The best UGC apps for content creators

Today, most major brands rely on user-generated content (UGC) apps to find the right partners to promote their products and services. These digital assets help brands curate relevant and authentic messaging that resonates with their target demographics — whether it’s through UGC videos, photos, or captions. 

But the right UGC app for you depends on everything from your location and your followers to your career goals. For content creators, time is literally money: If you don’t have a solid strategy to narrow down your options, you can waste time and miss out on major opportunities. 

Below, we’ll highlight some of the best UGC apps for content creators and why they help brands bridge multiple gaps in their overall digital marketing strategies.

What are user-generated content apps?

UGC apps help brands identify and partner with the right content creators. These apps allow marketers and creators to explore potential opportunities and settle on mutually beneficial terms. Content creators can also negotiate terms with brands and work out partnership details before launching a project. 

How brands use UGC apps 

Marketers use UGC apps to optimize branded partnerships and discover new audiences. For example, if an athletic apparel brand primarily appeals to yogis, the company might search for and partner with weightlifter influencers to expand their demographics. 

Most brands pay for app usage, though it’s viewed as an investment rather than an expense. Major brands with big budgets favor UGC apps over more time-intensive processes, like manually searching and organically negotiating on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 

How creators use UGC apps 

Creators use UGC apps to showcase their best work and define their presence. You might highlight your best unboxing marketing campaigns so brands can get a sense of your content style, personality, and audience. 

UGC creators usually don’t pay for access to apps; brands compensate partners based on UGC campaign deals, with the app typically taking a small percentage or gifting products or gift cards. UGC apps offer better visibility for both creators and brands, so there are fewer missed opportunities on both sides. 

How to shop and compare UGC apps 

UGC marketing platform apps all have the same basic goal: to connect creators and brands. However, the content, compensation, and expectations vary widely across apps.  For example, some UGC app brands look for luxury influencers with international followings while others stick much closer to home. 

Usually, if the app is free, it’s worth hopping on to explore (whether you sign up or not)! And as you peruse, keep in mind that these apps constantly evolve to attract new partnerships, so it may be worth checking back in every few months to see what’s new. 

10 best UGC apps for content creators 

The best UGC apps for content creators depend on their verticals, audience, income goals, location, and content styles. Below, we’ll break down some of our top UGC platform picks, how they work, their benefits and limitations, and which brands they cater to.

1. Hummingbirds 

Hummingbirds is a user-generated content platform for local content creators (dubbed “hummingbirds”). We connect brands with local creators in specific neighborhoods or regions who can leverage their influence and connections to their locales to speak to their followers’ concerns about their purchasing decisions. 

On Hummingbirds, creators can set up a profile, review campaigns, and express interest in brands that match your content expertise and audience. If the brand decides you’re a match,  you’ll get an email or text to get the ball rolling! 

Benefits:

• Wide array of local brands: The Hummingbirds platform introduces you to nearby businesses and organizations. 

• Creative opportunities: From Reels to Stories to carousels, this app helps you stretch your persona, skills, and creative flex. 

• Experiential: Hummingbirds’ campaigns are just plain fun! Influencers head to amusement parks, small business extravaganzas, and distilleries to indulge with family and friends. 

Limitations:

• Availability: The platform is currently only available in select Midwestern areas, such as Grand Rapids, Madison, and Des Moines — but stay tuned as we expand!

• Compensation: Hummingbirds may not receive financial compensation, though they do receive incentives, such as gift cards or free products. 

• Reach: Local brands may limit your reach if you hope to expand to a national or international audience. 

We work with local entrepreneurs, attractions, and organizations, including Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce, Adventureland, Olipop, and hundreds of other brands working to drive local awareness and sales. If you’re selected, compensation may include gift cards, goodie boxes, free tickets, or invites to exclusive events. 

2. TINT

On the TINT platform, brands discover consumer communities on social media and single out the best content based on their ideal image. The app typically aggregates users via hashtags, making it simple for the brand to reach out for content permission. While brands usually initiate the process, you can also email a request to join their platform.  

Benefits:

• Partner with your favorite brands: Work with the brands you already love. 

• Exposure: TINT’s gallery highlights its best content creators, which can lead to more exposure. 

• Major brands: Brands like Coca-Cola, Nike, and Nestle all use TINT, which can give you an opportunity to reach a larger audience (should that align with your goals). 

Limitations:

• Pay: TINT doesn't offer financial compensation, though some influencers receive small incentives for their time and marketing efforts. 

