This episode breaks down the real world of UGC. How creators with tiny audiences are making six figures, why most creator panels are useless, and how brands actually manufacture viral moments on TikTok. Grace also dives into portfolio mistakes, agency vs. direct pricing, and what Handshake looks for when hiring UGC creators. Inside: How small creators quietly earn 6 figures with UGC Why most creator panels suck (and what actually matters) Agency rates vs. direct brand rates — 10x difference How brands “flood TikTok” to push products viral What Handshake looks for in UGC creators Why comedians are the best teachers of creator storytelling Timestamps: 00:00 – LA stories, gyms & party culture 02:40 – Audience vs. brand: why community matters 07:00 – Faceless brands & creator-led design 10:20 – Reviewing niche creator content formats 12:50 – Repurposing content authentically 18:10 – TikTok Shop, creator education & events 20:00 – Why most creator panels suck 26:05 – What comedians teach creators 32:20 – UGC portfolios: who’s making real money 36:40 – UGC content types + what performs 41:30 – Who dominates UGC demographics 43:00 – Agency vs. direct pricing 49:05 – Handshake’s UGC hiring criteria 52:15 – Brands flooding TikTok 56:00 – AI clipping tools vs. organic virality 🎙️ Hosted by Grace Ling & Justin Nguyen 📍 How Creators Make Money — the podcast where we unpack the real strategies behind today’s smartest creators.