UGC Videos: The Only Guide to UGC Videos You Need In 2025

User-generated content (UGC) videos are transforming digital marketing. From authentic testimonials to behind-the-scenes clips, brands leverage UGC videos to build trust and boost engagement. But what exactly makes UGC videos so powerful? And how can businesses use them effectively?

This guide explores UGC video content, its meaning, different types, real-world examples, and best practices with data-backed insights to help you create or curate high-impact UGC videos.

What Is UGC Video Content?

UGC video content refers to videos created by consumers, not brands. These videos include testimonials, product reviews, unboxings, and social media clips. Unlike polished brand ads, UGC videos feel organic and relatable.

UGC Video Meaning and Why It Matters

UGC videos are created by real users, offering authenticity that traditional ads lack. Studies show 79% of consumers say UGC influences their purchasing decisions (TINT, 2024). Brands that integrate UGC video content into marketing campaigns see higher trust, engagement, and conversions.

Why Are UGC Videos So Effective?

Consumers trust UGC videos more than brand-made content. Here’s why:

• Authenticity: 84% of consumers trust peer recommendations over brand ads (Stackla, 2023).
• Engagement: UGC videos generate 10x more engagement than branded content on social media (Forrester, 2024).
• Conversions: Websites with UGC videos see a 20% increase in conversions (Yotpo, 2024).

Types of UGC Videos

Different types of UGC videos serve different purposes. Here’s a breakdown:

UGC Video Type	Description	Example Platforms
Product Reviews	Customers reviewing and demonstrating products.	YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Testimonials	Satisfied users sharing their experiences.	LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter
Unboxing Videos	First impressions of products being unboxed.	YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels
Tutorials/Demos	How-to videos featuring real users.	TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest
Behind-the-Scenes	Footage from real customers or employees.	Instagram Stories, Snapchat
Challenges & Trends	Users participating in branded social media trends.	TikTok, Instagram Reels

UGC Video Examples That Drive Results

1. GoPro – Action-Packed UGC Footage

GoPro thrives on user-generated video content. By encouraging customers to share extreme sports footage, GoPro’s marketing feels authentic and thrilling. GoPro’s YouTube channel has over 11 million subscribers, fueled by user content.

Example: A GoPro user skydiving with stunning 4K footage.

2. Starbucks – #RedCupContest

Starbucks launched the #RedCupContest, inviting customers to share holiday-themed cup designs. This UGC campaign drove millions of engagements.

Example: A TikTok user decorating their Starbucks red cup.

3. Airbnb – Guest Experience Videos

Airbnb’s success relies on UGC videos showcasing real guest experiences. Travelers share authentic stays, increasing trust.

Example: A family sharing a cozy cabin rental experience.

4. Apple – #ShotOniPhone Campaign

Apple encourages users to share iPhone-shot videos. The campaign generated over 27 million Instagram posts, proving UGC’s power.

Example: A photographer capturing cinematic travel footage on an iPhone.

How to Create Engaging UGC Style Videos

Want to make UGC-style videos for your brand? Follow these steps:

1. Encourage Customers to Share – Run contests or offer incentives.
2. Use Hashtags – Make it easy to track UGC submissions (e.g., #MadeWithSamsung).
3. Feature Real Stories – Avoid scripted, promotional videos.
4. Leverage Influencers – Partner with micro-influencers for authentic content.
5. Optimize for Mobile – Most UGC videos are consumed on smartphones.
6. Edit for Social Media – Keep videos short and engaging.

UGC Video vs. Brand-Made Video: Which Works Better?

Factor	UGC Video	Brand-Made Video
Authenticity	High	Lower
Trust	Higher	Moderate
Engagement	10x more	Lower
Cost	Lower (often free)	Higher (production costs)
Control	Lower	Full control

How to Source UGC Videos for Your Brand

• Social Media Monitoring – Track branded hashtags.
• Influencer Collaborations – Work with micro-influencers for genuine content.
• Customer Reviews – Repurpose video testimonials.
• UGC Platforms – Use tools like TINT, Yotpo, or Stackla to collect content.

How to Legally Use UGC Videos

Using UGC video content legally is crucial to avoid copyright or privacy issues. Here’s what you need to consider before repurposing user-generated videos.

