In short
The brands that buy the most UGC are the ones already running video ads. Spot them in the Meta Ad Library, on TikTok and in your daily life, pick 20 in your niche, find the right person, then contact 5 to 10 brands a week with a personalised message and regular follow-ups.
1. Know where to look: brands that already need you
A brand running video ads needs new creative all the time: ads wear out within a few weeks. They are your best targets.
- The Meta Ad Library: search for a brand and look at its active ads. Lots of talking-head videos = a need for UGC.
- TikTok Creative Center: the ads that work, by industry.
- Your bathroom, kitchen and desk: the products you really use, often young online brands.
- New brands: launches on Instagram, trade fairs, crowdfunding sites.
2. Build a list of 20 brands
Twenty brands are enough to start. For each one, write down:
- The name, website, Instagram or TikTok account.
- What caught your eye: a product, a tone, an ad.
- A video angle you could pitch.
- The contact you found and the channel (email, DM, LinkedIn).
- The status: to contact, contacted, followed up, replied, quote sent.
Stay within a niche that matches your portfolio. A haircare brand responds better if it sees beauty videos than software demos.
3. Find the right person
The hello@ or contact@ address rarely reaches the right person. Look instead:
- On LinkedIn: marketing, social media, acquisition, brand content or growth managers.
- On the website: the Press, Partnerships or Collaborations page.
- By DM on Instagram or TikTok, for small brands where the team runs the account itself.
4. Write a message about the brand
The message that works talks about the brand first, pitches a specific idea and ends with a simple question. The guide first message to a brand gives the full structure and examples.
5. Keep a weekly rhythm
Outreach works through volume and consistency. A realistic rhythm:
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Monday | Add 5 brands to your list |
| Tuesday | Send 5 first messages |
| Thursday | Follow up on last week's messages (after 3 to 7 days) |
| Friday | Reply, send quotes, update your list |
With 5 to 10 messages a week, expect a few replies a month at first. The rate rises with a stronger portfolio and sharper messages. Remember to follow up: a good share of replies arrive after the second message.
Common questions
How do you find brands looking for UGC creators?
Look for brands already running video ads, for example in the Meta Ad Library or TikTok Creative Center. They have an ongoing need for new videos.
Are UGC platforms worth it?
They can bring first jobs, often at lower prices and with a lot of competition. Direct outreach takes more effort, but it builds regular, better-paid relationships.
How many brands should you contact per week?
Five to ten personalised messages a week is a good pace to start, following up on the ones that got no reply.
This guide gives practical pointers. Rules vary by country: it doesn't replace advice from an accountant or a lawyer for your situation.