How To Create a UGC Portfolio and Why You Should

You don't have to be a social media expert or well-known internet personality to succeed with user-generated content (UGC). 

UGC is genuine, relatable, and grounded, and that's precisely why more and more companies are eager to collaborate with UGC creators. These individuals have a knack for producing content that blends everyday moments with authentic brand experiences.

When starting your journey to becoming a paid content creator, crafting a standout UGC portfolio is one of the first steps. Here's how to do it.

What’s user-generated content?

UGC is created by individuals rather than brands, often reviewing or endorsing a creator’s favorite products. Anyone can produce UGC, even if you’re not a well-known influencer. Some UGC is organic, meaning it's created by social media users without brand intervention and shared on personal channels like TikTok and Instagram. Brands may then amplify this content by featuring it on their platforms. 

Other UGC is commissioned explicitly by brands who request and pay for content creation from social media influencers and other users. Paid UGC is tailored to meet brand needs and is usually shared directly on the company’s social media channels rather than the creator’s.

What’s a UGC Portfolio? 

A UGC portfolio is a collection of content you've made as a user-generated content creator. This can include TikTok videos, Instagram Stories, blogs, and reviews related to products or services you've used from different brands. 

This portfolio makes building relationships with brands easier by displaying genuine and authentic examples of your work as a digital creator. It helps companies see what you can do for them, whether that's growing their following or helping them land sales.

Why Do You Need a UGC Portfolio?

A UGC portfolio is a game-changer if you want to partner with brands as it acts as a visual CV. This portfolio showcases your personal brand and unique ability to create material that hooks specific target audiences, leaving them wanting more. It also displays your aesthetic, storytelling skills, and creativity, which are crucial elements brands evaluate when choosing partnerships.

6 UGC Portfolio Components

Every great UGC portfolio includes the following six key elements.

1. Cover Page 

Your cover page is an opportunity to make a strong impression and set your portfolio's tone. Include your name, a recent headshot or high-quality photo, and a brief one-liner about what you can do for clients. For example, include a blurb like, "Turning everyday moments into viral sensations for your brand."

2. Short Bio

Write an "About Me" section that introduces who you are and what drives you to create content. Discuss details like how you became a creator and what you want to achieve in your career and for your clients. For example, you might include a paragraph like the following: 

"Hi there! I'm Jamie, a creative spirit with a passion for storytelling in the digital sphere. My journey into UGC began three years ago, sparked by a desire to share real, unfiltered moments with brand audiences. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a full-fledged career driven by a mission to help companies connect with potential customers.”

3. Work Examples

Whether you're a seasoned or new creator, showcase only your best work. Choose a selection of UGC that demonstrates your versatility and skill across different content types, like short-form videos, blog posts, and social media posts. Present the examples in a visually appealing, professional way.

4. Case Studies 

Successful examples can boost your credibility and demonstrate your work’s positive impact. Include case studies and testimonials from previous collaborations to show how your content solved a problem or achieved a client’s specific goal. Use analytics to support case studies and testimonials with data.

For instance, when describing an effective campaign, you might include language like "This ad campaign led to a 45% increase in social media engagement within the first month and a 30% website traffic boost." 

5. Pricing and Rates 

Clearly outline your services and UGC rates. Sharing this information upfront sets a precedent for transparency with your clients and establishes expectations surrounding your work. Including your pricing also attracts brands looking for content creators within your budget. It saves everyone time going through the pitch process, only to learn your rates are out of a company’s reach.

6. Contact Information 

Provide your contact information in your UGC portfolio to make it easy for potential clients to reach you. Include your email address, telephone number, social media handles, and a direct link to schedule a meeting through a platform like Calendly for easy communications.

Tips For a Better UGC Portfolio

To creating a UGC portfolio that captures attention, follow these tips:

1. Keep it current — Refresh your portfolio with new content regularly. This shows you're on top of trends, regularly creating, and committed to continuously improving. 
2. Use a clean design — A clutter-free layout lets your work shine, so make sure there's plenty of white space around each portfolio piece. Keep your design simple so potential clients can navigate it quickly, and let your content be the star of the show. 
3. Display diverse content — Variety is essential when impressing a range of potential clients. Include different types of content to highlight your range and adaptability. ‍
4. Be descriptive — Write a short caption for each piece of content in your UGC portfolio. Explain the concept, target audience, and marketing strategy behind the post, showcasing your thought process and how you can help achieve the viewer’s goals.

How To Create a UGC Portfolio: 3 Tools

If you want to create a UGC portfolio but don't have a design background, these three online platforms offer ready-to-use templates that make the process smoother.

1. Canva 

Canva is a user-friendly tool for building a UGC portfolio. It offers a variety of layouts, and its drag-and-drop elements make the design process simple. Canva is highly customizable, and its integration capabilities make it easy to share your portfolio across different platforms. 

2. Wix 

Wix is a simple website builder that creates professional–looking UGC portfolios. With various templates and a drag-and-drop interface, it can help you whip up a custom portfolio that reflects your unique style. Wix offers app integrations for social media feeds and contact forms, and it also offers custom domain creation.

3. Squarespace 

Squarespace is a sleek web platform that offers a range of templates for building and hosting a site. Squarespace automatically generates SEO‑friendly pages, which helps your portfolio get noticed by potential clients. 

Note that while the tool is relatively user-friendly, there’s a steeper learning curve than some other platforms — but once you’re acclimated, it’s exceptionally helpful. 

UGC Portfolio Examples

Reviewing effective UGC portfolios is a fun way to find inspiration when creating your own. These examples from real creators showcase how a portfolio can work across different niches.

Emma Garnett

Emma's portfolio is simple in design but high in impact. With just a handful of carefully selected UGC videos, she lets her work speak for itself and keeps text minimal. Brand names and agency partner testimonials boost her credibility without overwhelming the viewer. Overall, less is more, and this method works for Emma.

Mia & Fred

Mia & Fred create content within the pet niche. Their portfolio illustrates the value of niche specialization, featuring playful team roles and a colorful design. The creator's work process and results are clearly outlined, including a comprehensive view of their offerings and positive testimonials.

Elevate Your UGC With Captions 

For user-generated creators, Captions’ video editing platform makes creating UGC for portfolios simple. Using Captions' AI-driven tools, you can stand out from the crowd with automatic captions, eye contact adjustors, speech enhancement, color-grading, and more. 

Captions’ all-in-one creative studio also helps you compress and export files efficiently, making studio-level content creation 10x faster.