Today’s fast-paced digital landscape is a constant bombardment of ads—highly polished, flashy, and overly produced. Often, people scroll past them without even noticing what they were looking at.
Perfectly polished commercials don’t work anymore; they don’t hold the persuasive power over power they once had. Now, people are drawn to content that feels real: something genuine and unscripted. Enter: User-Generated Content, also known as UGC.
UGC centers everyday people who create authentic and engaging content. This content looks and feels like it came from a real customer, as opposed to a brand with a big budget. It’s the most trusted form of marketing today—one that the modern consumer resonates with.
Here at Creatify, we help brands create video content that performs well, looks great, and converts—actually converts. We combine the latest AI developments—AI-powered avatars, URL-to-video tools, and deep ad performance analysis—so that even teams with limited resources can produce scalable content. But the following remains true: that people still buy from other people. This is why authenticity is a non-negotiable.
This is why UGC creators make a real, true impact. Their ability to connect with viewers through honest and relatable storytelling and experience-sharing is based on an essential human connection. The smartest marketing strategies combine both AI and the authenticity of UGC.
This article will guide you through the world of UGC creators. Whether you’re a brand or a potential UGC creator yourself, you will find something useful here. We’ll walk you through what makes UGC creators different from influencers, where to find the best creators, and how to put creators’ content to work—in your own marketing campaign. This is the complete roadmap.
What Is a UGC Creator? The Rise of UGC Content in Digital Marketing
A User-Generated Content creator (UGC creator) produces video or photo content that mimics real, everyday customers. The key difference is that it’s intentionally created by brands as part of their marketing efforts.
From unboxings, product reviews, and quick tutorials to “day-in-the-life” testimonials, UGC content has a purpose: to feel real, relatable, and trustworthy. Perfection is not the primary goal; authenticity is. Once the trust is built in potential customers—and these customers are driven to action—you know the UGC marketing effort has been a success. And it works.
Unlike influencers, UGC content creators don’t need huge following counts. They don’t even need a verified checkmark to be valuable to brands. What matters much more is they create content that is relatable and natural—with the ultimate goal of high conversions. They’re more like recommendations from a friend than official advertisements. Storytelling takes precedent, as does authenticity. Self-promotion is less important.
Once the content is created, brands use it wherever they need: social ads, website, email campaigns, and landing pages. UGC content is highly flexible, placing UGC creators in even greater demand.
UGC Creators vs. Influencers: Key Differences You Need to Know
While influencers create content to share with their own audiences—usually on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube—UGC creators work a little differently. Instead of relying on personal follower bases, they produce content specifically for brands, which then rely on their own channels in the ways they see fit.
The key difference is ownership and control. Rather than paying for access to the creator’s audience, brands are investing in the creator’s ability to make authentic content that supports their marketing goals. This makes UGC creators incredibly versatile and cost-effective partners for modern brands.
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:
Influencers are hired primarily for their audience—and this makes their following counts and loyalty very important. When a brand works with an influencer, they’re essentially paying to access that person’s social reach, engagement, and credibility. This is useful because they can access a community of followers that already trust the influencer’s opinions and lifestyle. Therefore, the value of the engagement comes from the influencer’s ability to introduce your brand to their audience in a way that feels organic and personal. It’s less about the content itself and more about the influence that the influencer holds over their many followers.
On the other hand, UGC creators are hired for their ability to produce compelling content—not for their pre-established audience. With UGC content creators, you invest in the content itself. Once the video or photo is delivered, you get full usage rights, meaning you can repurpose it across your entire marketing campaign. This level of ownership gives brands maximum flexibility and long-term value—without the worry of ongoing usage fees, or limitations tied to the creator’s platform. It’s the kind of content that looks like it came from a happy customer—but in actuality, the content works like a high-performance ad.
Let’s refer to a simple example. Say you're a wellness brand, and you want to promote a new protein shake. If you hire a fitness influencer, they'll likely create a product video and post it to their own Instagram or TikTok, where their followers will see the video. The value comes from their pre-established audience, with whom they’ve built trust over time. The process with a UGC creator looks a little different. The UGC creator will create a similar video—maybe a review, a demo, or a morning routine—but instead of posting it to their own account, they deliver the content directly to you. You now have a high-quality, authentic-looking video you can use anywhere—in Facebook ads, Instagram reels, product pages, or email campaigns! There’s no need to depend on the creator’s reach; you control when, where, and how the content is used. So—not only is UGC more cost-effective, but it’s also faster and more scalable. It’s perfect for performance-driven marketing!
UGC by the Numbers: Powerful User-Generated Content Statistics You Should Know
Here are recent stats that show UGC’s importance in 2025:
As much as 84% of people trust UGC more than the polished brand content we’re used to seeing. Honest experiences with a product—and sharing these honest experiences—builds credibility. Consequently, their purchasing decisions receive more influence.
UGC-based ads get 4 times the amount of engagement as polished creatives. When ads look like they’re made by real users, not brands, they grab attention and spark more interaction. Authenticity beats perfection in today’s digital world!
93% of marketers say UGC performs better than branded visuals, and unsurprisingly so—consumers trust real content more.
