How to find UGC creators (no agency, in 24h)
In short
There are 4 ways to find UGC creators: go through an agency, reach out on social media, hire a freelancer directly, or use a specialized marketplace. The marketplace is the fastest: casting by category, a structured brief, secure payment and approval are all built in, which lets you launch a campaign the same day instead of waiting several weeks.
To choose well, look at the creator's category (dog, cooking, auto, business…), their platform, their rating and the style of their videos. On UGC Pocket, you set the budget per creator (€50 to €2000), select by niche and only pay on approval.
The 4 ways to find UGC creators
Each method has its strengths and its limits. Here's how they compare in practice.
| Method | Strengths | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| UGC agency | Everything is handled for you | Expensive, slow, not very flexible |
| Social media (DMs) | Free, direct contact | Time-consuming, no guarantee of payment/delivery |
| Freelancer (general platform) | Economical | Casting and coordination are on you |
| Specialized UGC marketplace | Fast, casting by niche, secure payment | Choice framed by the catalog |
Manual outreach on Instagram or TikTok can work, but you spend hours identifying, contacting, negotiating and then securing payment: with no framework. An agency solves this, but at a high price and with long lead times. A specialized marketplace combines the best of both: you keep control and speed without handling the logistics.
Why a specialized marketplace saves time
The difference comes down to three concrete points:
- Niche categories: rather than a generalist pool, you filter by world (dog, cat, cooking, auto, couple, business, podcast). A "kibble" brief goes to creators who film dogs every day: the authenticity shows on screen.
- An AI-structured brief: you write your need in plain text, and it's turned into a campaign (goal, platforms, budget). No spec sheet to write from scratch. See our UGC brief template.
- Secure payment: nothing is charged without your approval; the creator is paid once the video is accepted. On the creator side, the bank-transfer withdrawal is processed within 5 business days.
The result: you go from a need to videos in production in a few minutes. To compare the options on the market, read our 2026 UGC platform comparison.
How to choose the right creator
Once you've chosen the method, select the right profiles. Four criteria are enough:
- The category: does the creator operate in your product's world? This is the number-one authenticity factor.
- The platform: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat or Facebook: target the one where you want to distribute.
- The rating: the average rating reflects reliability and the quality of past deliveries.
- The style: watch previous videos. Energetic or calm, spoken or voice-over? The tone must fit your brand.
Not sure whether to bet on a creator's audience or simply on their content? Our article UGC vs influencer helps you decide. And if you're completely new, start with the definition of UGC.
Launch your first campaign in 4 steps
- Write the brief: describe your need in plain text. The AI structures the campaign (goal, categories, platforms, budget).
- Select the creators: filter by category, platform and rating, then choose the profiles whose style fits your brand.
- Receive the videos: creators film and deliver directly in the app.
- Approve and pay: rate each delivery, request a revision if needed, then approve. Payment is only triggered after approval.
To estimate the total cost before you start, check our guide on UGC video pricing and the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really find UGC creators in 24h?
Yes, with a marketplace: you brief, select by category and launch the same day. Selection and launch take a few minutes, versus several weeks through an agency.
Do you have to go through an agency?
No. Social media, a direct freelancer or a specialized marketplace all work. The marketplace is the fastest because casting, briefing, payment and approval are built in.
How much does a UGC creator cost?
On UGC Pocket, you set the budget per creator between €50 and €2000, for 1 to 50 creators, with no subscription. You only pay on approval.
How do you choose the right creator?
Look at the category, the platform, the average rating and the style of previous videos. A creator whose world matches the product delivers a more credible result.