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UGC (user-generated content) means making videos or photos for a brand, which the brand then uses in its own marketing. You do not need a big following, because you are being paid for the content rather than for your audience. That makes it one of the more realistic starting points for beginners.
What UK beginners might charge
Published guides quote roughly £50 to £250 for a video, with established creators charging around $150 to $500 per deliverable and the very top earners over $1,000. These are guide figures, not guarantees, and many beginners start lower or even free to build a portfolio before raising their prices.
What you actually need
- A smartphone with a decent camera
- Good natural light and clear audio
- Three to five sample videos for a portfolio, which you can make with products you already own
- A simple way to invoice, even a basic template
The part nobody mentions: it is sales work
“No followers needed” is true, but you still have to find brands, send pitches and follow up. Expect plenty of replies that never come. Many beginners spend more time pitching than filming, so be ready for that before you quit anything or spend money on kit.
How to find your first client
- Pick a niche you know, such as beauty, food, pets or home.
- List 30 small UK brands in it that already post on social media.
- Send a short, personal email with your portfolio and a clear price.
- Follow up once after a week, then move on.
Watch out for
- Brands that offer only free products. That is fine for a portfolio, but it is not income.
- Unclear usage rights. Agree where the brand can use your video and for how long, because wider use should cost more.
- Scams that ask you to pay upfront or send money back.
Building a portfolio that wins work
Brands want to see that you can make a clear, watchable video quickly, so a good portfolio matters more than a big following. Aim for short clips of around 15 to 30 seconds with a strong first few seconds, the product shown in real use and clean, steady audio. Include a variety of formats, such as an unboxing, a how-to and a simple review, so a brand can picture its own product in your style. Keep the samples in a single shared folder or page and put the link in every pitch. Make sure you have permission to show any product or person that appears in your videos.
Our verdict
UGC is a genuine side hustle with low start-up costs, but expect it to take a few months to earn steadily. Treat it as freelance work rather than easy money, and remember that the income counts towards your tax position (see our UK tax guide).
Written by ericyates
XPTI helps everyday people make extra money, save more of what they earn, and use AI tools without the hype.