Adding UGC to product pages can increase the number of conversions by 29%.
Creatify customers using UGC-style content have seen a 30–40% lower CPA. By sharing authentic and relatable content, brands can drive more conversions—for a much lower cost.
How to Find UGC Creators Organically
Connecting with talented UGC creators doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on premium platforms or agencies. In fact, some of the most effective collaborations with quality creators come from simple and organic outreach. Here are four possible ways:
TikTok Search: To find UGC creators, start by searching hashtags—like #UGCcreator, #UGCcontent, or #UGCvideo. Keep an eye out for creators who have high-quality visuals, strong storytelling skills, and an engaging on-camera presence. Good UGC creators don’t need fancy equipment—they just know how to make content that feels natural and compelling. From there, it’s easy to start a conversation and build a working relationship.
Instagram Bios: You’ll often see terms like “UGC Creator,” “Content Creator,” or even “Freelance UGC” right at the top of creators’ profiles, in their bios. To find these creators, you can use specific keyword searches related to your industry or product, like “#beautyugc” or “#techreviewcreator.” You can also explore tagged posts from similar brands—many UGC creators tag brands they’ve worked with and showcase these videos in their feeds. Through these posts, you’ll get a sense of the creator’s style and whether it fits with your brand’s needs.
Twitter/X: Many UGC creators on Twitter (now X) actively promote their work, share their pricing, and even announce when they’re open for collaborations. Creators often use it for quick networking and connections with brands. You can search phrases like “UGC creator available” or “looking for UGC creators” to find tweets from creators who are actively seeking new opportunities. These people are ready to collaborate and already understand the value of UGC.
Reddit and Discord: You can join subreddits like r/UGCcreator, where creators regularly share their work and discuss collaboration opportunities. You can also connect with new talent who express eagerness to work with brands. Similarly, there are dedicated Discord servers for freelancers and content creators—many of which are specifically for UGC creators. These communities are often full of creators actively seeking brand partnerships, giving you access to motivated, collaborative people. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at their approach and personality!
The Best Official UGC Creator Paid Platforms to Explore in 2025
If you’re looking for a more streamlined way to find UGC creators, official platforms can help you connect with talent quickly and easily. These tools simplify the search process by providing curated lists of creators who specialize in UGC content. With these platforms, you can browse profiles, sift through past work, and find the right fit for your brand! This works for both one-off videos and long-term partnerships.
Billo
Billo is a great option for brands that need fast-turnaround UGC videos—especially product demos and reviews. Billo connects you with skilled creators who deliver content that is high-quality yet natural, and on a timely basis. Billo helps showcase your products in a relatable way that drives engagement and conversions—it’s especially perfect for eCommerce, an easy way to scale content without sacrificing quality.
Trend.Io
Trend.io helps brands connect with UGC creators based on specific niches. You can filter by category to match with creators who understand the kind of audience you’re going for. Its flat-rate pricing model keeps costs predictable, which means no hidden fees, and much less back-and-forth. It’s good for brands with a budget!
Insense
Insense allows brands to find UGC creators based on content type, platform, and audience demographics. Whether you need videos, photos, reviews, or tutorials—you can filter by what you're looking for. It’s a flexible way to ensure your content meets both the right creators and the right viewers!
Join Brands
JoinBrands is a great choice for small businesses, or any other brand with a limited budget. Like the other platforms, JoinBrands connects you with talented UGC creators. You can start small and grow as you go, producing authentic content without overspending.
UGC platforms are great for quick wins—this is clear. But they don’t come at no cost. Sure, they’ll work for one-off projects, but if you’re running frequent campaigns, those costs and restrictions might add up fast.
This is where Creatify comes in. With AI avatars, voiceovers, and dynamic templates, our platform will help you generate UGC-style ads—at scale. No freelancers, no delays, and no usage limitations. It’s smarter and more cost-effective. Your content will flow at whatever pace you’d like.
How to Become a UGC Creator: Get Started
Wouldn’t it be awesome to turn content creation into a steady income? Becoming a UGC creator doesn’t require a big following or fancy equipment; anyone can give it a try. Video or photography—there's growing demand for creators like you. We’ll walk you through it all: how to build a portfolio, how to pitch to brands, and how to start getting paid for your content.
Choose a Niche: Focus on something that feels natural to you. Brands want to work with creators who truly align with their audience. Think about what you already use: is it skincare? Or is it tech, or fitness? When your content reflects your own real experiences, it ends up feeling more authentic—and this is what sells. With your expressed niche, brands will quickly see if you're a good match for their marketing campaign.
Set Up Your Gear: You don’t need a studio or expensive equipment to get started. Most UGC creators begin with just the bare basics: a smartphone with a good camera, a ring light for clean lighting, and a simple tripod to keep the shot steady. That’s all it takes to create polished, usable content. Start simple and stay on budget. Focus on developing your style and storytelling.
Create a Sample Portfolio: You don’t need a brand deal to start building your portfolio. Record 3–5 sample videos using products you already own—try something like reviews, unboxings, or casual day-in-the-life clips! These samples help brands see your style and what you’re capable of, so it will help you if you treat this content like the real thing.
