📹 ✅ Let’s be real - some of the best UGC out there isn’t shot in fancy studios with professional lighting. It’s filmed right at home, in everyday spaces, using nothing but creativity and smart setups.

And that’s the beauty of UGC - it’s raw, real, and relatable. But here’s the secret: small tweaks to your space can make a HUGE difference in how polished, engaging, and high-quality your content looks.

Just a few simple adjustments - better lighting, cleaner backgrounds, and intentional styling - can instantly elevate your UGC and attract more brand collaborations.

So, let’s turn your everyday environment into your personal content studio. Here are five easy ways to level up your UGC space - without breaking the bank!

✨ 1. Declutter & Define Your Space

Your background should enhance - not compete with - your content. Whether you’re filming in your bedroom, kitchen, or home office:

✅ Keep it clean & intentional – A simple, tidy backdrop makes your content look more polished. No need for special backgrounds - just make sure the frame looks nice, there are no product boxes behind you and no everyday clutter.

✅ Add subtle personality – A framed photo, plant, or cosy lighting adds warmth without overwhelming the shot. Think a podcast setup, little accessories make the content look more polished but also relatable.

✅ Avoid visual noise – Too many colours or patterns can make it hard to focus on you and the product (so does the print on your shirt, so keep an eye). Make sure things you use are quite neutral, unless specified otherwise in the brief.

Pro Tip: Test your background by recording a quick 5-second clip before you start filming. If anything looks off, adjust and refine!

Lighting is the #1 factor that separates amateur-looking content from high-quality, engaging UGC. It affects clarity, mood, and the way the product appears on camera. Here’s how to get it right:

💡 Natural light = your best friend – The easiest and most flattering lighting comes from the sun! Film near a window and face it directly for soft, even light. Actually, slightly overcast days are great for avoiding harsh shadows. If there is no sunlight, still always try to shoot directly in front of a window!

💡 DIY Ring Light Hack – No ring light? No problem! Place a desk lamp behind a white bedsheet or sheer curtain to diffuse the light and create a professional-looking glow.

💡 Golden Hour Magic – Shooting near sunrise or sunset? This is the best time for warm, dreamy lighting. If you’re filming beauty or lifestyle content, golden hour can add a natural, cinematic feel - although make sure your HDR is switched off (it should always be) to avoid harsh contrasts.

💡 Avoid Overhead Lighting – Harsh ceiling lights create unflattering shadows. If you have to use artificial lighting, position it slightly above and in front of your face for a more even, balanced look.

Pro Tip: When adding artificial light, try to use two - one highlighting you from the front, and another one behind (to face the background) to reduce the contrast between the first and second plan.

Every brand has its own style, and your setup should reflect that. Matching your background and aesthetics to the brand’s personality can make your content more appealing and increase your chances of landing repeat collaborations.

🌿 Wellness & Beauty? Go for a fresh, minimal, and well-lit space. White, soft pastels, or neutral backdrops work best. Add greenery or candles for a spa-like vibe.

🍽 Food & Beverage? A clean kitchen counter, rustic wooden accessories, or café-like setup makes the content feel natural and inviting. Bright, natural lighting is key to making food look appetising!

💼 Tech & Productivity? A well-organised desk setup with neutral tones, modern décor, and soft lighting gives off a professional, high-quality aesthetic. Make sure no logos are visible.

🛍 Fashion & Lifestyle? Use aesthetic furniture or soft furnishings (like pillows or blankets), a stylish mirror, or an outfit-coordinated background to complement your look and create an editorial feel.

Pro Tip: Scroll through the brand’s Instagram and website to get a feel for their aesthetic before planning your setup. This helps create a cohesive, on-brand look.

Think like a director. The way you frame your shots can make a huge difference in how engaging and dynamic your content feels.

📐 Rule of Thirds: Instead of centring yourself in every shot, position yourself slightly off-centre to create a more natural and visually appealing composition. Most phones have a “grid” feature to help with this! But, make sure to centre yourself throughout most of the video - especially for testimonials.

🔄 Switch Up Perspectives: Don’t just stick to eye-level shots. Try overhead angles for flat lays or when in bed, close-ups for product details, and low-angle shots for a dramatic effect. Switch them up throughout your videos to make them really engaging.

🔎 Steady Your Shots: Shaky footage can make your content look unprofessional. Use a tripod, stack books for a makeshift stand, or rest your phone on a stable surface for crisp, clean footage. This always make the biggest difference.

📲 Use Movement Wisely: Slow pans, smooth transitions, and natural hand movements can add life to your clips. If you’re holding a product, experiment with zooming in - some great tips for how to make it super smooth HERE!

Pro Tip: Shoot multiple angles in one session so you have more content to work with later - brands love variety and it’s easier to edit when you have multiple options too.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make all the difference. Here’s how to add those finishing touches for a polished, high-quality result:

🔊 Sound Check: Reduce background noise by filming in a quiet space or using a clip-on microphone. If recording voiceovers, use a small space, or lots of soft furnishings (best to shoot in a room with carpet) to minimise echo. Remember that this will impact where you will shoot your speaking-to-camera scenes!

🎨 Colour Coordination: Consider matching your outfit, props, or background elements to the brand’s colour scheme for a cohesive, branded look - however always check if the brand actually does it on their social media. If not, consider only adding a small touch for an effortless look.

🖌 Editing Boost: Use apps like CapCut to fine-tune brightness, contrast, and sharpness. Keep edits natural - over-editing can make content look less authentic and quite honestly break it completely.

⏳ Keep It Snappy: Attention spans are short! Cut out unnecessary pauses and keep your clips dynamic with smooth transitions. Also, always consider this before shooting!

Pro Tip: Don’t ever look at your clip while filming and think: “I can edit that later” - especially when it involves something in the background - you will waste so much time trying to figure it out! Instead, quickly readjust and reshoot - this is a small time investment that ALWAYS pays off.

🎬 Now, It’s Your Turn!

Try these tips in your next UGC video and tag us with @useclip for a chance to be featured on our socials!

Need more inspo? Make sure to always check our weekly newsletter for the easiest and most relatable creative boost!

Let’s make magic, one Clip at a time! 🚀

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Did you know we go live on Instagram every two-weeks? 🩷 Make sure to tune in to our next session - we discuss everything from script-writing, through breaking out scripts and how to make your content shine. Give us a follow and make sure to turn the notifications on to know when we go live next!

🚀 Ready to transform your space into the perfect UGC set? Explore the latest Clip Opportunities and start creating high-quality, brand-worthy content! 🚀

Happy Creating,

Team Clip