How to Make Money as a UGC Creator Without a Big Following

How to Make Money as a UGC Creator Without a Big Following

How to Make Money as a UGC Creator Without a Big Following

If you love creating authentic, engaging content but don’t have thousands of followers, here’s the good news: you don’t need them to start earning money online. The rise of UGC (User-Generated Content) has completely changed how brands connect with audiences  and opened the door for creators like you to get paid for your creativity, not your follower count.

What Is UGC and Why Brands Love It

UGC is any type of content such as photos, videos, reviews or stories created by real people instead of brands. Businesses use this content to build trust and authenticity in their marketing. It feels natural, relatable and human. Exactly what audiences love to see on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

That’s why brands are now paying UGC creators to produce this kind of content, without expecting you to post it on your own social media channels. You simply create the videos or photos, and the brand publishes them on their own pages or uses them in their advertising campaigns.

Why You Don’t Need a Big Following

Unlike traditional influencers, UGC creators are valued for their content quality, creativity and authenticity, not the size of their audience. You’re hired for your ability to tell stories, present products naturally and help brands connect with real people.

In fact, many successful UGC creators have fewer than 1,000 followers but work with big international brands because they create content that performs well and feels genuine.

How to Get Started as a UGC Creator

  1. Build a small portfolio
    Create a few sample videos or photos using products you already own. Focus on natural lighting, storytelling and authenticity. Brands want to see your style and personality.
  2. Learn what brands are looking for
    Study successful UGC ads and organic brand content to understand what performs well. Keep an eye on trends, but always stay true to your personal tone and creativity.
  3. Join a trusted UGC platform
    Finding opportunities can be challenging on your own. By joining a UGC platform like ours, you can connect directly with brands looking for creators like you.
    We’re a European-based platform, growing rapidly internationally, and we’re proud to help creators across the world turn their passion for content creation into paid collaborations.
  4. Keep improving your craft
    Experiment with different video styles, edit with care and learn what resonates with audiences. The more versatile and professional your work becomes, the more brands will want to work with you.

Ready to Get Started?

Becoming a UGC creator doesn’t require a big following, just creativity, consistency and a willingness to learn. If you’re ready to start earning money by doing what you love, join Influentials today and take the first step towards building your career in digital content creation.

Layla le Bleu
Layla le Bleu
October 21, 2025