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Getting Started

How to Become a UGC Creator: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Your Portfolio and Getting Paid

The creator economy is booming — and no, you don’t need to be famous or have a million followers to cash in. Welcome to the world of UGC (User-Generated Content) — where everyday people get paid to create content for brands without needing a big audience.

What is a UGC Creator?

A UGC Creator is someone who creates authentic videos, photos, or reviews of a brand’s product or service — just like a regular customer would — but gets paid by the brand to do it. Brands use this content in ads or on their social media because it feels real, trustworthy, and performs better than polished, corporate videos.

Think of it like this: brands want content that feels like it came from a friend, not an ad agency. That’s where you come in.

How to Get Started: Learn the Game

Before you start filming, take 1–2 hours to study. Search these terms on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to understand what’s trending, what content works, and what UGC actually looks like.

🔍 Suggested YouTube Searches:

  • “What is UGC creator?”
  • “How I make $5,000/month as a UGC creator”
  • “UGC portfolio tutorial Canva”
  • “How to film UGC videos at home”

📲 Instagram & TikTok Hashtags to Explore:

Search these to see real creator content and get inspiration:

  • #UGCCreator
  • #UGCcommunity
  • #UGCvideos
  • #UGCcontent
  • #UGCforbrands
  • #UGCportfolio
  • #PaidToCreate
  • #ContentCreatorLife

Step-by-Step: Build Your UGC Portfolio From Scratch

Here’s a roadmap to start strong and look professional fast:

Step 1: Pick a Niche (Optional but Helpful)

Choose 1–2 categories you’d enjoy creating content in:

  • Beauty & Skincare
  • Health & Fitness
  • Fashion
  • Food & Beverage
  • Tech & Gadgets
  • Home & Lifestyle
  • Pet Products

This helps your portfolio feel consistent and makes it easier for brands to imagine working with you.

Step 2: Create 3–5 Example Videos

These don’t need to be paid gigs. Just grab a product from your house and record:

  1. Unboxing video
  2. Product demo (how to use it)
  3. Testimonial/review (why you love it)
  4. Day in the life with product
  5. Problem > Solution format

Keep it under 60 seconds, good lighting, speak clearly, and be natural.

Step 3: Make Your Portfolio on Canva.com (Free)

Use a one-page website or PDF format. Include:

  • A headshot or friendly photo
  • Your name + title: “UGC Creator”
  • 1–2 sentences about who you are
  • Links to video samples (hosted on Google Drive, Dropbox, or YouTube unlisted)
  • Brands you’d love to work with
  • Contact info (email or link to your booking page)

➡️ Tip: Canva has free templates — search “UGC Portfolio” or use a resume template and repurpose it.

Sample Copy for Your One-Page UGC Portfolio

Here’s a simple Canva layout you can use:

[Top of Page – Image or Headshot]
Name: Taylor Johnson
Title: UGC Creator | Product Storyteller

About Me:
Hey! I’m _______(your name) a content creator based in _______ (your hometown). I specialize in short-form videos that help brands connect with their audience in a real and relatable way. I create unboxings, reviews, and demo content that looks and feels like it came from a friend — not an ad.

Content Types I Create:
✅ Product Demos
✅ Voiceover Videos
✅ Tutorials
✅ Lifestyle Reviews

Demo Reel & Examples (paste in links from your portfolio)
▶ [Unboxing Sample – Skincare]
▶ [How-to Video – Kitchen Gadget]
▶ [Testimonial – Haircare Product]
(All links lead to Dropbox or Google Drive)

Let’s Work Together
📩 hello@taylorcreates.com
💻 Portfolio: www.taylorugc.com (optional)
📱 Instagram: @taylorcreatesthings

Where to Find UGC Brand Deals

Here are the top UGC & Influencer Marketplaces where brands look for creators:

  1. Insense – https://insense.pro
  2. Trend.io – https://trend.io
  3. Billo – https://billo.app
  4. JoinBrands – https://joinbrands.com
  5. Collabstr – https://collabstr.com
  6. Creator.co – https://creator.co
  7. Influencity - https://influencity.com/
  8. Aspire.io - https://aspire.io

Create a profile on a few of these, upload your portfolio, and start applying.

Sample Brand Outreach Message (DM or Email)

Use this message to reach out to brands on Instagram or email:

Subject: Love your brand — UGC Collaboration?

Message:

Hi [Brand Name] Team,

My name is ______ (your name) and I’m a UGC creator who makes short-form video content that drives real engagement and conversions. I’d love to collaborate and create a few pieces of content for your brand. I specialize in authentic, scroll-stopping videos that feel like they came from a real customer — because they do.

