CollabRateQuick answer: Brands pay UGC creators for content and the right to use it, not for followers. CollabRate's beginner starting point is $50–$150 per edited video (default $100). Show “from” prices on your card, quote each brief separately, and charge for paid usage, whitelisting and raw footage from day one. The tool above opens with the beginner preset and “from” prices on a rate card.
A beginner rate card at a glance
| Item | At a $100 base rate |
|---|---|
| 1 video | From $100 |
| 3 videos (save 10%) | From $270 |
| 5 videos (save 15%) | From $425 |
| Extra hook | $20 each |
| Paid usage, 30 days | +25% |
| Paid usage, 90 days | +50% |
| Whitelisting / Spark Ads | +20% per month |
| Raw footage | +40% |
| Rush delivery | +25% |
How to price your first UGC deals
- Make three to five sample videos with products you already own, so brands can see your style.
- Set a base rate you can deliver well at. Start inside the beginner range and pick a number you'd be happy to do ten times.
- Use “from” prices on your card. They set expectations while leaving room to quote each brief properly.
- Quote every real brief. Add the usage window, hooks and extras the brand actually wants, and send a quote PDF.
- Raise your rate as proof arrives: repeat clients, renewals, or ad results a brand shares with you.
Beginner mistakes that cost the most
- Free perpetual usage. “Content for ads forever” at your organic rate is the most expensive thing you can give away.
- Free raw footage. Raw clips let a brand make new ads without you.
- Unlimited revisions. Include one round and price extra rounds.
- No payment terms. Ask for a deposit (for example 50% upfront) before you film.
- Gifted product as full payment for paid ads. A free product can be fair for organic posts you'd make anyway, but not for content that runs as paid ads.
Do you need to show prices?
No. The rate card has three modes: full prices, “from” prices, and “rates on request”, which lists what you offer without numbers. Beginners often do well with “from” prices: they filter out brands with no budget and still invite a conversation. See the rate card template page for the three designs.
FAQ
Can I charge for UGC with no followers?
Yes. UGC is made for the brand to post and advertise, so your follower count doesn't matter. Your samples, reliability and the rights you grant do.
What should a beginner put on a UGC rate card?
Your name and contact, two or three packages with “from” prices, the main add-ons (extra hooks, paid usage, whitelisting, raw footage) and what every video includes.
Should I do free UGC to build a portfolio?
Making your own sample videos is usually better than working for free for a brand, because you keep full control and nobody runs your work as ads without paying for it.
How many revisions should a beginner include?
One round is a common default. Price extra rounds so revision requests stay reasonable.
More UGC pricing guides
Last updated · Written by the MiniTools team. Rates here are negotiating starting points, not financial, legal or tax advice. CollabRate isn't affiliated with any platform or brand named on this site.