In short: a UGC platform is a marketplace: you write the brief, choose creators and review the videos yourselves. A UGC agency handles strategy, script, creator selection, production and rights. Platforms suit teams with their own creative know-how and time; agencies suit brands that want finished ads without internal effort.
How UGC platforms work
On a platform, you post a project, creators apply and you choose. The creators send you videos, and you approve them or ask for changes. Payment is usually per video, often with an additional platform subscription.
The advantage: lots of choice and full control. The effort: briefing, hooks, script, creator selection, feedback and approval are all on you.
How a UGC agency works
An agency starts with your goal, not with the video. It develops angle and hooks, writes the scripts, selects suitable creators, oversees the shoot, edits and delivers finished ads in the formats you need. Usage rights are settled, and you have one dedicated contact.
The comparison
| UGC platform | UGC agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Effort on your side | high: briefing, selection, feedback, approval | low: goal and approvals |
| Strategy and script | written by you or the creator | part of the service |
| Creator selection | you choose from applications | the agency selects to fit the goal |
| Quality control | on you | the agency checks before delivery |
| Usage rights | depends on platform and package | set out in the quote |
| Contact | each creator individually | one dedicated contact |
When a platform makes sense
- You have an in-house team that can write hooks and scripts.
- You need many simple videos, such as unboxings for an online shop.
- You have time for selection, feedback and coordination with several creators.
When an agency makes sense
- The videos need to work as performance ads and are measured by metrics such as hook rate and ROAS.
- You have no in-house capacity for creative strategy and production.
- You advertise in several languages or markets.
- Brand and quality should be consistent across all videos.
Checklist for choosing
Platform or agency, clarify these questions upfront:
- Who develops hooks and scripts?
- How many rounds of revisions are included?
- Which usage rights do you get – organic, paid, for how long?
- What is the delivery time?
- Are there references from your industry?
- Which languages are covered?
How we work
OUT OF OFFICE Society is a full-service UGC agency from Berlin. We deliver in 3–5 working days, including one round of revisions, in German and English. Usage rights are agreed per project. You’ll find examples in our cases and everything about production on our UGC videos & ads page. A short request is all it takes to get a quote.
FAQ
What is the difference between a UGC agency and a UGC platform?
On a platform, you book creators yourselves and manage briefing, selection and approval. An agency handles strategy, script, creator selection, production and rights and delivers finished videos.
What does a UGC agency cost?
It depends on the number of videos, variants, voice-over, usage rights and ad usage. After a request, you get an individual quote.
How long does production take with a UGC agency?
With us, 3–5 working days, including one round of revisions.