User Generated Content (UGC) creators are the perfect example of making money on the internet without being an influencer. UGC creators get paid for producing digital content for brands even if they don’t have any followers on social networks. A 2021 study showed that 80% of internet users confirmed that UGC influenced their buying decisions on the internet. That’s why UGC is a very important tool on today’s digital landscape and a lot of marketers are actively using it in their strategies.
UGC content is all over the internet. It is available in text, images, audio, and videos. It allows people to share their perspectives and opinions with the global audience to create deeper connections and communities. In this article, we will explore why brands choose UGC creators over influencers and then look at the top ten UGC creators in 2023! Let’s get started.
Understanding UGC and UGC Creators
Any content created and posted by the general public on social media is called UGC. Content produced by real users is much more authentic than marketing messages from companies or sponsored posts by influencers. If a brand can use UGC, it can create an authentic relationship with its audiences. It makes brands look genuine thanks to the power of social proof.
People are more likely to make a purchase when there is a video or photo from other “real” people making similar purchases. The rise of UGC has changed how brands do marketing on social media. More and more brands are choosing UGC creators to promote their products and services.
Top 10 UGC Creators in 2023
Nicole Marks (@kolimarksmedia): She is a famous UGC creator on TikTok. She also loves to mentor other creators and enlightens them with her experience. Even Business Insider featured her for managing to pay off $25,000 student debt through her TikTok!
@kolimarksmedia Resources are GREAT!! But here are my tips: 1. make sure you fact check who you are getting your resources from 2. recognize that you dont NEED it!! but if you want some extra help, they can come in handy 3. stay tuned for my new video!! dropping tomorrow!! #ugccreator #ugccontentcreator #ugccommunity #ugccreators #howtodougc ♬ original sound - Content Creator💖 || Koli
Falak Burch (@ugc.falak): Falak Burch, a UGC creator from the US, shares TikTok tips and techniques for those who want to grow their audience on this platform. Aside from being a UGC creator, she also runs a small business and e-commerce of her swimsuit brand.
@ugc.falak This is how to grow you business on tiktok from someone who has done it already. Tiktok marketing has changed in the past couple years and what worked then does not work now. I will be sharing tips to grow your small business and how to grow your business on tiktok. It’s important to grow your business tiktok account because this is the fastest growing app in the world. 4marketingstrategy #socialmediastrategy #socialmediagrowth #digitalmarketingtips #tiktokgrowth #tiktokgrowthtips #tiktokgrowthhacks #makemoneyonline #businesstok #sidehustles #shopifystoreowner #smallbusinessowner #ecommerce #dropshipping #tiktokmanager #intovertlife #introvertbusinessowners #introvertsmallbizowner #introvertproblems #introvertentrepreneur #introvertentrepreneurs ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) - Danilo Stankovic
Irina (@ohyouglow_): This Romanian UGC creator makes beauty, lifestyle, and fashion content. She has a strong presence on various platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. She even runs her personal blog.
@ohyouglow.ro @Mario Badescu 💚 follow me on insta ohyouglow.ro #haul #skincare #skincareroutine ♬ Come & Get It - Selena Gomez
Monica Lynne (@its.monicalynne): Monica plays an active role in the UGC creators community. She is from Costa Rica and lives in North Carolina. She does not focus on just one content creation niche. Instead, she claims that she can create content for anything. In addition, she is also a business mentor.
@its.monicalynne I just want all of yall to understand your life really CAN be amazing as hell & you can be happy & not worried & its all in your mindset.
♬ Vlog - Soft boy
Ryan Santoyo (@oneoffryan): Ryan loves connecting with creators and brands. He understands the importance of UGC in this era. He prefers to focus on direct to consumer (DTC) brands rather than retailers. He even offers a “Creator Academy” course for UGC.
@oneoffryan Breaking the barrier starts with one things…setting the goal! Being a UGC creator in 2023 is about working in ways to benefit you. Don’t skip steps! Ugc creator tip is setting your goals and intentions #ugc #ugccreator #contentcreatortips #ugctips #startingugc2023 #ugc2023 #maleugccreator #maleugc #oneoffryan #creatorstrategist #creatorstrategy #ugcgoals2023 #ugcgoals #settinggoals ♬ original sound - Ryan | UGC, Creator Strategy🫶
Angela Wells (@ugcang): UGC creator and TikTok expert Angela Wells lives in Los Angeles and makes stories, testimonials, and demos for brands. She has a degree in psychology and marketing, which has been helpful in her journey of producing UGC.
@ugcang How to create value driven content that actually results in sales and social growth 📈 #tiktokgrowthtips #tiktokgrowthhacks #ugcscripts #ugcscriptwriting #ugcads ♬ original sound - Ang | UGC creator & coach
Mariane Moroz (@ugcmarimoroz): Unlike other UGC creators who have a presence on Instagram or TikTok. Mariane, a US-based UGC creator, shares most of her content on Twitter. She makes ASMR, unboxing, demos, and testimonials. She posts her content in English and Portuguese and has worked with famous brands such as Macy’s, Hemz, and Poli pet.
