The hardest part of starting a UGC side gig is often not filming.
It is knowing what to film.
When you are young and starting out in the US, you may not have brand clients, a huge following, or a polished portfolio. That is normal. You can still start by filming examples that show brands how you think, how you speak on camera, and how you make products feel useful.
The Short Answer
If you are young and starting a UGC creator side gig in the US, film simple content that fits your real life: app demos, study routines, gym routines, skincare or grooming routines, food and drink reviews, budget fashion videos, AI tool walkthroughs, and problem-solution videos.
The goal is to prove that you can make useful short-form content, not to look like a celebrity influencer.
Film App Demos
Apps are one of the easiest categories to practice because you do not need shipping or physical product access.
You can film:
- A screen recording
- Your reaction to using the app
- A before-and-after workflow
- A "how I use this" walkthrough
- A quick tutorial
- A problem-solution video
Good app categories include study tools, AI apps, fitness apps, language learning, budgeting, productivity, job search, and organization.
The key is to show the use case fast.
Film Study Routines
If you are a student, study content can feel natural.
You can film:
- "How I plan my week"
- "What I use before an exam"
- "A realistic study session"
- "How I organize notes"
- "Apps I use for school"
- "What I wish I used earlier"
Study content works because it gives products a clear reason to exist. The product is not floating in a random ad. It is part of a real routine.
Film Gym or Wellness Routines
Fitness and wellness content can work well if it fits your actual life.
You can film:
- A gym bag video
- A pre-workout routine
- A fitness app walkthrough
- A recovery routine
- A meal or snack review
- A "what helped me stay consistent" video
Do not make health claims you cannot support. Focus on your routine, your experience, and what the product helps you do.
Film Skincare or Grooming Content
Skincare, grooming, and personal care are strong UGC categories because the product is visual and routine-based.
You can film:
- Morning routine
- Night routine
- First impressions
- Texture demo
- "What I use before going out"
- "My simple routine as a student"
Keep the claims careful. You can show use, texture, routine, and personal preference without promising results.
Film Budget Fashion and Lifestyle
Young creators can be strong in budget fashion because the content feels relatable.
You can film:
- Outfit planning
- "What I wore this week"
- Affordable accessories
- Campus outfit ideas
- Try-on clips
- Shopping app demos
- "How I style one item three ways"
Brands often want content that feels like a real person using the product, not a model in a studio.
Film Food and Drink Products
Food and drink content can be simple to practice.
You can film:
- Taste tests
- Snack reviews
- Dorm-friendly food
- Quick breakfast routines
- Energy drink or coffee alternatives
- "Would I buy this again?"
Good food content is clear and sensory. Show texture, use, reaction, and context.
Film AI Tool Walkthroughs
AI tools are strong for young creators because many products need simple explanations.
You can film:
- "I used this to plan my week"
- "I used this to rewrite my resume"
- "I used this to study faster"
- "I used this to organize ideas"
- "What this tool actually does"
The best AI content makes the product understandable in seconds.
Film Problem-Solution Videos
Problem-solution is one of the most useful UGC formats.
Start with a real problem:
- "I kept forgetting assignments"
- "I hated planning workouts"
- "I needed a cheaper routine"
- "I did not know what to cook"
- "I wanted to save time before class"
Then show the product as the solution. Keep it honest, specific, and simple.
How to Turn These Into a Portfolio
Pick five video ideas and film them this week.
A strong beginner portfolio could include:
- One app demo
- One study routine
- One personal care routine
- One lifestyle product demo
- One problem-solution video
That is enough to show range.
Once you have examples, organize them by category and format. Brands should not have to dig through random posts to understand what you can do.
How 8x Fits
8x works with creators who can make brand content feel native to TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. If you are young and starting out, your advantage is that you understand what content feels real to your generation.
Turn that instinct into a portfolio brands can use.
FAQ
What should a beginner UGC creator film first?
Start with app demos, routines, reviews, and problem-solution videos using products or apps you already understand.
Do I need brand deals before filming examples?
No. You can create sample videos first, as long as you do not pretend they are paid campaigns.
What content works best for young UGC creators?
Study routines, app walkthroughs, gym routines, skincare, budget fashion, food, AI tools, and lifestyle products can work well.
How many videos do I need for a beginner portfolio?
Five strong examples are enough to start. Show different formats so brands can see your range.
CTA
If you want to turn your content ideas into real campaign work, apply to become a creator with 8x.
