In this episode, I’m breaking down two income streams people confuse all the time: the Amazon Influencer Program and UGC brand deals. Let’s get real, they are not the same thing, and understanding how each one pays is how you stop chasing random opportunities and start building stability.
By the end, you’ll know what each model looks like, what to expect in the early stages, and why building both can create the kind of predictable income that gives you freedom and flexibility.
Want the full breakdown? Read the companion blog post here
Amazon Influencer: build assets that compound
What it actually is (and what it’s not)
Amazon influencing is not traditional “post and hope” influencing. You’re building a storefront and an asset library of short product videos that live directly on Amazon product pages.
Amazon is a buyer platform. People are not casually browsing. They show up ready to purchase and your job is to help them decide which one to get.
How you get paid
I earn a commission when someone watches my video and purchases. That’s the model.
And here’s the win: you’re not pitching brands, negotiating contracts, or worrying about having the perfect aesthetic. You’re building a library that can keep paying.
What to expect in the beginning
This is not instant money.
The first 30–60 days are about building your video base. Then 3–6 months in, consistency starts to compound based on how much content you’ve created.
“Amazon builds true stability instead of just chasing these random opportunities that pop up.”
UGC brand deals: get paid upfront for deliverables
The simple definition
With UGC, I create content for brands and brands pay me directly for the content.
It is immediate cash flow. You’re paid per deliverable whether or not anyone clicks a link or buys.
Real example from this episode
I shared a recent brief I got for the American Cancer Society.
They needed a simple photo for a fundraiser campaign. Because I live in South Florida and have an outdoor pool, I was a fit for what they needed.
It was one photo and I got paid $80.
Typical starting rates
For video deliverables, starting rates are often $100 on the low end, but typically $150–$500 per video.
“UGC builds immediate cash flow. Amazon builds backend assets. One compounds and one pays right now.”
The power move: build both (they make each other better)
UGC makes you better at Amazon
UGC teaches you buyer psychology, messaging, and how to create conversion-focused content.
That skill transfers directly to Amazon, where higher-converting videos can get better visibility in the carousel.
Amazon skills can win bigger UGC retainers
I recently created an Amazon-style shoppable video as a UGC deliverable. Because it was clear, concise, and conversion-focused, the brand loved it and put me on a monthly retainer.
That retainer was $450 per month for 5 videos.
Predictable income changes how you build your business.
Key takeaways
- Amazon Influencer is asset-based income that compounds over time.
- UGC is skill-based income that pays upfront per deliverable.
- Amazon is a buyer platform. Your job is helping someone choose, not convincing them to buy.
- UGC briefs teach you what converts so your Amazon videos perform better.
- If you want stability, build both streams intentionally.
Want the full breakdown? Read here
Action steps
- Pick which stream you need right now: cash flow (UGC) or compounding assets (Amazon).
- If you’re starting with Amazon, commit to building your video base for 30–60 days.
- If you’re starting with UGC, track your deliverables and rates so you can raise pricing with positioning.
- If you’re serious about stability, build both. Full stop.
Bottom line: Amazon builds assets. UGC builds cash flow. Together they build freedom.
