You don't have to choose between being a UGC creator and being an influencer. Many creators on Influentials do both, and the two actually strengthen each other.
Why combining works well
- More opportunities. Some campaigns ask for posts on your own channels and others ask for UGC. Some ask for both. If you do both, you can apply to more campaigns.
- More stable income. UGC doesn't depend on how your latest posts performed. Influencer work grows as your audience grows. Together, they give you a broader base.
- They help each other. The skills you build making UGC (good lighting, strong hooks, presenting products clearly) make your own posts better. And your own channels act as a portfolio that shows brands what you can do.
How to combine them
- Show it in your profile. Mention in your bio that you make both UGC and content for your own channels. Brands then know straight away what they can ask you for.
- Read the brief carefully. Each brief states whether the brand wants content for your own channels, UGC for its own use, or both. Check what's expected before you apply.
- Plan your time. Doing both means more deadlines. Only take on what you can deliver well and on time.
What to watch out for
- Exclusivity. Some brands ask you not to work with competitors for a certain period. Check this before you take on a campaign, so you don't run into conflicts between brands.
- Usage rights. With UGC, the brand gets the right to use your content, sometimes for a set period or in ads. Read in the brief exactly what you're agreeing to.
- Disclosure on your own channels. When you post sponsored content on your own account, you must clearly label it as advertising. That isn't needed for UGC that the brand publishes itself, but it is for influencer posts.
- Your own feed. Too many sponsored posts in a row can put off your followers. Keep a good balance between brand content and your own content.
Getting started
Not sure where to begin? Read What's the difference between making UGC and being an influencer? for a clear explanation of both.
Ready to start? Sign up as a creator and get matched with brands looking for content like yours.