Zero Cost UGC Walkthroughs: Scripts, Consent, Checklist
October 27, 2025
Imagine not spending money on any content creation? Additionally, what if your Forex affiliate conversions also improved? Does zero cost UGC ring a bell?
UGC (User Generated Content) has become a secret sauce for converting skeptical traders into loyal clients for Introducing Brokers, Forex CPAs, and hybrid partners.
A Nielsen study from 2025 found that 92% of traders trust recommendations from fellow traders over advertisements. However, many affiliates are unsure where to start.
This guide provides everything you need, including ready-to-use scripts, legal consent forms, and proven checklists to transform regular users into your best marketing assets.
Why Zero Cost UGC Walkthroughs Transform Forex Affiliates’ Results
Forex affiliates typically spend between $500 and $3,000 for professionally produced marketing videos. In contrast, real traders using their smartphones to create authentic UGC content achieve around 4.5 times more engagement at virtually no cost.
What are the Benefits of UGC Walkthroughs for MT4 and MT5 Broker Partnerships:
- – Authenticity Over Polish: Research indicates that about 86% of traders prefer real platform demos to flashy marketing videos. When users encounter difficulties, it builds more trust than a perfectly polished presentation.
- – Social Proof: Each walkthrough showcases genuine trading experiences, addressing the question of legitimacy that deters roughly 67% of potential sign-ups.
- – No Upfront Costs: Your existing users will generate content for you with no expensive cameras, studios, or editing software required.
- – SEO Goldmine: Each tutorial targets long-tail keywords that paid ads often miss, such as “MT5 mobile trading real experience” or “Forex broker deposit walkthrough honest review.”
Comparing ROI: Free Content vs. Traditional Marketing
| Content Type | Cost per Video | Average Engagement Rate |
| Professional Production | $1,500 to $3,000 | 2.3% |
| Zero Cost UGC | $0 | 8.7% |
| Partnership with an Influencer | $800 to $2,500 | 5.1% |
Source: Content Marketing Institute, 2025 Report on Financial Services
How to Create a UGC Brief Template in Three Steps
A good UGC brief template helps turn random user videos into focused content aimed at conversions. Your template should include three main sections: clear goals, easy-to-follow steps, and technical details.
Step 1: Set Goals for Your Walkthrough
Identify what you want to showcase. Are you demonstrating how to use the MT5 mobile app? Making a deposit? Each video should focus on one specific barrier to conversion. Common goals include:
- – Signing up for an account (average 3-minute video)
- – Choosing your first deposit and payment method (2–4 minutes)
- – Setting up charts and navigating the platform (5–7 minutes)
- – Making your first trade (4–6 minutes)
- – Withdrawal steps and timing (3–5 minutes)
Step 2: Create the Script Framework
Provide users with a loose script template for their walkthrough video. This should follow a three-act structure:
- – The First 15 Seconds: “Hey everyone, I’m [Name], and today I’m going to show you how I [specific action] with [Broker Name]. There are no filters on this account.”
- – The Walkthrough (Middle 70%): Show each step on screen, e.g., “First, I click here…” Include small mistakes or pauses for authenticity.
- – The Closer (Last 15 Seconds): “That’s it! It took me about [time] minutes. If you want to try it yourself, the link is in the description. Leave any questions below.” Always include your FTC (Federal Trade Commission)-compliant affiliate disclosure here.
Step 3: Set Technical Requirements
Minimize requirements to maintain the zero-cost advantage. Smartphone videos often outperform professional productions in authenticity.
Important Technical Needs:
- – Video Format: Minimum 1080p or 720p, horizontal (landscape) orientation.
- – Length: 2–7 minutes (longer videos decrease retention).
- – Audio: Clear voice narration, using the phone’s built-in mic, is acceptable.
- – Screen Recording: Utilize built-in screen capture features on iOS or Android.
- – Privacy Protection: Blur account numbers, personal information, and large sums of money.
Legal Safety: Your Zero Cost UGC Consent Form
If you don’t get the right consent paperwork, this can lead to costly legal issues. A solid UGC consent form protects you and the content creators. At the same time, it allows you to use UGC for free.
Key Areas to Cover in Your Consent Form:
- – Rights to Use and Own Content: Clearly state that the creator grants you permanent, global rights to use, modify, and share their content across all platforms.
- – Terms of Payment: Specify any payments, commissions, or bonuses. For zero cost UGC, include phrases like “No monetary compensation provided” or “Affiliate commission on resulting sign-ups.”
- – FTC Disclosure Requirements: Include a statement indicating the creator understands and will comply with FTC disclosure rules.
- – Limitations on Liability: Ensure creators verify the accuracy of shared information, absolving you of responsibility for any false claims.
- – Termination Rights: Explain how either party can terminate the agreement and the fate of already published content.
Tip: Use electronic signature tools like DocuSign Free or HelloSign to secure permissions. This creates a paper trail that protects you in case of disputes.
What are the FTC Disclosure Rules You Must Follow
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has strict rules regarding disclosures, regardless of whether your UGC program is low-cost or high-revenue.
In 2024 alone, the FTC imposed $4.2 million in fines on affiliate marketers for failing to clearly disclose their relationships.
Disclosure Requirements:
- – Include a clear, obvious disclosure in every tutorial or walkthrough before any affiliate links or calls to action.
- – Use straightforward language like “I get a commission if you sign up,” avoiding vague phrases.
- – Ensure the disclosure remains visible throughout the video (e.g., text overlays in the first 10 seconds).
