Best UGC Platforms in 2025

Using UGC platforms is one of the best (and smartest) ways to grow your brand on social media.

What’s UGC? It’s short for user-generated content. It’s videos and photos made by people who love your brand, saying why they love it. Brands need to know how to find UGC creators because UGC sells products. In 2023, 34% of American adults preferred to consult reviews (aka UGC) to learn about products.

As customers become more interested in reviews, brands are catching on. Interest in UGC creator platforms has EXPLODED in recent years. In 2020, the user-generated content platform industry was worth 2.8 billion. Experts weren't sure if it was a pandemic-induced fad. After all, e-commerce and social media marketing were booming, but how long could they last? Two years later, in 2022, it grew to 4.4 billion.

That was only three years ago, and UGC is still going strong. By 2030, it will be a $30 billion industry.

So, it’s no surprise that brands and creators hope to cash in. It provides creators with a new way to earn income on their schedule. For brands, it’s a great way to get the reviews, unboxing videos, and other content that audiences love.

Whether you’re part of a brand or starting out as a creator, we made this article for you. You're about to meet the best UGC content creator platforms, whether you’re a brand or a UGC creator. But first, let’s talk about what you need to look for in a UGC company. ⬇️

What factors should you consider when picking a UGC tool?

Before we dive into the best UGC platforms, there are a few things you need to know.

We’ll start with the most crucial question:

What’s their UGC quality?

When you view a UGC website, ask yourself: Are their videos high-quality? You can figure this out by watching example videos.

The videos on their website (or “creator showcase”) will be some of their best UGC. Watch a few, and you'll know the types of creators and content you can expect.

While you’re sleuthing, make sure you also find out if the UGC creator platform vets their creators.

➡️ This is a HUGE trap that small to medium-sized brands tend to miss. 😲

Choose a user-generated content platform that vets its creators. That's how to boost your chances of getting high-quality videos. We vet our creators on Social Cat (and most of the UGC platforms on this list vet their creators. It’s that crucial.)

How much does it cost?

More expensive UGC companies to work with don’t necessarily deliver better quality.

You’ll need to buy a few UGC videos to determine what resonates with your audience. When you choose a UGC platform, plan to pay for several videos. Then, compare the price vs. quality ratio for each.

The UGC video platform's website provides examples and reviews. Once you have a feel for the quality of the videos on the platform, compare that to the price.

After a while, you’ll know what you can expect to pay for quality videos.

As you consider your budget, check the pricing structure, too. Ask questions like:

• How expensive is the platform to start?
• Are there any commitments or ongoing fees?
• Do you pay per video?

This will help you look out for fees or contracts.

Is licensing included?

Influencers can demand more money later if you don't have the proper licensing.

Yes, it stinks. But it’s legal. If your contract doesn't include licensing, you must pay up or remove the video.

Not every user-generated content platform includes licensing. Check:

• If they include licensing for organic social media
• If they include licensing for paid ads
• Or, if there’s a separate licensing fee per video

Factor licensing fees into your price comparisons. Or, use UGC platforms that include licensing.

Where are the creators located?

The creator's location is the final consideration when picking a UGC tool.

Even though they all speak English, there’s a big difference in accent between American, Australian, and British UGC creators.

Your creator’s accent should match your audience's. Otherwise, they’re less likely to relate to the person in the ad and buy your product.

Top UGC tools in 2025

Now you know what to look for in paid UGC platforms. So, let’s explore some of the top options for UGC marketplaces in 2025. And if you’re a creator hoping to find brands looking for UGC creators, this list is still for you.

(They’re some of the best UGC creator platforms for content creators, too.)

Clip

Clip delivers performance-driven UGC. Brands can find UGC creators and buy the exact number of videos they need.

For brands: Clip is one of the best UGC websites. They offer flexible pricing, no contracts, and quality content.

For creators: Clip will help you match with brands looking for UGC creators in 2025. You can make $20-$100 per video, and you get to keep the products.

Locations covered: UK, US, AU

Price: Starts at $124 for a 15-20 second video.

