Starting from zero feels heavy. Short videos make it lighter. A new creator can start earning with short‑form content without waiting for a big audience. This guide covers the three fastest paths that work in 2025: UGC work for brands, shoppable and affiliate videos, and platform payouts like TikTok LIVE Gifts and Creator Rewards. Think small, smart moves, placed where buyers and brands already look.
“No followers” here means starting from zero or under 1,000 followers. Results come from intent, not reach. The income shows up where buyers are already primed to act, and where brands search for creator talent. The plan uses simple steps, clear tools, and platforms that accept beginners.
Stick around for a one‑week action plan at the end.
Make Money With UGC for Brands, Even With Zero Followers
UGC for brands is a paid service. A creator makes short videos for a brand, and the brand uses those videos on its pages or ads. The creator does not need their own audience. Brands pay for content that feels native, ships fast, and lowers production costs. Real faces, real homes, and simple proof beats studio shine for many products.
Why brands pay:
- Native feel that blends into feeds.
- Speed for testing ad ideas and content angles.
- Lower cost than agency shoots.
- Social proof from real‑life use, even when the creator has no following.
A beginner can land UGC gigs on platforms that do not enforce follower rules. Options include Billo, Trend, Insense, JoinBrands, Collabstr, Upwork, and Fiverr. These sites are busy in 2025 and welcome new creators who show skill, not reach. For a broader view on monetization paths and what works this year, see this practical overview of TikTok earnings methods in 2025: The 6 Best TikTok Monetization Strategies for 2025.
What UGC Is and Why Brands Pay for It
UGC for brands looks like everyday posts in short form. It is crisp, honest, and focused on outcomes. Common formats:
- Unboxing with first impressions
- How to tutorials with one clear step
- Testimonial in a casual setting
- Before and after for visual change
- Side by side comparison
Benefits for brands:
- Trust from a real person talking like a customer
- Speed to test multiple hooks and angles
- Better ad performance with “authentic” creative
Here is the key: the creator’s personal reach does not matter. The brand runs the content, so the creative quality is what sells the project.
Where to Find UGC Gigs Today
Beginner friendly platforms:
- Billo, Trend, Insense, JoinBrands, Collabstr
- Freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr
- TikTok Creator Marketplace, once the creator has a track record
What to prepare for each platform:
- A short bio with one clear niche line
- Niche tags, like skincare, kitchen tools, fitness, pets, or cleaning
- Gear list, such as iPhone 13 or newer, tripod, window light, clip mic
- Links to sample videos or a simple portfolio folder
Three niches that see steady demand in 2025:
- Beauty and skincare
- Home and kitchen
- Fitness and wellness
Quick pitch formula:
- One line hook: “Two 20‑second skincare clips that feel like real customer reviews.”
- One idea: “Unbox plus testimonial using your best seller.”
- One price: a clear flat rate for a single deliverable
- One deadline: “Delivery in 3 days”
Build a Simple 5‑Video Portfolio at Home
A creator can make a micro portfolio in one day using items already on hand. Five short clips, 15 to 30 seconds each, show range without complexity.
Ideas:
- Unboxing a gadget
- Skincare routine with two steps
- Cooking eggs with a nonstick pan or tool
- Cleaning test that removes a stain
- Review of an affordable resistance band
A basic script that sells:
- Hook in 3 seconds: big promise or pain point
- Problem: one sentence, simple and real
- Product: show the item and name it once
- Proof: a quick demo, timer test, or before and after
- Call to action: “Grab it while it is on sale,” or “Tap to check today’s price”
Production tips:
- Shoot near a window for soft light
- Use a phone tripod or lean the phone against books
- Keep audio clean, even a $20 clip mic helps
- Add captions for sound‑off viewers
- Store files in Google Drive or a Notion page with direct links
Pricing, Usage Rights, and a Simple Contract
Starter pricing ranges are broad, so clarity helps. For beginners in 2025, these simple ranges keep talk easy:
- Single raw UGC video, 15 to 30 seconds: $75 to $150
- Bundle of three videos: $200 to $400
- Add‑ons: extra hooks, voiceover only, captions, or raw b‑roll, $15 to $50 each
Usage rights in plain language:
- Organic only: the brand can post on its pages for 3 to 6 months.
