How Do UGC Creators Get Paid? The 5-Step Process

You've learned how to become a UGC creator. You've mastered your craft. You've sent your pitch, and the brand replied with those magic words: "We'd love to work with you!"

Great... but 'how do I actually get the money?"

This is where many talented creators get stuck.

Here's your step-by-step guide to the professional process of getting paid as a UGC creator, payment models, how to negotiate fees, and how you can boost your income as a UGC creator.

The Two Most Common UGC Payment Models

First, what are you getting paid for?

Your payment structure will almost always fall into one of two categories:

Per-Project / Packages (Most Common)

This is the standard for UGC. You and the brand agree on a specific set of "deliverables" (e.g., 3 UGC videos, 10 photos) for a fixed, one-time price. This is the best model for beginners as it's clear and straightforward.

As you grow in experience, niche, usage rights, and brand trust, you can charge more. For instance: creators with 1 M+ followers can charge ~$2,500 for a 60-second video

Monthly Retainer (The Goal)

This is where a brand pays you a fixed amount each month in exchange for a set amount of content (e.g., 10 videos per month). This is ideal for your business as it provides consistent, predictable income.

You typically land retainers after a successful per-project collaboration.

man in black jacket holding camera during daytime

The 5-Step Process to Get Paid Like a Pro

This is the "how-to" framework that will ensure you get paid on time, every time.

Step 1: The Quote (Using Your Rate Card)

When a brand is interested, they'll ask, "What are your rates?" You must be ready. You send them your professional influencer rate card.

This document clearly lists your packages and prices, showing you're a serious business.

Step 2: The Contract (The Non-Negotiable)

Once the brand agrees to your price, you lock it in with a contract. A DM or email chain is NOT a contract. A contract protects both of you. It outlines the deliverables, timelines, and payment terms. This is a critical step, and you can use a simple UGC creator contract template to get started.

Don't be afraid to professionally review and discuss the terms; this is a normal part of negotiating influencer contracts.

Step 3: The 50% Upfront Deposit

This is the most important part of getting paid. Always, always get a deposit.

Why? It secures your booking, covers any production costs (like buying the product), and protects you if the brand cancels.
How? Your contract will state that a 50% non-refundable deposit is required to begin work. You send your first invoice for the deposit. You do not start creating content until that invoice is paid.

Step 4: The Final Invoice

After you've created the content, received approval, and delivered the final files (as outlined in your contract), it's time to get the rest of your money.

You send the brand a final invoice for the remaining 50% balance.

A professional invoice should include:

Your name and contact information.
The brand's name and contact information.
An invoice number and date.
A clear list of the services you provided (e.g., "3x UGC Videos as per agreement").
The remaining balance due.
Your payment details.

Step 5: The Final Payment (and "Net" Terms)

The brand will now pay your final invoice. Be aware of "payment terms." Many larger companies use terms like "Net 15" or "Net 30."

This simply means they will pay your invoice within 15 or 30 days of receiving it. This is a standard business practice, and it's why your contract and invoices are so important.

How does the money actually get to you? Here are the most common methods:

Direct Bank Transfer/ACH: This is the most common and easiest method for local brands. Your invoice will include your bank name, account number, and account name.
Paypal/ Payoneer / Wise: For international brands, these are the preferred methods. They allow you to receive USD, EUR, or GBP .
Payment Platforms: These are fantastic tools for creators. You can create a simple payment link or a professional invoice that allows brands to pay you easily with a card, just like they'd buy any other product online.

The Biggest Money Mistakes Creators Make

Skipping the Contract: This is the #1 mistake. A contract is your only protection.
Not Getting a Deposit: We've seen countless creators get "ghosted" by brands after delivering the work. The deposit prevents this.
Forgetting to Price Usage Rights: Your fee for creating the content is separate from the fee for the license to use it. If a brand wants to use your video in a paid ad for 6 months, that costs extra. This is a crucial detail covered in our UGC usage rights pricing and licensing guide.

Avoiding these mistakes will secure your income and potentially increase them. Here are more steps to increase your earnings from your UGC business:

Build a portfolio of strong samples in your niche. Go beyond “just a follower count”.
Define your rates clearly, and increase them as you gain more skill, testimonials and usages.
Be transparent about usage: if a brand wants global, multi-platform use for a long time, you should charge more.
Diversify your income: for example, contracts + affiliate links + ad revenue.
Be reliable and professional: delivering on time and meeting briefs leads to repeat work (which means higher pay).
Negotiate! Many creators under-price themselves early.

a person wearing headphones sitting in front of a computer

You Are a Business, So Get Paid Like One

A profitable UGC career takes consistency, creativity, and a strategic approach, and with the right habits, it's entirely achievable. The opportunities are there, it's just about positioning yourself to take them.

"How do UGC creators get paid?" The answer is simple: by acting like professional business owners.

By having a clear process, using a contract, and invoicing professionally, you remove the guesswork and uncertainty. You build trust with brands, protect your income, and establish yourself as a creator who is serious about their craft.

Ready to connect with professional brands that respect a clear payment process? Join Pitchbrand to find vetted companies that are actively hiring and paying creators for their work.