• Time-consuming research: Due to the number of brands on TINT, it may take time to strategize which brands to create content for. 

• Built for brands: The app is designed for businesses, not content creators, so it can be difficult for creators to navigate the platform. 

Because TINT relies on large bands of devoted customers, it’s often used by major national brands like Krispy Kreme and Canon. Brands may offer freebies as compensation to their most reliable content creators. 

3. JoinBrands 

JoinBrands is a UGC app primarily used for product launches. With 100,000+ influencers and users on the platform, brands recruit influencers to try their product and post customer review videos. To get started, creators will need to create an account and curate their profiles based on their industries, verticals, and content styles. 

Benefits:

• Clear categories: JoinBrands’ interactive platform breaks down each influencer category, making it easier to market your expertise. 

• Career springboard: If you want to make content creation a regular gig, JoinBrands offers smaller jobs as stepping stones.

• Dependable reimbursement: If you spend money for a campaign, such as purchasing the brand’s product, you can count on prompt reimbursement. 

Limitations:

• Inconsistent fine print: The terms and conditions for each brand vary, so you may need to do a little homework. For example, if you pay for a product and its shipping, you might only be reimbursed for the product. 

• Response times: You may have to apply to multiple jobs before hearing back from a single brand. 

• Commissions: JoinBrands takes 20% of commission and tips, so it’s important to do the math and calculate how much you’ll earn before accepting a job. 

JoinBrands’ industries include e-commerce, apps and games, and advertising agencies. Compensation typically includes financial payments, reimbursements, and free products. 

4. Taggbox 

The Taggbox platform identifies the best social content and testimonials so brands can boost user engagement rates and retention. Content creators can sign up with their email or Instagram accounts. Once Taggbox gets the gist, they’ll pair you with brands matching your persona. 

Benefits:

• Collaboration opportunities: Taggbox connects you to major brands with fun and profitable campaigns. 

• Uncover trends: Taggbox’s analytics help you stay current, so you can create more noticeable content. 

• No limits: Influencers can take on as many clients and campaigns as they want. Plus, you typically have creative freedom to post what you like. 

Limitations:

• Brand-centric: Taggbox’s functionality may be limited for content creators because the company focuses more on brands. 

• Compensation: Taggbox doesn't typically compensate influencers for their work, and compensation may vary widely depending on the brand. 

• Technical glitches: Some content creators and brands have reported glitches when using Taggbox, particularly during critical periods like the holiday season. 

Taggbox relies on superfans, and the app features well-known brands like Hilton, Fabletics, and IKEA. Compensation can include anything from financial payment to gift certificates or free products. 

5. Aspire

Aspire automates business processes for faster searches and collaborations. While brands typically make the first move, Aspire helps content creators refine their profiles to attract the best collaborators. 

To apply, you must have at least 1,000 followers. The first step is verifying your socials, including brands you’ve worked with, your industries, the opportunities you’re looking for, and hashtags that represent you. 

Benefits:

• Simplified process: Aspire automates and streamlines communication so influencers can take on more work. 

• Income: Aspire promises fair compensation for influencers. 

• Friendly team: Aspire’s team is fast and helpful, giving creators dedicated support as needed.

Limitations:

• Lack of user-friendliness: The app’s interface has a higher learning curve than other platforms.  

• Slow loading times: The app may be unresponsive and slow to load at times. 

• Analytic tools: Analytic tools may leave gaps in key metrics, making it harder to quantify campaign success. 

Aspire partners with 900 brands across industries, including home goods, technology, and national retailers. The app promises fair compensation based on each influencer’s expertise and authority.  

6. Insense 

Insense is an all-in-one marketing app that connects brands with UGC creators for more organic visual content. Users can create content for a brand’s social media channels, organically post on their own channels, or run ads from their Instagram or TikTok handles. Creators must download the app before they can start earning badges and ratings.  

Benefits:

• One-stop shop: Negotiate pricing and manage multiple campaigns in one place. 

• Assistance: Insense offers helpful creator guides and provides custom recommendations. 

• Transparency: From pricing to deliverables to deadlines, Insense’s transparency helps content creators make more informed decisions. 

Limitations:

• Creative freedom: Detailed campaign requests may limit your creativity. 

• Saturation: Insense is home to more than 20,000+ professional influencers, which may make it hard to stand out. 

• Iterations: Insense brands might be more selective about content decisions, which could add more time to each campaign. 