The good news:

• They have high-quality videos.
• They only approve 7% of applicants. They are SERIOUS about vetting.
• Every video includes licensing.
• You can review creator portfolios and reviews before you sign a UGC deal.
• Their pricing is fair and transparent.
• They have a good pool of UGC creators: 600+ in the UK, 500+ in the US, and 400+ in Australia.
• There’s a 7-day turnaround on videos–very fast.

The bad news:

• You cannot get UGC photos on Clip. Only videos.
• They don’t work with brands who need products returned after the content is made.

Clip is one of the top UGC platforms on our list. Their pricing, quality, and turnaround time are exceptional.

Social Cat

We (yep, that’s right, Social Cat is us!) help brands make UGC deals with micro-influencers.

For brands: If you need a TON of content, you can’t do better than Social Cat UGC. You can buy UGC content from creators in your niche for a fraction of what other companies charge. Plus, our micro-influencers will endorse your brand on their social media.

For creators: Social Cat is the perfect fit if you’re looking for UGC platforms for influencers. You can create UGC and grow your influencing business all in one place!

Locations covered: UK, US, AU

Price: Starts at $99/month for up to 5 collaborations.

The good news:

• It’s super affordable. You can work with five creators to get five pieces of UGC for $99.
• Every video includes licensing.
• You can view influencer portfolios and reviews from other brands before collaborating.
• We offer a free trial for you to test it out.
• We have built-in messaging so you can communicate directly with influencers.
• You don’t pay extra to have influencers post about you on Instagram or TikTok.

The bad news:

• You can only collaborate once per month with an influencer.
• The free trial only lasts 7 days.

Social Cat is one of the best content creator platforms, but you don’t have to take our word for it! Sign up for a free trial, and use those 7 days to find UGC creators you’d like to work with. Then, if you use influencer gifting, you can pay $99 to get five pieces of UGC. That’s unheard of–so it’s worth a try!

Twirl

Twirl sets itself apart from other UGC companies by focusing on customer service. They’re half a UGC content creator platform and half an agency.

For brands: If you don’t want to communicate with creators, Twirl is your best UGC platform. However, you pay extra for the convenience.

For creators: Unlike other UGC websites for creators, you don't have to speak with brands.

Twirl handles it for you!

Locations covered: UK & US

Price: Starts at $320 for 1 video

The good news:

• Every video includes licensing.
• Your price includes one content revision.
• Their team handles the entire communication process.
• They have over 1,500 creators in the US and UK.

The bad news:

• They’re expensive. $320 is a lot of money for one video.
• Expect a longer turnaround time for videos. They handle the communication, so everything takes longer.

Billo

Billo is an app-driven UGC content platform that connects brands with UGC creators.

For businesses: Billo provides tons of extras as you start with UGC software. You’ll have dedicated success managers, in-house editors, and AI-powered storyboarding.

For creators: Billo is one of the best apps for UGC creators. With Billo, you can create videos and upload them all from your phone!

Locations served: US, AU, UK, CA.

Price: Starts at $500 for five videos. You cannot buy only one video.

The good news:

• They have over 5,000 creators on their UGC platform.
• Video editing is available as an add-on option for a fee.
• You can chat with creators using their messaging system.

The bad news:

• You have to pay $500 to try out their platform. Ouch.
• They might not vet creators. We’re unsure. Their website does not mention it.
• Until recently, they've focused on the US market.

Trend

Trend is a UGC creators' platform that pitches itself as a custom content studio for brands. They emphasize the artistry of their creators.

For brands: You can create a free project and check out their UGC creator platform before paying a dime. There are also some big names (like Lyft) that use Trend.

For creators: Trend’s emphasis on the right creator/brand fit means you’ll find UGC brand deals that match your style.

Locations served: US

Price: Starts at $550 for 10 videos or 25 photos. You cannot buy a single image or video.

The good news:

• You can buy both photos and videos.
• They have a large pool of vetted creators.
• Every video includes licensing.
• They have 24/7 support available for customers.

The bad news:

• You have to wait 2-3 weeks for your content.
• It’s unclear if you can get revisions.
• You have to pay $550 to try Trend.

EmbedSocial

EmbedSocial is different from the other user-generated content platforms on this list.

