10 UGC video formats you must try out

What is user-generated content video?

User-generated content video is everything from amateur videos to livestreams, vlogs and even unboxing videos - all of them created by users, not marketing professionals or brands.

It brings real authenticity as well as a human touch to your brand, while helping you to reach new audiences and build relationships with them.

People are always looking for creative ways to express themselves and share their stories on social media - which is why user-generated content videos have been growing in popularity.

So if you're looking for an effective way to engage your audience and boost your marketing efforts, this is definitely worth considering.

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Learn everything about user-generated content in this comprehensive blog post.

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10 examples of user-generated video content

UGC video #1 : Product unboxing

Unboxing videos are among the most popular user-generated content formats on social media.

These are basically clips of people filming themselves opening their parcel. Creators love this kind of content as it's easy to make and really grabs their audience's attention. It's like opening presents on Christmas Day!

You can find unboxing videos with no edits at all, and others with lots of montage and faster pace.

Did you know that YouTube displays 20 million results when you search for "unboxing"? What's more, a Google consumer survey revealed that one in five consumers has watched an unboxing video.

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UGC video #2 : Live tutorial or product demonstration

Tutorials or product demonstrations are another great way for brands to show off their products' features.

These can explain how the product works and give tips on what to do to get the most out of it. Such content is also valuable for customers who already have the product, as they can get some guidance on how to maximize its use.

Choose to use voice-over, add subtitles or go straight to facecam - there's plenty of option!

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UGC video #3 : Customer review or testimonial on camera

Back in the day, companies used to publish written reviews on websites such as Google and Trustpilot. Today, we live in a whole new world of user-generated content.

Video reviews give you an ideal opportunity to put the product or service into action and make your point.  People like to see things for real, with face cam or voiceover - it's both honest and powerful!

For example, make-up reviews have gained a lot of momentum recently, especially on social media. It's also a good idea to let people know what users think of their beauty products, as there are so many different products out there.

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UGC video #4 : Surfing on trends

Trends are the hottest, most shared videos that everybody reproduces on social media. We usually refer to Instagram Reels and TikTok clips when talking about it.

These trends usually come with a unique sound, whether it's new music or an old tune that comes back with some choreography or lyrics that can be performed from the classic point-of-view style.

Brands have used these social media trends to get their message across - jumping on whatever bandwagon they can.

Carrefour regularly bounces on trends to create UGC-like TikTok videos that work well. Here's an example of a video surfing on the "You laugh, you lose" trend, which becomes "You laugh, you pay".

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UGC video #5 : Lifestyle

Brands and products are a part of our habits, and we carry them with us everywhere. Lifestyle UGC videos naturally capture a product's effectiveness.

For example, when someone shoots a video of themselves running in the park wearing their new Nike shoes, they're clearly visible in the video and the user can identify the brand. This is a good method to position a product in people's everyday lives.

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UGC video #6 : Hashtag contest

Brands use these contests to get their community engaged, and to turn spreading their message into something fun, entertaining and useful.

Brands can ask their followers to post on social media using their particular hashtag. And as a reward for their efforts, companies may offer winners a special prize.

This is a perfect opportunity to get your audience involved in your brand's activities and to get them spreading the word.

For example, in 2021, Planters, a peanut and snack brand, launched the #PlantersTrickShot contest. The brand offered a $50,000 scholarship to whoever scored the craziest trick shot with a peanut and posted the video with the hashtags #PlantersTrickShot #Contest.

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UGC video #7 : ASMR

Quite a few people know about ASMR, but if you don't, it stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.

Basically, ASMR videos are meant to audibly stimulate your head, scalp and elsewhere in your body. It's a pleasant, soothing sensation, often accompanied by tingling or chills.

You'll find many ASMR channels on YouTube, Deezer and, now, on TikTok. And, of course, brands use this trend in their own content, creating ASMR-related UGC for their own products.

Here is an example of an ASMR video on TikTok, that a UGC content creator makes for cosmetic brands.

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UGC video #8 : Before/After

Before-and-after videos are a good tool to illustrate what your customers can achieve using your product. You provide a clear and visual representation of its potential.

Such content may be particularly helpful for products that demand some skill to use. Watching how much progress someone can make with using your product can inspire and motivate potential customers.

