Do you want to be a UGC creator but you have no portfolio or minimum following? Here’s how your passion can make you money.

User-generated content, or UGC, has traditionally been described as content that is created organically by a brand’s customers or followers and shared by the brand itself on its own account with rights to the content piece. UGC has proven to be successful in growing a brand’s audience because it features content produced by actual supporters and reviewers of the brand.

Instagram: @realskindiaries

What Is UGC?

So what is a UGC creator? Basically, a UGC creator is someone who produces user-generated content. They are just everyday people who enjoy creating content to express their ideas, opinions, and creativity to the world online- typically they take pictures and videos of products and/or services they love and post it on their own social media platforms.

So what are the usual types of user-generated content out there?

If You’re A Brand, Here’s What You Need To Know

The thing is, brands are increasingly jumping on the UGC bandwagon as the content created than a traditional paid ad or influencer campaign, is more authentic and trustworthy which builds audience trust and really works well for the algorithm. It’s a win-win: the creator gets to share about their favourite brands and create trendy content, and the brand gains access to a whole pool of content, without blowing their paid marketing budgets.

Additionally, consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that feel relatable in their marketing efforts. This is where UGC creators come in! Unlike models and celebrities, who may seem distant or unattainable, UGC creators are your everyday profiles that resonate more with the consumers that you are targeting. Remember that genuine, down-to-earth content helps bridge the gap between your brand and your target audiences! This is important if you want to make your brand appear more approachable and trustworthy. If you’re a brand looking to grow your audience, this is the time to leverage on UGC!

Instagram: @avery_bady

Adding on to that, UGC creators are willing to go the extra mile for content creation. They are more seasoned creators with specific social media and filming tools that make their content really interesting, unique and engaging.

What’s In It For UGC Creators!

As a UGC creator, you will get to enjoy benefits that make your work both rewarding and exciting. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Image by freepik

Flexible Schedule: You love the freedom! One of the biggest perks is you get to work around your personal schedule, making it easy to balance your UGC projects with other commitments. That means you have the flexibility to create content on your own terms based on how you choose to do it.

Collaborate with Brands You Love: Imagine working with the brands you’ve always seen on Instagram or TikTok, and all of those that you’ve always dreamt of working for. As a UGC creator, there are so many chances that you will get to team up with brands whose products you genuinely enjoy. Just imagine yourself being able to try out new products, or even becoming a part of an exclusive brand community. How exciting would it be to be among the first to receive PR kits or new samples?

Earn Extra Income: YES, more money! You can make extra money through payments or affiliate links so you don’t only boost your income but you also get to monetize your content effectively!

If you’re passionate about content creation and eager to collaborate with brands, this could be the perfect path for you.

Here’s Your Sign To Join Our UGC Program

Indie Collaborates is looking for passionate, UGC creators who we can connect with our vast client base, to help them grow their social media presence. So whether you’re into skincare, makeup, fashion, travel, food, wellness, finance, or anything else, we’d love to collaborate with you!

If you’re ready to turn your passion into creation with us, fill in this form NOW. Yes, it’s free to sign-up! We’ll add you to our UGC Creator Database, and connect you with brands that you will surely love.

If you’re a UGC creator and you’re still wondering how to grow your audience, don’t wait any more! Sign up today!

First Instagram, Pinterest, followed by TikTok, and now Threads. Social media forges Gen Z decisions as a one stop shop for making purchases, socialising and influencer marketing.

According to Global Web Index (GWI), social media is the top source of brand discovery and product research for Gen Z. Another way to put it – it has become the new search engine that plays a huge deal breaker or maker for Gen Zs’ consumption choices.

Why Social Media?

Algorithms are able to collect, synthesize and use search history, likes on posts or profile view information to smartly recommend relevant information.

It’s almost like social media can read our minds without us even asking for things explicitly. How futuristic is that?!

Another intriguing characteristic is the ability of social networks to gain a vast critical mass. It allows all people, from anywhere and diverse backgrounds to participate and co-create. This inclusivity fosters real views and opinions from real people.

These ‘real’ people perhaps share the same geographical location or psychographic characteristics as their audiences. In turn, making their content more relatable and impactful as 3 in 10 Gen Z use social media to gain inspiration and recommendations from other users.

This is where influencers hold an indispensable role in creating user generated content (UGC) that showcase the brand’s products while urging organic conversations surrounding it.

UGC forms a collaborative space for influencers and their audiences to co-create experiences. It allows them to be inspired than simply be told or informed what to buy, as contrasted to a sponsored ad.

As seen from the graph above, influencer endorsements strongly drive Gen Z brand and product discovery.

But to truly guide what content to produce, where to produce and what it should entail read further for some surfacing trends that you must know as a marketer!

Gen Z Trends Spotted On Social Media

#1 Crisis Fatigue

With the abundance of persisting issues like the pandemic, Ukraine-Russia War and of course climate change hanging like loose swords, Gen Zs have been hit harder than others.

No solutions, just problems. This is what they feel which causes them to feel a state of powerlessness and frustration.

Takeaway: Create campaign messages that have a clear call-to-action, where some results from audience action are almost immediately seen. AKA instant gratification to avoid audience boredom or burnt out.

Comments on Climate Change Post Displaying Surrendering Sentiments, Source: @unclimatechange

#2 TikTok As An All-Time Favorite

The fastest-rising platform for Gen Z. It’s about time your brand moves into this space before it gets saturated.

Takeaway: Content that smoothly links influencers to brands’ websites. Providing an omni-channel experience builds trust and is hassle-free to urge conversions.

#3 Memes

A content style that uses a satirical and lighthearted tone of looking at life. They are an entertaining way of expressing ideas and processing emotions as they communicate a slice of life that everyone can resonate with.

Takeaway: Embrace content styles like memes, vlogs, reviews, etc, that showcase everyday ideas, routines or struggles. This creates virality and builds relatability with your audiences.

#4 Resurrection of 90s & Early 00s Fashion and Beats

Songs are trending from an era nostalgically remembered by Gen Z. Below are classic beats rejuvenated in today’s TikToks and Reels:

Associated with an ounce of coolness, fashion inspos like low waist jeans or pastel mini dresses (below) are back with a fresh look.

Image From Vogue Italia March 1994, Source: @90sanxiety

Takeaway: Incorporate those aspirations and embellishments in your campaigns that Gen Z admire and find comfort in. Oh and keep up with the trends!

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