How to Land Your First UGC Campaign as a Creator

The UGC (User-Generated Content) industry is booming. Brands are spending billions on authentic creator content, and you don't need a massive following to get started. Here's how to land your first campaign.

What is UGC and why do brands want it?

UGC is content created by real people rather than professional studios. Think product reviews, unboxings, tutorials, and lifestyle clips featuring a brand's product. Brands love UGC because it feels authentic — research from Stackla shows consumers trust real people 2.4x more than polished brand ads.

The best part? You don't need 100K followers. As we cover in our piece on why brands are shifting to UGC, many companies specifically look for creators with small but engaged audiences — or even creators with zero following who simply make great content.

Build a starter portfolio

Before applying to campaigns, you need to show brands what you can do. Create 3-5 sample pieces:

• Product review video — Pick a product you already own and love. Film a 30-60 second review.
• Unboxing clip — Show the experience of receiving and opening a product.
• Lifestyle content — Integrate a product naturally into your daily routine.

You don't need expensive equipment. A smartphone with good lighting and clear audio is enough to get started. Check out our guide to building a winning UGC portfolio for a detailed breakdown of what to include and what tools you need.

Write a compelling application

When you find a campaign you want to apply for, your application is everything. Here's what makes a strong one:

1. Show you understand the brand — Mention something specific about their product or mission
2. Explain your content angle — Don't just say "I'll make a video." Describe the concept, setting, and hook
3. Include relevant examples — Link to your portfolio pieces that match the campaign's style
4. Be professional but genuine — Brands want to work with real people, not corporate robots

According to Influencer Marketing Hub, brands receive dozens of applications per campaign. A personalized pitch that shows you've done your homework puts you ahead of 80% of applicants.

Know your rates

Pricing UGC can be tricky when you're starting out. Here are rough benchmarks for beginners based on industry data from HubSpot:

• Single photo: $50–$150
• Short-form video (15-60s): $100–$300
• Long-form video (1-3 min): $200–$500
• Bundle (multiple pieces): Negotiate a package discount

Where to find campaigns

There are several ways to discover UGC opportunities:

• Creator marketplaces — Platforms like Crelio connect brands with creators. Browse active campaigns and apply directly.
• Brand websites — Many companies have a "Creators" or "Ambassadors" page where they accept applications.
• Social media outreach — DM brands you genuinely use and pitch a collaboration.
• Creator communities — Join Discord servers and Facebook groups where opportunities are shared.

Tips for standing out

The creators who consistently win campaigns share a few traits:

• Fast response times — Reply to brand messages within 24 hours
• Deliver on time — Nothing kills a relationship faster than missed deadlines
• Go above and beyond — Send a few extra takes or an additional format the brand didn't ask for
• Be easy to work with — Clear communication and a positive attitude go a long way

Getting started on Crelio

Crelio makes it easy to find your first campaign. Create a creator profile, showcase your portfolio, and browse campaigns from brands looking for content creators. The platform handles contracts and payments so you can focus on creating.

Your first campaign is the hardest to land. After that, each one gets easier as you build your portfolio, reviews, and reputation. Start today — the brands are waiting.

Related reading

• How to build a UGC portfolio that wins campaigns — What to include and common mistakes
• Why brands are shifting to UGC — The market shift creating more opportunities for creators