You’ve probably heard the term UGC on TikTok…but what does it mean? And how are creators making up to 6 figures creating UGC content for brands? 

First of all, you need to understand the difference between UGC and branded content. Branded content is paid by companies to be posted on your channel—this type of content is known as sponsored posts or brand deals. User-generated content is created by people like yourself for brands to publish on their channels. 

Now, let’s see how to stand out from other UGC content creators by creating a UGC portfolio that will help you land brand contracts!

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We’re going to explore the world of UGC and learn:

• What is a UGC creator

• What are some UGC content examples

• What happens when you don’t have any experience as a UGC?

• What should be included in a UGC portfolio?

• How can you create a UGC portfolio?

• What are examples of UGC portfolios?

What is UGC?

UGC is a rapidly growing way to make money online as a creator WITHOUT posting on your social media. 

And guess what? You don't need to be an influencer, have a certain amount of followers, or even show your face! The content created will be sent directly to the brand and published by the brand on its own channels. 

User-Generated Content is any form of content, created by users on online platforms mostly on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram to show product functionality, benefits, packaging, uses, and features of a product or service. Best of all, you don’t need tons of followers on social media to get started. The beauty of UGC is that anybody can be a UGC Creator! 

What are some UGC examples?

The most popular form of user-generated content is short clip videos for TikTok and Instagram Reels. But, it is not limited to that!  It could be any content such as video, organic social media posts, blog posts, testimonials, reviews audio, or images. 

UGC can come in a variety of formats, the most popular being:

• Talking video (like a Get Ready With Me)

• ASMR

• Product shots featuring voice over

• An aesthetic video

Let’s see some examples: 

What happens when you don’t have any experience as a UGC?

You have a growth opportunity when you don’t have any experience as a UGC. BECAUSE YOU DON’T NEED ANY EXPERIENCE TO START CREATING! 

You can start making your videos using your favorite products at home and create your portfolio with these videos. 

Tip: Start with brands of products that you are used to. The ones that you have been using regularly and have helped you in some way (products you are familiar with). 

Products examples you can start with: 

• Your daily skincare products

• Beauty products

• The food products you buy frequently 

• Your favorite workout gear

• Home products you love

• Your favorite restaurant or library
  

ADVANCED TIP: Make some research about the product benefits and the brand so you can add valuable content to your video. 

Brands need more real content and you can help them while making extra money! 

But, you will need a well-designed portfolio to stand out as a User-Generated Content Creator! 

Why do you need a Portfolio? Creating a portfolio will help you succeed in your approach to your potential clients, make you look professional, and help you secure deals. 

What should be included in a UGC portfolio?

1- An about me section. Talk about you and your career path. Add what inspires and motivates you to create content, your experience, and your aspirations! Think about how you and your expertise/skills can convey a brand to an audience through UGC.

2- The content you have created. One of the most important things you will need is all the content you have created such as photos, videos, blog posts, reels, etc.

Once you have all your content together, you can categorize them to organize the look and feel of your portfolio and show it in a visually friendly way to your potential clients.  

You can organize your content into categories. 

Let’s see some categories examples

• Fashion 

• Lifestyle

• Home

• Food 

3- A creative way to show it!  Make sure you have different variations and styles so that your potential customers can relate and identify what they are looking for and choose the variations that most closely represent what they wish to be shown to their audience!

For example, you can also organize your content variations and styles as follow:

• Voiceovers and subtitles 

• Testimonials

• Product reviews

• Blog Posts 

• Photos

ADVANCED TIP: Use Mockups to show your Reels and TikTok videos. Don’t know how to create a Mock-Up? Don’t worry we have a simple step-by-step guide for you!   

4- Your pricing. Show your pricing and packages. If you would like to go further, you can include an estimated time of delivery. 

5- The best way to contact you. Include a call to action and contact information.

Here are some examples of UGC portfolios that we love:

How can you create a UGC portfolio?

Crafting a UGC Portfolio is easier than you think. You can make your Portfolio for free using one of our favorite design tools, Canva. 

Let’s see a step-by-step on how you can make your portfolio.

STEP 1 - Go to Canva and click on create a website design.

STEP 2 - Search for “Website Portfolio” on Canva templates and pick your favorite design.

STEP 3 - Edit the template! Add the about you information, show your work, and don’t forget the call to action at the end of your portfolio.

Purchase my UGC Creator Media Kit!

Not yet ready to create your own template? Purchase my Media Kit Template below!

Conclusion

If you want to make money online without posting on your social media, becoming a UGC creator can be a great option! 

Start by building your portfolio. Once you have a few pieces of work in your portfolio, it'll be much easier for brands to see how you can add value to their business by creating content for them.

Make sure that your portfolio is well-designed and easy to navigate (including all the sections mentioned above). Using Canva templates will save a lot of time.

Remember to clearly and concisely show what kind of work you do and include your prices. 

And don't forget that you don't need any experience or special skills! You can start as a UGC creator with just about anything—even if it's just making a vlog about your favorite video game.

Guest Post: Yzzy Vicente