It sounds like a side-hustle fantasy – until you realize AJ Banks is actually living it as his reality.
This story is a real testament to how quickly things can change when you lock in.
Because just over a month ago, AJ was working at Walmart, clocking hours and saving pennies, like most of us.
Then, in just 40 days, he went from stocking shelves to driving his own Tesla. How?
By making user-generated content here on Whop.
No products to ship. No services to hustle. Just creating and repurposing content.
His posts got over 10 million views, quickly earning him a scalable income, with no sales required.
Seriously, this is more than just another success story.
AJ created a blueprint for other clippers and side hustlers ready to turn their screen time into a salary.
So gather round; lemme tell you how he made it happen – and how you could, too.
From Walmart to Whop: Going all in on UGC
Before the Tesla, the views, and the $21.7K payday (this sounds like I’m about to break into song, but bear with me), AJ lived a story most of us can relate to.
He wasn’t vibing with the classic retail grind (who does?) and was looking for more freedom – and better pay.
Here’s the thing: AJ wasn’t a seasoned influencer or marketer.
He didn’t start with a big following or fancy equipment.
You don’t even need that sh*t.
But AJ had what you do need to make money online: consistency, a willingness to learn, and a desire to share what he discovered with others.
So he quit his Walmart job and went all-in on UGC opportunities available through Whop, posting daily videos on TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Forty days later? 10M views and counting – proof that virality comes down to method, not luck.
Truthfully, AJ wasn’t even chasing viral fame with every video. He focused on volume, showing up every day, rain or shine.
That steady, authentic, and patient approach helped him build momentum, connect with viewers, and rack up millions of views.
How did AJ make $27k by posting user-generated content?
Good question.
User-generated content is already a multi-billion-dollar industry, but Content Rewards takes it to another level.
Instead of brands paying influencers or agencies, they reward creators directly for how well their content performs.
That means anyone (not just people with big followings) can post, rack up views, and get paid.
It’s UGC that actually makes sense. No brand deal needed. No annoying approval process. No sales required.
Over at Whop UGC Creators, creators get paid $3.50 to $5 per 1K views to post videos on Whop itself (which AJ cashed in on, too).
Sure, Content Rewards is a game-changer for brands. But that’s not what this story is about.
This story is to prove to you that big shifts (and earnings) are possible – even without experience.
Even in just a few weeks.
You just need to start posting.
AJ’s content strategy: Post, post, post
Like I said earlier, AJ wasn’t chasing overnight fame, or a single viral hit. He probably wasn’t even sure his posts would lead anywhere at all.
Still, he committed to showing up.
Over 40 days, AJ posted more than 60 videos across TikTok and Instagram Reels.
That’s more than one video a day, rain or shine.
His strategy was simple but powerful: prioritize volume over virality.
Why? Simple. Even if only a handful of videos blew up, the cumulative views across all posts would create a steady income.
And that’s exactly what happened.
The clips AJ shared were direct, easy to consume, and packed with value or entertainment.
He spoke to the frustration of people around his age who were in his shoes.
Instead of trying to sell a course or coaching, he simply gave them a solution, showing them how to make money online.
Breaking down AJ’s earnings over 40 days
TLDR? Here’s the quick maths:
- AJ posted 60+ videos in total over 40 days
- 22 of those videos earned $100 or more each
- He earned $1,281 from a single TikTok video with 369K views
- Another Instagram Reel with 5.6M views earned AJ $3,500 alone
He earned $15 on his first day. Just two weeks later, he had already reached $14,000. And by day 40? He was driving a Tesla home.
So yeah, pretty crazy results.
But again, AJ’s success came from building a system, not chasing luck.
Content Rewards: Changing the game for creators
AJ’s content racked up over 10 million views across TikTok and Instagram Reels, without any prior experience in content creation.
Are you hearing me, guys?
AJ literally went from Walmart shifts to driving a Tesla – all from posting authentic, simple videos.
That financial impact? Huge.
He replaced his income (and then some) with a fast, scalable side hustle that doesn’t require startup cash, fancy gear, or expertise.
