How to start UGC content creation

It’s super easy to get started as a UGC Creator today and you only need a few things to start getting paid for UGC Content Creation. The best part is you don’t need any job experience or college degree to become a UGC Creator and turn content creation into your full time job!

In today’s digital landscape, User-Generated Content (UGC) has become a powerful force in marketing and content creation. Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, a talented photographer, or a creative content creator, monetizing your UGC can be a rewarding endeavor. But where do you begin? Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential tools, apps, and tips to kickstart your journey towards earning as a UGC creator.

Understanding UGC

Before diving into the tools and tips, let’s briefly understand what UGC is and why it matters. User-Generated Content refers to any form of content – be it images, videos, reviews, or social media posts – created by consumers rather than brands or professionals. It’s authentic, relatable, and holds immense value for businesses looking to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

Essential Tools for UGC Creators

Camera or Smartphone: The most fundamental tool for UGC creators is a camera or smartphone with a decent camera quality. Whether you’re capturing stunning landscapes, showcasing your latest fashion haul, or filming engaging vlogs, having a reliable device is key. I personally love using the latest iPhone from Apple for the highest quality and 4k videos and photos.,

Creator Tools: Expand your toolkit with essential creator accessories like a ring light and tripod. A ring light provides even lighting for your photos and videos, while a tripod ensures stability and professional-looking shots. These tools are indispensable for creating high-quality content, especially in low-light conditions or when filming solo.

Photo and Video Editing Apps: You’ll need a few apps to edit your photos and videos. These tools allow you to fine-tune your images and videos, adding filters, text overlays, and other creative elements. My go-to photo editing app is the free Lightroom app by Adobe, which is what I use for all my photos for UGC collaborations and partnerships. You’ll also need a way to display your example photos & videos to land partnerships with a portfolio website, which you can create easily using Canva. I have a the portfolio website & media kit I use through Canva available as a template you can use too in my UGC starter kit!

Video Apps for UGC Creators

• Capcut (captions + video editing)
• InShot (video editing)
• Veed (captions)
• VideoLeap (layer videos, video tricks etc)
• Teleprompter (for scripts)

Photo Apps for UGC Creators

• Lightroom (best editor)
• VSCO (editing/coloring)
• Snapseed (editing/coloring)
• PhotoLeap (replace sky, etc)
• TouchRetouch (remove objects)

Design & Portfolio

• Canva (edit covers, slides, and create your free portfolio website)

Scripting & Captions

• Copy.ai (for content ideas, captions, & script writing)
• Chat GPT (for scripting and content ideas)

Content & Project Management Platforms: To streamline your workflow and organize your content effectively, consider using content management platforms like Notion. This will allow you to draft UGC concepts, keep contacts for brands organized, and present your ideas to your brand clients!

I use Notion to stay organized! I have a Collaboration tracker I created and use for Notion (which you can get inside my UGC & Collab Starter kit of templates!) that keeps me on track and helps me land more deals by staying organized and in touch with brands!

The Quick Guide to High-Quality Video + Photos as a UGC Creator

Creating high-quality content is essential for standing out as a UGC creator. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes or filming engaging vlogs, here’s a quick guide to elevating the quality of your videos and photos:

1. Use the BACK Camera on Your Phone: While selfie cameras are convenient for quick snaps, the back camera typically offers higher resolution and better image quality. Whenever possible, use the back camera for sharper, more professional-looking shots.
2. ALWAYS Clean the Phone Camera Lens: A smudged or dirty lens can significantly impact the clarity of your photos and videos. Before shooting, take a moment to wipe the lens with a soft, microfiber cloth to remove any dust, fingerprints, or smudges.
3. Use GOOD Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal of your content. Whenever possible, film in natural light by positioning yourself in front of a window or shooting outdoors during the golden hour. Alternatively, invest in a ring light to achieve consistent, flattering lighting, especially in low-light conditions.
4. Shoot at 60fps and 4k for Highest Quality: For smooth, cinematic-looking videos, consider shooting at 60 frames per second (fps) and in 4K resolution if your device supports it. Higher frame rates result in smoother motion, while 4K resolution provides greater detail and clarity, especially when viewed on larger screens.
5. Turn On “Live” Photo Mode to Select the Perfect Frame: Many smartphones offer a “live” photo mode that captures a few seconds of video before and after taking a photo. This feature allows you to select the perfect frame from the video sequence, ensuring you never miss the ideal shot.

By following these simple tips, you can elevate the quality of your videos and photos, making your content more visually appealing and engaging for your audience. Remember, consistency and attention to detail are key to creating compelling UGC that resonates with viewers and attracts potential monetization opportunities.

Tips for Success as a UGC Creator

1. Find Your Niche: Identify your passions, interests, and areas of expertise, and focus on creating content that resonates with your audience.
2. Be Authentic: Authenticity is key to building trust and credibility with your audience. Stay true to your voice, values, and personality in all your content.
3. Engage with Your Audience: Foster a sense of community by actively engaging with your audience through comments, messages, and live streams. Listen to their feedback and incorporate their suggestions into your content strategy.
4. Stay Consistent: Consistency is essential for growing your audience and maintaining their interest. Develop a content schedule and stick to it to keep your followers engaged and coming back for more.
5. Monetize Strategically: Explore various monetization strategies aside from just the video + photo production of UGC, including sponsored content as a micro-influencer, affiliate marketing, content licensing, whitelisting, scripting, and campaign concepting. Diversifying your income streams can help maximize your earning potential and increase the dollar amount per deal!

By leveraging the right tools, apps, and tips, you can embark on a successful journey as a UGC creator and start monetizing your creativity effectively. Remember to stay adaptable, stay creative, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.

Once you have your tools and apps, follow this guide to get started step-by-step as a paid UGC creator! Then download my UGC & Collab Starter Kit for all the templates I use to track, email brands, & platforms to join to land UGC deals!

Being a UGC creator and content creator is one of my FAVORITE jobs ever – you really just need these few simple things to get started and start making money as a paid creator! What used to take me a week to make in my job I can now film a couple videos for UGC clients and make! It’s incredible, and you need no formal experience at all to get started – you just need your work and video/photo examples in your portfolio! Happy creating!