UGC Video: The Ultimate Guide

Modern-day customers, millennials, in particular, value their frame of time and love voicing their opinions. As a result, almost every brand has customers willing to go on camera and advocate for them.

In fact, among the millennial generation, UGC video content is trusted 50% more than information from other sources and has a 35% higher chance of being remembered.

Intrigued? Keep reading to know more about this ultimate strategy.

UGC Video Meaning

UGC video refers to videos created by consumers rather than individuals who create videos for personal or public consumption.

These videos can be created using various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and personal computers.

User generated video content has become increasingly popular with the rise of social media and video-sharing platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, where users can easily create and upload their own videos for others to see.

This type of content can be highly diverse in terms of quality, style, and subject matter, reflecting the interests and perspectives of a wide range of individuals.

Types of User Generated Videos

Social media hosts a variety of user-generated content, and this works because humans are naturally influenced and inspired by the experiences of others. 

If we come across UGC video content created by an existing brand user, sharing their experience about its deliverables, we trust it more. Here are some stats to provide a clear picture: 

1. Before and After:

Before-and-after videos are compelling as they showcase transformations, whether it’s a product’s impact or an individual’s journey. These videos captivate audiences by demonstrating tangible results, be it weight loss, home renovation, or the effects of a skincare regimen.

The visual storytelling draws viewers in, creating an emotional connection and fostering trust in the showcased change. Brands benefit by encouraging users to share their authentic experiences, enhancing credibility and product visibility.

2. Product Review :

Product review videos offer invaluable insights into a customer’s firsthand experience with a product or service. Users share honest opinions, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and notable features. 

These videos influence potential buyers by providing authentic perspectives and aiding in informed decision-making.

As viewers seek genuine assessments before making purchases, these reviews contribute significantly to a brand’s reputation and sales.

Encouraging users to create detailed, unbiased reviews fosters trust and engages the audience, driving brand loyalty.

3. Tutorials:

Tutorials in user generated video provide step-by-step guidance on using a product or mastering a skill. These videos educate and inspire viewers, whether it’s makeup tutorials, DIY projects, or software walkthroughs.

Users appreciate clear instructions and practical demonstrations, making tutorials valuable for learning and problem-solving. 

Brands benefit from user-generated tutorials by showcasing product utility and versatility, encouraging users to explore various applications.

Engaging tutorials enhance brand visibility, positioning the brand as an educational authority and attracting a wider audience.

4. Unboxing Videos:

Unboxing videos offer a firsthand look at a product’s packaging, presentation, and initial impressions. Viewers experience the excitement of uncovering a new purchase alongside the creator. These videos create anticipation, generate curiosity, and provide authentic reactions. 

Unboxing videos are influential as they showcase the unfiltered user experience, influencing potential buyers’ perceptions and purchase decisions.

Brands can leverage the appeal of unboxing videos by encouraging users to share their unscripted, genuine reactions. This will boost brand awareness and foster a sense of community among consumers.

Steps to Leverage User Generated Video

Dive into a four-step approach that not only facilitates the collection of authentic content but also strategically leverages its power across diverse platforms. Discover the influence of UGVC, trusted by audiences for its genuine nature. 

From inspiring your community to securing rights efficiently, discover practical insights that are grounded in the impactful reality of UGVC.

Step 1: Collect Videos

Collecting UGVC is the first crucial step in leveraging user-generated content for your brand. To effectively collect UGVC:

• Collect Existing Content: Collect UGC video from different social media platforms around your brand. People create videos and mention/tag your brand using different methods. All you need to do is aggregate it using a social media aggregator tool. It will help you get UGC videos from different sources at once in the dashboard.

• Encourage Submissions: Create campaigns or initiatives that motivate your audience to share their experiences through videos. This could involve product usage, testimonials, or creative expressions related to your brand.

• Hashtag Campaigns: Develop unique and branded hashtags that users can use when creating and sharing content. This simplifies the process of tracking and collecting UGVC across various social media platforms.

• Engage with Your Community: Regularly engage with your audience through social media, email newsletters, or even your website. Respond to comments, ask for input, and create a community that feels inspired to contribute.

Step 2: Get UGC Creators

Identifying and connecting with potential UGC creators is essential for maintaining a steady flow of authentic content. Here’s how you can find UGC creators:

• Monitor Social Media Channels: Keep a close eye on your brand’s mentions and tags on social media platforms. Identify users who consistently engage with your content and express a genuine interest in your brand.

• Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with influencers who align with your brand can amplify the reach of your UGC campaigns. Influencers can inspire their followers to create content and participate in your initiatives.

• Engage with Your Audience: Actively engage with your audience’s content. Like, comment, and share their user generated videos to show appreciation and encourage others to contribute.

Step 3: Get UGC Rights

Securing the rights to use user-generated content is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure ethical practices. To obtain UGC rights:

• Clearly Communicate Terms: When users submit content, make sure they understand the terms of use. Clearly communicate how their content may be utilized, including potential reposting on your brand’s channels.

• Use UGC Rights Tools: Consider utilizing tools like Tagbox UGC Suite or similar platforms that streamline the rights acquisition process. These tools provide a user-friendly way to manage permissions, send requests, and maintain transparency.

Step 4: Utilize Anywhere

Once you have a collection of UGVC, maximize its impact by strategically incorporating it across various platforms and touchpoints. Here’s how:

• Social Media Integration: Share user generated video content on your brand’s social media profiles. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are excellent for showcasing authentic content that resonates with your audience.

• Email Marketing: Integrate UGC video into your email campaigns to make them visually engaging. This can include testimonials, product demonstrations, or other user-generated content that aligns with your brand message. Videos can’t be played in emails, so that will redirect more visitors to your website.

• Website Display: Feature selected ugc video on your website, especially on product pages, home pages, or dedicated sections. This enhances authenticity and transparency, influencing potential customers.

• Advertising: Incorporate ugc videos into your advertising strategy on platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook, or TikTok. Authentic content can significantly enhance engagement and conversions in your paid ads.

By following these steps, you can systematically collect, identify, secure rights, and strategically utilize user generated video content to build a vibrant and engaging brand presence.

Platforms for collecting UGC Video Content

User generated video content (UGC videos) is a strong tool to engage the audience in ways of their voice, creativity, and passion. These firsthand testimonies, shot by real customers, can have an extremely positive effect on your brand’s marketing approach.

The silver lining of this is that there are many platforms to find and gather the best UGC video.

1. Social Media

Social media is a landmine of UGC videos. Social listening tools will help you to monitor the brand mentions and your unique hashtags created for UGC campaigns. Look for cases like product review on YouTube, user-generated tutorial on TikTok or before-and-after transformation on Instagram. Through such efforts, you can discover the creators of UGC video and content that are in line with your brand message.

2. Online Review Sites

A lot of online video review sites will allow as well users who can leave their feedback in the form of videos. Such videos becoming a strong source of UGC, for example videos of users trying your product or service in real environment can tell marketing story in the raw and unfiltered manner. Visit these web pages for youtube videos of real customers telling their experiences with your product, this will help you dive into how your brand is seen.

3. Spark Creativity with Brand Contests

Think of a UGC video contest that is interesting and attracts the attention of the audience for creating a wave of high-quality UGC video just about your brand. This approach offers a win-win scenario: you have a collection of first-hand, user-generated content, while your audience enjoys the chance to be part of a fun challenge. Promote the contest on your marketing channels as well as offer cool prizes that would encourage users to participate. This approach not only helps to make your brand recognizable but also creates a sense of community and brand loyalty among your consumers.

These video platforms are the way to go if you want to create a library of engaging UGC video that will push your brand’s marketing efforts and connect on a deeper level with your audience.

How to Run UGC Video Powered Social Ads

Incorporating User-Generated Content (UGC) into social media advertising can significantly enhance brand visibility, engagement, and conversions. Leveraging UGC in social ads can create an authentic connection with the audience. Here are some platforms where UGC-powered ads can be effectively utilized:

1. Instagram Reels: 

Instagram Reels, a feature allowing short and engaging videos, provides an ideal platform for UGC-powered ads. Brands can collaborate with users who have created compelling content related to their products or services. By repurposing these UGC videos into engaging Reels ads, brands can tap into the audience’s interests, fostering authenticity and driving higher engagement.

2. YouTube Shorts: 

YouTube Shorts, known for its short-form video content, presents a significant opportunity for UGC-powered ads. Brands can encourage users to create engaging short videos showcasing their experiences with the brand’s offerings. These user-generated shorts can be utilized in ads to capture the attention of viewers and encourage

3. Video on Facebook Page: 

Facebook remains a powerhouse for video content. Leveraging user generated video on a brand’s Facebook page can enhance engagement and credibility. By showcasing authentic user experiences and testimonials in video ads, brands can effectively connect with their audience, driving conversions and brand loyalty.

