JoinBrands: Get Paid for UGC Without a Huge Following
If you have been curious about getting paid to create content for brands but are not sure where to start, JoinBrands is one of the most beginner-accessible platforms available right now. You do not need a large following. You do not need professional equipment. You just need to be able to create decent photos or videos and be willing to put yourself out there a little.
This post walks through what JoinBrands is, how it works, what you can realistically earn, and how to get started.
what is joinBrands?
JoinBrands is a marketplace that connects brands with content creators for UGC work. UGC stands for user generated content, which in this context means photos and videos that brands use in their own marketing rather than on your channels. The key distinction is that brands are paying for the content itself, not for your reach or following.
On JoinBrands, brands post campaigns with specific requirements. Creators browse those campaigns, apply for the ones that fit, and if selected, create and submit the content. The brand reviews and approves it, and the creator gets paid.
The platform has grown quickly in popularity among beginning content creators because the barrier to entry is genuinely low compared to traditional influencer marketing.
UGC content brands are looking for
Most campaigns on JoinBrands fall into a few categories. Product review videos are the most common, where you receive a product, film yourself using or demonstrating it, and submit a short video, typically between 30 and 90 seconds. Unboxing videos, lifestyle photos showing a product in use, and testimonial-style clips are also common.
The content is meant to look authentic and real, not highly produced. Brands are specifically choosing UGC over traditional advertising because it feels more genuine to consumers. That works in your favor as a beginner because you are not competing with professional production studios. You are competing on authenticity and relatability, which is a much more level playing field.
how much can you earn on joinBrands?
Pay varies by campaign and the type of content requested. For a standard short-form video, rates on JoinBrands typically range from around $25 to $150 per piece. Photo content tends to pay less. More complex or longer content can pay more.
As a new creator without a portfolio, you will likely start at the lower end of that range. As you build a track record of approved content and positive feedback, you become more attractive to brands and can command higher rates.
It is not a get-rich-quick income stream. But if you are consistently applying to campaigns and getting selected, even a handful of accepted pieces per month can add up to a meaningful side income.
how to get started
Step 1: Create your account
Head to the JoinBrands creator sign-up page and register as a creator. You’ll fill in some basic info about yourself and the type of content you like to make, then connect your social accounts for “certification” (step 3). There’s no minimum follower count to join, so this is open to you even if you’re just starting out.
Step 2: Complete your profile
Don’t rush this part. Add a profile photo, write a bio that actually describes your content style and what you’re good at, and upload a few samples if you have them. If you don’t have any UGC samples yet, it’s worth filming two or three quick demo videos first. Brands look at your profile before inviting you to anything, so a complete one puts you ahead of creators who skipped this step.
Step 3: Get Certified
Before you can apply to jobs, JoinBrands requires you to get certified for the content types you want to create, things like video, photos, or specific platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Amazon. The certifications are free and don’t take long. For the platform certifications, you will be asked to connect your social platforms. You can choose to link as many as you’d like – but the more you connect, the more jobs you will be able to qualify for.
For content certifications you will need to upload examples of videos and photos you have created for brands (or as examples). One video certification now covers most video styles (how-to, unboxing, product review, and so on), and one image certification covers photo work, so this isn’t as big of a lift as it sounds. Just make sure you’re the one completing your own certifications. Submissions done by someone else won’t be accepted.
Step 4: Browse campaigns and apply
Once you’re certified, you can start browsing jobs and applying to the ones that fit your niche. Read the brief closely before you apply. Brands spell out exactly what they want, the content type, the tone, what to highlight, and the creators who clearly address those details in their application tend to get picked more often.
Step 5: Create and submit your content
If a brand approves you, you’ll get the full brief and, depending on the job, either the product itself or reimbursement to buy it. Film or shoot according to the brief, double check it against what was asked for, and upload it through the platform. Brands have a window to review and may ask for a revision before they approve it.
Step 6: Get paid
Once your content is approved, payment runs through the platform itself, so there’s no invoicing brands directly. JoinBrands handles that part on the back end.
Job Types and Delivery Types on JoinBrands
Not every job on JoinBrands works the same way, and understanding the differences up front will save you some confusion once you start applying.
Delivery types refer to how you actually get the product:
- Reimbursement means you purchase the product yourself through the marketplace, then get refunded once the job is done. You’ll have 48 hours to make the purchase, and you’re responsible for shipping and tax costs upfront (some brands will cover these separately). Make sure to enter your order ID into the job right away or the system won’t recognize the purchase.
- Shipped by brand means the brand handles the product, shipping, and taxes on their end. This option unlocks automatically once you’ve completed one reimbursement or digital product job, so it’s not available on your very first job.
- Digital product jobs don’t involve a physical item at all. These are for creating content around apps, websites, or other online services.
Job types describe the structure of the work itself, things like Content Only, Content + Posting, and Retainer jobs.
- A Content Only job just means you create and submit the content.
- Content + Posting means you’re also expected to post it to your own social account.
- Retainer jobs are ongoing arrangements with a brand, and those are reserved for Level 2 creators and above.
