UGC (User Generated Content) – How to Become a Creator and Earn by Creating Content for Brands?

Making money from online content doesn’t have to mean having thousands of followers, knowing TikTok trends by heart, or a perfect Instagram feed. More and more brands are looking for authentic creators who can simply… naturally showcase a product. That’s how UGC works – or user generated content. And no, you don’t have to be an influencer to enter this world.

Why have brands fallen in love with UGC? Find out what’s behind this acronym!

User Generated Content (UGC) is simply content created by “ordinary people” – but commissioned by brands. Most often these are:

• short videos with product opinions (e.g., Reels, TikToks, Stories),
• unboxings, which involve unpacking a box and showing the first reaction,
• natural product photos in a daily context,
• reviews in the form of text, recordings, or reports,
• recordings of “how I use this daily”.

What connects them? Authenticity. Zero artificiality, filters, or acting show-offs. The brand wants the audience to think: “that’s someone like me.” That’s why UGC works – 79% of consumers trust user-generated content more than advertisements. And that’s why more and more companies prefer to pay you rather than an advertising agency.

How much can you earn from user generated content? Specific ranges and real scenarios

You don’t need reach to earn from UGC – but you need good material and a bit of patience. What are the rates?

👉 Beginners (without a portfolio):

• 200–400 PLN for a short clip (15–60 s),
• 150–300 PLN for good product photos,
• Monthly: 500–1,500 PLN with 2–4 assignments weekly.

👉 Intermediate (with a portfolio):

• 500–1,000 PLN per film,
• Packages: 1,500–3,000 PLN for several materials,
• Monthly: 2,000–5,000 PLN.

👉 Experienced creators:

• Even 2,000 PLN per film + long-term campaigns,
• Monthly: 5,000–15,000+ PLN.

Rates depend on:

• experience,
• recording quality,
• language (ENG = more expensive),
• the number of materials in the package,
• execution deadline (faster = more expensive),
• rights for the brand to use the content.

This is real cash. Especially if you want to treat UGC like a side project, not a full-time job.

These platforms are a goldmine of jobs – where to find your first clients for UGC?

You don’t need to write emails or do cold outreach. In Poland, there are several solid platforms that act as intermediaries between brands and UGC creators. All you need to do is create a profile and apply for campaigns.

The easiest place to start is:

• Influee.co – the largest in Poland, automated, simple. Jobs range from 300 to 2,000 PLN.
• ViralPlace.io – less formal, faster contact with brands, often “urgent” jobs.
• Billo.app / JoinBrands – international, useful if you know English (rates from £50 upwards).

It’s a perfect place to get your first jobs, reviews, and build your portfolio. If your materials are good, algorithms will automatically “boost” you higher among candidates.

Don’t have followers? No problem. How to enter UGC without reach and a portfolio?

This is the biggest myth – that you need a community to create UGC. In reality, brands don’t publish your content on your profile. They buy ready-made materials from you, which they then use in ads. You are simply the behind-the-scenes creator.

So how to start?

1. Take products you have at home (cosmetics, home appliances, books).
2. Record 3–5 natural videos (e.g., “what I think about this product”).
3. Edit them in CapCut or Adobe Express.
4. Build a portfolio – for example, free in Canva or as Reels on Instagram.

A brand doesn’t look at how many followers you have. It looks at whether you can naturally showcase a product and build trust. And exactly this can be proven with your own portfolio.

What should your first UGC video look like? See here!

Your first UGC video doesn’t have to be perfect — but it must grab attention right away, clearly state the point, and show the product in a natural context. Brands are not expecting a Hollywood production. They are looking for content that looks like a friend’s recommendation.

Proven UGC video structure (30-60 seconds):

• hook (2-3 seconds): a question, problem, shock — something that grabs attention,
• problem (5-10 seconds): showing the issue you had before the product,
• product in action (10-20 seconds): using the product, showing how it works,
• effect (5-10 seconds): “WOW, it works!” or “See for yourself”,
• call-to-action (3-5 seconds): “Link in bio”, “Buy it now”.

Practical tips:

• record in natural light,
• use a vertical phone (Reels, TikTok),
• keep it brief — max 60 seconds,
• speak as if to a friend, not like a salesperson.

This first video is not just a portfolio. It’s your gateway to your first jobs. Done right, it will start earning for you even before you build a name.

Do you already have 3 videos? Time to scale up — how to start making 5,000+ PLN a month with UGC

If you have at least 3 solid videos in your portfolio, you are in a position to turn UGC from a hobby into regular income. Scaling begins with repeatability.

What to do to reach 5,000+ PLN/month?

• Apply daily for campaigns (at least 5-10 per day).
• Build a profile on 4-6 platforms (Influee, ViralPlace, Billo, etc.).
• Do outreach to brands — DMs, emails, LinkedIn.
• Collect reviews from clients, add them to your portfolio.
• Specialize (e.g., only beauty or only lifestyle).
• Raise prices every 5-10 jobs (e.g., 300 → 500 → 700).

The biggest mistake? Waiting for gigs. UGC is an offensive action. The more you take the initiative, the quicker you’ll find brands that will pay not just once, but every month.

FAQ

Do I need followers to do UGC?

No. In UGC, content quality matters, not reach. Your materials are used by the brand on their channels.

How does UGC differ from being an influencer?

UGC is content creation on commission, without publishing it yourself. An influencer shares content with their own audience.

Do I need to invest in equipment?

Initially, a phone with a good camera and natural light is sufficient. A microphone and lamp are optional extras.

How long does it take to make one video?

Usually 1-3 hours with editing. As you gain experience — even less.

Do I need to start a business?

Up to 1,400 PLN/month — not necessarily (gray area). Above that, it is worth registering a sole proprietorship.

What if a brand doesn’t choose me?

That’s normal. Keep applying. Successful creators apply daily and have several active campaigns at once.