Managed vs Self-Serve UGC
When to pick SideShift-managed UGC vs running your own.
| Dimension | Self-serve (UGC Creator Management) | SideShift (Managed UGC) |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery | You search SIFT and add creators directly | SideShift sources from vetted roster |
| Briefing + contracts | You handle directly outside Layers | SideShift handles |
| Revisions | You handle with creators | SideShift handles |
| Payment | You pay creators directly (off-platform) | SideShift pays creators; Layers funds the wallet |
| Creator portal | None in Layers | SideShift's own portal |
| Control | High — every creator and brief is yours | Medium — program-level config, SideShift executes |
Mixed mode
Running both layers simultaneously is supported. Self-serve UGC for
hero creators you have direct relationships with, SideShift for
filling out volume. Posts from both flows end up in ads_content with
the same scoring rules.
Switching
Moving creators between self-serve and SideShift happens outside Layers — it's a SideShift contractual change. Their historical post data in Layers is preserved.
Common Q&A
Will SideShift creators tag my brand?
Disclosure is part of SideShift's standard contract, per FTC and
platform rules (#ad / #sponsored / platform-native disclosure).
Can I name specific creators for SideShift?
Yes — submit a list of handles to your Layers account manager. SideShift will source them if already on the roster, or recruit them.
What if a SideShift creator's content underperforms?
The organic scoring pipeline rotates low-scoring content out of eligibility automatically. Base pay under SideShift's contract is still owed for delivered posts; performance bonuses accrue per the program's CPM configuration.
How do I terminate SideShift?
Pause the layer. The sideshift-sync-program workflow stops syncing.
Contract termination with any active creators is handled on the
SideShift side.