In 2025, online creators are dominating the digital marketing world, and UGC is at the heart of it all: expanding, evolving, and reshaping how brands connect with audiences. As an online creator, you might be asking yourself how to navigate the complexities of UGC pricing & negotiating with brands.

Let’s explore everything you need to know to elevate your content and ensure it earns the value it truly deserves.

What is UGC?

User generated content refers to content that a creator develops instead of a brand behind the product that is being promoted or offered. This form of content can be photos, videos, or text reviews shared by creators on different social media platforms, blogs, or review sites.

UGC has become a vital component of digital marketing strategies, with 79% of consumers reporting that UGC strongly influences their purchasing decisions. This makes it a powerful tool for brands looking to authentically connect with their target audience. For creators, however, determining how much to charge for a UGC content can be a challenge. Understanding UGC rates is essential to ensuring fair compensation for your work while fostering successful collaborations with brands.

The Different Factors

These rates depend on various factors, such as the creator's expertise, audience reach, content complexity, industry dynamics, and the urgency of the campaign.

The Different Rates

Rates for UGC creators can vary significantly depending on the brand, creator skill set, and experience. Based on observations over 1,000 projects, new creators typically charge between $50 and $150 per video, depending on the project scope. On the other hand, experienced creators charge around a minimum of $200. It is important to know that rates can vary widely, ranging from below $50 to over $200, depending on specific creator and project.

UGC Rates: What Are The Different Types?

First things first, as a creator you must be aware of the different options you have for setting your rate. What are these options and what type best sets you up for success?

One common approach to setting UGC rate is through flat fees, where creators receive a one-time payment for each piece of content, regardless of the time spent working. Another option is setting an hourly rate, which ensures creators are paid for the time and effort they invest in their content creation. However, some creators prefer collaborative or revenue-sharing models, where they earn based on the campaign’s success. This is often through a percentage of the sales generated by their content.Revenue- sharing models are a common type of UGC payment for creators who value long-term partnerships with brands.

Another type of UGC rate is per deliverable pricing, where influencers are charged a specific fee for each piece of content. This is a popular option when brands want to choose specific qualities they want from creators, and these creators often feel they are reimbursed more fairly.

For brands seeking a larger volume of content at a discounted option, UGC bundle rates are often a smart option. In this case, creators offer a discount when brands agree to purchase multiple videos. Similarly, multiple concept discounts are used when creators offer a price reduction if a brand purchases various types of videos, which can make a brands’ campaign more effective. For example, these different deliverables can include an unboxing and an Instagram story. creators offer bundles like three videos for $500, enabling them to negotiate better rates without adding a strenuous amount of additional work. 

These flexible pricing models help both creators and brands find mutually beneficial agreements while ensuring content remains effective and fairly compensated.

Additional Revenue

As a content creator, you want to make sure you are setting yourself up for as much success as possible. Incorporated into the various pricing models are different deliverables and customizations that can enhance the value of your content as a creator. An example of these content additions are a hook or CTA variations for an extra $50 each, helping further drive engagement and boosting a campaigns return on investment (ROI.) When creating a CTA, creators should be aware that these variations need to closely align with a brand's goal to ensure the content is effective. 

Another common factor is usage rights, where brands pay an additional 30-40% of the base rate to extend the period of time they can use the content for. This option ensures fair compensation for a creator's work while promoting the brand's value. 

Whitelisting and/or Spark Ads are a form of paid ads that a creator allows a brand to run through the creators account. Spark ads create a greater sense of audience trust for the product/service being promoted, and typically adds around 30% of an additional income to the creator’s base fee. 

Content fueled by trends, often referred to as organic concepts, is a popular form of content in the media. But don’t be fooled, this trend-fueled method can cost creators $250 more than the base rate. Generally, the base rate for organic content ranges from $150-$200 with the possibility of negotiating higher. 

Ultimately, UGC rates are determined by factors such as the quantity of videos produced, extended usage rights, and the inclusion of engaging hooks or CTA’s, reflecting the complexity and potential impact of the deliverables.

To make the negotiation speedier, many creators use a UGC Rate Card: a document that outlines a creators’ pricing structure, including their rates for different content types. If you are a creator looking to streamline negotiations, a UGC Rate card is a very beneficial addition to your resume.

Knowing Your Worth

When setting your rates, it is crucial to assess your value as a UGC crater. Factors such as your experience, editing skills, audience engagement, and the platform you use will all impact the price you set for brands. The most important factor in a UGC deal is transparency during negotiations. 

Clear communication about rates and the value you bring to a brand is essential; don’t forget to detail your offerings and performance metrics. By approaching negotiations in this matter, you are setting yourself up for a trust building relationship and future success.

Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just beginning your journey, understanding how much to price your UGC content is essential for ensuring fair compensation, delivering impactful results for brands, and building a strong reputation for your own brand as a creator.