4. TikTok Videos: 

TikTok’s popularity has soared, making it a prime platform for UGC-powered ads. Encouraging users to create fun and engaging videos featuring the brand can result in a wave of authentic content. Integrating these UGC video into TikTok ads can resonate well with the platform’s user base, driving brand awareness and engagement.

By utilizing UGC in social media ads across these platforms, brands can harness the power of authentic storytelling, fostering trust and engagement and, ultimately, driving conversions. The organic nature of UGC resonates well with audiences, making it a potent tool for brands to connect and resonate with their target consumers.

Benefits of UGC Videos

Wondering if your regular, middle-of-the-road UGC is good enough? Well, it might be, but UGC video content takes all the virtues of UGC to another level. Here is why:

1. UGC Video is Inexpensive

Sure, you have tried to create a video in-house and experienced the nightmare that it is! 

From the need to buy editing software, DSLRs, lights, and microphones to finding time to film and edit, producing content is a bootless errand that might not actually be worth it. 

On the contrary, user-generated content videos are created by users, ready to be used, and can be easily integrated into your marketing strategy. 

Instead of spending huge sums of money on equipment or collaborating with influencers to produce content for you, leveraging UGV content generated through marketing strategies can help you tap into the potential of trusted content creators without having to break the bank. 

2. More Effective Than Brand-Generated Videos

All it takes is one good video to skyrocket the performance of your marketing efforts. Further, videos are effective because:

• UGVC delivers authentic content that resonates with people. 
• Incorporating user-generated video content into ads can improve paid ad conversions by 28%
• This content, being uniquely engaging, can hold the audience’s attention effortlessly. 
• Furthermore, since this content is credible, it can convincingly inspire prospects to incorporate the brand’s products into their lives. 

Nike makes for a classic example here. The company created its #betterforit campaign to inspire and encourage women to take care of their fitness and health goals.

The UGC campaign was a way for Nike to maintain its brand value of encouraging athleticism. In just two months of the campaign’s launch, Nike’s women’s division saw a 20% lift. 

3. Fulfils The Consumer’s Expectation Of UGC

Driving user engagement is a cumbersome task, especially given the fact that the state of users’ minds is mostly distracted. 

Here, showcasing compelling, unique, and real content can be the deal maker. In fact, to your surprise, videos accounted for 84% of all web traffic in 2019. Indicating that users seek video content more than static content. 

Users seek more video content featuring their peers to be able to make better and more informed buying decisions. 

4. Boosts Brand Authenticity & Dependability 

Since user-generated content is created and shared by users of their own will, their opinions are unbiased. 

Compared with static UGC, videos create 3x more reliability, as people can perceive and get inspired by the excitement and expressions of the users. 

Moreover, UGV has no ulterior motive attached to it, making the content more authentic and credible than professionally filmed brand videos.

How to organically get more UGC video about your brand?

In the age of UGC (user-generated content), the more video content featuring your brand, the happier you’ll be! However, the challenge remains in how to get your audience to do these video testimonials and share their love for your products or services naturally without the need for continuous promotions. undefined

1. Run Engaging Campaigns

Here, the main aim is to get your audience involved in the event. Create an interactive campaign that inspires them to go outside and capture their moments. Ask them to pick fun product usage challenges, think of creative storytelling prompts, or organize contests with fruitful prizes. The crux of it all is to ensure that it is readable and relatable to your main audience.

2. Partner with Influencers

Influencers who are a good match for your brand and audience can be an effective ally for you in your quest for UGC video. Partner up with them to create content that highlights your product and motivates their followers to do the same. Such tie-ups can significantly widen the coverage of your UGC campaigns and will encourage more people to get involved.

3. Embrace User-Generated Hashtags

Develop a branded hashtag that is distinct for the UGC video that you will be using for your campaigns. It not only makes it convenient for users to submit their content but also enables you to see and identify relevant videos across social media platforms. Encourage your hashtag constantly and ask users to use it in their UGC video captions.

4. Show Appreciation

A loyal UGC community which is based on the recognition and appreciation of the users‘ contributions, is a key element of building a UGC community. On a regular basis, like, comment on, and share user generated video to let them know that you appreciate their contributions and to motivate them to continue their participation. This straightforward gesture has a great impact on the creation of a community and the promotion of the brand users to consistently post content about the brand.