Pitch to Brands: Email or DM brands you genuinely like, and keep your introductory message short and professional. Introduce yourself, share what kind of UGC you create, and include a working link to a portfolio of your best work. Make it clear how your content could help them connect with their desired audience. A confident, well-tailored pitch can truly open doors.
List Yourself on Platforms: Don’t wait for brands to come to you—get in front of them! Set up profiles on platforms like the ones listed above in this article. These sites make it easy to showcase your portfolio, set your rates, and connect with brands looking for UGC content creators. It’s a simple way to build momentum and get paid gigs. Once you have the momentum, you won’t have to pitch every time.
UGC Across Channels: Using Content Across Web, Email, and Social Media
Smart brands don’t just post UGC on social media—they use it everywhere! Part of the beauty of UGC is its versatility. Once you’ve got great content, it can be used anywhere: in Facebook and TikTok ads, in email campaigns, on your website, and even in retargeting ads! Because UGC works across every channel, it helps create a consistent brand presence.
Overly polished ads often get ignored. By contrast, UGC blends right in with the content people regularly scroll through. From product demos to unboxings, UGC makes your ads feel authentic and relatable. These platforms favor content that drives engagement, and UGC typically outperforms traditional ads in that area, contributing to their success.
With Creatify, repurposing UGC across channels can be done by just one person—it’s that easy. With Creatify, you can transform a single piece of content into dozens of variants and tailor it for different platforms and situations. No need for manual editing or reformatting—with just a few clicks from you, we’ll handle it. Your brand message will remain consistent, even as you optimize your content across different screens and platforms. This will save you time and boost performance—across the board.
User-Generated Content vs. Professionally Created Content: A Comparison
UGC is a smart choice for brands that want to build trust. Unlike traditional ads, it feels trustworthily human and relatable, which today’s consumers respond to. It’s quick to make and easy to scale—an ideal situation for fast-moving teams. It drives performance within a reasonable budget.
Professional content still has an important role, of course. It remains a key role in telling your brand story—the way you see it—or running high-budget promotions. While UGC is great for authenticity and everyday performance, there are moments that call for polish and precision—often depending on the platform. In these cases, pro content lets you fully control the narrative—and it’s often the case that UGC videos simply cannot match the level of quality. For big launches, national ads, or major partnerships, high-end production might be necessary to leave a lasting emotional impact.
But top-performing brands don’t pick between UGC and pro content; they use both strategically. UGC drives engagement and builds trust; professional content creates big storytelling moments. By pairing authenticity with polish, smart brands can reach every consumer at every stage of the journey. Use the right content for the right goal: UGC for relatability, pro content for impact.
Conclusion: Why UGC Creators Matter More Than Ever
UGC creators are the moment. In 2025, they’re the driving force behind some of the most successful campaigns. Why?—because they bring authenticity, affordability, and success. For brands, it’s a chance to scale content that feels real and relatable. For creators, it’s an opportunity to turn passion into income. The UGC economy is booming, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
If you want to create high-quality UGC-style videos without the hassle of freelancers or agencies, give Creatify a try. Our platform makes it simple to create authentic, engaging videos that capture real human emotion—powered by advanced AI.
Do you want to scale content quickly? Or are you looking to produce high-quality ads on a budget? Creatify will bring your vision to life—without the complexities of traditional production methods.
Today’s fast-paced digital landscape is a constant bombardment of ads—highly polished, flashy, and overly produced. Often, people scroll past them without even noticing what they were looking at.
Perfectly polished commercials don’t work anymore; they don’t hold the persuasive power over power they once had. Now, people are drawn to content that feels real: something genuine and unscripted. Enter: User-Generated Content, also known as UGC.
UGC centers everyday people who create authentic and engaging content. This content looks and feels like it came from a real customer, as opposed to a brand with a big budget. It’s the most trusted form of marketing today—one that the modern consumer resonates with.
Here at Creatify, we help brands create video content that performs well, looks great, and converts—actually converts. We combine the latest AI developments—AI-powered avatars, URL-to-video tools, and deep ad performance analysis—so that even teams with limited resources can produce scalable content. But the following remains true: that people still buy from other people. This is why authenticity is a non-negotiable.
This is why UGC creators make a real, true impact. Their ability to connect with viewers through honest and relatable storytelling and experience-sharing is based on an essential human connection. The smartest marketing strategies combine both AI and the authenticity of UGC.
This article will guide you through the world of UGC creators. Whether you’re a brand or a potential UGC creator yourself, you will find something useful here. We’ll walk you through what makes UGC creators different from influencers, where to find the best creators, and how to put creators’ content to work—in your own marketing campaign. This is the complete roadmap.
What Is a UGC Creator? The Rise of UGC Content in Digital Marketing
A User-Generated Content creator (UGC creator) produces video or photo content that mimics real, everyday customers. The key difference is that it’s intentionally created by brands as part of their marketing efforts.
