You’ve probably seen it on your feed: a short clip featuring a real customer showing off a product with genuine excitement and no heavy editing. It feels relatable, and sometimes it even convinces you to check out the item right away. That kind of content is called a UGC video.
What does UGC video mean? UGC video refers to user-generated content video, which is content created by real people rather than the brand itself. This can include customers, fans, or users sharing their thoughts, tutorials, or reviews organically, without scripts. Brands favor this content due to its strong resonance with audiences and high consumer trust, stemming from its authentic feel.
This guide breaks down user-generated content video, why it matters, and how you can use it in your marketing. You’ll learn how brands encourage customers to share and get tips for integrating user-generated videos into your strategy.
When we talk about user-generated content, it covers everything from photos and blog posts to social media updates. But the UGC video meaning is specific: it’s about clips created by real customers, fans, or product users. These user-generated content videos can appear on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, on product pages, or even inside official campaigns.
Unlike brand-produced marketing videos, UGC videos stand out because they feel real. You might see a family filming an unboxing of a new gadget, a fashion enthusiast showing how they style a jacket, or a gamer reviewing a headset. They’re not polished commercials, and that authenticity is exactly what makes them powerful.
The true meaning of a UGC video comes down to honesty. People can tell when a message is scripted, which is why real customer stories stand out. Watching someone share product tips or personal experiences offers buyers genuine insight that feels trustworthy.
Research backs this up. A Stackla study revealed that 79% of consumers say user-generated content influences their purchasing decisions. That statistic shows why adding UGC videos into your marketing isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for building confidence and encouraging conversions.
For a comparison of authentic clips and traditional ads, see UGC vs. Brand-Generated Content.
The best way to understand UGC video is to look at the formats people create every day. Here are some of the most common examples:
When real people create and share content, it gives your brand an edge that polished campaigns can’t always achieve. Here’s why user-generated videos make such a difference:
Every time you highlight a customer’s clip, you reinforce the idea that your brand listens to and values its audience. Sharing UGC video testimonials or product stories signals openness, which builds trust and long-term brand loyalty.
A single UGC video shared by a customer can spread across their entire network. This kind of organic exposure introduces your product to people outside your direct channels—effectively multiplying your marketing reach without any added cost.
Buyers often look for confirmation before making a purchase. When they see authentic UGC videos of people using your product successfully, they’re more likely to feel confident about buying. This concept, known as social proof, is one of the strongest conversion drivers in modern marketing.
Featuring user-generated content videos creates momentum. Once customers see peers being recognized, more of them will contribute. This ripple effect not only supplies you with fresh content but also nurtures a sense of community and advocacy around your brand.
For more insights into how UGC drives engagement, check out User-Generated Content Benefits.
To keep a steady flow of content, you need strategies that motivate people to participate and make the process fun. Here are some strategies:
If you want others to share videos that feature your product, you can begin by introducing a clever branded hashtag. That allows you to track all the user-generated content about your brand on social media. Encourage fans to include the hashtag when they post or share videos. This simple step helps you collect engaging UGC videos in a central place, making it straightforward to find new user-generated content.
A fun way to motivate user participation is by setting up challenges or contests. Think of a simple prompt that ties back to your product. For instance, you could ask folks to film short educational videos about their top five ways to use your item. Or you might invite them to put together styling videos using your apparel line. Incentives like shout-outs, gift cards, or discounts encourage customers to submit more content and share it with friends.
Another way to generate more UGC content is by spotlighting the best contributions. You could give a monthly award to the most creative or engaging user-generated video. You might feature certain clips on your landing page or product pages. You could repost user-generated videos on your official social channels. That public recognition motivates more people to create UGC content in hopes of seeing their video showcased.
Recognizing the people behind these videos is just as important as the content itself. If you’d like to learn more about the role of dedicated creators and why they’re so valuable to brands, take a look at this overview of the people who make UGC possible.
A practical step is to place user-generated content videos on your product pages, landing page, or blog sections. When potential buyers research your product, they see real customers discussing its benefits. This approach can sway them to trust your brand. It’s a beneficial idea to integrate short testimonial videos or unboxing videos right where purchase decisions happen.
Learn additional ways to inspire your audience in this guide, How to Get More User-Generated Content.
Once you start gathering clips from your audience, the next step is knowing how to use them effectively. User-generated content in advertising is simple: it’s about blending authenticity with smart marketing practices. Here are key tips:
The goal isn’t to polish away the authenticity of a user-generated content video, but to place it where it resonates most. Done right, UGC video ads amplify your message while keeping your brand approachable and relatable.
Take your ads further with the right tools. See our picks for the Top UGC Platforms for Creators.
Here are practical steps to help you inspire, gather, and showcase impactful content.
By following these steps, you’ll make it easier for fans to create and share UGC video content, turning casual customers into active contributors and advocates.
Speaking on camera can feel intimidating, and many people hesitate because they worry about forgetting lines or losing focus. A teleprompter app provides a straightforward solution to this problem.
By scrolling your notes or script in sync with your delivery, it helps keep your speech clear and natural. This extra assistance enhances clarity while maintaining authenticity in UGC videos that are testimonial or tutorial-style. It’s particularly valuable for product demos, educational clips, or brand stories where consistency matters.
If you want to create confident, polished content without the stress, the Teleprompter.com app can help. Stay organized, reduce nerves, and let your ideas flow naturally on camera. Level up your next UGC video—try it free at Teleprompter.com.
UGC video is simple but powerful. It shows how authentic, user-generated content can build trust, provide social proof, and create stronger connections between brands and audiences. By featuring testimonial clips, unboxing videos, or tutorials, you allow potential buyers to see products through real experiences that feel more relatable than polished ads.
Adding user-generated videos to your strategy also encourages participation and loyalty. Highlighting customers' stories fosters a sense of community and provides your brand with valuable, engaging content.
Encouraging contributions, recognizing top creators, and ensuring proper permissions are key steps. With these in place, your most influential brand ambassadors may already be your existing customers sharing their experiences through UGC videos.
A UGC video is a user-generated content video created by real customers or fans instead of the brand itself. These clips often include testimonials, unboxing experiences, tutorials, or lifestyle stories that show authentic product use.
UGC videos build trust and act as social proof. Viewers are more likely to believe real customer experiences than polished ads, making these videos effective for boosting engagement and conversions.
Popular formats include testimonial videos, unboxing clips, educational tutorials, and lifestyle or styling content. Each type resonates differently, but all provide authentic perspectives that audiences value.
Brands can use branded hashtags, run contests or challenges, reward standout creators, and feature customer videos on product or landing pages to inspire more contributions.
Yes. Many brands repurpose UGC videos for advertising campaigns, provided they get the creator’s permission. These ads often perform well because they feel relatable and genuine.
