Requirements

Equipment Requirements

Smartphone: iPhone 11+ or equivalent Android with good camera quality (essential)
Lighting: Ring light ($20-80) or natural window light
Tripod/Phone Mount: Stable device holder ($15-40)
Microphone: External mic for better audio quality ($30-100, optional but recommended)
Backdrop materials: Neutral-colored sheets, foam boards, or portable backdrops ($20-50, optional)
Storage solution: Cloud storage or external hard drive for content archives ($5-10/month or $50-100)

Technical Skills

Video shooting: Basic understanding of framing, lighting, and composition
Video editing: Proficiency with mobile apps like CapCut, InShot, or desktop software like Adobe Premiere
Photography: Product photography basics for static UGC
Copywriting: Ability to write compelling hooks and calls-to-action
Audio editing: Basic skills for voice-over cleaning and background music adjustment
Platform knowledge: Understanding of content formats and trends on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube

Business & Soft Skills

Communication: Professional email and messaging etiquette with clients
Time management: Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects
Self-promotion: Comfort with pitching to brands and marketing your services
Negotiation: Skills to discuss rates, usage rights, and contract terms
Basic accounting: Tracking income, expenses, and tax obligations
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to different brand guidelines and feedback

Business Setup Requirements

Portfolio: 5-10 sample UGC videos demonstrating your skills (can be created for imaginary brands)
Media kit: Document outlining your services, rates, and examples
Business email: Professional email address (preferably with your name or business name)
Professional social profiles: Business accounts on Instagram and TikTok
Contract template: Basic agreement covering deliverables, payment terms, and usage rights
Invoicing system: Method to send professional invoices (PayPal, Wave, QuickBooks, etc.)

Estimated Startup Costs

Expense Category	Minimum Cost	Recommended Cost
Basic Equipment (if starting from scratch)	$100	$250-500
Editing Software (monthly subscriptions)	$0 (free apps)	$10-20/month
Business Registration (varies by location)	$0 (sole proprietor)	$50-300 (LLC)
Website/Portfolio Hosting	$0 (social profiles only)	$10-15/month
UGC Platform Membership Fees	$0 (most are free to join)	$0-30/month
Total Estimated Startup Cost	$100-150	$350-800

Note: Costs can be significantly lower if you already own a good smartphone and basic equipment.

Legal & Regulatory Requirements

Business registration: Sole proprietorship (minimal requirements) or LLC (more protection but higher cost)
Tax obligations: Quarterly estimated tax payments as an independent contractor
FTC compliance: Understanding disclosure requirements for sponsored content
Contracts: Clear agreements covering deliverables, payment terms, usage rights, and exclusivity
Insurance: Professional liability insurance recommended when working with larger brands (optional for beginners)
Content rights: Understanding copyright law and licensing for music, images, and other elements used in UGC

Important: When creating UGC that will be used in advertisements, you must comply with truth-in-advertising laws. Claims about products must be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated when required.

Qualifications & Experience

No formal qualifications are required to become a UGC creator, making this an accessible sidegig. However, these backgrounds can be helpful:

Marketing experience: Understanding of consumer psychology and advertising principles
Content creation background: Previous work in photography, videography, or social media
Industry expertise: Specialized knowledge in specific niches (beauty, tech, fitness, etc.)
Sales experience: Comfort with pitching and client relationship management

Most successful UGC creators build their qualifications through practice and portfolio development rather than formal credentials.

Requirements to Start a Brand Deals & UGC Sidegig