You've probably seen someone on TikTok or Instagram saying: "I earn 500 euros per video and I only have 800 followers." It sounds unbelievable, but that's the reality of UGC marketing, one of the fastest growing industries on the Internet today. And yes, this also works in the Balkans.
What is a UGC creator and why do brands want it?
UGC stands for User Generated Content, which means content created by an ordinary person, not a professional studio or agency. Brands are looking for it because it looks authentic. When the audience sees a "real" video of someone using the product, it is not perceived as an advertisement, but as a recommendation. Result: better CTR in ads, higher engagement and lower cost per customer.
The key difference from the classic influencer is that the UGC creator does not post on his profile. You record a video, send it to a brand, they publish it on their channel or use it in paid ads. Your followers don't matter at all.
How much can a UGC creator earn in the Balkans?
Prices vary depending on experience, not the type of content you create. Here are the real figures for the Balkan market:
| Level | Price per video | Income / month (5 projects) |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner (0-3 months) | 50 to 150 EUR | 250 to 750 EUR |
| Intermediate level (3-12 months) | 150 to 350 EUR | 750 to 1,750 EUR |
| Experienced creator (1+ years) | 350 to 800 EUR | 1,750 to 4,000 EUR |
| Specialist (beauty, tech, food) | 500 to 1,200 EUR | 2,500+ EUR |
These figures are achievable with consistent work and a good portfolio. Creators who work for EU brands (German, Austrian, Swiss companies) often charge more because these clients have bigger budgets.
What do you need to start tomorrow
The good news is that you don't need expensive equipment. Here's a minimal set that works:
- Smartphone with a good camera (iPhone or Android from 2021 onwards)
- Natural lighting or a cheap ring lamp (30 to 50 EUR)
- Quiet space for shooting without background noise
- Editing application as CapCut or InShot
How to build a portfolio without a single client
Every brand will ask for examples of your work. If you haven't done anything yet, it doesn't mean you have nothing to show. The method is simple: take 3 to 5 products that you already use at home and record them as if it were a paid job. Cosmetics, coffee, headphones, snacks, everything is a good topic.
- Record an introductory hook (2-3 seconds) that attracts attention
- Show the problem that the product solves
- Demonstrate use in a natural way
- End with a call to action or a sincere recommendation
Upload these 5 videos to Google Drive or a special Instagram/TikTok profile and that's your portfolio. Brands don't expect perfection, they expect consistency and authenticity.
Where to find brands that pay for UGC content
There are several channels for finding clients in the Balkans:
1. Influencer platform
Influexus is a platform that directly connects UGC creators with brands from Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia and the EU diaspora. You create a profile, set the price packages and the brands come to you. No cold messages, no negotiation in DM.
2. Instagram and TikTok directly
Many small brands are looking for creators directly on social networks. Follow hashtags like #ugccreator, #ugcbalkans or #ugcsrbija and you will see who is already doing this work in the region.
3. LinkedIn
Marketing managers and brand managers are active on LinkedIn. They send a personalized message with a portfolio and a concrete idea for their brand. The conversion is bigger than you think.
How much to charge: common mistakes in pricing
Beginners often underestimate their work. If you've prepared, shot the video professionally and delivered on time, it's worth the money. A few guidelines:
- Always charge per project, not per hour
- Include revisions in the price (max 1-2 free), each additional charge separately
- Define what is included: raw file, edited video, text overlay, etc.
- Usage rights are a special fee if the brand plans to pay for ads
"The price you set sends a quality signal. A creator who asks for 30 EUR per video does not leave the same impression as a creator who asks for 200 EUR with a clear package."
Conclusion
UGC creation is one of the rare online careers where beginners in the Balkans can earn serious money without followers, without an agency and without expensive investments. The only thing you need is consistency, authenticity and a ready portfolio. Brands are already there and they are looking for exactly what you can offer.
Influexus is the only platform in the Balkans where a UGC creator can set up a profile and package, and brands come with direct inquiries. Registration is free and takes less than 5 minutes.
