Did you know that it’s part of human nature to trust recommendations from everyday people more than ads or influencers? When someone like you shares feedback or writes a positive review about a product, it feels more genuine. This is because most people know that influencers are often paid to promote things, so they tend to believe real users more. That’s why user-generated content (UGC) has become so popular. In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what is a UGC creator and explore how UGC creators are active on social media, along with some famous examples of successful UGC creator campaigns.
- UGC creators make content for brands to use, rather than posting it to their own following.
- You don’t need a large audience. Brands buy the content, not your reach.
- That’s the core difference from influencers, who are paid to promote to their followers.
- UGC works because it looks like a real customer, not an ad.
- Campaigns like #MyCalvins and Starbucks’ Red Cup Contest built their reach from customer posts.
- Stream your UGC to multiple platforms at once with OneStream Live and show products on screen while you do.
What is a UGC Creator?
The term “UGC Creator” has gained popularity recently. But what is a UGC Creator? UGC stands for “User-Generated Content,” which means the content is created by everyday people, not professionals. UGC Creators create user-generated content like videos, photos, or posts that others can see and engage with on social media or websites.
By sharing real, relatable moments, a UGC creator can connect with audiences in ways that feel more authentic. Brands are starting to notice this, and many are now teaming up with UGC creators to promote products, making their marketing feel more natural and engaging.
UGC creators share their thoughts, ideas, and creativity often for fun with others online. The UGC connects with people and encourages them to interact, which makes them valuable storytellers in the marketing world.
UGC Creators on Social Media
Let’s look at a few examples of User-Generated Content creators on social media platforms:
Examples of UGC Creators on Instagram
On Instagram, you can search for UGC by typing “#UGC” in the search bar and then going to the “Accounts” tab. You will find many people who mention UGC in their profiles, meaning they offer this service.
It’s time to explore some of these profiles and see some more details.
moodpourtoi
Moodpourtoi is a UGC content creator who focuses on beauty content. In her profile, she invites people to message her for collaborations. She also has a highlight called “Previous Collabs,” where she mentioned the brands she has worked with before.
Saadetaydinnnn
The difference between these two accounts is their focus. While Moodpourtoi is about skincare, Saadetaydinnnn creates UGC for lifestyle and fashion.
Example of UGC Creators on TikTok
Now that we have covered Instagram let’s look at a TikTok example.
caterina_triant4
Caterina is a UGC creator with over 3 million likes on TikTok. She creates makeup content and has her email listed in her profile for collaborations.
Example of UGC Creators on YouTube
Let’s take the example of a UGC Creator from YouTube.
Justine Ezarik (iJustine)
Justine Ezarik’s UGC creation on Apple products, technology reviews, and gaming. She produces UGC through reviews, tutorials, and everyday use of tech products, keeping her content focused on the user experience.
There are many UGC creators on each social platform. You can read a detailed guide here if you want to become one.
Examples of Successful UGC Creator Campaigns
Here are some examples that prove how UGC campaigns help brands reach more people and create real connections with their audience. By using content from real users, brands can make their marketing feel more honest and relatable.
Calvin Klein’s #MyCalvins
Calvin Klein’s campaign encouraged people to share photos of themselves wearing Calvin Klein clothing using the hashtag #MyCalvins. This created over 180,000 posts on Instagram, helping the brand connect with a broad audience.
Glossier’s #Glossier Campaign
Glossier’s campaign invited users to share photos of themselves using Glossier products. This authentic content helped boost the brand’s popularity by featuring real users on their website and social media.
Starbucks' Red Cup Contest
Starbucks invited customers to decorate their iconic red cups and share their designs using the hashtag #RedCupContest. The campaign generated over 40,000 user-generated entries within the first two days.
The Differences Between UGC Creators and Influencers?
Although UGC creators and influencers operate in the same social media space, their roles, goals, and approaches differ significantly. The comparison between UGC Creators and Influencers is shown in the table below.
The Simplest Way to Stream UGC
The easiest way to stream your UGC content is by using OneStream Live. The platform allows you to go live, record your videos, and stream to multiple social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X—all from one place and simultaneously. OneStream Live supports more than 45 different platforms. Additionally, you can brand your content by adding your own logos, colors, overlays, intros, and outros, making your content look professional and unique without the hassle of switching between different tools.
With OneStream Live, you can show the products you’re talking about right on screen while you stream. Add images, prices and links, and each product gets a scannable QR code, so viewers can go straight to the brand’s page instead of hunting for it in your bio.
In the End
UGC creators are becoming more important for brands because they help make content feel real and relatable. By creating honest and fun content, they help brands connect better with their audience. If you want to become a UGC creator, it’s a great way to share your creativity and get noticed by brands. Plus, your content could help others make decisions about products they’re interested in. Now that you know what a UGC creator is, you can start creating content and sharing your voice with the world!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need followers to be a UGC creator?
No. Brands are buying content to run on their own channels, so your follower count usually doesn’t come into it. What matters is whether your videos look natural and convert.
How much do UGC creators charge?
Rates vary widely by market and experience, and most creators price per video or per package rather than by audience size. Look at what others in your niche list publicly before setting yours.
What equipment do I need to start?
A recent phone, decent natural light, and clean audio. UGC is meant to look like a real person filmed it, so polished studio production often works against you.
How do I find brands to work with?
Put UGC in your bio with a contact email, apply through UGC marketplaces, and pitch brands you already use. Most creators build a small portfolio of unpaid sample videos first.
Who owns the content I create?
Whatever your contract says. Brands usually buy usage rights for a set period and set platforms, and paid ad usage typically costs more than organic. Agree this in writing before you deliver.
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