Brands need to sell products, and real people help them to do it! Being a user-generated content (UGC) creator is now a legitimate career path, and, for both aspiring actors and creators, it’s an increasingly smart one. Most performers are comfortable on camera and can deliver lines naturally, both of which are key skills for becoming a paid UGC creator. And once you get going, there can be big money in it.
The tricky bit? Learning how to pitch UGC to brands without sounding like a beginner. But don’t worry: We’ve got you covered. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to getting it right.
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When brands hire UGC creators, they’re not paying for your follower count. They’re paying for:
- Authentic content
- On-camera confidence
- Natural delivery style
- Content they can repurpose for ads or social media
“The beauty of UGC is that the content is created by someone else – an advocate, a customer, an employee, or a social media follower – rather than the brand itself, so it carries more weight as word-of-mouth promotion,” Diana Meyers writes for the Digital Marketing Institute. A 2025 study revealed that 84% of people are more likely to trust a brand if it uses user-generated content in its marketing campaigns.
That’s especially good news for actors looking for a side hustle as a creator. You already know how to take direction and can probably play at selling a product without making it look like you’re actually doing it.
1. Decide who you are and what you can offer.
Before you even think about how to pitch a brand for collaboration, you need to know who you are and what you can offer.
Ask yourself:
- What kind of products suit me (e.g. skin care, fitness, or books)?
- What’s my on-camera vibe (e.g. warm, sarcastic, or experience-led)?
- What do I specialise in (e.g. voiceovers or product demos)?
Brands want creators who feel aligned, so really understanding yourself is important.
If you’re not sure, try creating a few sample UGC-style videos featuring products you already own. They don’t need to be sponsored; they’re going to form your early portfolio and prove you can actually work in UGC.
“Find items around your house,” says UGC creator EllsContentCorner, “I’m looking at a hairbrush right now, so make a video all around the hairbrush. Tell your audience why they need a hairbrush – why it’s amazing, why it’s changed your life.”
2. Research like mad.
Pitching without research is like turning up to an audition without reading a script. Before you pitch UGC to a brand:
- Follow companies you’d like to create for on social media.
- Watch their recent ads.
- Notice what’s missing. (Do they lack diverse faces? Cool edits? Certain accents?)
“Here’s a cool tip: Don’t just stick to brands already in the UGC game,” UGC creator Izarbe Puertolas writes for Twirl. “I’ve had some amazing collabs with brands new to UGC. If you spot a brand you love but they haven’t dived into UGC yet, take that as your cue to introduce them to it.”
Smaller UK brands are often more open to working with emerging creators, so start with them. A greater, in-depth understanding of a brand will put you above others approaching them with similar pitches.
3. Structure your pitch.
If you’re wondering how to pitch UGC to brands, here’s the golden rule: Keep it short and specific. “For email pitches, you want to keep them quite brief,” recommends UGC creator CreateYourInfluence.
Your pitch should include:
- A clear subject line
- A quick introduction
- A specific idea
- Why you’re the right candidate for the job
- Clear instructions on how they can get in touch to work with you
That’s it. They don’t need to hear your life story! And remember to contact the right area of the company; if you can find a person’s email rather than a general one, that will be better.
UGC Pitch Example
Subject: UGC collaboration idea for [brand name]
Hi [name],
I’m a London-based UGC creator who specialises in testimonial-style beauty content. I’ve been using [brand’s product] for the past few months, and I love how it fits into a simple, everyday routine.
I noticed you’ve been focusing on ingredient education recently, and I’d love to create a short morning-routine-style video highlighting how [product] works for sensitive skin. I could shoot this in a bright, at-home setting and present it with a conversational tone. You can see a similar video I’ve made here: [link]
My background in [content creation/acting] means I’m comfortable delivering scripted content that feels authentic. You can view my other recent UGC work here: [link].
Would you be open to discussing a paid UGC collaboration?
Best,
[your name]
Notice what this does well:
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It’s concise.
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It references the brand specifically.
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It suggests a concrete idea.
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It positions you as a professional.
“In two or three sentences, tell them why you love their product,” says content creator Charlene Izere. “Brands want to work with influencers and creators who can authentically capture their essence and tell a compelling story.”
4. Know your rates.
One of the biggest sticking points when you pitch UGC is money. Glassdoor estimates the average salary for a UGC content creator is £31,000 a year.
Content creator Beth.ejm recommends charging £150 to £200 a video if you’re a beginner. “If you feel ready to charge more than this, charge more!” she says.
If they ask your rate, reply confidently and don’t shoot too low. Remember: You’re providing a service, and the worst they can say is no!
When learning how to pitch UGC to brands, steer clear of:
- Sending mass, copy-paste emails. UGC creator ByNicoleMarie admits she did a lot of that at the start. “I was just pitching at random rather than focusing on brands within my niche,” she says. “You need a clear strategy and structure.”
- Writing paragraphs about yourself with no brand focus. “It’s essential to illustrate how your audience aligns with the brand’s target demographic,” Izere writes. “For instance, if you’re a mom pitching to a baby brand, make it clear how your content and community are a perfect match. Similarly, if you’re a fitness enthusiast reaching out to a protein shake company, emphasise this alignment.”
- Offering to work for exposure. You can make exposure videos at home, so ensure that you’re financially compensated.
Be sure to always tailor your pitch to the specific brand and showcase your strengths. Not every brand will reply, but that’s to be expected. Don’t get disheartened and do send that email. Who knows where it could lead?
If you’re still building your online presence, check out our guides on how to become an influencer and how to be a content creator. And if you’re figuring out where you fit, this breakdown of types of influencers may help too!