- Paid ads: the brand can run the video as an ad for a set period.
- Whitelisting: the brand runs the video under the creator’s handle, usually through the platform’s system.
Ask for a higher fee for ad usage and long terms. For example, add $100 to $250 for 30 to 90 days of paid usage on one platform. Extend at a simple monthly rate.
Best practices:
- Send a one‑page agreement that lists scope, usage, timeline, and payment
- Collect a 50 percent deposit for new clients
- Send an invoice and keep receipts
- Add an FTC disclosure if a video goes public
- Keep tax records and track expenses
Earn With Shoppable Videos and Affiliate Marketing on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts
Affiliate links pay per sale. This works well for small creators because the content meets buyer intent. The core idea is simple: pick winning products, make short proof‑driven videos, add clean links, and post across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Start with TikTok Shop affiliate, where sellers list products that creators can promote. Then add classic networks that accept beginners, like Amazon Associates, Impact, ShareASale, and Rakuten. Keep the setup fast and practical, and stick to one tight niche to build trust.
For a fresh walkthrough on TikTok Shop and related methods, this 2025 guide covers the workflow, payouts, and common pitfalls: How to Make Money on TikTok Shop (2025 Guide).
TikTok Shop Affiliate: Make Shoppable Clips Without an Audience
TikTok Shop affiliate lets creators attach product links directly to videos. Sellers set commissions and often boost strong creatives with Spark Ads. When a tagged video converts, the creator earns a cut.
How to start:
- Apply to TikTok Shop affiliate, then browse best sellers and look for solid reviews and clear demand.
- Choose products with repeat search interest, simple demos, and fair commission rates.
- Film 15 to 30 second clips that answer one key question buyers ask.
Tips:
- Requirements can vary by country and seller. Some programs favor creators with a base of followers. Many sellers still approve small creators if the content looks strong.
- Use simple SEO in captions. Include the product name and two or three common keywords.
- Add a short disclosure such as “ad” or “affiliate” where needed.
Affiliate Networks That Accept Beginners
Beginner friendly networks include:
- Amazon Associates
- Impact
- ShareASale
- Rakuten
Pick a narrow niche to stand out. For example, budget skincare for acne, small apartment kitchen tools, or simple home fitness gear.
Link setup:
- Use a link in bio tool like Beacons or Stan to gather links in one place.
- Keep buttons short and clear, like “Best nonstick pan” or “Top budget retinoid.”
A quick test method:
- Make three short clips for one product. Post them on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts.
- Track clicks and sales for seven days.
- If one clip converts, film two more variants of that angle and keep going.
For a step‑by‑step look at affiliate basics tailored to TikTok, this guide explains structures and common mistakes: How to Become a TikTok Affiliate: A Creators & Brands Guide.
Make Short Videos That Sell: Hooks, Proof, and Clear Calls to Action
Short videos need simple structure and strong proof. A clean script can lift conversions fast.
Conversion script:
- Hook: land the main benefit or pain point in the first three seconds.
- Problem: show what is broken or slow.
- Fix: show the product in action.
- Proof: use a timer test, quick demo, or side by side.
- Action: tell viewers what to do next.
Proof ideas:
- Timer test, such as “5 seconds to cut this apple”
- Before and after for cleaning, skincare, or hair
- Side by side, old vs new tool
- Sound test for audio gear or mics
Where to place links:
- TikTok: product tag for TikTok Shop, or link in bio for external affiliates
- Instagram: link in bio, product tags in eligible regions, story links if available
- YouTube Shorts: channel links and video descriptions with clear labels
Keep copy simple. Use the product name, obvious keywords, and one tight promise.
Use Platform Payouts and Brand Deals That Do Not Rely on Followers
Some platform features pay small creators, but expectations matter. These methods can add extra income while UGC and affiliates do the heavy lifting.
TikTok Creator Rewards and LIVE Gifts
TikTok Creator Rewards can pay for content that meets its rules, and LIVE Gifts let viewers send paid gifts during streams. Program terms, regions, and thresholds change, so checking current rules in the app is smart.
