UGC: how to start creating content for brands (complete guide for UGC beginners)

Yes, we know you already know what UGC is, but you probably want to learn more about how to get started in the world of UGC. The reason is simple: you’re interested in working with brands and earning money by creating videos, photos or product reviews.

And that’s normal. It’s a profession with a lot of potential both now and in the future, but let us tell you upfront that it’s not as easy as it seems… In this article, we explain step by step how to get started as a UGC content creator and begin generating income.

UGC stands for User Generated Content or User-Generated Content. These are videos, images or texts created by real people —not influencers— that brands use to promote their products or services, especially on social media, UGC Ads, UGC SEO, email marketing, websites (landing pages, homepages…), growth, etc.

You don’t need thousands of followers or to be an influencer. In fact, you don’t need even a single follower. You only need:

• A phone with a good camera (ideally one that records in 4K).
• Creativity and the ability to follow instructions (to create the script and follow the brief).
• Some basic editing skills (CapCut, Edits, InShot, Premiere, etc.).
• A good microphone to record high-quality audio (this is fuuuundamental; if you don’t want to invest €50-€100 in a decent mic, don’t bother, as you won’t get any paid work)
• An account on UGC platforms such as HICARI, where you can apply for real brand campaigns.

And no.

You don’t need a UGC profile on social media, as many other accounts or courses will recommend. As it happens, the people who recommend this are usually influencers or micro-influencers who create UGC, but of course… having 10k, 20k or 30k followers isn’t the same… There, you’re selling your UGC service as an influencer.

Brands are tired of receiving dozens of daily requests from creators and influencers on social media. You’ll have a 1/100 chance of getting anything, so the effort isn’t worthwhile. They need to be the ones searching for UGC creators.

We’re talking about what you need. If you want to have an account, obviously it won’t hurt, but it’s not something you need to start creating UGC content.

Make it as professional as possible while keeping your own warm and authentic tone.

• Upload a good profile photo. A front-facing shot up to mid-torso, which is usually the part of content creators visible when they speak to the camera.
• Write a description of your content style, interests and relevant personal information related to the creation of your content. Connect with brands.
• Indicate what types of videos you create or specialize in: reviews, unboxings, lifestyle, tutorials, etc.

Before a brand hires you, it will want to see how you perform on camera, and how you edit and communicate. It’s essential. No brand will hire you without seeing at least 2 examples of your videos. Record these examples even if they’re simulated, showing product use (even if you haven’t been paid or sent the product), food or activity experiences (so they can see how you create a vlog-style video).

Examples of videos you can record for your portfolio:

Important: even if you love beauty and fashion, you know… not all brands are in these sectors, so try to have examples from all kinds of industries. Record with good natural lighting and, if possible, with a neutral or blurred background, unless you specifically want to create the feeling of being on the sofa or in a particular setting. What types of video content can I create for my brand?.

Once you have 2-6 sample videos:

• Upload them to your profile on platforms such as HICARI.
• Apply to campaigns according to each brand’s requirements (language, style, tone, country, etc.).
• Optimise your profile, because even if you don’t apply or there are no active campaigns, brands can contact you privately on platforms such as HICARI. Don’t get discouraged.
• Make sure you read the brief carefully before recording.

When a brand selects you:

• Review the brief in detail (script, duration, framing…).
• Make sure you know where the content will be published: on your profile, delivered to the brand, or potentially both.
• Usage rights. On HICARI, all brands have commercial and organic usage rights for 10 years from content delivery. You don’t need to do anything; everything is included in the order acceptance terms.
• Record in high quality (2K minimum or 4K if possible).
• Edit according to the requirements: hook, quick cuts, text, subtitles, call-to-action.
• If you have questions, ask. Don’t be afraid to.
• Deliver on time. Professionalism is key to being hired again. If you finish before the agreed deadline, deliver it early. It will make a very good impression.

• Be yourself, but pay attention to your language and clarity when speaking. Taking care with your language doesn’t mean pronouncing every “s” if you’re from Seville; it means not using swear words. Speak as if to a friend, but not as if they were your best friend.
• Study viral UGC content for inspiration. Also consume lots of content and try to pay attention to Instagram or TikTok ads and whether they are UGC.
• If you speak on camera (it should be a must), pay attention to your accent and diction (some brands ask for a neutral accent or European Spanish).
• Some brands value whether you live nearby, in case they need you to record in a shop or physical location to try their product or service.
• Learn basic editing in apps such as CapCut, Edits (my favourite) or VN Video Editor.
• Share your portfolio on social media or add your HICARI link to your Instagram or TikTok bio.

Be very professional. Reply to emails on time; if they ask for X, deliver X+1 so they come back to you. Try to deliver ahead of schedule… Follow what the brand asks for, and if you want to add your personal touch, provide it as an extra—but don’t do the bare minimum.

One of the quickest ways to get started is to sign up for free on HICARI, the platform where UGC creators and brands connect.

1. Create your free profile on HICARI.
2. Upload your portfolio.
3. Apply to campaigns from real brands.
4. Receive briefs with clear instructions. Receive private requests from companies.
5. Get paid for every video.

One of the great advantages of UGC content is that you don’t need to be a professional videographer or an influencer. But there are some basic skills that will help you a lot from the start:

• Use the rear camera if you can (better quality). Although the latest high-end phones record at very high quality with their front camera too.
• Record vertically, with good natural light (near a window). Unless you are instructed to record in another format.
• Clean your phone’s lens before recording. It should be obvious, but…
• Repeat the takes as many times as necessary.
• Record short sentences.
• Change shots frequently.

You don’t need to work magic. Just:

• Cut silences, mistakes or long pauses.
• Add text or images if you want to emphasize key ideas.
• Use apps such as CapCut, InShot or Edits (100% free, our favorite).
• Add basic transitions and basic sound effects

• Speak as if you were explaining it to a friend. But be careful: read the brief carefully in case you need to follow specific communication guidelines.
• Use short, direct sentences.
• And be yourself! Brands are looking for authenticity, not actors.

Once you’re on HICARI as a Standard creator, here’s what we recommend to get off to a strong start and increase your opportunities with brands:

Although only 2 are required, the more varied videos you have, the more confidence you inspire. Showcase different styles, tones and topics. The maximum is 6, so upload as many as possible and make them as varied as possible.

When applying to a brief, add a brief but compelling comment:

• “I’ve recorded similar videos and I love this type of product.”
• “I can deliver within 48 hours and adapt to the brand’s values.”

HICARI brands greatly value reliability in deliveries. If you impress them with your delivery times, you’ll definitely have more chances to work with that brand again.

In addition to the previous examples, here are more ideas to inspire you:

Although it’s not ideal, this is also valid UGC, and many brands buy it:

• Voiceover: narrate in your voice while the product is shown.
• Hands-only: only your hands are shown using the product.
• Environment recording: show how something works, without people.
• Review-style content: record and narrate as if you were a consumer.

This lets you start with zero personal exposure and, if you want, build confidence little by little. That said, make sure the brand doesn’t require you to appear on camera, and clearly communicate that your face won’t be shown to avoid misunderstandings.

Getting started in UGC is easier than it seems. If you enjoy recording videos, communicating and trying products, it can be a way to make money creating content from home.

Remember: you don’t need to be an influencer; you just need to know how to communicate naturally and be eager to grow.