Influencers vs. UGC

Media from Wix.

If you ever wanted to live an influential lifestyle, now is the time. User-generated content is the next big thing in the social world. You can take advantage of the perks that come with being an influencer without the huge following or the negative connotation that comes with it.

Influencers like Alix Earle and Monet McMichael received first-class status while being flown out to Dubai to promote a makeup brand. And it may seem impractical to someone who loves watching their videos, but the good news is that it's not. With the new trend of UGC becoming more popular, creators are starting to get the luxuries of an influencer lifestyle.

Despite the content being similar, the influencers and UGC creators are quite different. UGC creators' platforms are there to indulge viewers in buying relatable items. It is a marketing effort that differs from influencer marketing because it creates more authentic content and reviews. Whereas influencers generally don't create their own content, they just promote an item because of their large followings.

As most of our favorite TikTok accounts belong to well-known influencers, what does this look like for them? Well, it doesn’t look like much is changing for influencers around the world because influencers are good at regulating their audience, and they still present as marketable to a lot of companies who want to push their product.

But instead, this new wave of UGC creators is producing an opportunity for regular folks to do what they have a passion for, and it's a more cost-effective way for up-and-coming businesses to promote their products. Organic content from UGC creators could come at a cost, however, as it would not be at the same rate as a well-known influencer. And most brands consistently give away free products to the creators as a form of payment.

So, If you want to be an influencer like Alix Earle and Monet McMichael or produce UGC but keep your same following, take advantage of the opportunities social media has created. Post videos you like or that you think others may relate to. This way you are one step closer to becoming the next big thing.