You don't need the latest model, but aim for a phone with a decent camera, like a Samsung Galaxy S20 or an iPhone
iPhones are popular for their user-friendly interface and consistent camera quality across models, making them a favorite among UGC creators. However, high-end Android phones like the Google Pixel 6 offer excellent camera performance too. A creator I know uses an iPhone 12 and loves the cinematic mode for products, but another swears by their Pixel 5 for its color accuracy. Ultimately, choose what complements your style and workflow.
Turn off HDR if you're finding it makes your videos look overly processed, especially in mixed lighting conditions. A friend shooting for a food brand noticed HDR sometimes over-brightened his dishes, losing the delicious details. Experiment to see what works best for your content. If you're recording indoors with consistent lighting, turning HDR off can keep colors more natural and true to life.
For most UGC content, a phone camera is more than enough. Phones like the iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S21 can shoot high-quality video that satisfies most brand requirements. A friend started with just her iPhone 11 and was able to land fashion brand deals because her videos were crisp and engaging. Remember, good lighting and composition often matter more than the camera itself.
The Google Pixel 4a is a great budget-friendly option for UGC creators. Priced under $400, it offers excellent camera capabilities, including Night Sight for low-light shooting. A fellow creator I know uses the Pixel 4a for lifestyle videos and often gets compliments on the quality. It’s proof that you don’t need to break the bank to produce content that looks professional and attracts brands.
You might not need to upgrade immediately, especially if your current phone supports HD video and is less than three years old. A creator I know used her iPhone 8 for a year before upgrading, landing deals by focusing on creative angles and good lighting instead. If your phone is slow or the camera quality is lacking, then consider upgrading to avoid frustration and to keep your content competitive.
Yes, you can use an older phone model if it can record in at least 1080p HD. A friend of mine uses a Samsung Galaxy S9 and still manages to produce engaging content for tech brands. Just make sure your phone's storage is ample enough to handle video files, and invest in good lighting and editing apps to enhance your footage. Keep your content quality consistent, and brands will still be interested.
Use the highest resolution your phone supports, ideally 4K, and set the frame rate to 30fps for smoother motion. Adjust the white balance to match your lighting conditions; a friend shooting interior design content found his iPhone's auto setting didn't capture the true colors of furniture. Also, enable grid lines to help with composition and keep your shots level, which can make your videos look more professional and appealing to brands.
Shoot in 4K if you plan to do a lot of cropping or editing in post-production, as it gives you more flexibility. However, 1080p is usually sufficient for social media and quicker uploads. A friend of mine uses 4K for her travel vlogs to capture all the details, but switches to 1080p when shooting quick Instagram stories to save on storage and upload time. Consider what suits your workflow and platform.
A frame rate of 30fps is generally best for most UGC videos, offering a balance between smooth motion and manageable file sizes. For action shots or slow-motion effects, 60fps might be better. A creator I know uses 24fps for a cinematic look when working with fashion brands, making her videos stand out. Choose based on the type of content you're producing and the vibe you want to convey.
Automate your brand outreach so you spend less time in spreadsheets and more time creating.
Get Started