UGC creators are the reason your brand gets authentic content, better engagement, and high-converting ads — yet many brands still say things that make creators rethink their entire life.

If you’re a brand that wants to attract good creators, here are the 10 phrases you should absolutely avoid saying (unless you want creators to block you).

1. “Can you make it go viral?”

Sure, let me just open my secret “viral button” app.
Creators can create great content — but no one can guarantee virality.
Not even Instagram.

2. “We want it to look natural, but here’s a 6-page script.”

Nothing screams “authentic” like memorizing lines for a 15-second video.

If you want natural delivery, let creators speak naturally.

3. “Can you deliver 10 videos in 24 hours?”

Of course!
Let me cancel sleep, food, and basic human rights.

Creators are not machines.
Quality takes time.

4. “We don’t have a budget, but you’ll get exposure.”

Exposure doesn’t pay rent.
Creators cannot buy groceries with likes.

If you value content → value the creator.

5. “Make it look premium, but also raw and natural.”

The contradiction Olympics have begun.

Choose an angle:
Premium OR raw.
Both rarely coexist.

6. “Can you redo it? We want more excitement… but don’t be dramatic.”

Ah yes, the perfect emotional line:
“Be excited but not too excited… be calm but energetic… be expressive but subtle…”

Creators aren’t psychic.

7. “Can you show the product clearly… but don’t make it look like an ad?”

This is like telling someone:
“Cook the food, but don’t heat it.”

UGC works because it feels like a recommendation — not because the product is waving at the camera every 2 seconds.

8. “Can you change your face? You look too happy.”

Yes, let me just download a new personality.

Emotions are part of UGC.
That’s literally why it works.

9. “We want something unique, but can you copy this exact reference video?”

Brands love “unique content.”
As long as it looks exactly like someone else’s.

Creators can take inspiration — not duplicate.

10. “It’s just a small video; why is your pricing so high?”

Because:

• It’s scripting
• It’s shooting
• It’s acting
• It’s lighting
• It’s editing
• It’s revisions
• It’s planning
• It’s energy
• It’s skill

A 20-second UGC video = 3–4 hours of real work.

Respect the craft → get better content.

⭐ Final Thoughts

UGC creators aren’t just “video people.”
They are storytellers, content strategists, actors, editors, marketers, and problem-solvers.

Brands that treat creators with respect get better:

• Content
• Creativity
• Performance
• Long-term partnerships

Brands that don’t… well, they get blocked.