How to Make Money Reviewing Products Without Being an Influencer
Hailey Reese, a 23-year-old from Ohio, posted a simple 30-second skincare demo on TikTok using a product she already had in her bathroom. She wasn’t famous, had zero followers, and wasn’t trying to “be an influencer.” Within a week, she was contacted by a skincare brand to make a paid video — $50 for a single post.
Six months later, Hailey had built a steady side income just from her phone, making hundreds per month creating authentic, bite-sized content. This is the magic of UGC creation.
What is UGC?
UGC stands for User-Generated Content, which is any video, photo, or review made by real people (not professional marketers) showcasing a product. Brands crave this content because it feels genuine, relatable, and more trustworthy than flashy ads. You don’t need a massive following — you need authenticity, creativity, and a willingness to try.
How to Do It
- Pick a product you already own. Skincare, gadgets, kitchen tools — anything you can demonstrate naturally.
- Record a short, honest demo or review. Keep it casual: show it in action, talk about what works, and keep it under 60 seconds.
- Edit quickly: trim, add captions, or a simple voiceover. Authenticity > polished production.
Getting Started
- Sign up on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Ubiquity, or dedicated UGC marketplaces.
- Build a small portfolio of 3–5 videos to showcase your style.
- Pitch to multiple brands, or apply to gigs directly. Consistency wins.
Pro Tips
- Focus on products you genuinely like — enthusiasm shows on camera.
- Keep videos short, snappy, and natural. 30–45 seconds is ideal.
- Don’t overthink production. Most brands prefer real over polished.
- Track your results and feedback to improve your next videos.
Why This Works
UGC is booming because brands want relatable content, and the barriers are low. Anyone with a phone and a creative streak can start. Start small, stay consistent, and you could turn simple product demos into a reliable income stream — just like Hailey did.
Your First UGC Gig in 7 Days: Step-By-Step Blueprint
Day 1: Pick Your Niche & Products
- Choose a niche you genuinely enjoy — skincare, tech, kitchen tools, fitness gear.
- Select 3–5 products you already own and can demo naturally.
- Tip: Avoid products that are heavily saturated unless you have a unique angle.
Day 2: Create 3 Demo Videos
- Film short, authentic videos for your selected products (30–45 seconds each).
- Include:
- Quick intro (who you are + what you’re showing)
- Product in action (demonstration or unboxing)
- Honest reaction / benefit (why it works, what you like)
- Keep it casual — natural lighting, phone camera, no scripts needed.
Day 3: Edit & Polish
- Trim unnecessary parts; add captions or annotations if needed.
- Keep the edits simple — authenticity matters more than flashy production.
- Export videos in vertical format for TikTok/Reels-friendly sizing.
Day 4: Build a Mini Portfolio
- Upload your videos to a simple portfolio page — can be a free Carrd, Linktree, or Google Drive folder.
- Label each video with product name and short description.
- Your portfolio shows potential clients your style and quality.
Day 5: Sign Up on UGC Platforms
- Fiverr, Upwork, Ubiquity, and dedicated UGC marketplaces are top spots.
- Create a profile: professional photo, clear headline (e.g., “UGC Creator | Authentic Product Demo Videos for TikTok & Reels”).
- Add your portfolio videos.
Day 6: Pitch & Apply
- Apply to 5–10 gigs per day using casual, enthusiastic messaging:
- Example: “Hi! I love [Product] and would love to create a short demo/review video for your brand. I can make 30–45 second videos ready for TikTok/Reels that feel authentic and engaging. Portfolio attached!”
- Focus on brands in your niche for higher chances.
Day 7: Deliver & Get Feedback
- If selected, deliver your first gig promptly and professionally.
- Ask for client feedback and permission to include it in your portfolio.
- Use this feedback to tweak your next batch of videos and increase your rates.
Pro Tip: Within the first month, your goal is consistency — 1–2 gigs per week can scale into $200–$500/month. Build your portfolio, improve your delivery, and soon you’ll land recurring clients.