From unboxings, product reviews, and quick tutorials to “day-in-the-life” testimonials, UGC content has a purpose: to feel real, relatable, and trustworthy. Perfection is not the primary goal; authenticity is. Once the trust is built in potential customers—and these customers are driven to action—you know the UGC marketing effort has been a success. And it works.
Unlike influencers, UGC content creators don’t need huge following counts. They don’t even need a verified checkmark to be valuable to brands. What matters much more is they create content that is relatable and natural—with the ultimate goal of high conversions. They’re more like recommendations from a friend than official advertisements. Storytelling takes precedent, as does authenticity. Self-promotion is less important.
Once the content is created, brands use it wherever they need: social ads, website, email campaigns, and landing pages. UGC content is highly flexible, placing UGC creators in even greater demand.
UGC Creators vs. Influencers: Key Differences You Need to Know
While influencers create content to share with their own audiences—usually on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube—UGC creators work a little differently. Instead of relying on personal follower bases, they produce content specifically for brands, which then rely on their own channels in the ways they see fit.
The key difference is ownership and control. Rather than paying for access to the creator’s audience, brands are investing in the creator’s ability to make authentic content that supports their marketing goals. This makes UGC creators incredibly versatile and cost-effective partners for modern brands.
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:
Influencers are hired primarily for their audience—and this makes their following counts and loyalty very important. When a brand works with an influencer, they’re essentially paying to access that person’s social reach, engagement, and credibility. This is useful because they can access a community of followers that already trust the influencer’s opinions and lifestyle. Therefore, the value of the engagement comes from the influencer’s ability to introduce your brand to their audience in a way that feels organic and personal. It’s less about the content itself and more about the influence that the influencer holds over their many followers.
On the other hand, UGC creators are hired for their ability to produce compelling content—not for their pre-established audience. With UGC content creators, you invest in the content itself. Once the video or photo is delivered, you get full usage rights, meaning you can repurpose it across your entire marketing campaign. This level of ownership gives brands maximum flexibility and long-term value—without the worry of ongoing usage fees, or limitations tied to the creator’s platform. It’s the kind of content that looks like it came from a happy customer—but in actuality, the content works like a high-performance ad.
Let’s refer to a simple example. Say you're a wellness brand, and you want to promote a new protein shake. If you hire a fitness influencer, they'll likely create a product video and post it to their own Instagram or TikTok, where their followers will see the video. The value comes from their pre-established audience, with whom they’ve built trust over time. The process with a UGC creator looks a little different. The UGC creator will create a similar video—maybe a review, a demo, or a morning routine—but instead of posting it to their own account, they deliver the content directly to you. You now have a high-quality, authentic-looking video you can use anywhere—in Facebook ads, Instagram reels, product pages, or email campaigns! There’s no need to depend on the creator’s reach; you control when, where, and how the content is used. So—not only is UGC more cost-effective, but it’s also faster and more scalable. It’s perfect for performance-driven marketing!
UGC by the Numbers: Powerful User-Generated Content Statistics You Should Know
Here are recent stats that show UGC’s importance in 2025:
As much as 84% of people trust UGC more than the polished brand content we’re used to seeing. Honest experiences with a product—and sharing these honest experiences—builds credibility. Consequently, their purchasing decisions receive more influence.
UGC-based ads get 4 times the amount of engagement as polished creatives. When ads look like they’re made by real users, not brands, they grab attention and spark more interaction. Authenticity beats perfection in today’s digital world!
93% of marketers say UGC performs better than branded visuals, and unsurprisingly so—consumers trust real content more.
Adding UGC to product pages can increase the number of conversions by 29%.
Creatify customers using UGC-style content have seen a 30–40% lower CPA. By sharing authentic and relatable content, brands can drive more conversions—for a much lower cost.
How to Find UGC Creators Organically
Connecting with talented UGC creators doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on premium platforms or agencies. In fact, some of the most effective collaborations with quality creators come from simple and organic outreach. Here are four possible ways:
TikTok Search: To find UGC creators, start by searching hashtags—like #UGCcreator, #UGCcontent, or #UGCvideo. Keep an eye out for creators who have high-quality visuals, strong storytelling skills, and an engaging on-camera presence. Good UGC creators don’t need fancy equipment—they just know how to make content that feels natural and compelling. From there, it’s easy to start a conversation and build a working relationship.
Instagram Bios: You’ll often see terms like “UGC Creator,” “Content Creator,” or even “Freelance UGC” right at the top of creators’ profiles, in their bios. To find these creators, you can use specific keyword searches related to your industry or product, like “#beautyugc” or “#techreviewcreator.” You can also explore tagged posts from similar brands—many UGC creators tag brands they’ve worked with and showcase these videos in their feeds. Through these posts, you’ll get a sense of the creator’s style and whether it fits with your brand’s needs.
Twitter/X: Many UGC creators on Twitter (now X) actively promote their work, share their pricing, and even announce when they’re open for collaborations. Creators often use it for quick networking and connections with brands. You can search phrases like “UGC creator available” or “looking for UGC creators” to find tweets from creators who are actively seeking new opportunities. These people are ready to collaborate and already understand the value of UGC.
