Quick answer: A UGC creator makes short videos and photos that look like real customer content, and brands pay to post them on their own pages and adverts. You do not need many followers, because the brand posts the content, not you. Start with 3–5 sample videos of products you already own, a simple portfolio page, and pitches to Kenyan online shops and brands that already run social media ads.
UGC Creator vs Influencer
| UGC creator | Influencer | |
|---|---|---|
| Who posts the content | The brand | You, on your page |
| Followers needed | None | Usually many |
| What the brand pays for | The video or photo itself | Access to your audience |
| Skills | Filming, editing, scripting | Audience and trust |
Types of UGC Brands Buy
- Unboxing and first impressions.
- Product demos and “how I use it”.
- Testimonials and reviews (honest; never claim results you did not get).
- Before-and-after for services such as cleaning or hair.
- Short ads with a hook in the first 3 seconds.
Build a Portfolio in 7 Days
- Pick 3–5 products you already own: a phone accessory, skincare, a kitchen item.
- Film each one in natural light on your phone (see {shn("capcut", "CapCut editing")}).
- Make three styles: unboxing, demo, testimonial. Keep each 15–45 seconds.
- Put them on a free portfolio page or Google Drive folder with a short bio and your rates.
- Add captions; many people watch with the sound off.
How Much to Charge
Rates vary with the brand and usage rights. Price per video, and add more for extras:
| Item | How to charge |
|---|---|
| One UGC video (30–45 s) | Your base rate |
| Raw footage | Add a fee |
| Extra hooks or versions | Per version |
| Usage in paid ads | Higher than organic use; set a time limit (for example 3 months) |
| Rush delivery | Add a fee |
See how to price freelance services for a full method.
Finding Brands
- Look at Kenyan shops running Facebook and Instagram ads: they need fresh content every month.
- Sellers on Buy More Mall and other local shops (a {SHOP} also lets you sell your own items).
- Agencies that manage social media for many brands ({shn("smm", "social media managers")}).
- Global UGC platforms that accept creators by country; check sign-up rules first.
Contracts and Payment
Agree in writing: number of videos, revisions, usage rights and length of use, deadline and price. Ask for 50% upfront from new clients. Local brands usually pay via M-Pesa; foreign brands via PayPal or Payoneer.
Your First 30 Days
- Week 1: film 5 sample videos and set up a portfolio.
- Week 2: list 30 brands that run ads and find their contacts.
- Week 3: send 10 short, personal pitches a day with one sample.
- Week 4: deliver the first job, ask for a testimonial, repeat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving full ad rights for free.
- Fake testimonials.
- Long videos with a slow start.
- Working without a written agreement.
A Simple UGC Pitch You Can Copy
"Hi [name], I make short customer-style videos for Kenyan brands. I noticed your adverts for [product] and made a 20-second sample showing how I would present it (link). I can deliver 3 versions with different hooks in 5 days. Would you like my rates?" Keep it short, personal and attach one sample, not your whole portfolio.
Stay safe: never pay a "registration", "activation" or "withdrawal" fee to get paid, and never share your password or M-Pesa PIN. Real online income comes from people paying for your content, products or skills.
Create your free Stay Home Network account, or log in with H-MAIL on app.stayhomenetwork.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UGC creator?
Someone paid to make customer-style videos and photos that a brand posts on its own channels.
Do I need followers to be a UGC creator?
No. Brands pay for the content, not your audience.
How do I become a UGC creator with no experience?
Make sample videos of products you own and pitch brands with a simple portfolio.
How much do UGC creators earn?
It varies; charge per video and add fees for ad usage, raw footage and extra versions.
What equipment do I need?
A good phone, natural light, a cheap tripod and a free editing app.
Where do I find UGC jobs in Kenya?
Local shops running ads, agencies, and global platforms that accept Kenyan creators.
Cover photo: Hands holding a smartphone and a leather pouch, the kind of product shot UGC creators film. Photo: 2015_09_24_Luxury_Leather_Africa_JPEG_RESIZED_0030 by makeitkenya, Public Domain Mark 1.0.
