If you've spent any time on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts recently, chances are you’ve watched user-generated content (UGC)—and maybe didn’t even realize it.
In 2025, UGC creators are becoming some of the most in-demand content partners for brands, even without large followings. Why? Because their content feels more authentic, more relatable, and more effective than traditional ads.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to diversify your income as a creator, here's everything you need to know about what UGC creators do—and how to become one this year.
💡 What Is a UGC Creator?
UGC stands for user-generated content—photos, videos, or testimonials created by real people instead of the brand itself. A UGC creator is someone who produces this type of content for brands to use in their own marketing.
You’re not promoting the product to your own audience. Instead, you’re creating branded content that looks and feels organic—something that blends seamlessly into social media feeds. This content often ends up in paid ads, website pages, email campaigns, or brand channels.
👀 UGC Creator vs Influencer: What’s the Difference?
While both UGC creators and influencers work with brands, the key difference lies in how they use their content—and their audience.
A UGC creator doesn’t need a following to get paid. They create content that brands can post on their platforms. You’re paid per project, and there’s no requirement to publish on your own social channels. The focus is on producing high-performing, authentic content that helps brands connect with consumers.
Influencers, on the other hand, are hired because of their audience and influence. Their role is to promote a product or service to their followers, typically posting branded content to their personal feed. Influencers are often paid based on their reach, engagement, or conversion performance.
In short:
👉 UGC creators create.
👉 Influencers influence.
And in today’s content-hungry landscape, both play a powerful role.
📈 Why Are Brands Investing in UGC Creators?
UGC is having a major moment—and for good reason. It’s:
- 💬 Authentic – Feels like a recommendation from a friend
- 📈 High-performing – Outperforms traditional ads in many cases
- 💸 Cost-effective – Brands can scale content fast without big productions
In fact, UGC-based ads generate 4x higher click-through rates than traditional branded content. And as brands seek relatable, trustworthy voices to tell their story, UGC creators are at the top of the list.
🎥 What Kind of Content Do UGC Creators Make?
Here are a few common formats:
- Unboxing videos
- Product demos or tutorials
- Day-in-the-life content featuring the brand
- Voiceover “Why I love this” videos
- Problem/solution storytelling
- Before & after results
The vibe? Natural, real, and relatable. Think less “ad,” more “friend showing you their favorite thing.”
🧰 What You Need to Start as a UGC Creator
Good news: you don’t need fancy equipment or a huge following. Here’s what helps:
- A smartphone with decent video quality
- Basic editing skills (or the willingness to learn)
- Confidence to talk on camera (or a good voiceover)
- A few sample videos to showcase your style
- A professional media kit or UGC portfolio
✨ Pro Tip: Use The Right Fit’s Media Kit tool to build and share a clean, clickable UGC portfolio—no design skills required.
🚀 How to Become a UGC Creator in 2025
1. Create a Sample Portfolio
Start by making 3–5 short videos featuring everyday products. You don’t need to be paid to make them—these are just to show what you can do.
Include different formats: demos, unboxings, voiceovers, etc.
2. Build Your Profile on The Right Fit
This is your home base for landing UGC work. On The Right Fit, brands are actively searching for creators who can deliver campaign-ready content.
✅ Fill out your niche, style, and audience type (even if it’s “non-public-facing”)
✅ Link your sample videos or media kit
✅ Set alerts for new UGC opportunities
3. Apply to Jobs or Pitch Directly to Brands
Use The Right Fit’s Jobs Board to browse open opportunities or pitch your services using Content Packages.
Brands love creators who are proactive and come with ideas—don’t be afraid to reach out!
4. Deliver & Get Paid (No Commission Fees)
Once you land a gig, manage the entire process in Collab Hub—from chat to deliverables to payment.
✔️ Track revisions
✔️ Send invoices
✔️ Stay organized and get paid faster
🌟 Tips to Succeed as a UGC Creator
- Niche down. Focus on 1–2 industries you love—beauty, wellness, home, fitness, etc.
- Stay on trend. Use trending sounds and hooks in your videos.
- Optimize your pitch. Tailor your media kit to each brand.
- Practice storytelling. Brands love creators who can build emotion into short videos.
- Be discoverable. Use searchable keywords in your bio: “UGC Creator | Product Demos | Voiceovers”
This Could Be Your Next Income Stream
UGC is one of the most accessible, low-barrier ways to break into the creator economy in 2025. You don’t need thousands of followers or a polished aesthetic. You just need an eye for content, a clear value proposition—and a platform like The Right Fit to connect you with the right brands.