3 Essential Videos for Your UGC Portfolio

3 Essential Videos Every UGC Portfolio Must Have (If You Want Brands to Say YES)

If you’re building a UGC portfolio and want to actually land paid deals—not just look busy—there are three video types that matter more than anything else. These formats are the industry standard across beauty, wellness, tech, food & beverage, home, and lifestyle brands because they prove you can sell, storytell, and influence buyer behaviorwithout needing a huge audience.

Inside the UGC Creator Starter Course, we teach creators how to build a portfolio that converts—not one that just looks aesthetic. Here’s the blueprint.

1. Talk-to-Camera Video (TTC)

The #1 video every brand looks for.

Why It’s Essential

Brands need to know:

• You’re comfortable on camera

• You can speak naturally and confidently

• You feel trustworthy and relatable

• You can deliver a clear message without sounding like an ad

This format mimics the most persuasive kind of modern marketing: a real person sharing a real experience.

Best Practices

• Use a hook in the first 2 seconds
  Examples: “I wish I knew this sooner…” or “Here’s what actually worked for me.”

• Keep your tone casual—like talking to a friend

• Share one transformation or problem → solution

• Add subtitles (most users scroll without sound)

What It Shows Brands

✔ On-camera presence
✔ Ability to build trust
✔ Natural delivery (not scripted-sounding)

If your portfolio only had one video, it should be this.

2. Product Demo With Voiceover

The format that drives the highest conversions in paid ads.

Why Brands Love It

This video shows:

• You understand visual storytelling

• You can film smooth, aesthetic b-roll

• You know how to highlight features + benefits

• You don’t rely on being on camera to be effective

It’s perfect for skincare, tech, supplements, kitchen tools, fitness gear—anything with a function.

How to Make It Stand Out

• Film 6–10 short b-roll clips (close-ups, textures, usage shots)

• Record a friendly voiceover after instead of talking during filming

• Keep the script simple:
  Problem → Feature → Benefit → CTA

Example voiceover flow:
“Here’s the moisturizer that finally fixed my dry skin… It absorbs fast, doesn’t pill under makeup, and the ceramides keep my skin smooth all day.”

What It Shows Brands

✔ You can shoot clean, professional b-roll
✔ You understand product benefits—not just aesthetics
✔ You make content that performs well in ads

This is often the difference between a $100 creator and a $400+ creator.

3. Unboxing Video

Still one of the most requested formats—because it triggers curiosity, excitement, and purchase intent.

Why It Works

Unboxings tap into:

• Anticipation (“What’s inside?”)

• First-impression psychology

• Authentic reaction (brands value this a LOT)

They perform well for DTC brands, subscription boxes, beauty launches, wellness products, and tech.

How to Shoot It

• Clean, minimal background

• Natural lighting

• Slow, intentional movements

• Show packaging details (labels, textures, inserts)

• React in real time—don’t overthink it

What It Shows Brands

✔ You create authentic, non-forced reactions
✔ You understand product presentation
✔ You can showcase packaging and branding clearly

Even better: unboxing + b-roll + voiceover = chef’s kiss.

Why These Three Videos Matter

With just these formats, your portfolio instantly demonstrates:

• On-camera confidence

• Storytelling + performance skills

• Product-focused filming ability

• Versatility across industries

• The exact content brands buy every day

No dancing.
No trends required.
No followers needed.

Next Step: Build Your Portfolio the Right Way

In the full UGC course, we break down:

• How to script each format

• Shot lists for every video type

• Hooks and CTAs that drive conversions

• Lighting + filming setups (beginner-friendly)

• Portfolio templates ready to plug-and-play

Whether you’re starting from zero or upgrading your existing portfolio, these three videos are your non-negotiable foundation.

Ready to land your first (or next) paid UGC deal?
You’re building it the right way. 💛