Reddit and Discord: You can join subreddits like r/UGCcreator, where creators regularly share their work and discuss collaboration opportunities. You can also connect with new talent who express eagerness to work with brands. Similarly, there are dedicated Discord servers for freelancers and content creators—many of which are specifically for UGC creators. These communities are often full of creators actively seeking brand partnerships, giving you access to motivated, collaborative people. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at their approach and personality!
The Best Official UGC Creator Paid Platforms to Explore in 2025
If you’re looking for a more streamlined way to find UGC creators, official platforms can help you connect with talent quickly and easily. These tools simplify the search process by providing curated lists of creators who specialize in UGC content. With these platforms, you can browse profiles, sift through past work, and find the right fit for your brand! This works for both one-off videos and long-term partnerships.
Billo
Billo is a great option for brands that need fast-turnaround UGC videos—especially product demos and reviews. Billo connects you with skilled creators who deliver content that is high-quality yet natural, and on a timely basis. Billo helps showcase your products in a relatable way that drives engagement and conversions—it’s especially perfect for eCommerce, an easy way to scale content without sacrificing quality.
Trend.Io
Trend.io helps brands connect with UGC creators based on specific niches. You can filter by category to match with creators who understand the kind of audience you’re going for. Its flat-rate pricing model keeps costs predictable, which means no hidden fees, and much less back-and-forth. It’s good for brands with a budget!
Insense
Insense allows brands to find UGC creators based on content type, platform, and audience demographics. Whether you need videos, photos, reviews, or tutorials—you can filter by what you're looking for. It’s a flexible way to ensure your content meets both the right creators and the right viewers!
Join Brands
JoinBrands is a great choice for small businesses, or any other brand with a limited budget. Like the other platforms, JoinBrands connects you with talented UGC creators. You can start small and grow as you go, producing authentic content without overspending.
UGC platforms are great for quick wins—this is clear. But they don’t come at no cost. Sure, they’ll work for one-off projects, but if you’re running frequent campaigns, those costs and restrictions might add up fast.
This is where Creatify comes in. With AI avatars, voiceovers, and dynamic templates, our platform will help you generate UGC-style ads—at scale. No freelancers, no delays, and no usage limitations. It’s smarter and more cost-effective. Your content will flow at whatever pace you’d like.
How to Become a UGC Creator: Get Started
Wouldn’t it be awesome to turn content creation into a steady income? Becoming a UGC creator doesn’t require a big following or fancy equipment; anyone can give it a try. Video or photography—there's growing demand for creators like you. We’ll walk you through it all: how to build a portfolio, how to pitch to brands, and how to start getting paid for your content.
Choose a Niche: Focus on something that feels natural to you. Brands want to work with creators who truly align with their audience. Think about what you already use: is it skincare? Or is it tech, or fitness? When your content reflects your own real experiences, it ends up feeling more authentic—and this is what sells. With your expressed niche, brands will quickly see if you're a good match for their marketing campaign.
Set Up Your Gear: You don’t need a studio or expensive equipment to get started. Most UGC creators begin with just the bare basics: a smartphone with a good camera, a ring light for clean lighting, and a simple tripod to keep the shot steady. That’s all it takes to create polished, usable content. Start simple and stay on budget. Focus on developing your style and storytelling.
Create a Sample Portfolio: You don’t need a brand deal to start building your portfolio. Record 3–5 sample videos using products you already own—try something like reviews, unboxings, or casual day-in-the-life clips! These samples help brands see your style and what you’re capable of, so it will help you if you treat this content like the real thing.
Pitch to Brands: Email or DM brands you genuinely like, and keep your introductory message short and professional. Introduce yourself, share what kind of UGC you create, and include a working link to a portfolio of your best work. Make it clear how your content could help them connect with their desired audience. A confident, well-tailored pitch can truly open doors.
List Yourself on Platforms: Don’t wait for brands to come to you—get in front of them! Set up profiles on platforms like the ones listed above in this article. These sites make it easy to showcase your portfolio, set your rates, and connect with brands looking for UGC content creators. It’s a simple way to build momentum and get paid gigs. Once you have the momentum, you won’t have to pitch every time.
UGC Across Channels: Using Content Across Web, Email, and Social Media
Smart brands don’t just post UGC on social media—they use it everywhere! Part of the beauty of UGC is its versatility. Once you’ve got great content, it can be used anywhere: in Facebook and TikTok ads, in email campaigns, on your website, and even in retargeting ads! Because UGC works across every channel, it helps create a consistent brand presence.
Overly polished ads often get ignored. By contrast, UGC blends right in with the content people regularly scroll through. From product demos to unboxings, UGC makes your ads feel authentic and relatable. These platforms favor content that drives engagement, and UGC typically outperforms traditional ads in that area, contributing to their success.
With Creatify, repurposing UGC across channels can be done by just one person—it’s that easy. With Creatify, you can transform a single piece of content into dozens of variants and tailor it for different platforms and situations. No need for manual editing or reformatting—with just a few clicks from you, we’ll handle it. Your brand message will remain consistent, even as you optimize your content across different screens and platforms. This will save you time and boost performance—across the board.