Use this opportunity to provide tips and tricks to help your customers get the most out of your product and achieve the same results as in the video.

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UGC video #9 : Popularization

UGC can be used to spread the word, not only to introduce new things, but also to create popular content that educates people about certain topics.

And it also helps build loyalty and a sense of community, as customers feel they're part of something bigger.

The So'Cup brand, which sells menstrual cups and panties, chose to post UGC-style videos to popularize the menstrual topic in a casual way and lift the taboo around it.

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UGC video #10 : UGC-like

Brands are now creating UGC-style content aiming of staying true to the authenticity of UGC videos. Keep it short and simple.

Great way to promote your campaign without having to rely on user-generated content, which may be somewhat hit-and-miss. As long as your visuals look like user-generated content, they'll do the job.

Some online video editors make it possible to produce high-quality videos with little effort and budget.

Dating apps have been incredibly successful, just look at what Tinder did with its TikTok, for example. An excellent example of UGC video's power.

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What are the benefits of user-generated content video?

User-Generated Video Content is cheaper

Brands can spend tens of thousands of euros to create marketing videos. There's the cost of camera rental, model hiring, editing fees and plenty of other hidden costs. But with UGC videos, brands can collect them (almost) free of charge!

User-generated content is super cost-efficient, and there's plenty of reasons why.

Firstly, it's made by people who are genuinely passionate about the product - they don't just do it because they have to, but because they want to. This means they're more invested in the process, and more likely to create something that will speak to your audience.

That's why it's key to find the right users and collaborate with them.

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User-Generated Video Content is more effective

User-generated videos get more views and engagement than brand-generated marketing videos, because they're more meaningful and engaging.

People feel they're seeing an authentic representation of the brand when they watch these videos, which makes them more effective. That's a fact.

What's more, because this content is highly credible, it can convince prospects to incorporate the brand's products into their life.

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User-Generated Video Content please customers' expectations

It's no secret that users love UGC videos. Getting user's attention is a challenge, especially with all the distractions out there.

Showcasing unique, compelling and true-to-life content is a real game-changer. Videos accounted for a staggering 51% of web traffic in 2021 (Arcep, 2021). And it's clear that users prefer video over static content when making purchasing decisions.

People want to see videos starring their peers to ensure they make the right choice.

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User-Generated Video Content boosts brand advocacy and credibility

User-generated video content has the potential to make a huge difference to brand advocacy, trust and credibility.

They are created and shared on social media by individuals on their own free will, meaning their opinions are unbiased. Compared to other types of UGC, videos create up to 3x more trustworthiness, as they can capture people's energy and enthusiasm.

Plus, UGC doesn't have any secret agenda, which makes it more authentic and trustworthy than videos produced by marketing pros.

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How to get the most out of your UGC videos?

User-generated content videos can be a great way to promote your business. But how can you make sure your marketing buddies get the most out of them?

Promote your UGC videos on Social Media

Publishing UGC videos in your social medias can help you reach a wider audience. By sharing UGC videos, you can grab the attention of potential customers and show them what your brand is all about.

UGC videos generate high engagement rates than other marketing content formats. They are more likely to be shared than other kinds of content on social media, which can contribute to greater brand awareness. This in turn can lead to more people getting to know your brand and visiting your website.

Don't forget to ask for permission from your subscribers if you want to share their videos - it's very important!

And if you want to make sure your content is seen by the right people, why not try out UGC video social ads? It's a smart way to get your message across and reach your target audience.

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Embed UGC Videos in your email campaigns

If you're looking to get the most out of your user-generated content videos, why not embed them in your email campaigns?

Email marketing has been a key channel for businesses for ages. Using UGC in your email campaigns is still a smart way to engage your subscribers. No need for your audience to leave the email to look at impressive visuals - they're already there!

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Leverage UGC Videos On Your Website

Embedding user-generated videos on your website is a fab idea! Do so by displaying customer testimonials, product reviews or other user-generated videos on your home page, product pages or elsewhere.

By showcasing UGC videos on your website, you can reassure your visitors that your customers are satisfied with your products or services.

They also add to your brand's credibility and significantly increase your website's conversion rate.

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