# Managed vs Self-Serve UGC (/docs/ugc/managed-vs-self-serve)



| 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 [#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 [#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 [#common-qa]

**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.