Last Updated on 03/07/2025
Modern devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and personal computers, have made video creation more accessible. Sites like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat enable users to easily film, edit, and share content without specialized equipment or skills.
As video-sharing platforms make video creation more accessible, customers are increasingly sharing their experiences and opinions online.
User-generated videos are created by average consumers, rather than professionals or marketers, and are often used for personal or community purposes rather than commercial purposes.
For marketers, user-generated content (UGC) provides an authentic perspective that audiences can relate to.
Forms of User-Generated Content
Let’s explore the various forms of user-generated content.
a. Product Reviews and Vlogs
Videos where customers openly share their opinions about a specific brand’s offering help potential buyers make informed choices. Lifestyle-focused content provides audiences with a glimpse into people’s authentic experiences with a brand in their daily lives.
b. Tutorials or How-To’s
Tutorials provide step-by-step guidance that teaches viewers how to use a product, offering clear directions and real-world examples to aid comprehension. For brands, user-created tutorials highlight the various uses and capabilities of their offerings.
c. Unboxing and Behind the Scenes
Unboxing videos showcase the product’s custom box packaging, presentation, and a creator’s first reactions upon opening it. Exclusive looks at what happens before and after the final product satisfy viewers’ curiosity.
d. Brand Challenges and UGC Creator Platforms
Brands often launch challenges on UGC creator platforms, inviting users to create and share content centered around a theme or product. These platforms provide submissions, help discover talented creators, and create viral trends that boost visibility and engagement.
Why Does UGC Matter?
Marketing is at the heart of business success, and marketers must stay up-to-date with the latest developments to ensure their techniques remain effective. Go with agencies like EraserFarm that stay current with the trends and have a proven track record of success.
User-generated content (UGC) is an effective trend for meaningful connectivity. Authenticity is key nowadays, as people are wary of advertising. When an existing customer discusses using a brand’s products or services, their feedback seems more genuine than marketing messages. UGC is also very cost-effective.
Steps to Leverage User-Generated Content
By following these steps, brands can systematically leverage the power of user-generated video content.
1. Collection and Connection
The first step is collecting user-generated video content (UGVC). Brands can gather existing videos by searching social media where the brand is tagged. Using an aggregation tool makes it much easier.
Brands should also launch campaigns to motivate fans to submit their videos about brand experiences. Implementing branded hashtags helps collect and track submissions. Regularly engaging fans through social media and communication keeps them invested in contributing.
2. Securing Rights
The second step is to secure usage rights. To avoid legal issues and maintain ethical standards, brands must obtain consent from content creators. The terms of use must be completely transparent when users submit photos or videos. Creators should understand clearly how their submissions may be shared or promoted across the brand’s platforms.
3. Utilizing
Once a brand has accumulated a selection of user-generated video content, the next step is to leverage it across various channels to maximize its impact. UGVC can be effectively promoted on social media platforms that are well-suited for visual content, such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. User videos can also be highlighted on a company website, particularly product pages, home pages, or dedicated UGC sections, to foster trust.
Endnote
It’s time to take action. People spend a significant amount of time browsing user-generated videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. Leveraging content created organically by your customers could be the key to accelerating your brand’s growth.