- – Avoid hiding disclosures behind “More Info” buttons or description expansions.
Example: “This video contains affiliate links. If you open an account through my link, I might receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend brokers I trust.”
The Full Checklist for a Zero Cost UGC Walkthrough
You can launch your first free UGC campaign within 48 hours using this checklist. Each step is essential for Forex affiliates earning $10,000 or more a month.
Before Launch:
- – Create a UGC brief template with specific topics.
- – Draft a walkthrough video script template with a three-act structure.
- – Develop a UGC consent form for electronic signatures.
- – Review FTC rules on affiliate disclosure.
- – Identify 5 to 10 active traders willing to create content (and offer commissions).
Hiring Phase:
- – Send personalized messages about the opportunity.
- – Distribute the UGC brief template and script outline.
- – Collect signed consent forms before filming begins.
- – Provide technical advice on privacy protection.
During Production:
- – Ensure personal information is properly blurred.
- – Confirm audio clarity and correct video orientation.
- – Check that first drafts comply with disclosure rules.
- – Verify that the tutorial accurately showcases broker features.
Distribution Phase:
- – Upload to YouTube with engaging titles, e.g., “Real MT5 Deposit Walkthrough – [Broker].”
- – Create short videos for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
- – Feature walkthrough videos on your landing pages.
- – Share in Forex trading communities and forums (with appropriate disclaimers).
- – Monitor conversion metrics like views to clicks and clicks to sign-ups.
How to Maximize Your Zero Cost UGC Program
Creating content is just the beginning. Optimization distinguishes affiliates earning $500 a month from those making $5,000 or more. Here are methods for transforming good, free UGC into effective sales tools:
1. Test Multiple Content Creators:
Different personalities resonate differently with audiences. Conduct A/B tests with 3 to 5 creators producing the same platform tutorial. One creator may outperform others threefold; so, you should stick with the most effective.
2. Repurpose Content:
Transform one 5-minute walkthrough into multiple assets. They include a 15-second teaser for Instagram, a 60-second highlight for TikTok, a full video for YouTube, a blog post with the video embedded, an email newsletter feature, and responses to FAQs on your website.
3. Create a Content Calendar:
Release new walkthroughs every 7 to 10 days. Consistency is more critical than perfection; three average videos posted regularly outperform a single perfect video posted sporadically.
4. Engage with Comments:
YouTube’s algorithm favors interactive videos. Ensure that content creators (or you) respond to all questions within 24 hours. This engagement also serves as market research, revealing common questions to address in future walkthroughs.
Real Numbers: The Financial Impact of Zero Cost UGC
Let’s break down the potential of a successful zero cost UGC program:
Scenario:
- – You hire five active traders to produce one walkthrough each month, generating five videos/month with an average of 1,200 views each (a conservative estimate).
- – Click-through rate (CTR): 8.7% (average for UGC).
- – Sign-up conversion rate: 12% (industry standard).
Calculations:
- CPA payment: $800 for each qualified trader.
- Monthly total: 5 videos × 1,200 views = 6,000 views/month.
- 6,000 views × 8.7% CTR = 522 clicks to your landing page.
- 522 clicks × 12% conversion = 62.6 sign-ups.
- 62 qualified traders × $800 CPA = $49,600 in monthly sales.
Cost of Production: $0. This illustrates the potential of zero-cost UGC when executed effectively.
Conclusion
Real experiences are far more trustworthy to traders than polished advertisements. While competitors continue to spend thousands on production, you can build a genuine content engine for free.
Don’t spend; employ smart, zero cost UGC strategies. This week, start by creating one walkthrough. Utilize the UGC brief template and consent form, adhere to FTC disclosure rules, and publish your first video.
Then, produce another and another.
Join VT Affiliates and earn high commissions through Forex CPA, Hybrid Partner, or IB programmes with top-tier payouts and expert marketing support. Start today and turn your referrals into a steady income stream with a trusted broker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is zero-cost UGC for Forex affiliates, exactly?
Zero cost UGC (User-Generated Content) refers to authentic videos or content created by actual traders, showcasing their experiences with a broker. This type of content can significantly enhance your marketing efforts by building trust and engagement without incurring production costs.
Q2. Do I really need a UGC consent form for each creator?
Yes, it is essential to have a UGC consent form for each creator. This document protects both you and the content creator. This ensures you have the right to use their content and that they understand the implications of sharing their experiences.
Q3. How long does it take to see results?
Initially, you may start seeing results within 2–3 weeks. However, for more substantial changes and consistent engagement, it typically takes 60–90 days to establish a robust UGC strategy.
Q4. What if my traders don’t want to be on camera?
If traders are hesitant to appear on camera, they can still create valuable content by recording their screens while explaining their actions. This method allows them to share their experiences without being on camera.
Q5. Can I use the same UGC brief template for more than one walkthrough?
Yes, you can modify a UGC brief template for multiple walkthroughs. Simply adjust the specifics to focus on different features or processes while maintaining the overall structure to ensure consistency.
Q6. How can I make sure I’m following FTC rules without losing my authenticity?
To adhere to FTC rules while keeping authenticity, incorporate disclosure statements organically into the conversation. For example, mention your relationship with the broker during the walkthrough, ensuring that it feels natural and not forced.
Q7. What is the most common mistake that new affiliates make?
A common pitfall for new affiliates is being paralyzed by the desire for perfection. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” content, focus on producing authentic and relatable videos that resonate with your audience.