User-Generated Content vs. Professionally Created Content: A Comparison
UGC is a smart choice for brands that want to build trust. Unlike traditional ads, it feels trustworthily human and relatable, which today’s consumers respond to. It’s quick to make and easy to scale—an ideal situation for fast-moving teams. It drives performance within a reasonable budget.
Professional content still has an important role, of course. It remains a key role in telling your brand story—the way you see it—or running high-budget promotions. While UGC is great for authenticity and everyday performance, there are moments that call for polish and precision—often depending on the platform. In these cases, pro content lets you fully control the narrative—and it’s often the case that UGC videos simply cannot match the level of quality. For big launches, national ads, or major partnerships, high-end production might be necessary to leave a lasting emotional impact.
But top-performing brands don’t pick between UGC and pro content; they use both strategically. UGC drives engagement and builds trust; professional content creates big storytelling moments. By pairing authenticity with polish, smart brands can reach every consumer at every stage of the journey. Use the right content for the right goal: UGC for relatability, pro content for impact.
Conclusion: Why UGC Creators Matter More Than Ever
UGC creators are the moment. In 2025, they’re the driving force behind some of the most successful campaigns. Why?—because they bring authenticity, affordability, and success. For brands, it’s a chance to scale content that feels real and relatable. For creators, it’s an opportunity to turn passion into income. The UGC economy is booming, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
If you want to create high-quality UGC-style videos without the hassle of freelancers or agencies, give Creatify a try. Our platform makes it simple to create authentic, engaging videos that capture real human emotion—powered by advanced AI.
Do you want to scale content quickly? Or are you looking to produce high-quality ads on a budget? Creatify will bring your vision to life—without the complexities of traditional production methods.
Today’s fast-paced digital landscape is a constant bombardment of ads—highly polished, flashy, and overly produced. Often, people scroll past them without even noticing what they were looking at.
Perfectly polished commercials don’t work anymore; they don’t hold the persuasive power over power they once had. Now, people are drawn to content that feels real: something genuine and unscripted. Enter: User-Generated Content, also known as UGC.
UGC centers everyday people who create authentic and engaging content. This content looks and feels like it came from a real customer, as opposed to a brand with a big budget. It’s the most trusted form of marketing today—one that the modern consumer resonates with.
Here at Creatify, we help brands create video content that performs well, looks great, and converts—actually converts. We combine the latest AI developments—AI-powered avatars, URL-to-video tools, and deep ad performance analysis—so that even teams with limited resources can produce scalable content. But the following remains true: that people still buy from other people. This is why authenticity is a non-negotiable.
This is why UGC creators make a real, true impact. Their ability to connect with viewers through honest and relatable storytelling and experience-sharing is based on an essential human connection. The smartest marketing strategies combine both AI and the authenticity of UGC.
This article will guide you through the world of UGC creators. Whether you’re a brand or a potential UGC creator yourself, you will find something useful here. We’ll walk you through what makes UGC creators different from influencers, where to find the best creators, and how to put creators’ content to work—in your own marketing campaign. This is the complete roadmap.
What Is a UGC Creator? The Rise of UGC Content in Digital Marketing
A User-Generated Content creator (UGC creator) produces video or photo content that mimics real, everyday customers. The key difference is that it’s intentionally created by brands as part of their marketing efforts.
From unboxings, product reviews, and quick tutorials to “day-in-the-life” testimonials, UGC content has a purpose: to feel real, relatable, and trustworthy. Perfection is not the primary goal; authenticity is. Once the trust is built in potential customers—and these customers are driven to action—you know the UGC marketing effort has been a success. And it works.
Unlike influencers, UGC content creators don’t need huge following counts. They don’t even need a verified checkmark to be valuable to brands. What matters much more is they create content that is relatable and natural—with the ultimate goal of high conversions. They’re more like recommendations from a friend than official advertisements. Storytelling takes precedent, as does authenticity. Self-promotion is less important.
Once the content is created, brands use it wherever they need: social ads, website, email campaigns, and landing pages. UGC content is highly flexible, placing UGC creators in even greater demand.
UGC Creators vs. Influencers: Key Differences You Need to Know
While influencers create content to share with their own audiences—usually on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube—UGC creators work a little differently. Instead of relying on personal follower bases, they produce content specifically for brands, which then rely on their own channels in the ways they see fit.
The key difference is ownership and control. Rather than paying for access to the creator’s audience, brands are investing in the creator’s ability to make authentic content that supports their marketing goals. This makes UGC creators incredibly versatile and cost-effective partners for modern brands.
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:
Influencers are hired primarily for their audience—and this makes their following counts and loyalty very important. When a brand works with an influencer, they’re essentially paying to access that person’s social reach, engagement, and credibility. This is useful because they can access a community of followers that already trust the influencer’s opinions and lifestyle. Therefore, the value of the engagement comes from the influencer’s ability to introduce your brand to their audience in a way that feels organic and personal. It’s less about the content itself and more about the influence that the influencer holds over their many followers.
