Leveraging UGC platforms is one of the most effective (and intelligent) strategies to grow your brand on social media.
What exactly is UGC? It stands for user-generated content, which includes videos, photos, and testimonials created by people who genuinely love your brand and want to share why. For brands, knowing how to connect with UGC creators is essential because UGC drives sales. In 2023, 34% of American adults relied on reviews (a form of UGC) to discover and evaluate products.
As consumer reliance on reviews continues to grow, brands are taking notice. The popularity of UGC creator platforms has skyrocketed in recent years. In 2020, the UGC platform industry was valued at $2.8 billion. At the time, some experts questioned whether this growth was a temporary trend fueled by the pandemic. After all, e-commerce and social media marketing were thriving, but would the momentum last? Just two years later, in 2022, the industry’s value surged to $4.4 billion.
Fast forward to today, and UGC remains a dominant force. By 2030, the industry is projected to reach a staggering $30 billion.
It’s no wonder brands and creators alike are eager to capitalize on this trend. For creators, UGC offers a flexible way to earn income on their own terms. For brands, it’s an invaluable tool for generating authentic reviews, unboxing videos, and other content that resonates with audiences.
Whether you’re a brand looking to harness the power of UGC or a creator exploring new income opportunities, this guide is for you. Below, we’ll introduce you to the best UGC content creator platforms for both brands and creators. But first, let’s dive into the key factors to consider when choosing a UGC platform. ⬇️
What Factors Should You Consider When Picking a UGC Tool?
Before exploring the best UGC platforms, it’s important to understand the key factors that make a platform worth your time and investment. Let’s break it down, starting with the most critical question:
What’s Their UGC Quality?
When evaluating a UGC platform, the first thing to assess is the quality of the content. Visit the platform’s website and watch their example videos—these are typically their best work and will give you a sense of what to expect.
Pay attention to the production quality, authenticity, and overall appeal of the videos. Are they polished and engaging? Do they feel genuine? These are the types of questions to ask yourself.
Additionally, find out if the platform vets its creators. This is a huge factor that many small to medium-sized brands overlook. Platforms that vet their creators are more likely to deliver high-quality, professional content. For example, platforms like SocialBook Product Launcher (and most others on this list) prioritize vetting to ensure you’re working with skilled creators.
How Much Does It Cost?
Price is another critical factor, but it’s important to remember that higher costs don’t always mean better quality. Start by purchasing a few UGC videos to test their effectiveness and see how your audience responds.
When comparing platforms, look at the price-to-quality ratio. Check the platform’s website for example videos and reviews to gauge the quality, then compare it to the pricing structure. Over time, you’ll get a sense of what you can expect to pay for high-quality content.
As you evaluate costs, ask these questions:
- What’s the starting price for the platform?
- Are there any ongoing fees or long-term commitments?
- Do you pay per video, or are there package deals?
Understanding the pricing structure will help you avoid hidden fees or unfavorable contracts.
Is Licensing Included?
Licensing is a non-negotiable factor when working with UGC. Without proper licensing, creators can demand additional payments later, or you may be forced to remove the content altogether.
When choosing a platform, check:
- Does the platform include licensing for organic social media use?
- Does it cover paid ads as well?
- Are there separate licensing fees per video?
Always factor licensing into your cost comparisons. Better yet, choose platforms that include licensing in their pricing to avoid headaches down the line.
Where Are the Creators Located?
The location of creators matters more than you might think. Even if creators speak the same language, accents and cultural nuances can vary significantly. For example, American, British, and Australian accents all sound different, and your audience may connect more with one over the others.
Choose a platform with creators whose accents and cultural backgrounds align with your target audience. This ensures your content feels relatable and authentic, increasing the likelihood of driving engagement and sales.
By considering these factors—quality, cost, licensing, and creator location—you’ll be well-equipped to choose a UGC platform that delivers results. Now, let’s dive into the best UGC platforms available in 2025!
Top UGC tools in 2025
Now you know what to look for in paid UGC platforms. So, let’s explore some of the top options for UGC marketplaces in 2025. And if you’re a creator hoping to find brands looking for UGC creators, this list is still for you.
(They’re some of the best UGC creator platforms for content creators, too.)
Clip
Clip specializes in performance-driven UGC, allowing brands to connect with creators and purchase the exact number of videos they need.
For brands: Clip is a top-tier UGC platform offering flexible pricing, no contracts, and high-quality content.
For creators: Clip helps you match with brands seeking UGC creators in 2025. You can earn 20−20−100 per video and keep the products you review.
Locations covered: UK, US, AU
Price: Starts at $124 for a 15-20 second video.
The good news:
- High-quality, professionally produced videos.
- Only 7% of applicants are approved, ensuring rigorous vetting.
- Licensing is included for all videos.
- Transparent pricing and fair terms.
- A large pool of creators: 600+ in the UK, 500+ in the US, and 400+ in Australia.
- Fast 7-day turnaround time for videos.
The bad news:
- No option for UGC photos—only videos.
- Products are not returned after content creation.
Clip is a standout platform, offering exceptional quality, pricing, and speed.
SocialBook Product Launcher
We (yep, that’s right, SocialBook Product Launcher is us!) help brands make UGC deals with micro-influencers.
For brands: If you need a TON of content, you can’t do better than SocialBook Product Launcher UGC. You can buy UGC content from creators in your niche for a fraction of what other companies charge. Plus, our micro-influencers will endorse your brand on their social media.
