Video Editing

How to make money on TikTok with review videos 

Posted March 30, 2023

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Want to start your career as a TikTok influencer but not sure how to make money on TikTok or get sponsorships? Try making user-generated content, better known as UGC videos on TikTok, to start monetizing your videos. UGC creators usually share reviews and tutorial videos, build trust with the community, and get spotted by brands while doing so. 

#UGC videos are trending upwards, because it's a new type of influencer content that doesn’t look like a video ad. Becoming a UGC creator is a straightforward way to begin your influencer journey. Learn more about making UGC videos so you can make money on TikTok. You can also level up your content with an easy video editor like Clipchamp. 

What is UGC and what does a UGC review video look like? 

User-generated content, also known as UGC or consumer-generated content, are authentic review videos and tutorial videos made by everyday TikTok users sharing their opinions or experiences using a product or service. A UGC creator is an aspiring influencer with a passion for video editing or know-how of video marketing. While UGC TikTok videos look like organic content in the FYP feed, they’re usually TikTok ads made by users.

UGC videos can get new creators on the radar of brands who want to create sponsored content on a budget across beauty, lifestyle, gaming and even sports. New creators can start by creating an honest review video for free and tagging the brand being reviewed. If the brand likes the video content, they might reach out with the opportunity for a sponsored post, gifts, and more.  

UGC content can look like a tutorial or review video like this. 

@jordicollins0 Reply to @vivicanas31 go-to smoothie recipe @nakedharvestsupplements ♬ Sunny Day - Ted Fresco

Brands can repost a UGC video on their official TikTok profile like this.  

What UGC creators should know before they start

Why do brands collaborate with UGC creators?

Brands are using UGC creators to promote their products as the authentic TikTok content format helps build trust and drives conversations around their brand. It’s also cost-effective and time efficient compared to elaborate influencer marketing contracts.  

How to find UGC gigs to make money on TikTok? 

To get started, we recommend using platforms that curate UGC brand deals for you like TikTok Creator Marketplace, Fiverr, and Upwork, or even search #UGCCreator or #UGCContent in Twitter.  

What can UGC creators charge for making videos?  

UGC creators can make money on TikTok by charging brands based on their hourly rate or per post. New creators with a smaller portfolio should be realistic and understand that the payment per post will increase when their portfolio expands. Becoming a successful UGC creator takes a lot of dedication and consistency. That’s why building up a strong portfolio and TikTok profile over time is important for credibility and a bigger paycheck.   

How many TikTok followers do I need to be a UGC creator? 

There are no requirements to become a UGC creator. An everyday TikTok user can start their career as a UGC creator or micro-influencer on TikTok. 

The ultimate checklist to make impressive UGC videos

This list for new creators explains what you need to know about planning, filming, and editing impressive UGC videos.

1. Understanding the brand, product, and target audience 

Before creating UGC videos for TikTok, you’ll need to identify the brand you’d like to review, the specific product or service, and the brand’s target audience. Make sure the brand’s niche simultaneously fits your TikTok aesthetic, whether it’s wellness, lifestyle, tech, gaming, or others. Look at the brand’s existing TikTok content and see what’s working for them.

2. Planning and scripting your videos  

Once you have chosen a brand and understand their products, it’s time to plan your UGC videos. Create a storyboard on how you want your TikTok video to look, the style of video you’re creating and what information about the product you’re including. Planning a strong TikTok video structure and writing a script before filming will keep your video professional, organized, and on track.

3. Record with a good filming setup 

Anyone with a modern smartphone or camera can record quality TikTok content. The help of ring lights, external mics, good natural lighting, quiet filming locations and backdrops will also level up your video quality. UGC content can be as professional or unpolished as you would like it to be, as the aim is to establish your own unique style and approach that connects with your target audience. 

4. Tell an authentic story 

To achieve an honest look and feel to your TikTok video and avoid looking like a TikTok ad, we recommend creating an authentic story. Ask yourself why you like the product, how it has positively impacted your life, and why your viewers should purchase it too.  

5. TikTok video editing that fits your aesthetic 

Easily edit video clips into engaging and aesthetic UGC videos with Clipchamp’s free online video editor. All you have to do is drag and drop video clips onto the timeline, trim clips, add filters, transitions, and stickers, then directly post your videos to TikTok. It’s important to create a memorable TikTok aesthetic to keep videos consistent and recognizable.  

Pro tip: If you’ve never created a TikTok video before, or unsure where to start, just select one of our ready-made TikTok video templates

6. Include captions to increase accessibility  

Make your UGC videos more accessible and easier to follow while muted with auto-captions. Using smart voice detection technology, the auto-captions generate a transcript for you which makes it easy to share with brands you’re working with.  

7. Add relevant CTAs (calls to actions) 

Point your viewers in the right direction by including all relevant CTAs like links to websites, coupon codes, social media, and more. You can also add release dates for sales or product launches with unique motion titles. Never forget to tag the brand you’re working with. 

8. Write an informative video description 

Developing an informative and meaningful description in advance is the perfect accompaniment to your UGC video. Here, you can add relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience, tag the brand you’re collaborating with, and name your video. There’s a 150-character limit to TikTok video descriptions, so make sure to plan your text beforehand.  

9. Engage with your audience in the comments  

One of the best ways to build your community and boost your TikTok engagement is by always replying to the comments on your videos. Viewers like to be acknowledged, so by replying to comments, you’re building a relationship with your viewers while forming a TikTok community. If brands see you’re engaging with your followers, they’re more likely to want to work with you. 

10. Build your review video portfolio 

Sharing your UGC content on your TikTok profile isn’t usually required from brands, but it’s an efficient way to build your profile portfolio. Share videos on your personal TikTok account to practice and receive constructive feedback on how to further improve your videos. No matter your following size, share consistent UGC videos to give you an insight into your own TikTok analytics.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to add your email into your bio and video descriptions so brands can easily contact you if they like your profile. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I share my UGC video on TikTok and Instagram?

Yes. It’s extremely easy to cross-post videos on both TikTok and Instagram when creating content with Clipchamp. Both platforms require the same video specifications, so just share your video directly to Instagram and TikTok from the exporting page.

Why is UGC so important to video marketing?

UGC is an organic way to watch an honest review before making an online purchase, rather than researching online reviews to read. UGC is the modern way to create authentic content and build trust between consumers and brands. 92% of consumers say they trust a UGC TikTok ad over traditional marketing campaigns.

What are the cons of UGC reviews?

UGC TikTok videos rely on creators to always be honest and authentic with their audiences. But sometimes credibility isn’t guaranteed as the creators are not experts. Although, 75% of marketers say UGC videos make branded content more authentic. Brands will also need to be given permission from the creator before using the UGC video in a marketing campaign.  

Ready to film your first UGC video? Turn your product and service review videos into engaging UGC TikToks with Clipchamp and make money with TikTok sponsorships.

If you want to keep looking for video ideas, check out the latest TikTok trends.

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