On the other hand, UGC creators are hired for their ability to produce compelling content—not for their pre-established audience. With UGC content creators, you invest in the content itself. Once the video or photo is delivered, you get full usage rights, meaning you can repurpose it across your entire marketing campaign. This level of ownership gives brands maximum flexibility and long-term value—without the worry of ongoing usage fees, or limitations tied to the creator’s platform. It’s the kind of content that looks like it came from a happy customer—but in actuality, the content works like a high-performance ad.
Let’s refer to a simple example. Say you're a wellness brand, and you want to promote a new protein shake. If you hire a fitness influencer, they'll likely create a product video and post it to their own Instagram or TikTok, where their followers will see the video. The value comes from their pre-established audience, with whom they’ve built trust over time. The process with a UGC creator looks a little different. The UGC creator will create a similar video—maybe a review, a demo, or a morning routine—but instead of posting it to their own account, they deliver the content directly to you. You now have a high-quality, authentic-looking video you can use anywhere—in Facebook ads, Instagram reels, product pages, or email campaigns! There’s no need to depend on the creator’s reach; you control when, where, and how the content is used. So—not only is UGC more cost-effective, but it’s also faster and more scalable. It’s perfect for performance-driven marketing!
UGC by the Numbers: Powerful User-Generated Content Statistics You Should Know
Here are recent stats that show UGC’s importance in 2025:
As much as 84% of people trust UGC more than the polished brand content we’re used to seeing. Honest experiences with a product—and sharing these honest experiences—builds credibility. Consequently, their purchasing decisions receive more influence.
UGC-based ads get 4 times the amount of engagement as polished creatives. When ads look like they’re made by real users, not brands, they grab attention and spark more interaction. Authenticity beats perfection in today’s digital world!
93% of marketers say UGC performs better than branded visuals, and unsurprisingly so—consumers trust real content more.
Adding UGC to product pages can increase the number of conversions by 29%.
Creatify customers using UGC-style content have seen a 30–40% lower CPA. By sharing authentic and relatable content, brands can drive more conversions—for a much lower cost.
How to Find UGC Creators Organically
Connecting with talented UGC creators doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on premium platforms or agencies. In fact, some of the most effective collaborations with quality creators come from simple and organic outreach. Here are four possible ways:
TikTok Search: To find UGC creators, start by searching hashtags—like #UGCcreator, #UGCcontent, or #UGCvideo. Keep an eye out for creators who have high-quality visuals, strong storytelling skills, and an engaging on-camera presence. Good UGC creators don’t need fancy equipment—they just know how to make content that feels natural and compelling. From there, it’s easy to start a conversation and build a working relationship.
Instagram Bios: You’ll often see terms like “UGC Creator,” “Content Creator,” or even “Freelance UGC” right at the top of creators’ profiles, in their bios. To find these creators, you can use specific keyword searches related to your industry or product, like “#beautyugc” or “#techreviewcreator.” You can also explore tagged posts from similar brands—many UGC creators tag brands they’ve worked with and showcase these videos in their feeds. Through these posts, you’ll get a sense of the creator’s style and whether it fits with your brand’s needs.
Twitter/X: Many UGC creators on Twitter (now X) actively promote their work, share their pricing, and even announce when they’re open for collaborations. Creators often use it for quick networking and connections with brands. You can search phrases like “UGC creator available” or “looking for UGC creators” to find tweets from creators who are actively seeking new opportunities. These people are ready to collaborate and already understand the value of UGC.
Reddit and Discord: You can join subreddits like r/UGCcreator, where creators regularly share their work and discuss collaboration opportunities. You can also connect with new talent who express eagerness to work with brands. Similarly, there are dedicated Discord servers for freelancers and content creators—many of which are specifically for UGC creators. These communities are often full of creators actively seeking brand partnerships, giving you access to motivated, collaborative people. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at their approach and personality!
The Best Official UGC Creator Paid Platforms to Explore in 2025
If you’re looking for a more streamlined way to find UGC creators, official platforms can help you connect with talent quickly and easily. These tools simplify the search process by providing curated lists of creators who specialize in UGC content. With these platforms, you can browse profiles, sift through past work, and find the right fit for your brand! This works for both one-off videos and long-term partnerships.
Billo
Billo is a great option for brands that need fast-turnaround UGC videos—especially product demos and reviews. Billo connects you with skilled creators who deliver content that is high-quality yet natural, and on a timely basis. Billo helps showcase your products in a relatable way that drives engagement and conversions—it’s especially perfect for eCommerce, an easy way to scale content without sacrificing quality.
Trend.Io
Trend.io helps brands connect with UGC creators based on specific niches. You can filter by category to match with creators who understand the kind of audience you’re going for. Its flat-rate pricing model keeps costs predictable, which means no hidden fees, and much less back-and-forth. It’s good for brands with a budget!
Insense
Insense allows brands to find UGC creators based on content type, platform, and audience demographics. Whether you need videos, photos, reviews, or tutorials—you can filter by what you're looking for. It’s a flexible way to ensure your content meets both the right creators and the right viewers!
Join Brands
JoinBrands is a great choice for small businesses, or any other brand with a limited budget. Like the other platforms, JoinBrands connects you with talented UGC creators. You can start small and grow as you go, producing authentic content without overspending.
