Pricing is the number one thing new UGC creators get wrong. Most undercharge dramatically in their first months, leaving thousands on the table. This guide covers everything: how to set your starting rate, how to structure your rate card, how to price by platform, and how to raise your rates without losing clients.
Why Pricing is Hard for New Creators
There is no public pricing standard in UGC. Brands do not advertise what they pay. Creators do not openly share their rates. This information asymmetry benefits brands and hurts creators — unless you know where to look.
The creator who knows their market rate earns 3x more than the one who guesses.
Your First Rate Card
A rate card is your pricing menu. It tells brands exactly what you charge for each deliverable so you do not negotiate from zero every time. Here is what to include:
- Short-form video (15–30s): your base rate
- Long-form video (60–90s): 1.5–2x base rate
- Static image: 30–40% of base rate
- Usage rights: add 20–50% per 30-day window
- Rush fee: 25–50% surcharge for under 48h turnaround
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How to Set Your First UGC Rate Card
Pricing by Platform
What you charge should reflect where the content will be used. TikTok ads, Meta ads, and organic posts all carry different value for brands. Meta paid ads typically command the highest rates because the content is used in high-spend campaigns. TikTok organic is lower. Always ask where your content will be used before quoting.
Ready to start earning from your content?
Join Hyperbeam — the commission-only marketplace for UGC creators and brands.
Apply to Hyperbeam →When and How to Raise Your Rates
Most creators wait too long to raise their rates. A good rule: after every 5 completed brand deals, revisit your pricing. If brands are accepting without negotiating, you are undercharging. If you are getting zero responses, you may be overpriced for your current portfolio level.
Ready to start earning from your content?
Join Hyperbeam — the commission-only marketplace for UGC creators and brands.
Apply to Hyperbeam →Articles in this guide
Dive deeper with these supporting articles.
How to Set Your First UGC Rate Card
A step-by-step walkthrough for creating a rate card that wins clients and pays you fairly from day one.
7 min
How to Charge for UGC Usage Rights
Usage rights are where most creators leave the most money on the table. Here is exactly how to price them and when to bring them up.
7 min
UGC Retainer vs Per-Video Pricing: Which Is Better?
Retainers offer stability. Per-video pricing offers flexibility. Here is how to choose — and when to push for one over the other.
6 min
How to Negotiate Your UGC Rate Without Losing the Deal
Negotiating your rate feels uncomfortable at first. These tactics make it easier — and more profitable.
7 min