Is It Too Late To Become A UGC Creator? Is the Market too Saturated?
May 27, 2024
Is It Too Late To Become A UGC Creator? Is the Market too Saturated?
Welcome to the VITAMINC blog! As the Creative Director of VITAMINC, I am thrilled to share with you why there is no better time than now to jump into content creation. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or already dipping your toes in the UGC (User-Generated Content) waters, this post is here to inform and inspire you to keep going!
Authentic content created by real people resonates with consumers on a deeper level than traditional advertising, making UGC creators highly sought after by brands in 2023 and 2024. But with the rise of UGC, a common question pops up: Is it too late to become a UGC creator? Is the market too saturated?
The answer? Absolutely not! There's never been a better time to jump into UGC content creation than right now. All of the info is out there and there are a ton of free and affordable resources to get you started within a week making brand deals.
The Market is Not Oversaturated
Contrary to popular belief, the content creation market is not oversaturated. In fact, it's flourishing. With brands constantly seeking fresh, authentic voices to connect with their audiences, the demand for UGC creators is higher than ever. According to a report by Influencer Marketing Hub, the influencer + creator marketing industry is set to grow to approximately $21.1 billion in 2023, up from $16.4 billion in 2022. This growth indicates an expanding market with plenty of opportunities for new creators.
Running an agency that sources UGC creators from all walks of life and pair them up with large brands for UGC campaigns, we know a thing or 2 about how brands allocate their marketing budget. And honestly, you would be so surprised on how much every brand we work with is willing to pay for quality content that converts! I’m talking thousands to 5 figures for on video! They are spending the money you just have to provide value, quality content and be professional and a brand will happily pay you!
Brands Are Always Looking for Creators
Brands are always on the hunt for content creators who can deliver authentic, relatable, and engaging content. Unlike traditional advertising, UGC has the unique ability to build genuine connections with audiences. A study by Stackla found that 79% of people say UGC highly impacts their purchasing decisions, indicating that consumers trust real customer experiences over polished ads. This trust is exactly why brands are turning to UGC creators to enhance their marketing strategies.
Brands are especially looking for creators relatable to their target audience, a positive shift in marketing standards that has opened up more doors for diverse creators. UGC is the perfect space to show up as yourself. Brands want the authentic you. They want a raw, real, connection with their audience. Plus brands are even paying for faceless content, YES, I mean content that does not show your face. Think b-roll footage including the product or filming your hands trying out makeup products, etc.
The Cost-Effectiveness of UGC Creators
UGC creators offer a cost-effective solution for brands. Traditional advertising can be exorbitantly expensive, with high production costs and extensive marketing budgets. In contrast, UGC creators can produce high-quality content at a fraction of the cost. This affordability makes UGC an attractive option for brands looking to maximize their marketing ROI.
UGC creators usually charge a base rate and then a percentage upcharge for usage rights, making paid ads pretty affordable for brands, compared to the thousands to tens of thousands our agency has been quoted by TikTok and Instagram influencers. Plus a lot of smaller brands just don't have the budget for a high-cost influencer campaign so UGC makes advertising a lot more affordable and accessible for many businesses so pitch away to any size company!
Authenticity Drives Performance
The authenticity of UGC is a significant factor in its superior performance. When audiences see real people using and endorsing products, they are more likely to trust and engage with the content. This trust translates into higher engagement rates, increased brand loyalty, and ultimately, better sales performance. According to Adweek, UGC videos get 10 times more views than branded content on YouTube, highlighting the power of authenticity.
Why Brands Hiring UGC Creators Daily?
Brands are not just looking for cost savings; they are looking for results. UGC content typically performs better than traditional marketing content because it feels more genuine and relatable. Here are a few reasons why brands are highly seeking UGC creators:
- Enhanced Credibility: Consumers trust peer recommendations over brand promotions. UGC provides social proof and enhances brand credibility.
- Higher Engagement: UGC is more likely to be shared, commented on, and liked, leading to higher engagement rates.
- Diverse Perspectives: UGC creators bring a variety of perspectives and creativity, helping brands reach different audience segments.
- Storytelling: UGC creators connect the brand to the audience through their relatable story and include the product organically.
- For example, a creator shows a before and after of a hair growth journey with a hair care product they love and swear by. Letting the results just speak for themself and showing the viewer how genuinely excited and surprised they are that a product could work this well. The creator explains how the brand has become a staple in their routine and they introduced it to all their friends at college!
The Average Salary of a Content Creator
One of the most exciting aspects of becoming a UGC creator is the potential to turn your passion into a paycheck. While income can vary widely based on factors like niche, follower count, and engagement rates, content creators can earn a substantial income. Plus you don't need a following at all in order to make money with UGC!
According to a survey by Influencer Marketing Hub, micro-influencers can earn between $100 to $500 per post, while those with larger followings can command even higher fees. In the UGC industry, creators tend to charge around $200 per video with additional upsells like usage rights, raw footage, and bundles to make the sales more profitable!
On an annual basis, Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a content creator in the United States is approximately $55,000 part-time. However, top creators can earn six-figure incomes, especially when partnering with brands for long-term, retainer campaigns.
You Have To Start Somewhere, Sometime: Make Your Dream Come True
At VITAMINC, we believe in the power of UGC and the limitless opportunities it presents. If you’ve been contemplating diving into content creation, now is the time to act. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Find Your Niche: Identify what you’re passionate about and what makes your perspective unique. Whether it’s beauty, fashion, travel, or tech, find your niche and start practicing making videos for your fav products you own!
- Create High-Quality Content: Invest in a good tripod on Amazon and learn the basics of Capcut and best practices for filming on your mobile device. Quality content stands out and attracts brand partnerships.
- Network with Brands: Don’t be afraid to reach out to brands that align with your niche. Showcase your work, share your metrics, and explain how you can add value to their marketing efforts. Make sure you have a converting portfolio, if you don’t check ours out!
- Stay Authentic: Authenticity is key to building trust and credibility. Be genuine in your endorsements and collaborations.
Conclusion
The realm of content creation and social media are full of opportunities, and there has never been a better time to jump in. Brands are continuously seeking UGC creators to deliver authentic, engaging content that resonates with their audiences. As a UGC creator, you have the chance to turn your passion into a lucrative career, making your dream of content creation a reality.
At VITAMINC, we're here to support you on this journey and teach you the necessary skills to become a 6 figure earner! Your audience and dream clients are waiting for you. Now is your time to start!
Thank you for joining us on the VITAMINC blog. Stay tuned for more tips, insights, and inspiration to help you succeed in the world of UGC and content creation. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Let's make your passion your paycheck!
Kickstart Your UGC Journey Today!
Ready to land paid brand deals? Look no further! Our FREE UGC Career Kickstarter Guide is your ultimate resource for getting started and landing your first collaboration. From a pitching template to a scripting formula + filming tips, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. đ¸
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Sources:
- Influencer Marketing Hub, "Influencer Marketing Benchmark Report 2023"
- Stackla, "Consumer Content Report: Influence in the Digital Age"
- Adweek, "Why User-Generated Content Is More Important Than Ever"
- Glassdoor, "Content Creator Salaries"