EmbedSocial aggregates the UGC that’s already out there..

For brands: UGC tools like EmbedSocial help you use content from your customers. It’s also an inexpensive way to get tons of content.

For creators: EmbedSocial doesn't use UGC creators, so we recommend applying to one (or all!) of the other UGC platforms on this list instead.

Locations served: Worldwide

Price: $29/month for aggregating posts from 3 social media sources.

The good news:

• EmbedSocial integrates with all major social media networks.
• Their UGC software automates usage rights conversations.
• You can repost UGC from customers.
• Store and analyze aggregated UGC in one single platform
• They serve more than 250,000 websites worldwide.

The bad news:

• If you need a *specific* kind of content, you may not be able to get it.
• You don’t have creative input over the UGCt, so you must hope it’s good quality.

JoinBrands

JoinBrands is a US-based UGC platform connecting brands with influencers and content creators.

For brands: JoinBrands has a great UGC program. They can also help you with influencer marketing and whitelisting.

For creators: It’s relatively easy to get approved as a creator at JoinBrands. You can go through their certification process and then start applying for jobs. However, they take 20% of your pay.

Locations served: US

Price: Starts at $60 per video

The good news:

• JoinBrands has influencers on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Amazon, and Facebook.
• They vet their creators by “certifying” their skills. Creators are only allowed to apply for jobs for which they’re certified.
• There are over 100,000 influencers on JoinBrands–a large talent pool.
• You can message content creators directly.
• You can buy photos and videos.
• Every video includes licensing.

The bad news:

• Even if you join their platform and pay every month, they still charge a “platform fee.” Their platform fees are a fixed percentage of what you pay for UGC, added on top.
• They also take fees out of their content creator’s payments.
• You don’t pay a fixed price for content. It’s hard to know exactly how much you’ll pay.
• There’s no fixed turnaround time.
• All their creators are US-based.

Cohley

Cohley is a high-end Consumer insights and UGC platform. They’re focused on helping large companies scale their UGC marketing.

For brands: Per their website, Cohley isn’t a good fit for small brands. They’re great if you want to scale UGC for a large brand.

For content creators: Cohley can connect you with big, recognizable names. They also pay well!

Locations served: Unclear. They are based in the US but don’t have a list of countries served.

Pricing: Custom (read: expensive)

The good news:

• You can hire creators for Meta, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, or Amazon UGC.
• You can message creators on their platform.
• Every video includes licensing.
• They prioritize diversity.
• You can get photos, videos, and reviews.
• They’ll provide you with AI-powered help to write briefs.
• They made robust creator management tools to keep your campaigns organized.
• You can hire them to run your UGC campaigns for you.

The bad news:

• Their turnaround times are long. It can take a month or more to get content.
• They are expensive.
• They’re focused on large brands that can pay a premium price for their services.

How to choose a UGC app

Now that we’ve looked at some of the best UGC platforms in 2025, your head is probably swimming with options. Let’s simplify them so you can make an informed decision when choosing a UGC creator marketplace.

For brands considering user-generated content platforms

The most critical factor for brands to consider is quality to price ratio.

You need a reasonable price and vetted creators who deliver high-quality UGC content.

Research before committing to a particular app or platform. Avoid platforms with long-term commitments. After all, you don't want to pay for content that isn’t working.

For UGC creators

If you’re trying to find the best UGC platforms for creators, look at the ease of communication and speed of pay.

You want a platform that makes it easy for you to communicate with brands and pays quickly. To make these happen, on-platform messaging is a must.

Conclusion: Using UGC creator platforms

Now that you know the strengths and weaknesses of each of these UGC sites, you’re ready to make decisions.

After you’ve chosen a platform to try, it’s time to make brand deals. If you're a brand, post campaigns, invite UGC creators to apply, and watch the content roll in!

If you're a content creator, join UGC platforms for creators that sound good to you. Over time, you can decide which ones you prefer using.

Social Cat is the best UGC creator platform if you're new to influencer marketing. You get the benefits of high-quality UGC at an inexpensive price. PLUS, micro-influencers posting about your brand on social media multiplies your reach. If you’d like to experience it, find influencers by niche and start collaborating today!