At the beginning of 2023, I noticed a growing trend of small creators adding “UGC Creator” to their Instagram bios, and people in my circle started discussing it. Curious, I did some research and realized how naturally this aligned with my skills as a content creator. At the time, I had around 14,000 Instagram followers, and the idea of creating relatable, brand- focused content felt like a perfect fit. I put together a portfolio using Canva, tailored to my niche—beauty, jewelry, and modest fashion—and started reaching out to brands that aligned with my personal style.
Why UGC Matters in Today’s Digital Market
What stands out about UGC is that most creators in this space don’t need massive followings like influencers. Many UGC creators have between 1,000 and 10,000 followers, focusing on authenticity over reach. UGC content is typically shot on phones, making it feel raw, relatable, and real compared to polished, ad-like content filmed with professional cameras. This “everyday” aesthetic resonates with audiences, coming across as trustworthy and genuine—content by real people for real people.
The Do’s of UGC Content Creation
When I work with brands, whether as a UGC creator or influencer, my priority is aligning with the brand’s values and interests. Authenticity is key—if I don’t genuinely connect with a brand, the content feels forced. Another essential for me is maintaining creative freedom. When brands trust me to style the content in my way,it leads to more natural outcomes.
While UGC is all about authenticity, quality still matters. Effortless doesn’t mean careless, and it’s important to strike a balance. I always aim to create high- quality content that feels professional yet relatable. If there’s any doubt about what a brand is looking for, I make sure to communicate—whether that’s asking for specific guidelines or sharing example ideas for approval. Clear communication makes the process smoother for both sides and ensures the final product meets expectations.
The Don’ts of UGC Content Creation
One common mistake is failing to research the brand beforehand. Understanding a brand’s tone, audience, and goals is essential to creating relevant content. Skipping this step can result in content that feels disconnected from what they’re looking for.
A lack of storytelling is another issue I’ve noticed. Great UGC isn’t just about showing a product—it’s about telling a story or solving a problem. Content that’s overly generic or lacking a clear message can easily get lost in a sea of similar posts.
Underestimating the importance of post-production can be a downfall. Simple things like poor lighting, shaky footage, or bad audio can make the content appear unprofessional, even if the idea itself is good. Taking time to polish your work shows that you care about the brand and the audience.
UGC as a Growing “Empire” for Creators
UGC has transformed the creator-brand relationship by making content creation more accessible. It allows creators to collaborate with brands regardless of their follower count, opening doors for those who may not fit the traditional influencer mold. UGC focuses on creativity, storytelling, and relatability rather than reach, making it an inclusive space for creators.
Brands increasingly value UGC because it provides authentic, cost-effective, and audience-friendly content. Creators, in turn, can build their portfolios, diversify their income, and connect with a variety of brands.Ithasbecomeawin-winforboth sides,fuelingthegrowthoftheUGCspace.
Takeaways for Aspiring UGC Creators
My biggest advice is to start with what you have. You don’t need expensive equipment or thousands of followers to succeed in UGC—your phone and creativity are enough to get started. Focus on finding your niche and building a portfolio that showcases your style and skills. Tools like Canva can be great for this.
It’s also important to prioritize authenticity. Create content that reflects your personality and interests, and seek out brands that align with your values. This will help you produce work you’re proud of and make it easier to connect with the brand’s audience. Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to brands. Confidence and persistence are key!
UGC is an exciting, growing space. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already creating content, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself. Success in UGC isn’t about perfection or having a huge following—it’s about creating relatable, impactful content that resonates with audiences.
The opportunities in this space are endless if you’re willing to put yourself out there, experiment, and learn along the way. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Your unique perspective is what makes you stand out.
This article originally appears in Soigné Middle East’s Debut Biannual Issue
