Screen recorded demos
A creator walks through one feature on their own phone and says why it matters to them. Ask for 15 to 30 seconds with a clear first three seconds, and list the screens you want shown.
UGC for apps that need creator videos for install ads
UgcBoard lets a mobile app team hire US UGC creators for app demos, first reaction clips and install ads, without a subscription. You post a brief for free, creators apply with their rate, you fund the campaign into escrow and pay only for videos you approve. Digital products need no shipping, so a campaign can go from brief to first videos in days.
The short answer
App install ads on TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts work best when the video looks like a real person using the app. A creator films a screen recording with a voiceover, or reacts to the first minute of use, and you run the file as a paid ad. On UgcBoard you describe the app, the hook angle and the usage rights, set the payout per video, and add one flat 15% fee inside the campaign budget. There is no monthly plan, so you pay only in the months you run a campaign.
What an app team buys here
First reaction and day one videos
Creators install the app, use it for real and film what they think. The brief can set the claims allowed, so nobody promises features you do not have.
Hook variants for ad testing
Order several creators on the same offer to get different hooks and voices. Fresh variants matter because app ads tire quickly.
Paid ads rights in writing
Every agreement names the platforms and a 3, 6 or 12 month paid ads term, and whether whitelisting is included. If you plan to run the video from the creator's handle, choose that in the brief so the creator prices it in.
Escrow until approval
The whole budget is held until you approve the videos. If a creator misses the deadline and the 48 hour grace period, the spot closes and its budget returns to you with the fee, under the published rules.
How an app team runs a campaign
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1. Write the brief
Name the app, the one feature to show, the hook angle, the format, the usage rights, the payout and the deadline. The UGC brief guide has a worked example to copy the structure from.
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2. Fund it
Send the budget by ACH or wire. The campaign goes live on the board once the transfer posts.
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3. Choose creators and share access
Creators apply with portfolio, pitch and rate. Pick the ones you want and share a promo code or a test account so they can use the app.
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4. Review and approve
Ask for up to two revision rounds. On approval the payout goes out and your license starts.
App UGC options compared
Prices of other platforms come from their public pages in October and November 2026 and change often, so confirm before you buy.
| UgcBoard | Prepaid credit pack service | Fixed price per video service | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | None | None, but packs expire after 12 months | None, but prepaid balance |
| Who sets creator pay | You, per brief | The platform | The platform |
| Fee | Flat 15% inside the campaign budget | Included in the credit price | Included in the price per video |
| Shipping needed | No for apps | No for apps | No for apps |
| Best for | Batches of 5 to 30 videos at a payout you choose | 28 or more standard videos a year | Brands that want a menu price |
See each in detail: Billo alternative, Trend alternative and best UGC platforms. The Billo vs Trend pricing breakdown shows the cost per video at three batch sizes.
What app teams ask for
Fitness, finance and productivity apps
Routine and before and after style clips, with the claim language you allow written into the brief.
Games and entertainment
Gameplay with a real reaction. Ask creators to show the first level and say what hooked them.
Subscription and utility apps
A problem and fix story ending on the feature that solves it, plus a clear call to action to the install page.
Shopify and Amazon sellers too
If you also sell physical products, see UGC for Shopify brands and Amazon UGC.
UGC for apps questions
How do I get UGC videos for my mobile app?
Post a campaign on UgcBoard with the app, the feature to show, the hook angle, the format, the payout and the deadline. US creators apply with portfolio and rate. You choose, share access to the app, review the videos and approve. The files are yours under a written license.
How much does app UGC cost?
You set the payout per video, and the campaign builder shows the typical US range for the deliverable you pick. On top you pay one flat 15% platform fee inside the campaign budget. The UGC rates guide has a calculator.
Can I run the videos as app install ads?
Yes if the agreement says so. Choose a 3, 6 or 12 month paid ads term in the brief and add whitelisting if you want to run the ad from the creator's handle.
Do I need a monthly plan?
No. There are no subscriptions, packs or seat charges. You fund a campaign when you are ready.
Can I buy just one video?
Yes. There is no platform minimum.
Get your next app UGC batch
Post the brief, fund it when you are ready, and pay creators exactly what the campaign card says.