I Found The Newest Way To Make Money On Social Media

Introduction

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably scrolled through your social media feed and wondered how some people are making real money from it.

I used to think you needed millions of followers, brand deals, or to go viral overnight. But that’s not true anymore. Social media has changed—and so has the way people make money from it.

Right now, there’s a new way to earn from your account, even if you don’t have a huge audience. It’s not affiliate links.

It’s not YouTube AdSense. And no, it’s not one of those spammy “get rich quick” methods either. I tested it myself, and I was honestly surprised by how easy and real it is.

This post will show you exactly what the newest way to make money on social media is, how it works, why it’s different, and how you can get started even if you’ve never made a cent online before.

If you’re already creating content—or just spending time online—this might be what you’ve been waiting for.

So, What’s This New Way?

It’s called UGC (User-Generated Content) creation—and it’s blowing up in 2025.

UGC creators make videos, photos, or short content for brands to use in their ads or social media pages.

You’re not promoting anything on your account—you’re just creating content as if you’re a real user who loves a product. And brands love it because it feels more honest and relatable than a polished ad.

Here’s the best part:
You don’t need to be an influencer.
You don’t even need a big following.
You’re getting paid for your content, not your clout.

Why Brands Are Paying for This

Big companies have realized that people trust real-looking content more than traditional ads. According to Stackla, 79% of people say user-generated content highly impacts their purchasing decisions, while only 13% say branded content does the same.

So instead of spending thousands on fancy photo shoots or celebrity endorsements, brands are now hiring everyday people to create content that looks real and trustworthy.

And it’s working.

That’s why the demand for UGC creators has grown so fast in the last year—and why it’s now one of the easiest ways to start making money on social media.

How Much Can You Make?

Let’s talk numbers.

New UGC creators are charging anywhere from $100 to $500 per video, depending on the brand, their niche, and the type of content. Some experienced creators charge over $1,000 per video.

Here’s what most people charge as beginners:

• 1 UGC video (30–60 seconds): $100–$150
• 3 video bundle: $250–$400
• Add-on for usage rights (so the brand can run ads with your video): +$100–$300
• Add-on for voiceover or scriptwriting: +$50–$100

And you can work with multiple brands each month. Some people are making $2,000–$5,000 a month just from UGC—without ever posting on their own social media.

How Do I Get Started?

Here’s how I got into it (and how you can too):

Choose a Niche

Think about the types of products you already use or enjoy—skincare, tech gadgets, fitness, home decor, etc. Brands like working with creators who actually like their products.

Create a UGC Portfolio

This is key. You don’t need to wait for a brand to hire you. Just pick a product from your home, create a short video about it (like a review or unboxing), and upload it to a Google Drive or Notion page as your portfolio.

Use These Sites to Find UGC Gigs

• Fiverr
• Upwork
• JoinBrands
• Trend.io
• Billo

You can also reach out to brands directly on Instagram or TikTok. Just send a short message like:
“Hi, I’m a UGC creator and love your brand. I’d love to create content for your page or ads. Are you open to working with creators?”

Stay Consistent

The first 2–3 gigs may take some outreach, but once you have examples and testimonials, it becomes much easier to get repeat clients.

What Kind of Content Do You Make?

It’s all short-form, raw, and honest. Think of TikTok and Instagram Reels—just everyday people talking to the camera, trying a product, or doing a voiceover.

Some examples:

• “First impressions” videos
• “3 things I love about this product”
• “How I use this in my daily routine”
• “Unboxing and reaction”
• “Before and after” results

You don’t need fancy gear. I started with my phone and natural light near a window.

What Skills Do You Need?

You don’t need to be a professional editor or actor. You just need to:

• Speak clearly
• Show your face (usually)
• Be comfortable on camera
• Follow a basic script or outline
• Deliver the content on time

Bonus points if you can edit videos with apps like CapCut or InShot, but many brands will edit the videos themselves.

How UGC Is Different from Influencer Marketing

So if you’re shy about growing a huge audience or posting daily, UGC lets you earn without doing any of that.

Tips to Succeed Faster

• Take UGC-specific courses (some free ones exist on YouTube)
• Stay active on platforms like TikTok and IG to see what styles are trending
• Learn basic editing to stand out
• Be reliable—brands remember creators who deliver on time
• Ask for testimonials after each gig

FAQs

Do I need to show my face?

Most of the time, yes. Brands want authentic-looking videos. But there are also faceless UGC gigs (e.g., unboxing, voiceovers, hands-only videos).

Can I do this if I live outside the US or UK?

Absolutely. Many brands are looking for international creators too. Just make sure your English is clear if you’re targeting English-speaking markets.

Is UGC saturated now?

Nope. The demand is growing faster than the supply. Brands need real people, not influencers, and there are thousands of brands launching new products every month.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t expect this to work. I thought only influencers made money from social media. But once I found UGC, I realized anyone with a phone and basic storytelling skills could do it. You don’t need followers. You don’t need to go viral. You just need to start.

So if you’ve been looking for a new way to earn online—something flexible, creative, and actually fun—this might be your best move yet.

Would you try this new way to make money on social media?