# Earned content

URL: https://idukki.io/glossary/earned-content
Category: UGC operations
Also called: organic UGC, unprompted UGC

Earned content is UGC that arrived without a brief, payment or campaign trigger. The customer chose to post, tagged the brand, and the brand earned the mention. Highest-credibility tier of UGC.

## Not the same as

- **Paid UGC**: Paid UGC is briefed and paid; earned content is voluntary.
- **Gifted UGC**: Gifted content involved a brand-funded product send; earned did not.

## Related terms

- [UGC (user-generated content)](https://idukki.io/glossary/ugc)
- [Influencer content vs UGC](https://idukki.io/glossary/influencer-content-vs-ugc)
- [Branded hashtag](https://idukki.io/glossary/branded-hashtag)