"UGC vs. Influencers: Understanding the Key Differences"
As social media continues to grow and evolve, more and more people are finding themselves in the role of content creators. Whether you're a YouTuber, a Instagrammer, or a TikToker, the pressure to produce engaging and interesting content can be intense.
One way that many content creators differentiate themselves is by identifying as either a "User-Generated Content Creator" (UGC) or an "Influencer."
But what's the difference between these two labels, and which one is right for you?
User-Generated Content Creator
User-Generated Content Creators, or UGCs, are individuals who produce content that is created by and for the users of a particular product or service. Brands or Agencies hire UGC Creators to create marketing ads related to the Creators’ use of that brand’s product or service.
UGCs are often known for their authenticity and relatability, as they tend to share their own experiences and opinions.
The best part- UGC Creators don’t need any followers.
That’s right!
Unlike Influencers, UGC Creators create the paid content and hand it over to the Brand or Agency for them to use on their business accounts or as paid ads - with a few exceptions. Brands might hire UGC Creators, who have followers, to provide them with the content and for the Creator to post to their account and/or as a sponsored ad through their account (known as whitelisting or dark posting).
In my opinion, UGC Creator is a little bit of a misnomer.
These Creators really should be called, “User-Generated Ads” Creators or “User-Generated Marketing” Creators, or even better- Paid Content Creators specializing in UGC-style content.
This just sounds more accurate to what a UGC Creator is doing, and it’s more marketable. I really think it’s time to rebrand. 😏
Influencers
Influencers, on the other hand, are content creators who have built up a large and loyal following on social media. They are often known for their ability to persuade others to buy a product or service, and as such, they are often sought out by brands and businesses to promote their products.
Influencers are often paid for their endorsements, and their content tends to be more polished and professionally produced than UGC.
There are also levels to the type of Influencers based on their follower count:
Nano Influencers (1K to 10K followers)
Micro Influencers (10K to 100K followers)
Macro Influencers (100K to 1M followers)
Mega or Celebrity Influencers (1M+ followers)
So which type of content creator is right for you?
It ultimately depends on your goals and your audience.
If you're looking to build a following and make a name for yourself on social media, becoming an Influencer might be the way to go.
But if you're more interested in sharing your experiences and connecting with others without posting to your account, being a UGC Creator might be a better fit.
Regardless of which route you choose, remember that creating engaging and interesting content is key. Whether you're a UGC Creator or an Influencer, the most important thing is to be authentic and genuine in your content, and to connect with your audience on a personal level.
With the right approach, you can build a successful and rewarding career as a content creator.
Above all else…. don’t forget that different legal requirements apply depending on which type of paid content creator you are.
👉 Check out our FREE GUIDE: How to Stay Legal as a Paid Content Creator.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for customized legal advice - if you need legal advice, please consult with an attorney. This is not a law firm.