How small creators can earn more on LIVE:
- Schedule short Q and A sessions on specific topics
- Use a simple backdrop and clear audio
- Pin a product if using TikTok Shop during the stream
- Thank gift givers by name and set small goals for the session
YouTube Shorts: What Pays Early and What to Skip
Ad revenue on Shorts usually kicks in after hitting 1,000 subscribers and roughly 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. That makes early ad money tough. Better early routes:
- Affiliate links to products featured in Shorts
- UGC jobs where the brand posts the video
- Occasional music promotions that pay creators to use a track
Cross posting helps. Strong SEO in titles and descriptions brings steady views from search.
Instagram Reels: Small Creator Brand Deals and Branded Content
Niche creators can get paid Reels for brand awareness, even with small followings. Branded content tags keep posts compliant, and brands can turn a Reel into a branded content ad. A mini media kit makes pitching easier.
What to include in a mini media kit:
- One line niche statement, like “Short skincare tests for sensitive skin”
- Three sample Reels with different hooks
- Starting rates and delivery timelines
Pitch local or niche brands first for faster yes answers. Clear scope and quick turnaround help close deals.
Simple Digital Products to Add Later
Once a video gets steady views from search or recommendations, add a small digital offer:
- Checklists, presets, mini guides, or templates
- Host on Gumroad or Payhip
- Keep the promise clear and the price low
This works best when a few videos rank and bring in daily clicks.
Quick Reference: Starter Pricing and Offers
| Offer Type | What’s Included | Starter Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single UGC video | 15 to 30 sec raw video | $75 to $150 | Great for first deals |
| 3‑video bundle | Three 15 to 30 sec videos | $200 to $400 | Add two hooks per video for testing |
| Add‑ons | Hooks, captions, voiceover, raw b‑roll | +$15 to +$50 each | Itemize in the agreement |
| Paid usage rights | 30 to 90 days of ad usage | +$100 to +$250 | Price per platform, offer extensions monthly |
| Whitelisting | Brand runs ads under creator handle | Custom, +$100 and up | Clarify platform and duration |
One‑Week Action Plan to Make First Dollars Without Followers
Day 1, pick a niche and build a portfolio:
- Choose one buyer‑ready niche like skincare, kitchen tools, or fitness.
- Film five 15 to 30 second videos at home using the script in this guide.
- Save files to Google Drive and make a sharable link.
Day 2, set up profiles and pitches:
- Create accounts on Billo, Trend, Insense, JoinBrands, and Collabstr.
- Build simple profiles with a short bio, gear list, and portfolio link.
- Draft three pitches using the one hook, one idea, one price, one deadline formula.
Day 3, apply to affiliate programs:
- Join TikTok Shop affiliate if eligible in region.
- Apply to Amazon Associates, Impact, ShareASale, and Rakuten.
- Set up Beacons or Stan with four buttons tied to one product.
Day 4, post shoppable content:
- Make three clips for one product using different hooks.
- Post across TikTok, Reels, and Shorts with clear keywords and a call to action.
- Add short disclosures for any affiliate or paid content.
Day 5, outreach and offers:
- Pitch five local or niche brands with the mini media kit.
- List a Fiverr or Upwork gig for short UGC videos in one niche.
- Offer a three‑video bundle with a 3‑day delivery window.
Day 6, go LIVE and test:
- Schedule a 20‑minute TikTok LIVE with a pinned product.
- Thank gift givers by name and answer niche questions.
- Save the LIVE replay and clip one highlight into a short video.
Day 7, review and double down:
- Check clicks and sales for the three test clips.
- Identify the best hook and script two more variations.
- Follow up with brands that opened messages or saved the gig.
For a wider look at monetizing short videos without a large following, this 2025 guide maps multiple paths that align with this plan: How to make money on TikTok without followers in 2025.
Final Thoughts
A small creator does not need reach to earn, only intent and clear offers. UGC brings service income, affiliates bring per‑sale income, and platform payouts can add extra. Keep scripts simple, track results weekly, and focus on products people already want. The path compounds fast when one video starts to rank. Ready to test one idea today?