Insense brands are in the direct-to-consumer ecommerce industry, particularly in the beauty, fashion, home goods, and wellness sectors. You can expect market-rate compensation, though you may have stiff competition for the best campaigns. 

7. Influenster 

With Influenster, influencers sign up for a free box of products, try them out, and then post their thoughts. The app curates boxes based on your social media feed so you can authentically share your experience. You’ll need to download the app and create an account to sign up. 

Benefits:

• Free samples: Influencers can discover new favorites within their verticals. 

• Community-centric: Interact with other influencers and stay up to date.

• Compiled insights: Understand how different audiences perceive your content with Influenster’s insights. 

Limitations: 

• Timing: It may take a while to receive your boxes before you can test and rate the products inside. 

• Limited product choices: Influenster sends boxes based on your social media preferences, but you can’t actively select products. 

• Limited reach: Posting about the same kinds of products might limit your audiences and demographics. 

Influenster’s CPG verticals range from board games to food to beauty products, and you can expect free boxes as compensation. 

8. Kale 

Kale’s influencer marketing app connects superfans with brands to serve as social proof to potential customers. Simply shop as usual and let Kale pair you with brands based on your habits and social media persona. Simply fill out your name, email, and social media handles to sign up.  

Benefits:

• Convenient: If you’re already creating authentic, high-quality content for your favorite brands, Kale makes it easy to get paid for it. 

• Authenticity: Your content is in your own words and style, making you more relatable and trustworthy to your audience. 

• Fun: Working with your favorite brands is exciting, and it could lead to bigger opportunities in the future. 

Limitations: 

• Finite reach: If you’re promoting your favorite brands, it doesn’t always leave room to try new ones. 

• Variable pay: Kale compensates per engagement rates, which can make it difficult to estimate your income. 

• Saturation: Kale caters to smaller influencers, with many joining to get more exposure. 

Some of Kale’s partner brands include chain restaurants, clothing retailers, and specialty food companies. Pay is based on your video’s engagement, quality, and views.

9. Cohley 

Cohley connects brands with influencers to improve the consumer experience and drive digital growth. The app invites content creators and influencers of all types to apply, even if they’re not on a standard platform like Instagram or TikTok. 

To apply, submit your professional portfolio for review. Once accepted, you’ll post your best content and apply for relevant campaigns. 

Benefits:

• Direct communication: Streamline communication with brands for clearer negotiations and directives.

• Free products: In addition to financial compensation, many influencers receive free products. 

• Accurate alignment: Users praise Cohley for its matching algorithms.  

Limitations: 

• Sporadic work: Some content creators may be disappointed by the available campaign volume. 

• Interface issues: Campaign management and organization can get messy with multiple ongoing campaigns. 

• Poor analytics: Cohley’s analytics and metrics might not include KPIs like conversion rates.

Cohley works with consumer and ecommerce brands in multiple industries including food, fitness, wellness, and fashion. Creators can expect financial compensation based on individual campaign rates. 

10. Creator.co

Creator.co connects up-and-coming creators with their favorite brands. Users can learn from content industry experts, browse campaign opportunities, attend exclusive influencer events, and grow their persona. Create an account with your name, email, and phone number to get started.  

Benefits:

• Expert advice: Creator.co helps new influencers gain a foothold with custom tips. 

• Brand diversity: Creator.co partners with underdogs and market leaders alike. 

• Browse without signup: Visit the collaboration hub to browse before signing up. 

Limitations:

• Developing site: Many features of Creator.co are still in development, and they might not be available for a while. 

• Limited volume: Creator.co is still in start-up mode, which might limit the number of available campaigns. 

• Campaign directives: Campaign details can vary widely, and it may take time to figure out the details. 

Creator.co partners with consumer brands across industries like fitness, wellness, toys, food, and travel. Compensation may be offered as straight compensation or calculated as a commission percentage based on content engagement rates. 

Choose an app that cares about UGC creators just as much as brands 

Hummingbirds is a great place to start if you’re looking for a user-generated content platform that values creators. 

Our creators (“hummingbirds”) call attention to all the amazing talent in their hometowns and simultaneously enjoy perks like home energy savings, Costco gift cards, and fun nights on the town! With a diverse range of brands and a user-friendly interface, it’s easy to secure brand partnerships in your favorite verticals. 

If you’re ready to partner with a reputable and reliable UGC app for local campaigns, become a hummingbird today!