If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen UGC without realizing it. UGC stands for User-Generated Content, and it’s one of the easiest ways to make money online in 2025—especially if you don’t want to build a huge personal brand.
Brands are now paying everyday creators to film videos using or reviewing their products because they perform better than traditional ads. You don’t need thousands of followers. You don’t even have to post the content on your own page. As long as you can create relatable, high-quality content, you can get paid. This guide breaks down exactly how to start UGC in 2025 as a complete beginner, step by step.
Watch our full video tutorial here:
Step 1: Understand What UGC Really Is
UGC is short-form content that looks organic and unscripted. Brands use this content in their ads or social media pages because it builds trust. Instead of watching a polished commercial, consumers feel like they’re hearing from a friend.
Types of UGC Videos You Can Make:
- Product unboxings
- Reviews and Testimonials
- “Day in the life” using the product
- Comparison or before/after videos
- Voice-over product demos
- Trending sound or lip-syncs
You’re not an influencer—you’re acting as the relatable customer. That’s why you don’t need a large following. Brands care about your content, not your stats.
Step 2: Build Your Starter Portfolio (Without Clients)
Before a brand hires you, they’ll want to see examples of your work. You can build a portfolio by creating sample UGC videos for brands you already use.
Here’s How:
- Pick 3-5 products you love and already own.
- Film short UGC-style videos (30–60 seconds) showing how you use the product or why you like it.
- Edit using free tools like CapCut or InShot.
- Save them in a Google Drive folder or upload them to a simple portfolio site (like Notion or Canva).
Don’t wait for a brand to hire you before you start. This is a “show, don’t tell” industry. Your sample content is what gets you paid.
Step 3: Set Up a Simple UGC Portfolio
You don’t need a full website. Just a clean portfolio with these elements:
- Your name and photo
- A short bio (who you are and what you offer)
- A few sample UGC videos (hosted on Google Drive, YouTube unlisted, or Canva)
- Contact info or a form for brands to reach out
You can also create a free Linktree or use Notion to keep it simple.
Step 4: Start Reaching Out to Brands
Once your portfolio is ready, it’s time to pitch. You don’t need to wait around for brands to come to you. The UGC space moves fast, and proactive creators get results.
Where to Find UGC Opportunities:
- TikTok: Search hashtags like #UGCcreator, #UGCpaid, or #UGCopportunity
- Twitter/X: Follow creators and brands who post collab opportunities
- UGC platforms: Sign up for sites like Collabstr, JoinBrands, and Trend.io
- Cold outreach: Email or DM small brands on Instagram or Shopify stores
When pitching, keep it short and direct. Tell them who you are and what kind of content you create, and drop your portfolio link. Offer to make 1-2 videos for free or at a discount to build trust.
Step 5: Price Your UGC Packages
Once you start getting interest, you’ll need to know how to price your services. UGC pricing is based on video deliverables, not your followers.
Beginner UGC Pricing (2025 Rates):
- 1 video: $100–$150
- 3 video bundle: $300–$400
- 5 videos: $500–$600
If the brand wants to use your video as a paid ad (called “whitelisting” or “usage rights”), charge extra. A typical usage rights fee is 50–100% of the base rate, billed monthly.
Step 6: Keep Improving Your Content
The better your content looks, the more you can charge. Practice different hooks, angles, and editing styles. Study top-performing UGC ads on TikTok and Meta Ad Library. Pay attention to lighting, audio quality, and pacing.
Brands will keep working with creators who:
- Deliver high-quality videos on time
- Are easy to communicate with
- Understand how to follow a brief or script
Treat this like a real business, not just a side hustle. That’s how you build long-term income.
Step 7: Scale Your UGC Business
Once you’ve landed a few clients and have social proof, it’s time to scale. Here’s how:
- Raise your rates as your portfolio grows
- Offer batch content (monthly retainer deals)
- Start working with agencies or influencer marketing platforms
- Add services like product photography or editing
Some UGC creators earn $3,000–$10,000 per month by batching content for multiple brands. The key is building systems, keeping your delivery consistent, and growing your client base.
Final Thoughts
UGC is one of the easiest online income streams to start in 2025. You don’t need a fancy camera, a big following, or any upfront investment. If you can create simple, authentic videos that feel real—you’re already ahead.
Here’s the full recap:
- Learn what UGC is and who it’s for
- Make sample videos with products you already have
- Build a simple portfolio
- Start pitching brands
- Set fair pricing and charge for usage rights
- Keep leveling up your skills
- Scale with systems and recurring deals
The best part about UGC is that you can do this from your phone, at home, or in your free time.