Popfly Presents: Stories, Insights & Culture from the Creator Economy

In a world flooded with ads, outdoor UGC creators can stand out by focusing on storytelling instead of sales pitches. The key is to highlight the adventure, not just the gear—sharing real, emotional experiences that resonate with audiences. Authenticity beats perfection, so showcasing both the highs and lows of outdoor exploration builds trust and engagement. Rather than pushing products, invite participation by sparking conversations and sharing relatable moments. By making gear a part of the journey rather than the focus, creators can inspire their community while naturally integrating brand partnerships in a meaningful way.

Jared, an outdoor photographer and content creator, turned his passion for freediving, hiking, and adventure photography into a creative career. Starting with a smartphone in 2013, he progressed to using a GoPro and later a Sony A7C mirrorless camera, diving deep into landscape, nature, and portrait photography. Through YouTube tutorials, workshops, and creator communities, he transformed his skills into paid opportunities. His key advice? Just start. Shoot as much as possible, refine your niche, and connect with fellow creators. If you’re into outdoor content creation, now is the time to capture your journey!‍

High converting UGC is authentic, informative, and engaging. It showcases your products in a positive light and provides value to your viewers. Here are 5 types of high converting UGC: Selfie Review: A personal and relatable way to showcase products. Demonstration: Shows viewers how to use your product and its features. Voiceover: Provides viewers with detailed information about your product without having to be on camera. Text-Over: Quick and informative snippets about your product.

Guest Writer, Ryan Heck breaks down how starting outdoor UGC is a great way to turn your passion for the outdoors into paid work—without needing a huge following. UGC (User-Generated Content) is all about creating authentic, real-life visuals that outdoor brands use for social media, websites, and ads!

Creator Adam Rubin reflects on his transformative journey to Alaska with his dog, Odin, after leaving a high-paced career in professional sports and esports management with the Detroit Pistons. Seeking a life of adventure and deeper connection with nature, he moved to Alaska, where he embraced the challenges and beauty of the wilderness, including surviving in extreme cold and navigating the vast landscapes. Their experience of blending professional work with outdoor exploration has led him to appreciate the simplicity of nature and the importance of spontaneity, flexibility, and authenticity. Along the way, he has learned to share their story in a genuine, raw manner, discovering the profound connection between the land, adventures, and the memories created.

CeCe is a content creator based in San Diego, originally from Washington State, who has built a thriving career in content creation, marketing, and branding. After years of juggling multiple jobs and a challenging college experience, she moved to California in 2019, where she embraced entrepreneurship and started a marketing agency. Despite facing setbacks, including being dropped by a major UGC agency, CeCe pivoted towards her true passion—adventure and travel content. This shift led her to a rewarding collaboration with PopFly, a platform dedicated to adventure content creation. Today, CeCe works with brands aligned with her love for adventure and storytelling, confident that her journey has only just begun.

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, UGC companies like Popfly play a crucial role in enabling brands to connect with their audience on a deeper level. By streamlining the UGC creation process and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between brands and creators, Popfly empowers brands to harness the power of authentic content, driving engagement, building brand credibility, and ultimately achieving business success.

Meet Siena, a 23-year-old living in a van and the Social Media Coordinator for Popfly. With $5,000, she converted her van and embarked on a solo journey across the U.S. fueled by spontaneity and risk-taking. Starting as a self-taught photographer, she faced rejection but persisted, building a portfolio that caught the attention of small businesses. Taking a leap, Siena reached out to Popfly, securing a role she admired. Her story showcases the transformative power of embracing uncertainty and taking risks, whether climbing mountains or pursuing unconventional career paths.

With a premier network of highly curated, talented, responsive, and high-performing creators, Popfly's UGC platform is still unmatched in our niche. Popfly's expertise in the outdoor niche, seamless workflow, and curated approach make it the perfect solution for brands looking to create and amplify authentic content that resonates with their target audience.

Collaborating with other outdoor content creators in nature sparks creativity, leading to new ideas, skills, and unique perspectives. Teamwork allows creators to combine their strengths, resulting in more dynamic content that tells a better story. Beyond content creation, collaboration creates connections and builds a supportive community of like-minded individuals. This article provides tips for planning successful outdoor collaborations

Non-outdoor brands are increasingly partnering with outdoor creators to capitalize on the demand for authentic, adventure-driven content, leveraging their storytelling prowess to connect with wider audiences and build trust; this strategy allows brands to tap into the growing interest in outdoor lifestyles, expand their reach to engaged, nature-loving demographics, and align with sustainability values, offering a powerful alternative to traditional marketing by driving meaningful engagement.

Avalanche education is essential for all backcountry enthusiasts, not just skiers and snowboarders. Whether you're hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing in snowy terrain, avalanches can occur in any area with unstable snow conditions. Taking an avalanche education course teaches you how to assess terrain, recognize avalanche risks, and use safety equipment, ensuring that you're prepared to make informed decisions and respond effectively in emergencies. With avalanche safety knowledge, you gain confidence, peace of mind, and the ability to be a responsible leader in the backcountry, ultimately enhancing your safety and enjoyment of winter adventures. Don't wait—invest in avalanche education to stay safe and protect your fellow adventurers.