This way, you will be able to effectively and organically create a continuous flow of UGC videos which will reflect the naturalness and involvement of your real customers. Recall, the more you value and respect user-generated content, the more probable it is to create and share it!

How to Produce User Generated Video Content

Consumers create the best marketing. Recommendations from a real person go a long way in brand promotions, as people trust satisfied customers more than self-acclamations. 

However, inviting customers to create content for you can be challenging. Here is how you can achieve it. 

Tap Into Influencer Marketing

When trying to get more consumers to create content for you, leveraging influencers’ impact on the audience’s minds can be your best bet. Further, you can provide them with specific instructions about the kind of content you want. 

When users see influencers posting content in a certain way, they might also do the same.

Run Hashtag Contests

Giveaways have always been a common strategy to build awareness of the brand, spark the interest of the audience, and encourage them to participate in video contests.

Businesses ask their followers to post on social media using their branded or any other specific hashtag, similar to a giveaway. In return for their efforts, brands reward the winners with a giveaway price. 

Hashtag contests are a great way to engage audiences in your brand’s activities while igniting conversations. 

Interestingly, you can also use the user-generated content generated via the hashtag contest for later marketing purposes. Tagbox Widget allows you to collect these posts and embed them onto your marketing touchpoints to further showcase your brand’s authenticity and credibility. 

Engage Your Audience with Visual Content

We already know that online written reviews can significantly impact people’s purchasing decisions. However, visual content marketing can also help you stand out. By adding UGC visual elements to your website, product detail pages (PDPs), and more, you can show customers how your products would look on them rather than on a model.

Many fashion brands leverage their loyal customers and influencers in their UGC strategy by sending them clothes they review.

This type of campaign benefits brands by accurately measuring what type of content customers choose to engage with and what item is being sold the most because of this content.

Organise UGC Video Contest 

Hosting a User-Generated Content (UGC) video contest can significantly amplify engagement and encourage your audience to share their unique experiences and stories about your brand. This approach generates a buzz and fosters a sense of community and loyalty among your customers.

• Step 1: Define the Contest Theme:

Choose a compelling theme or prompt for the contest that resonates with your brand values and encourages participants to create engaging content. For instance, it could revolve around sharing experiences, demonstrating product usage, or narrating inspiring stories related to your brand.

• Step 2: Set Clear Guidelines:

Establish clear rules, guidelines, and timelines for the contest. This should include details about video length, content specifications, usage of branded hashtags, and any necessary permissions for reposting the content.

• Step 3: Promote the Contest:

Use your social media channels, email newsletters, website banners, and other communication platforms to spread the word about the UGC video contest. Encourage participation by highlighting attractive incentives, such as prizes, exclusive features, or recognition for the best entries.

• Step 4: Engage and Showcase Entries:

As the submissions start rolling in, engage with participants by acknowledging their entries through likes, comments, or shares. Showcase some of the noteworthy entries periodically to encourage others and build momentum.

• Step 5: Choose and Reward Winners:

After the contest period ends, review the entries based on predefined criteria (creativity, relevance, storytelling, etc.) and select the winners. Acknowledge and reward the winners publicly, either by featuring their content on your profile, offering exclusive rewards, or announcing their success across your channels.

• Step 6: Repost and Share:

Seek permission from the winners and other notable participants to repost their content on your brand’s Instagram account or other social platforms. Share the content, giving due credit to the creators, and express gratitude for their participation.

Organizing a UGC video contest amplifies brand engagement and allows your customers to express themselves creatively. It empowers them to share their stories while fostering a stronger connection between your brand and its audience. This strategy contributes to a vibrant online community and helps build a repository of engaging content around your brand.

Best Practices When Sharing UGC Videos

UGC videos (user generated video content) are a goldmine for authentic content, but wielding this power responsibly is key. Here are some best practices to ensure you’re sharing UGC video in a way that benefits both you and the creators:

1. Always Secure Permissions

Before you click the “share” button, you must ask for permission from the creator of the video. This shows your respectful attitude, and it is also a guarantee of your compliance with the copyright law. The only thing that is needed is a simple direct message or email in which I ask them to give me permission to share their video.

2. Credit the Creator

While using UGC videos, always acknowledge the original creator properly. It can be achieved by simply using their username in the caption or tagging them in the post. This is not only an ethical thing to do but also serves as an acknowledgment for the talented people who have made the content.

