Use this before submitting UGC to a brand partner.
- 1. Hook appears in first 2 seconds
- 2. Product shown clearly in natural context
- 3. One key pain point + one key outcome
- 4. Natural testimonial line included
- 5. Clear CTA and brand mention
- 6. Captions and safe-zone checked
How it works
Before submitting UGC (user-generated content) deliverables to a brand, creators need to verify that every brief requirement is met, the file meets technical specifications, and the legal disclosures are in place. A missed brief point or incorrect file format means reshoots, revision rounds, and delayed payment. The UGC Checklist walks you through a complete pre-submission review.
Checklist sections: Content brief compliance: - All required talking points mentioned (in correct order if specified) - Brand name pronounced and spelled correctly - Promo code visible and audible - Required hashtags included in the caption - Prohibited phrases avoided (check the brief's "do not say" list) - Required visuals shown (product from required angles, in required setting)
Technical specifications: - Correct video dimensions (1080x1920 for TikTok/Reels, 1920x1080 for YouTube) - Video duration within the specified range - Minimum resolution met (usually 1080p) - No copyrighted background music (use royalty-free tracks from specified library) - No other brand logos visible in the frame
Legal and platform compliance: - #ad or #sponsored in the caption (FTC requirement) - Branded content tool enabled if posting to your own account - No before/after health claims without FDA qualifier language - Age-gating content if required by the brand
Delivery: - Correct file format (MP4, MOV, or as specified) - File named per brand's convention - Submitted via the correct platform (Google Drive, Frame.io, Dropbox link)
Privacy: checklist progress is saved in browser localStorage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The top rejection reasons from UGC buyers: (1) wrong aspect ratio or dimensions (most briefs require 9:16 vertical for TikTok/Reels); (2) missing or incorrect promo code (test the code yourself before filming — many briefs are sent with typos); (3) background noise or poor audio quality (test your recording environment before a full take); (4) competitor products visible in the background (including competitor logos on clothing, books, or packaging on shelves); (5) deviating from the required script structure without disclosure.
- Most UGC briefs require: minimum 48kHz sample rate, clean audio with no background noise (no TV, music, traffic, or HVAC hum), no echo (avoid recording in rooms with hard walls and no soft furnishings). Record in a small room with soft surfaces (bedroom, walk-in closet) or with a lapel microphone. If you use a smartphone, record directly with the built-in mic from 30–40cm distance rather than relying on wireless earbuds with mic (which compress audio quality).
- Industry standard is 1–2 revision rounds included in the base rate. A revision round means the brand provides consolidated written feedback and you implement those changes; it does not mean unlimited changes over multiple iterations. Specify in your agreement what constitutes a revision (minor changes to existing footage) versus a reshoot (requires a new filming session, billed separately). Define 'revision' clearly in writing before starting work.
- Minimum requirements for most UGC briefs: 1080p (1920×1080 for horizontal, 1080×1920 for vertical) at 30fps. Many brands now request 4K footage because it gives them flexibility to reframe and crop in editing. Record at the highest quality your device supports; you can always compress for delivery, but you can't add resolution after recording. Frame rate: 30fps for standard content, 60fps if the brief mentions slow-motion capability.