For creators: SocialBook Product Launcher is the perfect fit if you’re looking for UGC platforms for influencers. You can create UGC and grow your influencing business all in one place!
Locations covered: Worldwide
Price: Starts at $28/task, one fee and long-term available.
The good news:
- It’s super affordable. You can work with five creators to get five pieces of UGC for $28.
- Every video includes licensing.
- You can view influencer portfolios and reviews from other brands before collaborating.
- We have built-in messaging so you can communicate directly with influencers.
SocialBook Product Launcher is one of the best content creator platforms, but you don’t have to take our word for it! If you use influencer search, you can pay $99 to reach out to influencers actively. That’s unheard of–so it’s worth a try!
Twirl
Twirl combines the convenience of a UGC platform with the personalized service of an agency.
For brands: If you prefer not to communicate directly with creators, Twirl handles everything for you.
For creators: Twirl manages brand communication, allowing you to focus solely on creating content.
Locations covered: UK, US
Price: Starts at $320 for one video.
The good news:
- Licensing is included.
- One content revision is included in the price.
- Over 1,500 creators in the US and UK.
- Full communication handled by their team.
The bad news:
- Expensive compared to other platforms.
- Longer turnaround times due to managed communication.
Billo
Billo is an app-driven UGC platform that connects brands with creators.
For brands: Billo offers dedicated success managers, in-house editors, and AI-powered storyboarding to streamline the process.
For creators: Billo allows you to create and upload videos directly from your phone, making it one of the best apps for UGC creators.
Locations served: US, AU, UK, CA
Price: Starts at $500 for five videos.
The good news:
- Over 5,000 creators on the platform.
- Video editing is available as an add-on.
- Direct messaging with creators.
The bad news:
- High upfront cost ($500 minimum).
- No clear information on creator vetting.
- Historically focused on the US market.
Trend
Trend positions itself as a custom content studio, emphasizing the artistry of its creators.
For brands: Trend allows you to create a free project to test the platform before committing.
For creators: Trend focuses on matching creators with brands that align with their style.
Locations served: US
Price: Starts at $550 for 10 videos or 25 photos.
The good news:
- Licensing is included.
- Large pool of vetted creators.
- 24/7 customer support.
The bad news:
- Long turnaround times (2-3 weeks).
- Unclear revision policies.
- High upfront cost.
EmbedSocial
EmbedSocial stands out by aggregating existing UGC from social media.
For brands: EmbedSocial helps you repurpose content from your customers, offering an affordable way to generate UGC.
For creators: EmbedSocial doesn’t directly work with creators, so consider other platforms on this list.
Locations served: Worldwide
Price: $29/month for aggregating posts from 3 social media sources.
The good news:
- Integrates with all major social media platforms.
- Automates usage rights conversations.
- Stores and analyzes UGC in one place.
The bad news:
- Limited control over content quality.
- No creative input for specific content needs.
JoinBrands
JoinBrands connects brands with influencers and content creators across multiple platforms.
For brands: JoinBrands offers UGC, influencer marketing, and whitelisting services.
For creators: JoinBrands has a straightforward certification process, but they take 20% of your earnings.
Locations served: US
Price: Starts at $60 per video.
The good news:
- Licensing is included.
- Over 100,000 influencers on the platform.
- Direct messaging with creators.
The bad news:
- Additional platform fees on top of monthly costs.
- No fixed pricing or turnaround times.
Cohley
Cohley is a premium UGC platform focused on scaling campaigns for large brands.
For brands: Cohley is ideal for large companies looking to scale UGC efforts.
For creators: Cohley connects you with big-name brands and offers competitive pay.
Locations served: Primarily US (exact coverage unclear).
Price: Custom (expensive).
The good news:
- Licensing is included.
- AI-powered tools for campaign management.
- Focus on diversity and inclusivity.
The bad news:
- Long turnaround times (up to a month).
- High costs, making it unsuitable for small brands.
How to Choose a UGC Platform？
Now that we’ve explored some of the best UGC platforms in 2025, you might feel overwhelmed by the options. Let’s simplify the process so you can make an informed decision when selecting a UGC creator marketplace.
For Brands Considering User-Generated Content Platforms
The most critical factor for brands is the quality-to-price ratio. You need a platform that offers high-quality content at a reasonable price, with creators who are thoroughly vetted.
Before committing to a platform, do your research. Avoid platforms with long-term contracts or commitments, especially if you’re just starting out. You don’t want to be locked into paying for content that doesn’t deliver results.
For UGC Creators
If you’re a creator looking for the best UGC platforms, focus on ease of communication and speed of payment. You want a platform that makes it simple to connect with brands and ensures you get paid quickly. On-platform messaging is essential to streamline communication and avoid delays.
Conclusion: Using UGC Creator Platforms
Now that you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each UGC platform, you’re ready to take the next step.
If you’re a brand, start by posting campaigns, inviting UGC creators to apply, and watching the content roll in. Experiment with different platforms to see which one aligns best with your goals.
If you’re a content creator, join platforms that resonate with your style and career aspirations. Over time, you can determine which ones work best for you and focus your efforts there.
For those new to influencer marketing, SocialBook Product Launcher is an excellent starting point. It offers high-quality UGC at an affordable price, and the added benefit of micro-influencers promoting your brand on social media can significantly expand your reach. Ready to give it a try? Find influencers by niche and start collaborating today!