After my FIRST try to pitch on Amazon I got a YES for a new couch 🤩
— Mari Moroz | US UGC Creator (@ugcmarimoroz) May 5, 2023
I’m so excited to create this content! #ugc #UGC #ugccommunity #ugccontentcreator #UGCcreator #ugccreatorneeded #Amazon #ugccreators #UGCNET pic.twitter.com/uTnMWZMGZu
Madeleine Andrén (@madeleineandren): This Bali-based Swedish model and UGC creator shares exceptional wellness, fashion, and lifestyle content on her Instagram. She grabs brands’ attention with her aesthetic sense and content. She even has her own website, through which she connects with brands.
Abigail Peugh (@abigailpeugh): She defines herself as a content creator coach. She has in-depth knowledge on latest content creation trends. She also offers UGC guides and starter kits for those who have just begun their journey.
@abigailpeugh WHERE TO FIND JOBS AS A UGC CREATOR! I forgot to mention another favorite place to find UGC jobs! @Brands Meet Creators sends out weekly UGC jobs right to your email! it's freeeee and you can get on that list on my profile under "UGC jobs sent to your📱” #Ugccreatorjob #ugcpitch #Ugcpitchtips #Ugccreator2023 #wheretofindugcclients #howtofindugcclients ♬ The Hanging Tree - James Newton Howard
Michelle Henderson (@michelleeeejh): UGC creator and coach Michelle Henderson lives in Los Angeles. She focuses in multiple fields, including home, technology, beauty, fashion, wellness, food, and travel. She also manages a blog where she reviews products from Amazon. In addition, she offers a UGC creator online course, just like some of the other top 10 UGC creators.
@michelleeeejh Replying to @christine.minivlogs.ugc the solution to the mental block that causes us to overthink our content is found in the focus! @Michelle Henderson | Creator @Michelle Henderson | Creator @Michelle Henderson | Creator This has helped me grow in my UGC/content creation career and grow my TikTok. And I don’t just mean “talking to the camera” videos, I mean “post what you want” videos 👏 #contentcreatorreality #contentcreatorconvos #contentcreatorbts #btscontentcreator ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim
Why Do Brands Have a Soft Spot for UGC Creators?
While making a marketing strategy, brands want to build relationships and drive conversions rather than just focusing on selling their products. They achieve this by hiring UGC creators for this job. It also saves brands a lot of money when they work with UGC creators instead of influencers. According to research, 45% of social media users said that they unfollow a brand on social media if they self-promote too much. Also, consumers are 2.4x more likely to consider UGC as authentic compared to content created by brands.
Is It Easy Becoming a UGC Creator?
Becoming a UGC creator is extremely challenging because the market is highly competitive. Millions of people are making UGC content and brands have too many options to choose from and it’s getting increasingly difficult to stand out. However, with the right tools, you can easily start selling content to brands, creators and idea makers in no time.
Paysenger, a social marketplace allows brands and sponsors to find UGC creators and obtain content from them. As a UGC creator, you can easily earn money by creating a Paysenger profile and posting content on it. Brands will discover your content and reach out to you to order videos, photos, shoutouts, reviews and social media posts. You can earn EGO tokens (the platform’s native cryptocurrency) each time you create content for someone.
How to Work With Brands as a UGC Creator?
If you have a good enough portfolio, you are ready to present yourself in front of brands. There are several places where you can look for brand partnerships. Sometimes, brands will contact you themselves on your social media handle. But there are times when you have to take a proactive approach. For example, you can join UGC platforms to meet brands.
- Paysenger: All in one social marketplace for creators, brands and audiences. Offers monetization tools, subscriptions, on-demand content, paid messaging and UGC content sales.
- Aspire.io: This is an influencer marketing platform. You can join as a creator and describe your services. Brands can easily reach out to you and order content.
- #Paid: Here, you can determine your own rate and you will be matched with campaigns that are perfect for you.
- Collabstr: Just like #Paid, you set your rate and brands either come to you or invite you to join various UGC campaigns.
- Influent: It suggests you rates (based on the market) and also allows brands to leave reviews.
Perks of Partnering with UGC Creators
There are many benefits of partnering with UGC creators for brands. First off, it is a great way to create brand awareness and grow an audience. It builds trust and boosts credibility among potential customers. Especially, after potential customers see that people are having a positive experience with the brand, they will most likely purchase the product themselves.
UGC saves brands a lot of money. As a brand, all you need to do is to encourage customers to create and share content about you. And through word-of-mouth, you will see an increase in traffic and sales. To summarize, UGC creators:
- Increase brand awareness and reach.
- Drive traffic and increase sales.
- Improve SEO rankings.
- Grow customer engagement.
- Create a brand community.
- Give insights into customer needs and preferences.
Downside of UGC
Although UGC is a useful marketing tool, it involves several drawbacks. UGC creators can easily post biased content that can influence other people. They include their political bias because brands do not have control over it. UGC also needs constant monitoring. You will need media experts to see what is being posted.
Additionally, UGC is low quality as compared to professional content produced by a creator or influencer. However, this can easily be mitigated by working with a creator on Paysenger to produce UGC. UGC can also be devastating for your brand. Because you have little control over what people share online, you risk having customers use UGC to criticize your brand.
Final Word
As we enter the digital marketing era, UGC creators cannot be ignored. They have a unique talent for producing authentic content that truly connects with audiences. This is very important for brands.
Becoming a UGC creator comes with its own set of challenges, Paysenger offers a simple way to produce exceptional content and build a loyal following. It also bridges the gap between UGC creators and brands. Download Paysenger now to kick off your UGC journey!