With UGC (User-Generated Content) becoming a cornerstone of digital marketing in 2025, brands are paying freelancers serious money for authentic, relatable content.
For UGC creators, the big question of “How much should I charge for content?” comes into quick view.
But figuring out UGC creator rates can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out. This guide covers everything you need to know about how much to charge for UGC, including rate benchmarks, usage rights, and how to raise your pricing as you grow.
We’ll also explain why professional invoicing and tax compliance with Xolo will make your life easier as your rates increase.
If you’re still in the early stages, start with our complete guides on how to become a UGC creator and how to land your first UGC client
Why pricing UGC is different from influencer marketing
UGC creators are paid for content creation services, not audience size.
This means that you don’t require a huge following to get going. Brands are paying for the content itself, often to use in their own advertising, websites and social media campaigns. Usage rights and licensing continue to play a major role in how your rates are determined.
Average UGC creator rates in 2025
UGC creator rates come with a tonne of variability. More experienced creators with a large client following tend to charge greater rates (naturally), but experience isn’t always the driving force.
Niche heavily plays into rate setting, with fashion and tech influencers often topping the UGC creation cake. Under this is usage rights, like whether the content is going to be used for a specific campaign or a specific period of time.
On average, this year, you could expect to see payouts such as:
Base rates –– per deliverable
- UGC photo: €50–€150
- 15–30s video: €100–€300
- 60s+ video: €150–€500
Package deals
- 3 videos + 5 photos: €500–€900
- 5+ videos/month retainer: €1,000–€2,500
Usage rights –– add ons included
- Organic use only (brand’s social feed): Included in base price.
- Paid ads (30 days): +€200–€500 per video.
- Unlimited paid usage (buyout): +€1,000+ per deliverable.
Always separate creation fee from usage fee. This ensures you’re paid fairly if a brand boosts your content in ads.
How to decide rates as a freelance UGC creator
Many factors play into your rate setting as a freelance UGC creator. Your experience comes with time, but it is only one player in deciding on rates –– be sure not to discount your work whatever stage you’re at.
When setting rates you should always consider:
- Your experience level → Beginners start lower, but don’t undersell.
- Industry niche → Beauty, fitness, and tech brands usually pay more.
- Project complexity → Scripted videos cost more than simple product demos.
- Brand size → A global brand can afford higher rates than a small startup.
Start modest and begin with industries that you feel most comfortable covering. Make some mock-ups for brands that haven’t hired you to get a portfolio rolling and never be afraid to put yourself out there.
UGC content creation is a competitive industry, but a liquid one indeed. Let your rates and style speak to brands that need your unique presence.
Outreach strategies: How to position your UGC pricing
When pitching to clients, clarity and professionalism matter. It’s vital to remember that brands are being approached by tens, hundreds, sometimes thousands of eager UGC creators and influencers.
Standing out and knowing how to reach out properly will get you ahead of the game. But what pricing will get you noticed? It’s not the biggest discount, but the most professional package.
Option 1: Tiered Pricing
“I charge €150 per video, or €400 for a package of three. Paid ad usage is an additional €250 per video.”
Option 2: Retainer Offer
“For consistent monthly content, I offer €1,200/month for 5 videos and 10 photos, with organic usage rights.”
Present pricing confidently –– it shows professionalism and helps filter serious clients. Speak in an active and sure voice, to let people know that you know.
When and how to raise your rates as a UGC creator
Your rates should grow as you do! This is where the critical factor of experience really comes into play.
If you can keep working with the same brands and industry, then you can position your portfolio and pricing to reflect that experience. Look for some of these key indicators to understand when it’s time to adjust your rates:
- You’re fully booked
- Clients start saying “yes” too quickly
- Your content delivers measurable results (e.g., ad conversions).
We’d suggest you add tiers for usage rights early on. It’s easier to scale income without creating more content this way.
Why you need professional invoicing and tax compliance
Brands will expect professionalism. And as your UGC creator rates increase, it’s important that your quality –– in and out of direct project work –– grows alongside these higher charges.
You can begin by ensuring that you have:
- Clear invoices with brand details
- Easy payment options (international transfers, card, PayPal)
- Proper tax compliance (especially for cross-border clients).
This is where Xolo can make a heck of a difference in how you run your UGC creative business.
Be a creator and leave the admin to Xolo
Pricing your UGC work is about more than just numbers, it’s about knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and running your freelance business like a pro.
When you’re ready to scale, don’t let admin tasks slow you down. With Xolo, you can:
- Invoice like a true pro
- Accept global payments with ease
- Stay tax-compliant… aka remain stress-free.
Start with Xolo today and focus on what you do best: creating authentic, high-performing content for the brands who love you!