You can view my portfolio here: [Link]
Let me know if you’re currently working with creators or would be open to a quick content trial. I’d love to show you what I can do!

Best,
Your Name
📩 you@youremail.com
📱 @yourhandle

UGC Mad Lib Script Template

Structure: Hook → Body → CTA

Creating scroll-stopping content doesn’t have to be hard. Our UGC Madlib Script Template gives you a plug-and-play structure to craft high-converting videos in minutes. Just follow the proven flow—Hook → Body → CTA—and fill in the blanks with your brand’s unique voice. Whether you're new to user-generated content or looking to scale your video production, this script makes it easy to stay consistent and effective.

HOOK (Grab attention fast)
"I didn’t expect this to work, but…”
"If you struggle with [problem], listen up."
"This one thing changed my [skin/mood/morning routine]."
"POV: You just found your new favorite [product type]."

BODY (Explain the product and result)
"This is the [product name] from [brand] — and here’s why I’m obsessed."
"It’s made with [key ingredients/benefits], and after [X days/weeks], I noticed [result]."
"I use it [how often], and honestly, I’d rebuy this just for [feature/result].
"No weird side effects, no fake promises — it just works."

CTA (Tell the viewer what to do next)
"If you’ve been on the fence, just try it — I think you’ll love it."
"You can get it directly from [brand] or tap the link in bio."
"Save this video and come back after you try it!"
"Comment “ME” if you want me to send you the exact product link."

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🔥 Hook Examples

  • “I can’t gate keep this anymore…”
  • “Here’s what nobody tells you about [product type].”
  • “TikTok made me try this — here’s what happened.”
  • “I was today years old when I found this out…”

💬 CTA Examples

  • “Link’s in my bio if you want to check it out.”
  • “Tag a friend who needs this.”
  • “Use code ‘TIKTOK20’ to save.”
  • “I’ll update in 7 days — follow if you want the results.”

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🎬 UGC Script for WHOOP

VIDEO LENGTH: ~45-60 seconds
STYLE: Talking head with B-roll cutaways (at track, in gym, recovery moments)

[HOOK – 0:00–0:05]
(Chill, to camera with smile)
"Okay, I thought this was just another fitness tracker… until I actually started using it."

[BODY – 0:06–0:40]

(Overlay B-roll of her driving, working out, sleeping, or stretching)

"So I’m ___________— I am a creator in ______________________, and between school, travel, filming, and the gym, recovery is everything for me."

"I started wearing WHOOP a few months ago, and honestly… game changer. It tells me when to push and when to back off — which, if you know me, I don’t do well." (laughs)

"But seriously, it tracks my sleep, recovery, strain, even stress — and it’s way more than just steps or calories. Like after race weekends, my recovery scores tank — and I can see exactly why."

"I’m not guessing anymore. I’m adjusting. Smarter training, better performance, and I actually feel it."

[CTA – 0:41–0:55]
(Back to camera, conversational)

"If you’re into training, competing, or just want to know your body better — try WHOOP. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up smart."

"And if you’re curious, check the link in my bio. I’ll post my recovery scores from race weekends too — they’re wild." (laughs)

Optional Caption Copy (for Instagram/TikTok Post):
"Not your average fitness tracker 👀 Racing, recovery, and why WHOOP actually made me train smarter 🏁 #WHOOPPartner #RaceReady #SmartRecovery"

📩 Cold Outreach Email to WHOOP

Subject: Content Collab Opportunity – (yourname) x WHOOP

Hi WHOOP Team,

I’m _________, a creator based in ___________ and I love your product and would love to be a UGC creator for WHOOP.

I’ve been using WHOOP as part of my training and recovery process and would love to explore a potential content collaboration. I’m especially excited about how WHOOP helps me better understand strain and recovery during workouts— and I think the story of how I apply that data as an athlete could really resonate with your audience.

Here’s what I’d love to propose:

  • A short-form UGC video showing how I use WHOOP before, during, and after a race
  • Optional behind-the-scenes footage for WHOOP’s social or content channels
  • Performance storytelling from a young female athlete breaking into the pro racing world

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, I’d be happy to share a video sample or jump on a quick call.

Thanks for the work you’re doing to change the way athletes recover and train — I’m a big fan of the brand.

Best,
Best,
Your Name
📩 you@youremail.com
📱 @yourhandle

Final Thoughts: Start Now, Improve Later

The most important thing is to just start. Don’t overthink it. Make your first few videos, build your Canva.com portfolio, and apply to a few jobs this week.

UGC is one of the easiest, fastest ways to break into the creator economy without needing followers. And once you have results, brands will start coming to you.

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