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The Ultimate UGC Creator Essentials + Bonus!
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items Creating content is so much smoother when you have the right tools. These are my must-haves as a UGC creator: the gear, apps, and little extras with clever hacks—that make filming, editing, and delivering content easier and more professional without ...Photo by PNW Production
Sections
5
How to Start?
The Setup: True Essentials
The Decors: Backdrops and Accessories
Finishing Touches: Software and Trackers
Bonus: UGC Platforms
How to Start?
If you are a beginner, this section gathers practical, easy-to-follow guides that walk you through filming, editing, and presenting your content like a pro. Perfect for those starting out or looking to refine their workflow with new techniques.
I have been following UGC Tran for a while now, and this video of hers is one of the most comprehensive videos out there. She has been helpful in my journey as a UGC creator.
(STEP BY STEP) How to *actually* make money as a UGC creator in 2025
I love how she totally showed all the behind-the-scenes and the process of UGC content creation. You can get a glimpse of how you will be doing it.
BEHIND THE SCENES of a UGC content creation project 🎬 how i plan, film, and post tiktok content
I follow The UGC Club in all its platforms. There is invaluable information on their blog and accounts, like how to build a portfolio and how to pitch.
The UGC Club
A totally free UGC tutorial. This course is especially useful for people who are just getting started, and need a quick and complete guide of the whole process. From understanding what user generated content is, all the way to how to record, get clie...
Free Tutorial - Free UGC Course: How to start Making Money
The Setup: True Essentials
Now that you are ready, here are the basics that help you capture clear, high-quality content without stress. I didn’t include a specific camera or phone because you don’t need the latest, top-of-the-line gear to create quality UGC. What truly makes ...
A clean backdrop makes any content instantly look polished and professional. It’s a budget-friendly way to create that “studio” look at home.
Selens 3.3x6.5ft White PVC Photo Backdrop
For a more budget-friendly option. This can also be a good backdrop, and I have seen a lot of creators use this as their beginner setup. An affordable hack for flatlays or product shots, giving you a sturdy, smooth surface to shoot on. Budget-friendl...
Sintra Board
Good lighting is half the battle. For me, the sun is the best light source out there but if you are in a closed space, a tofu light is a good substitute. It instantly makes your videos look polished, even in low light. You can also choose the color o...
ULANZI VL100X LED Selfie & Video Light
The secret sauce. Especially for skincare and make up products. Clips onto your phone to capture sharp, detailed close-ups. Perfect for product shots where every texture and detail counts. Hack: use it to shoot textures (like fabric, packaging, or sw...
0.45X Wide Angle & 15X Macro Lens
One of the considerations of an excellent UGC video is the voiceover. Having a clear, no noise sound makes your work more polished and less skip-able. This wireless, lavalier microphone particularly delivers clear, crisp audio without messy cord. Hol...
Wireless Lavalier Microphone
This lets you film from a hands-free POV angle. Great for tutorials, unboxings, or lifestyle shots that need a natural, first-person feel. I like this one in particular because it can rest on your chest, making it more stable and you can also tilt th...
Magnetic Neck Mount for Phones
For a more stable mount and if you prefer a clamp than a magsafe. This lets you film from a hands-free POV angle. You can do unboxing, tutorial, day in a life, and even riding/biking videos from this.
Shop Phone Chest Mount with great discounts and prices online - Sep 2024
Combines lighting and stability in one tool. Keeps your video steady while giving you that soft, flattering glow.
Fill Light Tripod With Phone Holder For Phone Desktop Stand
This clamps to the table for a more fixed setup. This combines lighting and stability in one tool. Keeps your video steady while giving you that soft, flattering glow.
Ring Light with Phone Mount & Stand
Bounces and softens light so your shots look bright, even, and flattering. It’s like upgrading your lighting without buying extra expensive gear.
12x8 Light Reflector 3-in-1 Diffuser
A simple but underrated essential. Not only does it help you check framing and adjust angles, but you can also use it to bounce light onto your product for a natural glow. Bonus hack: lay your skincare, makeup, or small products on it as a “plate” to...
Adjustable Flexible Gooseneck Makeup Mirror
Not just for frosting cakes! Drag it across lotions, creams, or scrubs to create satisfying textured patterns. Perfect for flatlays, swatch demos, or giving your product a luxe editorial feel.
Cake Decorating Combs
The Decors: Backdrops and Accessories
The decors bring a personal, authentic touch that polished product photos can’t always capture. They highlight how textures, colors, and small details come together in real spaces. People notice the vibe and relatability more than perfection, which m...
Adds a touch of luxury and soft shine to any flatlay or background. It’s perfect for beauty or skincare shots where you want products to feel high-end and pampered. For a playful hack, try the fork method to create a DIY “whirl, perfect for placing y...
