI for campaigns with macro influencers. The chart below illustrates how micro-influencers compare to macro influencers on two key metrics – average engagement rate and marketing ROI:

Average engagement rate (left) and ROI (right) for micro vs. macro influencers. Micro-influencers see a much higher share of their audience interacting (~10% vs ~2%), and their campaigns often achieve a significantly better ROI (~20:1 vs ~6:1).

Because of these advantages, micro-influencers punch above their weight – they offer authenticity and conversions at a fraction of the cost of a huge influencer. This is especially valuable in e-commerce. In the world of online retail (think Amazon sellers, Shopify brands, etc.), social proof and trust can make or break a sale. Shoppers are more likely to try a product if they see a relatable person vouching for it. UGC content generated by micro-influencers can directly boost product trust and sales for e-commerce brands. For instance, if you’re an Amazon seller, imagine having a short video on your Amazon product page where a real person enthusiastically unboxes and uses your product – that’s UGC gold. Many savvy Amazon sellers now include UGC videos and photos in their listings, because it makes the product feel more credible and hype-worthy. Similarly, brands often repurpose influencer UGC in their social media ads, knowing that an ad that looks like an honest review will get higher engagement than a typical polished commercial. In sum, micro-influencers + UGC = a powerful combo for authentic marketing, high engagement, and ultimately driving more e-commerce sales.

Now that we’ve covered the what and why, let’s get into the how. How can you, as a beginner or aspiring micro-influencer, start creating UGC content and monetizing your creativity? Below is a step-by-step guide to kickstart your UGC content creation journey.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start UGC Content Creation

Getting started as a UGC creator is relatively straightforward – you don’t need formal credentials or a huge following, just creativity, consistency, and a strategic approach. Here are the key steps to begin producing UGC content and growing this into a side hustle (or even full-time gig):

1. Find Your Niche and Style – Start by zeroing in on the type of products or industries you resonate with most. Ask yourself: What do I genuinely enjoy or have knowledge about? It could be anything from skincare, tech gadgets, home décor and DIY, fitness gear, books, or fashion – choose something you’re passionate about. Focusing on a niche helps you stand out and build credibility in that area. Brands are more likely to hire you if it’s clear you have a genuine interest or expertise in their category. For example, if you love skincare, you might create lots of mini reviews or how-to videos about skincare products; this would make you an attractive UGC creator for beauty brands. Also consider your personal content style: are you upbeat and humorous, or calm and informative? Lean into whatever feels natural to you. Remember, authenticity is your currency as a UGC creator, so picking a niche and style that truly excites you will show through in your content.

2. Set Up Your Social Media Presence – You don’t need a massive follower count, but you do need a place to showcase your work. Think of your social media profiles as your portfolio. It’s wise to create dedicated creator accounts on platforms like TikTok and Instagram (and possibly YouTube or others depending on your niche) to serve as your UGC showcase. Optimize your bios to clearly state that you are a “UGC Creator” or “Content Creator for Brands” and include contact info (email) so potential clients can reach you. Some UGC creators even include “UGC” in their usernames on TikTok to be easily found. Next, populate these accounts with sample content. Post content regularly – even if it’s just organic content featuring products you already own – to build out your feed. Treat this like your resume: a brand interested in you will want to scroll your TikTok or Instagram and see examples of your style. You can start by reviewing items around your house, demonstrating how you use them, or sharing quick testimonial clips. The key is to have an active, professional-looking presence that screams “I know how to create engaging content!” Don’t worry about getting tons of followers; even a modest following is fine. The goal is quality content on display. (Pro tip: If you already have a personal account with some following, you can use it, but make sure it looks clean and aligned with the image you want to present to brands.)

3. Create a Portfolio of UGC Content – Alongside your social profiles, consider putting together a more organized UGC portfolio. This could be a simple one-page website, a PDF media kit, or even just a pinned highlight on Instagram – basically a collection of your best sample work. Start by producing a variety of sample UGC pieces that you can show to potential clients. A good approach is to use products you already have and love, and create content as if you were paid to do it. For example, pick an item and make a 30-second testimonial video, then also take a nice photo of the product in use, and maybe write a short review caption. Try to cover the common formats brands look for in UGC: an unboxing video, a how-to or demo video, a before-and-after comparison (if relevant), a selfie video where you talk about your experience, etc. Variety is important – it demonstrates you can create content in different styles. You might even edit together a quick montage of your clips to make a UGC reel highlighting your skills. Keep the production values decent (good lighting, clear audio) but don’t make it overly polished – it should still feel like real user content, just the best possible version of it. Over time, as you start working with actual brands, ask if you can include the content you made for them in your portfolio as well. Many UGC creators also design a PDF or website listing their services and rates, with links to their example videos. The bottom line: have something shareable you can send when a brand says “Can we see your work?”

Types of UGC content to include in your portfolio:

• Quick unboxing or unpacking videos showing first impressions
• Demonstration or “how-to” videos using the product in a real-life scenario
• Testimonial videos where you speak to the camera about why you like the product
• Attractive product photos or short clips (e.g. aesthetic Instagram story-style posts)
• Before-and-after or side-by-side comparison content (if applicable, for things like skincare, cleaning products, etc.)

