You have probably seen “CGC” all over TikTok and Instagram. People say they get paid to make brand content without a huge following. Most of this work is better known as UGC, user-generated content. Some use CGC to refer to creator-generated content, while others mean consumer-generated content. To keep things clear, we will use UGC throughout.

The opportunity is real in Canada. If you can produce authentic and helpful videos or photos that brands can use on their own channels, you can build a flexible income or even a full-time business.

This guide shows you the steps, from your first portfolio to your first brand deal, then how to scale.

Why UGC works in Canada

Canadians value trust, community, and practicality. Highly polished ads can feel distant. UGC looks and sounds like real life, which makes claims easier to believe.

Shoppers rely on social proof. Reviews, quick demos, and real testimonials help people decide. Many will skip a purchase if a product page lacks that proof.

UGC also fits small business budgets. Instead of one large shoot, a business can commission several creator pieces, test what works, then scale the winners. Short-form creator content and Spark Ads on platforms like TikTok and Instagram can be very efficient for reach and conversions.

Step 1: Find your niche, where passion meets opportunity

Specializing helps you stand out. Brands do not just want a creator; they want an informed partner.

Start with what you actually use and love. Your enthusiasm for cruelty-free skincare, smart home tech, meal prep, or pet care will show on camera.

Ground it in Canada. Pitch to brands in your city or province. Think winter running gear in Calgary, eco cleaners in Winnipeg, local coffee roasters in Halifax, or skincare suited to dry Prairie winters. B2B niches work too, for example, booking software, accounting tools, or local services.

Step 2: Build your portfolio, the visual résumé that gets you hired

You can start today with products you already own. Aim for 5 to 10 strong pieces that reflect real briefs.

Your must-have checklist

Hook: Grab attention in the first second or two.

Problem: Name a pain point your viewer feels.

Demo: Show the product in action, keep it simple.

Proof: Include a brief testimonial or a before-and-after comparison.

Call to action: Tell viewers what to do next.

Keep production simple

• Use natural light near a window.
• Record clear audio; a basic lav mic helps.
• Stabilize your phone with a small tripod.
• Edit with CapCut or a similar mobile editor.

Where to host

• A clean Google Drive or Dropbox folder works.
• A simple portfolio on Canva or Google Sites looks professional.
• Name files clearly so a brand can skim through them quickly.

Step 3: Price your work, build a sustainable career

Be clear, confident, and consistent. Price for the deliverable, then list usage rights as a separate line item.

Starter UGC pricing in Canada, for beginners

Rates vary by category, complexity, rush timelines, and brand size. As you gain testimonials and case results, raise your rates.

Why usage rights matter

Organic use on a brand’s feed is different from paid ads. If your content runs as an ad, it is driving direct revenue. Charge for that period, for each platform, and note renewal dates in your quote.

Step 4: Pitch like a pro, land your first Canadian brand deal

Start close to home. Create a list of Canadian brands you currently use and enjoy. Follow their accounts. Watch the ads they run. Look for gaps you can fill.

Simple pitch template

Subject: A fresh content idea for [Brand Name]
Body:
Hi [Name], I am a Canadian UGC creator who focuses on [your niche]. I use and enjoy [specific product]. I saw your recent [post or ad] and have a quick content idea that could drive more engagement and clicks.
Here are two short examples that match your look and feel, [link to portfolio].
Would you be open to a brief 15-minute chat next week to discuss whether this aligns with your goals?
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Portfolio link]
[City, Province]

Tips that lift response rates

• Personalize every message, mention a recent ad or product.
• Discuss their goals, not your own dreams.
• Keep it short.
• Follow up once a week if you do not hear back.

Step 5: Scale like a professional

You’ve achieved a few wins; now it’s time to turn them into a steady income with simple systems. Start by sharpening your craft. Learn to tell a clear story in 15 to 30 seconds, including a hook, a problem, a demo, proof, and a call to action. Tailor each edit to the specific platform.

TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts all have different rhythms. Enhance your lighting and audio so that every clip feels polished, and only upgrade your gear when the work starts generating income.

Keep upgrades smart, not flashy. A newer phone often beats a cheap camera for creator work. Add a small LED light and a reliable lav mic to lift quality fast. Use a flexible tripod so you can frame shots quickly and keep them stable.

Then widen your pipeline. List yourself on vetted creator platforms that serve Canadian brands. Build relationships with Canadian marketing agencies that need dependable creators. Use LinkedIn to connect with brand managers and founders and share your best short examples. After each project, ask for a one-line testimonial and permission to share a brief clip; that social proof makes the next ‘yes’ easier.

FAQ for Canadian UGC creators

Do I need a big following?
No. Brands use your content on their channels. Skill and reliability matter more than follower count.

What should a first package include?
One short video, three photos, one hook variation, 30 days of organic usage. Price paid for usage is separate.

Which platforms matter most in Canada for short UGC?
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Spark Ads can extend reach efficiently.

How do I handle contracts and rights?
State the deliverables, file formats, revision count, usage scope, platforms, regions, and dates. Add renewal fees for paid usage periods.