But it wasn’t just cash AJ gained – it was freedom, too. Freedom to quit a job he didn’t love, to build something on his terms, and to build bigger for his future.
And you can gain that, too.
Whatever your niche is, wherever your interests lie, there’s a UGC gig for you. Hundreds of brands are currently running campaigns on Whop.
With Content Rewards, UGC turns from a fickle side gig to a legit way to build income, grow a personal brand, and maybe even drive that dream car.
What AJ’s story means for you
AJ’s success is a feel-good story, sure. But it’s also a wake-up call.
By this point, you should get that you don’t need a massive audience, perfect lighting, or a marketing degree to get paid for your content. You just need to post.
And with Content Rewards, creators finally have a system that pays for effort and results. That means your screen time, your ideas, your short-form clips? They can earn you real money.
And with AJ’s dedication and consistency? That money can rack up fast.
AJ proved it’s possible to go from zero to Tesla in 40 days – without selling anything, without begging for brand deals, and without waiting for luck to make you go viral.
If you’ve been on the sidelines thinking, “Maybe I could do that,” I want you to hear me: You can.
This is your sign to start. You’ve got the tools and the time, so just take that first step.
Start making UGC on Whop today and get paid tomorrow. It really is that simple.
FAQs
Why are brands turning to Content Rewards instead of paid ads?
Brands used to throw big money at influencers or agencies for sponsored posts and ads.
But that’s slow, expensive, and usually feels forced or fake. Plus, it often means working with just a handful of big names, leaving out the rest of the creator community.
Content Rewards flips the script by:
- Allowing brands to only pay for results: Creators are rewarded based on how well their content performs. So, basically, no views, no pay.
With Content Rewards, brands don’t waste money on empty promises or follower counts that don’t translate into real engagement.
- Opening the door to creators of all sizes: It’s not just about the mega-influencers anymore. Anyone who can create content can get started and rack up views quickly, just like AJ. That means brands get more variety, creativity, and genuine content that connects with audiences.
- Scaling user-generated content easily: Instead of chasing approvals and managing contracts for every post, brands can get heaps of content shared faster than ever.
Content Rewards makes it easy to roll out campaigns that grow naturally, without slowing down.
If you’re a marketer, you can consider the clippers on Whop your hype squad.
They’re motivated to create and share good content because the rewards are legit if their content takes off. And it does.
No more wasting money on polished ads that people scroll past without a second thought, or throwing cash at influencers who don’t speak to your niche.
Do I need a big following to earn with Content Rewards?
Nope. AJ started from scratch, and you can too. A lot of clippers do. Content Rewards pays based on views, not follower count – so even creators with a small audience can earn real money.
To get started, join the UGC Factory whop to learn how to make UGC for brands and get paid.
What kind of content should I post?
Short-form videos (TikToks, Reels, YouTube Shorts) that are simple, authentic, and either entertaining or helpful.
You don’t need fancy edits, either – AJ’s most successful videos were raw, relatable, and spoke to the right people.
Most brands will give you video content to clip from or provide guidelines on what to mention, so you’re not starting from scratch. Just focus on making it engaging and clear.
How much can I earn?
The limit does not exist! (Sorry).
But seriously, most payouts range from $1 to $5 per 1K views on Whop, depending on the brand and campaign requirements.
Do I need to promote products or sell anything?
No selling required. Content Rewards flips the script – you don’t need brand deals or affiliate links. You get paid for content performance, not persuading people.
Where do I start?
Sign up for Whop, browse the current Content Rewards offers, and start posting. Pick a niche you enjoy, and just start creating.
What if I’ve never posted UGC before?
Start messy, start small, just start! AJ had no formal content experience; he just showed up daily. Your first videos don’t have to be perfect; consider them practice.
Do I have to show my face?
Nope. While showing your face can help build trust and engagement, it’s not always required. Each campaign will highlight whether faceless content is accepted or not.
In fact, for many campaigns, you’ll just be clipping and repurposing content that has already been created.
If you are creating content but wish to remain faceless, many creators earn money by using voiceovers, screen recordings, and product clips.
As long as your content is clear, helpful, or entertaining, it can still perform and get you paid.