If you want to explore JoinBrands to see if it’s for you, you can apply to be a creator here: Become a JoinBrands Creator
Understanding Creator Levels
JoinBrands uses a three-tier leveling system, and where you land affects how many jobs you can take at once and how much you earn on certain job types.
Level 1 is where everyone starts. At this level you can take up to five regular jobs at a time, unlimited free product plus $5 jobs, and you’re able to apply for reimbursement campaigns. Retainer jobs aren’t available yet at this stage.
Level 2 opens up once you’ve completed five video, social, or live jobs (image-only jobs don’t count toward this), have at least one completed job in the past 12 months, and maintain a 4.0 star average or higher on your rated jobs. Reaching Level 2 removes the cap on regular jobs, unlocks retainer jobs, and increases your payout on eligible video and image content.
Level 3 requires 30 qualifying jobs, at least five completed in the past year, and a 4.3 star average or higher. This tier unlocks the highest available payouts on eligible jobs.
A couple of things worth knowing: only reviews from video, social, and live jobs count toward your rating average, and only ratings that include written feedback are counted at all. Levels aren’t permanent either. Since the rating window rolls on a 12 month basis, it’s possible to drop back down if your completed jobs or reviews fall below the threshold over time. Once you’ve hit the requirements, it can take up to a week for your account to update.
Tips for Creating Content Brands Actually Want
A few practical things make a real difference in whether your content gets approved without back and forth:
- Lighting matters more than people expect.
Good lighting alone can be the difference between content that looks professional and content that gets sent back for revisions. - Keep it in focus.
Blurry footage usually comes down to dirty lenses, poor lighting, or holding the product too close to the camera. - Learn the product before you film.
Read through what the brief tells you about the product so you’re not stopping halfway through a take because you don’t know a key detail. - Don’t crop yourself or the product out of frame.
Brands specifically want to see both you and the product clearly in the shot. - Check your audio before you rely on it.
If your video includes you talking, do a quick test first and try to cut down on background noise. - Watch your own content back before you submit it.
If you wouldn’t want to watch it again, the brand probably won’t want to either.
None of this requires expensive gear. Most of it is just slowing down enough to catch problems before you hit submit.
Keeping Your Portfolio Fresh and Earning Good Reviews
Your portfolio is usually the first thing a brand looks at when deciding who to approve for a job, so it’s worth treating it as a living thing rather than something you set up once and forget. Regularly swap out older content for your best recent work, and try to showcase the specific type of content you actually want to be hired for. If you’re just starting out and don’t have much to show yet, you can choose to keep your reviews section hidden until you’ve built up a stronger collection.
Reviews come from brands after every completed job, and they show up in two ways: a simple star rating, and written feedback. Both are visible on your public portfolio, though you have the option to hide the reviews section while you’re still building it up. Since only reviews tied to video, social, or live jobs count toward your Creator Level progress, and only ratings that include written feedback are factored into your average, the fastest way to build a strong track record is pretty simple: show up on time, communicate clearly with brands, and deliver what the brief actually asked for.
Tips for getting selected more often
- Apply to campaigns where you genuinely fit the product or audience. Brands can tell when an application is generic versus when a creator has a real connection to what they are selling.
- Keep your sample content updated. As you complete campaigns and build a portfolio, add your best work to your profile. Approved, real-brand content is more compelling to future brands than demo pieces.
- Be realistic about rates early on. When you are new, accepting express jobs ($5-10 payouts) to build your portfolio is a reasonable trade. A track record of approved content is worth more in the long run than holding out for maximum pay on every piece.
- Turn around content promptly. Brands appreciate creators who hit deadlines. Being reliable builds your reputation on the platform and leads to repeat opportunities.
Related Post: UGC: Mastering Content Creation as a Profitable Home Business
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT JOINBRANDS
Do you need a following to use JoinBrands?
No. JoinBrands is specifically designed for UGC creators, meaning brands are paying for content rather than reach. You do not need a social media following to apply or get accepted for campaigns.
How does JoinBrands compare to other UGC platforms?
JoinBrands is one of several platforms where brands and UGC creators connect, including Billo, Insense, and others. Each has a different mix of brands and slightly different processes. Many creators use multiple platforms to increase their volume of opportunities.
How long does it take to get paid on JoinBrands?
Payment timelines vary by campaign, but generally you receive payment once the brand approves your content. The platform handles payment processing, so you do not deal with brands directly for invoicing.
What equipment do you need to create UGC content?
Most UGC content is created on a smartphone. Good lighting matters more than expensive equipment. A ring light or positioning yourself near natural light, combined with a clean background, goes a long way toward making your content look polished.
Can you do JoinBrands alongside other UGC platforms?
Yes. Most UGC creators work across multiple platforms to maximize their opportunities. JoinBrands, Billo, Insense, and similar platforms are not exclusive, so there is no reason to limit yourself to just one.
What happens if a brand rejects your content?
Brands can request revisions if content does not meet their brief. If your content is genuinely rejected after revisions, the outcome depends on the specific campaign terms. Reading campaign terms carefully before you start creating helps you understand what happens in that scenario.
