How Methods grows

Methods first launched as 'the UGC marketplace app' and few people joined: 'what is UGC?'. It was reframed as the new way to make money online. Every gig or side hustle (dropshipping, crypto, UGC) is presented as a 'method', and the pitch is that anyone can make money. It targets people who want side income, not existing creators.

The marketplace cold start was solved by signing companies first, then recruiting creators with a flat offer (initially '$30 to make a video'). Now every new creator goes through an onboarding that pays $40 for their first post, regardless of experience. The immediate reward removes the fear of the first flop ('It's this easy to make money?'), like casino apps front-loading rewards. The rest of the process is gamified.

Instead of recruiting experienced creators, Methods trains anyone with a phone. It gives exact scripts and example videos, a guide to warming up a new account and posting trial videos, and tips on lighting and filming good UGC. Each post gets personalised AI feedback: why it might or might not go viral, how to hold the phone, lighting, captions. Creators are encouraged to keep posting, because many quit if their second video gets ~100 views.

Methods runs its own UGC program on Methods. People see a Methods video on TikTok or Instagram, join, and make more Methods videos, then join other companies' programs. That supply of creators is sold to companies as sourcing for their UGC programs.

Keep a constant flow of Reels/TikToks from other companies (same or unrelated niches) and standalone creators that could suit a product. Adapt each by swapping in your product while keeping the proven format, then send it to creators. Iterate on what works rather than inventing new formats, and keep testing so the program never settles on one format.