If you’re running paid social ads, you already know how powerful user-generated content (UGC) can be. But finding reliable UGC creators who can produce authentic, high-performing videos isn’t always easy.

Here are the top places (and strategies) to find UGC creators that actually deliver.

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1. Partner with a UGC Agency

One of the most effective ways to find UGC creators is to partner with an experienced UGC agency. Agencies that specialize in user-generated content already have established creator networks, refined briefing systems, and proven processes for ensuring content performs well in paid ads.

Brighter Click, for example, has built a network of more than 525 vetted creators across a wide range of industries. The agency manages everything from sourcing and briefing to content delivery and optimization. What makes Brighter Click stand out is its proprietary creative analytics software, which tracks creator performance, messaging angles, and ad results to continually improve campaign outcomes.

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2. The Hive Haus: A Curated Slack Community for Creators and Brands

If you’re looking for high-quality creators without digging through endless databases, The Hive Haus is a great place to start. Founded by Andrew Foxwell and Mariah Lukashewich, this curated Slack community brings together vetted UGC creators and brands in one collaborative space.

Brands can use The Hive Haus to:

• Connect directly with pre-vetted UGC creators open to brand partnerships
  
  
• Post paid project opportunities for creators actively looking for work
  
  
• Network within a community that values creativity, education, and authentic collaboration
  
  

It’s a more personal and quality-driven alternative to mass-market platforms, ideal for brands that value long-term relationships and carefully select creators.

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3. Reddit: The Underrated Goldmine for UGC Creators

Yes, Reddit. It might surprise you, but the platform has thriving communities of creators offering their services.

Search for subreddits like:

• r/UGCcreators
  
• r/UGCForBrands
  
• r/ugc
  
  

Post your opportunity in those communities and ask creators to leave their portfolios.

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4. Twitter (X): Hashtags That Bring Creators to You

On Twitter (X), creators frequently share their reels and portfolios. Searching hashtags like #UGCCreator, #UGCAds, or #UGCcommunity can surface hundreds of potential collaborators.

Even better, when a few creators comment on or share your post, more will follow. That organic exposure can help you build a mini pipeline of UGC talent overnight.

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5. Upwork: Reliable, Organized, and Repeatable Talent

Upwork isn’t flashy, but it’s one of the most consistent platforms for finding dependable UGC creators.

The best part? You can filter for creators with:

• Video editing and on-camera experience
  
• Positive reviews from past clients
  
• Familiarity with Meta or TikTok ads
  
  

Creators on Upwork tend to be more structured, deadline-driven, and open to ongoing partnerships, a big win if you plan to test multiple creatives every month.

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6. Backstage: Great for Professional On-Camera Talent

Backstage was initially built for actors and performers, but it’s become a powerful resource for sourcing UGC creators who are comfortable on camera.

Because its users typically have acting or presenting experience, the platform is ideal for brands seeking high-quality production value and creators who can deliver natural, confident performances in front of the camera with any ugc brief. You can filter by age, gender, location, and content type to find creators that fit your campaign needs.

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7. Always Be Recruiting (ABR)

We live by the motto ABR – Always Be Recruiting.

Even when we don’t have an immediate campaign need, we’re constantly:

• Reviewing applications
  
• Saving strong portfolios
  
• Building our internal UGC creator CRM

This approach has helped us maintain a vetted network of over 525 creators, including demographics that are often harder to find, like male creators or 40+ year old creators.

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Final Thoughts: Build a Sustainable UGC Creator Network

Finding UGC creators isn’t about luck; it’s about systems. Whether you work with an agency like Brighter Click or build your own recruiting process, the goal is to create a reliable, repeatable pipeline of creators who we can hire to produce high-performing content at scale.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of sourcing and managing creators, get in touch with Brighter Click to learn how we can help you build a high-performing UGC strategy.