Step 1 of 9

Download BuddyUp & Make an Account

First things first — download the app and create your account. You'll be recording videos inside the app, so you need a real account.

Download BuddyUp
  1. Download BuddyUp
  2. Create your account
  3. Set up your profile — add activities, a photo, and bio
  4. Browse around and explore the features
Why: Your content shows the app in action — screen recordings, walkthroughs, reactions. You need a real account to record authentic videos.
I've downloaded BuddyUp and created my account
Step 2 of 9

Choose Your Instagram & TikTok Username

Your username follows the format firstname.sport — this becomes your identity on both platforms.

maya.soccer alex.hiking sarah.yoga james.climbing nina.tennis

Pick something natural that matches an activity you'd actually do. If the username is already taken, just add 123 after it (e.g. maya.soccer123).

Step 3 of 9

Create Your Dedicated Email

Create a brand new Gmail for your creator accounts. This keeps your personal accounts separate and lets you use Google sign-in when setting up TikTok in the next step.

  1. Click the button below to create your Gmail
  2. For the username, try: firstname.sport@gmail.com (if it's taken, try adding numbers like firstname.sport123@gmail.com or other variations until you find one that's available)
  3. Use this email only for your creator TikTok and Instagram
Create Gmail Account
Important: You are creating and managing your own accounts. BuddyUp does not have access to your email or passwords.
I've created my dedicated creator email
Step 4 of 9

Set Up Your TikTok

TikTok is your primary platform. Create a new account using your new Gmail.

Create TikTok Account
  1. Download TikTok (or log out of your personal)
  2. Sign up using "Continue with Google" and select your new creator Gmail
  3. Username: @firstname.sport
  4. Display name: Firstname | BuddyUp
  5. Bio: "Finding friends & things to do in the Bay Area. Download BuddyUp — link below!"
  6. Follow @buddyup.eastbay on TikTok
My TikTok account is set up and I followed @buddyup.eastbay
Step 5 of 9

Set Up Your Instagram (Optional but Recommended)

Create a new Instagram account with the same username for bonus views.

  1. Create new Instagram with your creator email
  2. Username: @firstname.sport
  3. Same profile photo as TikTok
  4. Set to Professional Account > Creator
  5. Repost your TikToks as Reels
  6. Follow @buddyup.eastbay on Instagram

Usually the same as TikTok. Change it if yours is different.

My Instagram is set up and I followed @buddyup.eastbay
I'm skipping Instagram for now
Step 6 of 9

Join the Creator WhatsApp Group

This is where you'll get support, ask questions, share wins, and stay connected with other creators and the BuddyUp team.

Join WhatsApp Group
I've joined the WhatsApp group
Step 7 of 9

Warm Up Your Account

Do NOT post right away. Spend 2-3 days warming up so the algorithm knows your niche.

Follow 15-20 Bay Area gyms, studios, and activity spots
Follow Bay Area creators (#bayarea, #sanfrancisco, #thingstodoinbayarea)
Save 10-15 Bay Area activity posts
Like and comment on Bay Area content for a few days
Watch TikToks fully — don't skip
Why: This teaches the algorithm your account is about Bay Area activities. When you post, TikTok shows your content to the right audience from day one.
Step 8 of 9

Read the Creation Guide

Before you post, read through the guide. It covers the 3 video formats, visual inspiration, hashtags, and tips.

Open UGC Creation Guide

Key things to remember:

  • Tag @buddyup.eastbay in every caption — required
  • Tag an East Bay location on every post (Oakland, Berkeley, etc.)
  • Focus on scheduling, spontaneity, meeting new people
  • Add the BuddyUp download link to your bio
Content Usage: By participating, you grant BuddyUp the right to repost and feature your content on BuddyUp's social media and marketing. You retain ownership and will be credited.
I've read the UGC Creation Guide
You're all set!

You're Ready to Start Posting

Here's everything you need to get going.

Add this to your TikTok & Instagram bio so your followers can download the app.

How you get paid

  1. Post content and tag @buddyup.eastbay in every caption
  2. Add the BuddyUp download link to your bio
  3. Report your views with a screenshot
  4. Once verified, you'll receive payment via Venmo (or your preferred method)

Rate: $1 per 1K views. Minimum payout: $10.

Go to Creator Hub Read the Guide