I’ve always been involved in UGC (User-Generated Content) as part of my work as a content creator. Most of the time, opportunities naturally came to me through brands wanting to collaborate with The Savvy Spender.
But then I had a realisation: I could build a UGC income stream not as The Savvy Spender, but just as Megan. That’s when I launched a side hustle challenge to see how much I could earn from UGC. Starting completely from scratch – no name, no following, just me.
What is UGC?
But first, let’s break down exactly what UGC actually is. UGC stands for User Generated Content. In a nutshell it is content you create for brands for them to use on their social media.
If you’ve ever seen a video on socials that looks like it should be on a personal page but it’s been posted by the brand then more than likely that is a piece of UGC content that the brand has paid the creator for.
It’s a brilliant way to make money on the side, and the best part? You don’t need a large social media following to get started. Anyone can do it.
Which is exactly why you might be seeing it everywhere on social media right now. UGC as a side hustle is trending and more and more people are getting started and making thousands from it.
How does it work?
When I first challenged myself to make money from user generated content my first step was to create a portfolio. Once I had this I began reaching out to brands directly. By the second week of the challenge, I had already monetised this work.
Since then, I’ve created content across a wide range of niches—from pregnancy and crafts to baby milk, nappies, travel gear, mattresses, and more. The beauty of this side hustle is how versatile it is – there are endless opportunities, and you can absolutely monetise it quickly if you follow the right steps.
I’ve poured all my knowledge into the Ultimate Guide to get you started in the world of User Generated Content. Everything from getting started as a beginner to getting paid work, that’s what this Masterclass will give you – with actionable steps along the way to make it a success! Get started today!
Why is UGC such a trend on social media right now?
The amazing thing about UGC is that you don’t need a big social media following to get started. So it’s perfect for creatives who don’t have the time, passion or simply don’t want to build up a big social media following but still want to make money from content.
Brands have seen the success of UGC campaigns over traditional advertising as it feels more authentic to the consumer and builds trust faster. Because of this, more and more brands are looking to market with user generated content and are hence entering the marketplace looking for good creators.
How can you make money from UGC as a side hustle?
In my masterclass, I walk you through exactly how to do this. I cover everything you need to know to get started and start landing paid deals.
You can expect to earn anywhere from £100 to £1,000 for a single video, depending on the brand and the deliverables. On average, one 10 to 30 second UGC video typically pays between £100–£200.
Here’s a little sneak peek of what you can expect in the masterclass:
- What is UGC and Why Brands Love It
- Building a UGC Portfolio
- Joining UGC Agencies
- Pitching and Pricing
- Tech Tips for Content
+SO MUCH MORE – Be a Part of the UGC money makers and kickstart your journey today! Sign up for the masterclass here.
UGC is still on the rise and set to grow exponentially over the next few years so now is the perfect time to get started with this side hustle! I’m hoping this post answers your key question of “What is UGC?” and has maybe inspired you to get started. Drop any questions you may have in the comments and be sure to check out my Ultimate UGC Masterclass if you want to learn more!
