Authenticity wins in today’s digital marketing landscape. Consumers aren’t looking for overly polished ads, they want content that feels real. That’s why user-generated content (UGC) creators have become essential partners for brands that want to build trust and drive performance.
At brkfst.io, we’ve seen firsthand how UGC creators power performance. It’s a smarter way for brands to connect with audiences through content that’s relatable, credible, and built to convert.
Understanding the Basics: What Is a UGC Creator?
A UGC creator produces content like videos, photos, or testimonials that feels like it came from a real customer. Unlike traditional branded content, UGC is intentionally designed to feel unsponsored and blend naturally into social feeds.
It’s important to distinguish UGC creators from general user-generated content. While traditional UGC is posted organically by real customers, UGC creators are paid to produce content that mimics that authenticity, but is created specifically for a brand’s marketing use.
Also, UGC creators aren’t necessarily influencers. Influencers post to their own audiences and rely on their personal reach. UGC creators don’t need a following. Their value lies in creating high-quality, authentic content that brands can repurpose across paid ads, social media, and websites.
Want to dive deeper? Read our guide on Content Creator vs Influencers.
What Does a UGC Creator Do?
UGC creators develop content that integrates seamlessly with brand campaigns. That can include:
- Product demos that showcase how a product works in a natural, relatable setting.
- Unboxing videos that capture the authentic excitement of receiving and opening a new product.
- Testimonials and reviews that provide genuine, personal experiences with a product or service.
- “Day in the life” scenarios that integrate products into everyday routines to demonstrate practical use.
- Short-form video ads designed for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and other platforms
Many UGC creators work independently, delivering ready-to-use content brands can deploy across channels. At brkfst.io, we empower our creators with ad-focused training and support. They earn through free products, guaranteed minimum payments, and a share of ad spend.
What Is UGC Content Creation and Why Is It Valuable?
UGC content creation is the strategic process of commissioning individuals to produce authentic-looking content that resonates with target audiences. It’s intentionally designed to feel raw, organic, and social-first.
In feeds saturated with highly produced ads, this type of content stands out. Its power lies in relatability and trust. Unlike overly curated brand content (or even polished influencer ads) UGC feels real. That makes it more likely to connect with consumers on a personal level.
And that trust and connection matters. In a 2025 Statista survey, 86% of U.S. adults said brand transparency is more important than ever, and UGC plays a key role in earning that trust.
Why UGC Creators Are More Relevant Than Ever in Brand Marketing
A few key trends are driving the rise of UGC creators:
Consumers Want Authenticity
Gen Z and Millennials are especially quick to skip content that feels staged. They want to see real people using products in real-life settings. In fact, 9 in 10 consumers say authenticity is a key factor when choosing between brands. That’s where UGC creators shine. Their content feels genuine, personal, and built to earn trust.
Relatability Builds Trust and Drives Action
When consumers see content from people who look like them and share their values, they’re more likely to connect. That social proof influences buying behavior. According to Statista (2023), 68% of U.S. consumers say online reviews and recommendations increase their likelihood of purchase.
UGC Is Scalable and Cost-Efficient
Unlike traditional content production, UGC creators provide a faster, more affordable way to produce content at scale. Often working on a per-deliverable basis, they help brands generate a steady stream of creative assets ideal for testing, iteration, and campaign optimization.
How Brands Can Work With UGC Creators Effectively
To get the most value from your UGC creators, follow these best practices:
Sourcing and Hiring
- Clearly define the type of content you need and which platforms it will run on.
- Use platforms like brkfst.io to find creators whose style and values align with your brand.
- Review their past work to assess quality, tone, and fit.
Clear Briefs and Expectations
A strong creative brief sets the foundation for successful content. Be sure to include:
- Key messaging: What should the content communicate?
- Product focus: Highlight specific features or benefits.
- Visual and audio guidelines: Include direction on look, feel, music, and sound effects.
- Call to action (CTA): Specify what action viewers should take.
Usage rights: Define how and where the content will be used (e.g., organic social, paid media, website).
Aligning Content With Brand Goals
- Make sure the tone, voice, and visuals match your brand identity.
Track performance metrics and optimize future content based on what performs best.
Working with UGC creators allows brands to tap into a powerful source of authentic, relatable content that builds trust, boosts engagement, and strengthens marketing performance.
Want to get more from your UGC content strategy? Visit brkfst.io to learn how.