4. Leverage TikTok and Instagram for Exposure – Now that you have some content and profiles set up, make sure you’re taking advantage of social media trends to get noticed. TikTok, in particular, is a hot platform for UGC creators in 2025. There’s a whole community around UGC on TikTok – check out hashtags like #ugcreator, #ugccommunity, or search for “UGC tips” and you’ll find tons of creators sharing advice and even trending video templates. Engaging with this community can both teach you a lot and get your name out there. Consider making a few TikToks where you talk about being a UGC creator – for example, “Come with me to film UGC content today” or “3 tips I learned as a new UGC creator.” These behind-the-scenes or tip videos can actually attract brands (who might see that you’re experienced) and fellow creators (who might shout you out or collaborate). On Instagram, use Reels to share your short videos since Reels can reach people who don’t follow you. Also, don’t be shy about engaging with brands you love: follow them, leave genuine comments on their posts, and even tag them if you create an unpaid post featuring their product. Often, brands notice their enthusiastic fans. Occasionally a brand might even repost your content (which is great exposure for you!). Essentially, make yourself visible on the platforms where brands spend time. If a company clicks on the UGC hashtag and sees your video, that could lead to a gig. Also, continue to grow your network: connect with other micro-influencers and UGC creators, join creator groups or forums, and share experiences. Collaboration and networking can open doors, and you might learn about paid opportunities through others.

Pitch and Partner with Brands – Once you’ve got a decent body of sample content, it’s time to land some paid gigs. As a beginner, you’ll likely start with small brands or startups, and that’s perfectly fine (they need UGC love too!). Research and make a list of brands in your niche, including e-commerce brands on Amazon or Shopify, and smaller companies that could use content. Make sure your style fits their vibe. Then, start sending out pitches. A pitch can be as simple as an Instagram DM or an email. Introduce yourself briefly as a UGC creator, say a nice thing about their product (show you actually know and like it if possible), and offer your content creation services. Highlight anything that makes you stand out – maybe mention if you have any relevant experience or even a small follower count that could be a bonus (“I also have 5k TikTok followers who love skincare content”). Most importantly, link to your portfolio or social media so they can quickly see examples of your work. Keep your tone friendly and offer value – for example, explain how you can create engaging videos that the brand can use on their socials or ads to help boost sales. Don’t be discouraged by no-responses; pitching is a numbers game and even big brands might reply if the pitch is good.

5. In addition to cold-pitching, you should also join UGC marketplaces and influencer platforms where brands are actively looking for creators. There are several websites and apps where companies post opportunities for UGC creators to apply to. Some popular ones include Insense, Coley, Trend, Billo, and others. It’s also worth mentioning Stack Influence – a platform that connects micro-influencers with brands for campaigns, often resulting in lots of UGC-style content. Signing up on these platforms can help you get matched with businesses seeking product photos or videos. Each platform works a bit differently (some are marketplace listings, others are managed campaigns), but as a new creator, they can be great for finding your first few gigs. When you do land an opportunity, make sure to clarify the scope: how many pieces of content, deadlines, and usage rights (e.g., can the brand use your video in ads?). And know your worth – even as a beginner, you deserve fair compensation. Many brands are used to paying anywhere from $50 to $200+ for a single UGC video depending on length and quality. Don’t undersell yourself, but at the start it might be okay to accept a lower rate or free product in exchange for experience and a testimonial. As you build a resume of happy brand partners, you can increase your rates.

6. Maintain Professionalism and Build Relationships – Treat every UGC project professionally – you are essentially running your own freelance business now. This means delivering quality work on time, being responsive and communicative with the brand, and making the process smooth. If you impress a client (even a small one), there’s a good chance they will come back to you for future content needs or refer you to other brands. Many successful UGC creators build long-term relationships with a handful of brands that regularly send them new products to create content for. Also, even though you’re not posting on your own channel in these collaborations, carry yourself like a professional influencer partner – be polite, incorporate feedback, and respect the brand’s guidelines. Over time, as you get repeat collaborations, you might even become something like an official content partner for a brand. Additionally, always clarify and respect usage rights: know what rights you are giving the brand to your content. For example, can they use your video in advertisements or on their website, and if so, for how long? Make sure any agreement on content usage (and extra payment for extended usage, if applicable) is clear. When a project is done, don’t forget to ask for a testimonial or permission to mention that brand as a client – social proof works both ways, and having a “happy clients” quote or a successful project to point to will help you land more gigs. Finally, keep sharpening your skills and staying on top of trends. Social media moves fast; new features or meme formats can emerge, and a great UGC creator is aware of what’s trending. Whether it’s a new TikTok editing trick, a popular sound, or a style of Instagram Reel that’s blowing up, pay attention and incorporate relevant trends into your content (as long as they fit your niche). Brands will love that you bring fresh, up-to-date ideas. Combine that with consistency and reliability, and you’ll develop a solid reputation in the space.

Conclusion to How to Start UGC Content Creation

Becoming a UGC content creator is an exciting and accessible path for anyone with creativity and drive. You don’t need to be Insta-famous to succeed at this – brands (including big Amazon sellers and small start-ups alike) care more about your skills and authenticity than your follower count. By carving out a niche, showcasing your style on social media, and proactively reaching out to companies, you can start landing gigs and turn your content creation hobby into a revenue stream. Many people begin doing UGC as a side hustle and end up growing it into a full-time career – all while having fun being creative and working on products they genuinely enjoy. Plus, as you create content for brands, you might naturally grow your own audience too – it’s not uncommon for a UGC creator to become a micro-influencer in the process, since you’re consistently producing great content. In fact, the line between UGC creators and micro-influencers is blurring: both thrive on relatable content and niche communities, and both are in huge demand in the marketing world today.

The bottom line is that UGC is on the rise because it delivers what audiences crave – real, trustworthy voices. Brands are actively seeking fresh creators who can humanize their marketing with user-generated style posts. If you’re an aspiring influencer or just someone who loves creating content, now is the perfect time to jump in. Follow the steps above, stay authentic, and you could be on your way to a rewarding gig as a UGC content creator. Stack your skills, start creating, and turn your influence into income – the opportunity is yours for the taking!