# SideShift — Managed UGC (/docs/ugc/sideshift-managed)



SideShift (template ID `98c5dee5-3d74-4298-92c0-56d74aea8aa8`) is a
managed-service UGC layer. Creator sourcing, briefing, contracting,
and payment are handled outside Layers in SideShift. Layers syncs the
resulting program state — creators, contracts, enrollments — into your
project.

## When to choose SideShift [#when-to-choose-sideshift]

* You want managed creator operations without hiring.
* You want predictable monthly UGC volume.
* Your team doesn't have time to manage many creators directly.

## When to stay self-serve [#when-to-stay-self-serve]

* You already run a UGC program with established creator relationships.
* You want full control over creator selection.

## How it works in Layers [#how-it-works-in-layers]

The `sideshift-sync-program` workflow runs every 10 minutes and
mirrors the SideShift program state into Layers tables:

* `ugc_campaigns` — one per program.
* `ugc_creators` — synced from SideShift contractors.
* `ugc_creator_contracts` — per creator per program enrollment.
* `social_accounts` — each creator's linked Instagram / TikTok.
* `ugc_enrollment_social_accounts` — links contracts to their social
  accounts.

The workflow also:

* Detects creator removal (contract marked `cancelled`).
* Handles cycle transitions (complete or start next cycle, based on
  program configuration).
* Calculates accrued liability and auto-charges the wallet reservation
  when liability reaches 75% of reserved funds.

## Program configuration [#program-configuration]

Each SideShift layer stores its configuration in
`project_layers.config`:

* `program.sideshiftProgramId` — the SideShift program identifier.
* `program.creatorCount` — target roster size.
* `program.contentPiecesPerCreator` — deliverable target per creator.
* `program.durationType` — `'fixed'` or `'rolling'`.
* `program.rollingWindowDays` — default 30.
* `program.settlementDays` — default 30.
* `compensation.basePay` — per-creator base pay (USD).
* `compensation.basePayModel` — `'prorata'` or `'all_or_nothing'`.
* `compensation.bonusPerCpm` — bonus per 1,000 views (USD).
* `compensation.bonusMaxPerPost` — per-post bonus cap (USD).

## Deliverables into the pipeline [#deliverables-into-the-pipeline]

Once synced, creator posts flow through the standard UGC pipeline:

* Posts collected via SIFT every 30 minutes.
* Scored every 6 hours by `update-organic-performance`.
* Eligible creatives (score >= 4.0) enter the Meta + TikTok ads
  creative pools for optimizer selection.

## Direct creator communication [#direct-creator-communication]

Direct brand-to-creator communication is handled through SideShift's
own program tools, not Layers. Contact your Layers account manager to
coordinate deeper creator collaborations.