What is a UGC Creator?
The Side Hustle Everyone’s Talking About in 2025.
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube lately, you’ve probably come across a video that appears to be a casual review, unboxing, or tutorial—and thought, “That feels super real.” That, my friend, is most likely UGC.
But what exactly is UGC, and how are people making serious money from it?
Let’s break it down.
What Does UGC Stand For?
UGC = User-Generated Content
Traditionally, UGC referred to content created by customers or fans of a brand, such as selfies featuring a product or authentic reviews on social media. However, by 2025, UGC has evolved into a side hustle and a profession in its own right.
Now, a UGC Creator is someone who is compensated by brands to produce “organic-style” content that mimics a real customer’s perspective—without the need to share it on their own social media account.
What Does a UGC Creator Do?
UGC creators create authentic, relatable, and engaging content for brands to utilize in:
- Ads
- Social media posts
- Product pages
- Email campaigns
Examples of UGC content:
- Unboxing videos
- Product reviews
- Tutorials or “How-to” reels
- A day in the life featuring a product
- Voiceover lifestyle clips
- “TikTok-style ads (yes, even for major brands)
The key? It appears genuine rather than polished. That’s what makes UGC so powerful—it fosters trust.
Why Brands Love UGC (and Are Willing to Pay for It)
In a world of flashy ads and influencers with millions of followers, people crave authenticity. UGC converts better because:
- It feels sincere and intimate.
- It simulates word-of-mouth marketing.
- It is significantly more affordable than influencer deals.
Brands are now hiring everyday people—no fancy cameras or large followings required—to create content that their audience genuinely relates to.
How Do You Become a UGC Creator?
The best part? You don’t have to be an influencer to begin. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a Niche (beauty, fitness, skincare, tech, etc.)
- Create a UGC portfolio featuring sample videos (you don’t need to be hired to create them!)
- Contact brands or utilize platforms such as:
- JoinBrands
- Trend.io
- Billo
- FameBit (YouTube)
- JoinBrands
- Establish Your Pricing (many creators charge between $100 and $500+ per video based on their experience and usage rights)
UGC Is the Ultimate 2025 Side Hustle
With low startup costs, flexible hours, and the potential for real income, UGC creation has emerged as one of the top side hustles this year—particularly for Gen Z and Millennials.
You don’t need a flawless aesthetic; all you need is a phone, creativity, and the ability to speak naturally on camera.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a way to earn extra money that combines creativity, flexibility, and significant earning potential, becoming a UGC Creator could be the right choice for you.
No followers? No problem. In the UGC world, authenticity is the new fame.