Satin Pillowcase
A cozy texture that makes products pop while keeping the scene warm and inviting. Works especially well for lifestyle, winter, or comfort-themed content.
White Faux Sheepskin Throw Rug 2x3 ft
Great for holding jewelry, skincare, or props. Instantly adds polish to flatlays. You can also use them to group small items so your shots feel intentional and not messy. Here are some cute ones I found.
Trinket Trays
I have seen these everywhere. The OG decor for UGC videos. Great for holding jewelry, skincare, or props. Instantly adds polish to flatlays. You can also use them to group small items so your shots feel intentional, not messy.
Ceramic Jewelry Tray Trinket Dish
Even without flowers, they act as sculptural decor. Fill with dried flowers, makeup brushes, or even straws for creative styling. Note: the more texture and shapes, the better.
Aesthetic Vases For Decor
Fill with dried flowers, makeup brushes, or even straws for creative styling. These vases, in particular, are what I commonly come across.
Flower Vase
A cozy lighting source that sets mood instantly. Use warm tones for intimate shots or turn it into a glowing background prop for extra depth.
Aesthetic Lamps
Adds freshness and life to your frame without the upkeep. Perfect filler for empty corners or to soften hard lines in your backdrop.
Artificial Succulents Mini Fake Plants
Aesthetic and versatile, they instantly elevate your background with a soft, modern vibe. You can use them unlit as a sculptural decor piece, or light them for cozy, moody content. Their geometric shape also adds texture and dimension to flatlays. Th...
Bubble Candles
Drape across shelves, tables, or product shots to create movement and a natural vibe. You can also use them to frame your subject for a dreamy bokeh effect.
Vine with Fairy Lights
This Valentino perfume greatly accentuates the whole setup. Making the video visually interesting. Light reflected from this bottle is on another level too. I am not saying get this at all, just find bottles similar to this haha.
Perfumes
Functional and aesthetic. Pin inspo quotes, mini props, or even product packaging to create a customizable backdrop. This is also a good backdrop for its patterns!
Versatile pegboard
Perfect for close-ups. They give your hands a clean, styled look even if you didn’t have time for a salon visit.
Press On Nails
A quick way to add detail to hand shots. They make gestures look intentional and instantly more polished. They also look nice to the eye IMO.
Couple of Rings
Great for cozy or edgy vibes, and they add texture without stealing the spotlight from your main product. It also makes your fingers look prettier and longer.
Arm Warmers
Finishing Touches: Software and Trackers
This is where good content becomes great. From safe storage to polished edits, these tools make sure your work is not only creative but also professional, organized, and brand-ready. They help you deliver smooth videos, stay on top of deadlines, and ...
Tracking briefs, deadlines, and ideas keeps your workflow stress-free. This even has a contract and an invoice template to help you get started working with brands!
UGC Creator Ultimate Toolkit
Keeps your footage organized and safe when your phone inevitably runs out of space (because it will definitely will!)
External SSDs
Not just for graphics — its video tools are simple, drag-and-drop, great for branding overlays and social edits.
Canva
A more advanced editor for creators who want cinematic control with effects, multicam editing, and professional-grade features.
Pinnacle Studio
Free, easy, and perfect for TikToks and Reels. The go-to for many UGC creators.
CapCut
This app is great for quick cuts and transitions. It also integrated with Instagram directly, making it a easier place to edit.
Edits by Instagram
Bonus: UGC Platforms
My bonus for you! Getting started isn’t just about having the right setup, but it’s also about knowing where to showcase your work and connect with brands. These platforms are among the best places to find campaigns, practice your pitches, and start ...
Honestly the easiest place to start. The briefs are super clear, and you don’t need fancy gear. It helped me get used to creating short-form videos while still earning a little on the side.
Billo
User-friendly and straightforward. Lets you apply to campaigns and receive products to shoot at home. It’s so beginner-friendly, and I loved how they send products straight to you — great for building a starter portfolio.
JoinBrands
A platform that connects creators with brands looking for authentic lifestyle content. Good for steady collaborations.
Trend.io
More brand-focused with long-term partnership potential. Great if you want to go beyond one-off projects. A little more “serious,” but in the best way.
Aspire.io
Marketplace style where you list your rates and services, and brands can book you directly. You can set your rates, and brands just come to you. Super empowering when you’re ready to level up.
Collabstr (@collabstr)
Great for creators who want learning + creation combined. They do consulting, video editing, community building, etc., so you can improve your skills and potentially get more long-term work, not just one-off gigs.
Young With Solutions: Award-winning TikTok Agency
Very creator-friendly. You can join for free, set your rates, apply to campaigns, get free products sometimes. Good for both beginners and those with some experience. However, since many creators are using it, competition could be higher for good gig...
Vidovo.com