What brands look for
When a brand opens your portfolio they're asking three questions:
- Can you hook a viewer? The first two seconds decide if anyone keeps watching.
- Do you look like their customer? Your niche and style should fit their product.
- Is it clean? Good light, clear audio, captions and a steady frame.
Follower count matters much less than you think. Brands are buying the video.
Make 3 to 5 sample videos
Use products you already own in the niche you want to work in. Make each video a different format so brands can see your range:
- Talking to camera: a problem you had and how the product solved it.
- Unboxing or first impressions: honest reactions and close-up details.
- Demo, routine or try-on: the product being used like a real customer would.
- Day in the life: the product showing up naturally in your routine.
- Before and after or comparison: when the product has a visible result.
Keep each one 15 to 45 seconds, vertical, with captions. Write your hook first, then film.
Treat them like real briefs
Pretend a brand sent you a brief. Pick one key message, one call to action and a length. Film two or three versions of the hook. This is exactly what brands will ask for, and it shows in the result.
Don't use a brand's logo or claim they hired you. Label sample work honestly, for example “sample ad” or “spec video”.
Where to host your portfolio
- Your TikTok or Instagram: post the samples and pin your best one.
- A simple link page or doc: one link with your best videos, niche and contact info.
- Your SQWAD profile: add up to three best videos once, and every brand you apply to on SQWAD sees them.
Apply to brands in one tap. A free SQWAD creator profile saves your socials, best videos, sizes and shipping address once. Use it to quick apply to any brand on SQWAD, and let brands that fit your niche invite you.
Keep improving it
Replace your weakest video every few weeks. Once you land real collabs, swap samples for brand work (with permission). Track which videos get you replies from brands and make more like those.
Ready to start applying? Read how to pitch brands or browse brands hiring creators.
Frequently asked questions
How many videos should a UGC portfolio have?
Three to five strong videos is enough to start. Quality and variety of formats matter more than quantity.
Can I use brands' products in my portfolio without working with them?
You can film products you bought, as long as you don't imply the brand hired you. Label them as sample or spec videos.
Do I need a website for my portfolio?
No. Your social profile with a pinned best video, a simple link page or your SQWAD profile works fine.