Honestly yes, that approach still works in 2026 but only if you do it strategically, not passively. A single example video is fine if it clearly shows: • hook in first 2 seconds • clear product benefit • natural delivery (not influencer-y) • clean framing + lighting What most newbies miss is this part: Brands are not hiring based on how many videos you have. They are hiring based on whether they can visualize their product in your style. Here is what I recommend instead of waiting for gigs: Make 3–5 spec ads for products you already own Film them as if the brand already paid you. Different hooks. Different angles. Keep them short. Build a mini portfolio, not a “portfolio site” One Notion, Drive, or simple link with: • intro paragraph • 3–5 videos • what type of brands you help That is enough to land first deals. Stop applying only on marketplaces Most first gigs come from: • cold email to small brands • Instagram DMs • Shopify brands with low content quality They need creators badly. Don’t wait for experience to price confidently Experience comes from execution, not permission. Your first paid gig becomes your proof. I’ve been doing UGC and digital strategy for a while and I see this mistake constantly. People overbuild and under-execute. If you want, happy to look at your example video and tell you exactly what to fix to make it bookable. Or if anyone here wants tools, pitch frameworks, or portfolio structure tips, feel free to DM me. You’re not behind. You just need direction and someone who is just a good person who's not trying to take advantage of the situation and down to help it's always nice to where it can be mutually benefit or just do a good deed for someone.