Trying to Lowball Me Because of AI?
Here's Why UGC Creators Are More Valuable Than Ever
"Well, since AI can create UGC now, we were thinking more like $50 per video instead of your usual rate..."
Sound familiar? If you're a UGC creator, you've probably heard some version of this in the past few months. Brands are using AI tools as leverage to slash creator rates, acting like we're suddenly obsolete because someone can generate a deepfake video in 30 minutes.
Here's my response: Absolutely not. And here's why you shouldn't accept lowball rates either.
The Screenshot That Made Me Write This Post
Last week, I saw a fellow UGC creator share a screenshot in our creator group chat. A brand had responded to her pricing with this gem:
Brand: "Hey! We loved your portfolio, but we've been experimenting with AI-generated UGC lately. It's pretty good! So we're adjusting our creator budgets accordingly. Would you be interested at $75 per video instead of your usual $300? With AI tools available now, we think this is more reasonable."
I watched this talented creator - someone who consistently delivers scroll-stopping content - actually consider lowering her rates because of this pressure.
That's when I knew I had to write this post. Here's the framework every creator needs when facing this situation.
What Brands Don't Understand About AI UGC (Yet)
It's Not Actually "Free"
Yes, the tools are free, but let's talk about the real costs:
Time investment: Learning the tools, creating scripts, sourcing footage, editing
Legal risks: Using random TikTok footage without permission
Quality control: Most AI-generated content still looks obviously fake
No performance guarantee: Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it converts
The Authenticity Problem is Getting Worse
Audiences are becoming incredibly sophisticated at spotting AI content. What happens when your entire campaign feels artificial? You lose trust, and trust is everything in UGC.
Algorithm Penalties Are Coming
Platforms are already starting to detect and potentially suppress AI-generated content. Do brands really want to risk their organic reach?
My Counter-Argument: Why I'm More Valuable Now, Not Less
I Use AI Too - But Better
Here's what I told that brand: "You're right that AI is powerful. That's exactly why I've integrated it into my workflow, and why my content is now better than ever."
My AI-enhanced process:
Script ideation: I use AI to generate 15-20 concept variations, then select and refine the best ones
Performance optimization: I create multiple versions for A/B testing
Trend integration: AI helps me identify trending hooks, which I then personalize
Efficiency: I can deliver more content without sacrificing quality
The result: Clients get the speed benefits of AI with the authenticity and strategic thinking they can't get from a generic tool.
What AI Can't Do (And What I Deliver)
Strategic Thinking
Understanding your brand voice beyond a product description
Knowing what works for your specific audience
Adapting content based on performance data
Creating cohesive campaign narratives
Genuine Authenticity
Real product testing and honest reactions
Personal anecdotes that resonate
Cultural awareness and trend adaptation
Emotional intelligence in content creation
Relationship Building
Long-term brand partnership
Consistent quality and communication
Creative collaboration and feedback incorporation
Professional reliability and accountability
How I Handle the "AI Rate Reduction" Conversation
Step 1: Acknowledge, Don't Dismiss
"I completely understand why you're exploring AI tools - they're impressive and the industry is evolving quickly."
Step 2: Reframe the Conversation
"The question isn't whether AI can create content - it's whether that content achieves your business goals. Let me show you what you get with my approach..."
Step 3: Present Your Value Proposition
Instead of competing on price, I compete on results:
"My last campaign for [similar brand] achieved a 4.2% CTR vs their usual 1.8%"
"I deliver content that audiences trust because it's genuinely authentic"
"My process combines AI efficiency with human strategy"
Step 4: Set Boundaries
"My rates reflect the strategic value and proven results I deliver. If budget is the primary concern, I'd recommend starting with AI tools and coming back when you're ready for performance-focused content."
The Brands That "Get It" vs. Those That Don't
Brands Thriving with Creator Partnerships:
Understand that authenticity drives conversions
View creators as strategic partners, not content factories
Invest in quality over quantity
Measure success by performance metrics, not cost per video
Brands Racing to the Bottom:
Focus solely on cost reduction
Treat UGC as commodity content
Don't track performance beyond vanity metrics
Will likely struggle with authentic audience connection
Guess which brands see better long-term results?
My New Positioning: AI-Enhanced Creator
I've stopped defending against AI and started embracing it as part of my value proposition:
"I'm not just a UGC creator - I'm an AI-enhanced creative strategist who delivers authentic content that converts."
My Updated Service Offerings:
Rapid Concept Development Using AI for ideation, but adding strategic thinking and brand alignment
Performance-Optimized Content Packages Multiple variations for testing, created efficiently but with human insight
Authentic AI Detection I can spot and avoid the uncanny valley effects that make AI content obvious
Hybrid Content Strategy Combining AI-generated concepts with genuine human performance and testing
The Uncomfortable Truth for Fellow Creators
Some of us will need to evolve or risk being left behind. But that evolution doesn't mean accepting lower rates - it means increasing our value proposition.
The creators who will thrive:
Embrace AI as a tool, not a threat
Position themselves as strategists, not just performers
Focus on performance metrics and business results
Maintain authenticity as their core differentiator
The creators who will struggle:
Try to compete solely on price
Resist technological evolution
Deliver purely transactional content without strategy
Don't track or communicate their impact on client results
My Challenge to Brands
Before you slash creator budgets because "AI can do it cheaper," ask yourself:
What's your actual goal? Cheap content or content that drives results?
How will you measure success? Views or conversions?
What's your long-term brand strategy? Building trust or cutting costs?
Have you tested AI content performance against creator content with the same audience?
I'm betting that brands focused on authentic audience connection and measurable results will continue investing in skilled creators. Those focused purely on cost savings? They're welcome to race to the bottom without me.
The Bottom Line
AI didn't make UGC creators obsolete - it separated the strategic creators from the order-takers.
I'm not lowering my rates because of AI. I'm raising them because I'm delivering more value than ever before. My content combines the efficiency of AI with the authenticity and strategic thinking that only human creators can provide.
To brands trying to use AI as negotiation leverage: I understand you want to optimize costs. But don't confuse cheap content with effective content. When you're ready for UGC that actually moves the needle on your business goals, let's talk.
To fellow creators: Stop racing to the bottom. Start positioning yourself as what you really are - a creative strategist who uses every tool available to deliver results for your clients.
The future belongs to creators who evolve, not those who simply survive.
What's your experience been with brands trying to reduce rates because of AI? I'd love to hear your stories and strategies in the comments.