UGC platforms are great for quick wins—this is clear. But they don’t come at no cost. Sure, they’ll work for one-off projects, but if you’re running frequent campaigns, those costs and restrictions might add up fast.
This is where Creatify comes in. With AI avatars, voiceovers, and dynamic templates, our platform will help you generate UGC-style ads—at scale. No freelancers, no delays, and no usage limitations. It’s smarter and more cost-effective. Your content will flow at whatever pace you’d like.
How to Become a UGC Creator: Get Started
Wouldn’t it be awesome to turn content creation into a steady income? Becoming a UGC creator doesn’t require a big following or fancy equipment; anyone can give it a try. Video or photography—there's growing demand for creators like you. We’ll walk you through it all: how to build a portfolio, how to pitch to brands, and how to start getting paid for your content.
Choose a Niche: Focus on something that feels natural to you. Brands want to work with creators who truly align with their audience. Think about what you already use: is it skincare? Or is it tech, or fitness? When your content reflects your own real experiences, it ends up feeling more authentic—and this is what sells. With your expressed niche, brands will quickly see if you're a good match for their marketing campaign.
Set Up Your Gear: You don’t need a studio or expensive equipment to get started. Most UGC creators begin with just the bare basics: a smartphone with a good camera, a ring light for clean lighting, and a simple tripod to keep the shot steady. That’s all it takes to create polished, usable content. Start simple and stay on budget. Focus on developing your style and storytelling.
Create a Sample Portfolio: You don’t need a brand deal to start building your portfolio. Record 3–5 sample videos using products you already own—try something like reviews, unboxings, or casual day-in-the-life clips! These samples help brands see your style and what you’re capable of, so it will help you if you treat this content like the real thing.
Pitch to Brands: Email or DM brands you genuinely like, and keep your introductory message short and professional. Introduce yourself, share what kind of UGC you create, and include a working link to a portfolio of your best work. Make it clear how your content could help them connect with their desired audience. A confident, well-tailored pitch can truly open doors.
List Yourself on Platforms: Don’t wait for brands to come to you—get in front of them! Set up profiles on platforms like the ones listed above in this article. These sites make it easy to showcase your portfolio, set your rates, and connect with brands looking for UGC content creators. It’s a simple way to build momentum and get paid gigs. Once you have the momentum, you won’t have to pitch every time.
UGC Across Channels: Using Content Across Web, Email, and Social Media
Smart brands don’t just post UGC on social media—they use it everywhere! Part of the beauty of UGC is its versatility. Once you’ve got great content, it can be used anywhere: in Facebook and TikTok ads, in email campaigns, on your website, and even in retargeting ads! Because UGC works across every channel, it helps create a consistent brand presence.
Overly polished ads often get ignored. By contrast, UGC blends right in with the content people regularly scroll through. From product demos to unboxings, UGC makes your ads feel authentic and relatable. These platforms favor content that drives engagement, and UGC typically outperforms traditional ads in that area, contributing to their success.
With Creatify, repurposing UGC across channels can be done by just one person—it’s that easy. With Creatify, you can transform a single piece of content into dozens of variants and tailor it for different platforms and situations. No need for manual editing or reformatting—with just a few clicks from you, we’ll handle it. Your brand message will remain consistent, even as you optimize your content across different screens and platforms. This will save you time and boost performance—across the board.
User-Generated Content vs. Professionally Created Content: A Comparison
UGC is a smart choice for brands that want to build trust. Unlike traditional ads, it feels trustworthily human and relatable, which today’s consumers respond to. It’s quick to make and easy to scale—an ideal situation for fast-moving teams. It drives performance within a reasonable budget.
Professional content still has an important role, of course. It remains a key role in telling your brand story—the way you see it—or running high-budget promotions. While UGC is great for authenticity and everyday performance, there are moments that call for polish and precision—often depending on the platform. In these cases, pro content lets you fully control the narrative—and it’s often the case that UGC videos simply cannot match the level of quality. For big launches, national ads, or major partnerships, high-end production might be necessary to leave a lasting emotional impact.
But top-performing brands don’t pick between UGC and pro content; they use both strategically. UGC drives engagement and builds trust; professional content creates big storytelling moments. By pairing authenticity with polish, smart brands can reach every consumer at every stage of the journey. Use the right content for the right goal: UGC for relatability, pro content for impact.
Conclusion: Why UGC Creators Matter More Than Ever
UGC creators are the moment. In 2025, they’re the driving force behind some of the most successful campaigns. Why?—because they bring authenticity, affordability, and success. For brands, it’s a chance to scale content that feels real and relatable. For creators, it’s an opportunity to turn passion into income. The UGC economy is booming, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
If you want to create high-quality UGC-style videos without the hassle of freelancers or agencies, give Creatify a try. Our platform makes it simple to create authentic, engaging videos that capture real human emotion—powered by advanced AI.
Do you want to scale content quickly? Or are you looking to produce high-quality ads on a budget? Creatify will bring your vision to life—without the complexities of traditional production methods.
