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How to Run a UGC Campaign with distributeme

12 min read
6 steps
Updated January 2026
In distributeme, UGC campaigns are for moments where the creator should make the content, not just repost brand media. The quality of the result depends on a tight setup, the right creator mix, and a clean approval flow. This guide walks through how to run a creator-made campaign in distributeme, from campaign setup to creator collaboration, post review, and results.
1

Define Your Campaign Goals

Start by deciding what the creator content needs to do for your brand. Are you trying to launch something new, create proof for a product, build awareness in a city, or capture content you can later reuse? Your answer should shape the way you configure the campaign.

Example

Goal: Launch a new skincare product with creator-made Reels that demonstrate use, reach 250K people, and leave the brand with a usable bank of authentic content.

Be specific about the job the content needs to do, the placement you want, and the reach you are targeting.

2

Launch Campaign Builder & Configure

Click 'Create Campaign' and start with Step 1. Choose **Creator-made UGC**, set your **Reach Target**, pick your **Reach Strategy** (Focused or Broad), then choose the **Placement** and supported **Platforms** you want to run on.

Example

Name: 'Summer Skincare Launch', Type: UGC, Reach: 250K, Strategy: Focused, Placement: Reel, Platforms: Instagram + TikTok

Focused strategy gives you fewer, more aligned creators. Broad maximizes reach with more creators.

3

Write Clear Instructions for the Poster

In the creative section, write your **Instructions for the poster**. This is your brief inside the campaign flow. Describe what you want creators to achieve, the key messages to communicate, and any specific requirements. You can also add hashtags and creative reference links.

Example

Instructions: 'Create a 30-60 second Reel showing your morning skincare routine featuring our new serum. Highlight the lightweight texture and fast absorption. Must include #GlowUp and tag @OurBrand.'

Share examples of content you love—but make it clear you want their unique spin, not copies.

4

Review Automatic Creator Matches

Move to Step 2. distributeme matches creators based on your reach target, placement, platform, and campaign setup. Review the suggested creators carefully and decide whether the roster fits the brief you wrote. If you already know who you want, you can search and add specific creators too.

Do not just optimize for size. A campaign works better when the creator mix matches the content job and the audience you want to reach.

5

Complete Payment & Launch

In Step 3 (Fund), review your campaign summary, estimated cost, and selected creators. Then fund the campaign with a saved payment method or a new one. Step 4 shows payment status, and once funding clears the campaign goes live.

6

Monitor & Communicate

After creators accept, use **Chat** to answer questions and keep the work moving. Review submitted posts, approve or dispute them, and use the reporting available in your dashboard to understand what actually performed.

Example

Track invitation status, accepted creators, approved posts, and creator-by-creator post results so you know what to repeat next time.

Best Practices
  • Write instructions for the poster that are clear on outcomes but not over-scripted
  • Match placement and platform to the actual content job you need done
  • Use Chat early when creators need clarification instead of waiting for weak submissions
  • Review post quality with the same standard you used when writing the brief
  • Use reporting from completed posts to shape the next campaign, not just the current one
Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Writing a brief that is too vague for creators to execute well
  • Choosing a placement before deciding what content the campaign actually needs
  • Treating creator matching as automatic approval instead of a review step
  • Approving weak submissions just to move the campaign forward
  • Ignoring what the dashboard shows when planning the next run

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I choose UGC instead of Broadcast?

Choose UGC when the creator should make the content in their own voice or setting. Choose Broadcast when your brand already has the media and simply wants creators to publish it.

Can I still guide the creative direction?

Yes. That is what the instructions field, required hashtags, and creative references are for. The point is to guide the work clearly without turning the creator into a script reader.

What should I watch after launch?

Watch who accepts, how fast conversations move, what gets approved, and which delivered posts actually perform. Those are the signals that help you tighten future campaigns.

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Ready to put this into practice?

Start running creator campaigns with distributeme today.

How to Run a UGC Campaign with distributeme - Guide | distributeme