3. Maintain Quality Standards

While authenticity is a major perk of UGC videos, there’s a balance to strike.  Ensure the UGC video you share meet a basic quality standard.  Grainy or blurry videos might not resonate as well with viewers. You can use your judgment to select videos that are clear, engaging, and effectively represent your brand.

4. Craft Compelling Captions

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-written caption!  Add context to the UGC video by crafting a compelling caption that highlights the key message and resonates with your target audience.  You can also use the caption to ask questions, spark conversations, or encourage further engagement.

5. Showcase User-Generated Content Across Platforms

UGC video are versatile and can be leveraged across various platforms.  Don’t limit yourself to just one channel! Share UGC videos on your website, social media pages, and even in email marketing campaigns. This wider reach can significantly amplify the impact of user-generated content.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that sharing UGC video is a positive experience for both you and the creators. You’ll be able to effectively showcase the authenticity and enthusiasm of your real customers while building stronger relationships with your audience and fostering a sense of community around your brand.

Increase Engagement and Conversions With UGC Video

User generated video content (UGC videos) is not just a marketing strategy designed to build a positive brand image. They are a great marketing asset that can be used tactically to create a buzz and increase conversion rates. undefined

1. Tap into the Power of Authenticity

People trust real people more than polished marketing messages. UGC video showcase genuine experiences of your customers, fostering a sense of connection and credibility that traditional ads often lack.  Use UGC videos to highlight product benefits in a relatable way, showcasing how real people are using and loving your offerings.

2. Spark User-Generated Storytelling

UGC video go beyond product reviews.  Encourage creative storytelling by prompting users to share their experiences using your product or service. This could involve tutorials, challenges, before-and-after transformations, or even humorous anecdotes. User-generated stories are inherently engaging and can inspire viewers to imagine themselves using your product in their own lives.

3. Boost Social Proof and Trust

UGC videos featuring satisfied customers act as powerful social proof.  By showcasing the positive experiences of others, you can influence purchase decisions and build brand loyalty more effectively.  Let your UGC video be your brand advocates, building trust and encouraging viewers to take the next step in their customer journey.

4. Fuel Engagement Through Interactive Content

UGC videos are a springboard for interactive experiences.  Use UGC content in polls, quizzes, or challenges to spark conversation and encourage further engagement.  Ask viewers questions about the featured UGC video, or invite them to create their own videos based on a specific theme. This interactivity keeps your audience coming back for more and strengthens their connection to your brand.

5. Optimize UGC Videos for Conversions

Don’t forget the call to action (CTA)!  When strategically placed alongside compelling UGC videos, a clear CTA can significantly increase conversions.  Whether it’s directing viewers to your website, encouraging them to download an app, or prompting them to sign up for a free trial, a well-crafted CTA leverages the positive emotions generated by UGC video to drive desired actions.

By implementing these strategies, you can transform UGC videos from feel-good content into a high-performing marketing tool.  Remember, the key is to leverage authenticity, spark user-generated stories, and optimize your approach to drive engagement and conversions.  With the right strategy, UGC video can become your secret weapon for marketing success!

UGC Video Examples – Get Inspired By These Top Brands 

Fenty Beauty

Rihanna’s makeup line, Fenty Beauty, took the industry by storm with a 100% digital campaign that depended heavily on reviews given by influencers. 

Fenty Beauty combined these reviews and testimonials from trusted Fenty customers to produce videos that discuss their products. This customer-inclusive strategy was successful in helping the brand with 10.6 million Instagram followers in the last couple of years.

Pampers

Another amazing UGC video example is of the most loved baby diaper brand, Pampers. Pampers asked their customers to send in videos of their babies in diapers via Facebook. 

The company then curated an adorable campaign using those user-generated videos. Not only was it adorable to watch, but it also resonated with potential customers (parents), boosting the brand awareness and necessity of the brand.

GoPro

As of August 2020, 47% of GoPro’s social media traffic has come from YouTube. The video camera brand uses content generated by its users to fuel its YouTube channel- with the majority of GoPro’s finest YouTube video on its channel being UGC content. 

GoPro generates UGC through its GoPro awards, which generated 130K visits to its website in 2019. These awards tap into its community and supply a steady stream of quality content. 

Over To You

Users are scrolling through compelling video content created on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat for a rather major portion of their time. Repurposing content created by the users on multiple marketing touchpoints can be your best bet to lock your brand’s growth. 

Hence, cut the struggle and make a colossal impact on the users’ minds with content that connects, performs, and delivers!