1. Get Explicit Permission

Never assume you can use a user-generated video just because it’s publicly posted. Always ask for written consent from the creator before repurposing their content. This can be done through:

• Direct messages (DMs on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok)
• Email outreach
• Official UGC submission forms

2. Credit the Creator

Always give proper credit to the original content creator. Mention their name, social media handle, or website in captions or video descriptions.

3. Use UGC Rights Management Tools

Platforms like TINT, Yotpo, and Stackla offer automated rights management for UGC, helping brands legally acquire and track user-generated content.

4. Follow Platform Policies

Social media platforms have specific rules about repurposing content. For example:

• Instagram & TikTok: Requires permission for reposting.
• YouTube: Copyrighted content without permission can lead to video takedown or demonetization.
• Twitter (X): Retweets are allowed, but embedding videos elsewhere requires approval.

5. Include UGC Usage in Your Terms & Conditions

If you run a UGC contest or campaign, include UGC rights in the terms and conditions. Make it clear how submitted videos will be used.

Best UGC Video Tools for Brands

Several tools can help brands collect, curate, and distribute UGC videos effectively.

Tool	Function	Best For
TINT	Collects and manages UGC across platforms	Large brands running UGC campaigns
Yotpo	Gathers UGC reviews and videos for eCommerce	Shopify stores, Amazon sellers
Stackla	AI-powered UGC discovery and rights management	Brands looking for scalable solutions
Taggbox	Aggregates social media UGC into one feed	Website and social media integrations
Trend.io	Connects brands with UGC creators	Finding UGC influencers for campaigns

Where to Share UGC Videos for Maximum Impact

1. Social Media Platforms

• Instagram Reels & TikTok: Short-form, viral UGC content.
• YouTube Shorts & Facebook Stories: Engaging storytelling videos.
• Pinterest Video Pins: Tutorial-based UGC videos work well here.

2. Product Pages & eCommerce Stores

• UGC videos on product pages can increase conversions by 20% (Yotpo, 2024).
• Example: Fashion brands embedding real customer try-on videos.

3. Email Marketing

Including UGC videos in email campaigns can boost click-through rates by 65% (Campaign Monitor, 2024).

4. Paid Ads

Brands using UGC in Facebook & Instagram Ads see a 4x higher click-through rate than traditional ads (Meta, 2024).

5. Websites & Landing Pages

Embedding real customer videos on landing pages increases time spent on site by 88% (Wistia, 2024).

Case Studies: How Brands Succeed with UGC Videos

User-generated content (UGC) videos have driven massive engagement and sales for brands across industries. Below are real-world case studies showcasing how brands effectively use UGC to boost authenticity, trust, and conversions.

1. GoPro: Turning Customers into Brand Ambassadors

Strategy:

GoPro built its entire marketing strategy around UGC footage from real users. The brand encourages customers to capture and share their extreme sports, travel, and adventure experiences using GoPro cameras.

Execution:

• Launched the GoPro Awards, rewarding users for the best UGC videos.
• Featured top UGC videos on GoPro’s official YouTube channel (over 11 million subscribers).
• Created viral campaigns by repurposing UGC footage in paid ads and social media.

Results:

• GoPro’s UGC content receives 3x more engagement than brand-made videos.
• The GoPro Awards program led to 60,000+ UGC video submissions annually.
• Increased brand loyalty and product adoption, making GoPro the go-to brand for adventure videography.

Example Video: GoPro Million Dollar Challenge

2. Airbnb: Building Trust with Guest UGC Videos

Strategy:

Airbnb leveraged guest-generated videos to highlight real travel experiences, making rentals feel more personal and trustworthy.

Execution:

• Encouraged travelers to share their stay experiences with the hashtag #AirbnbExperiences.
• Repurposed top UGC clips for YouTube ads, Instagram Reels, and landing pages.
• Featured authentic UGC stories on Airbnb’s website to enhance credibility.

Results:

• Airbnb listings with UGC videos saw a 30% higher booking rate (Airbnb, 2024).
• UGC campaigns increased engagement on social media by 70%.
• Strengthened Airbnb’s reputation as a community-driven brand.

Example Video: A Traveler’s UGC Airbnb Experience

3. Apple: #ShotOniPhone Campaign – Making Customers the Creators

Strategy:

Apple launched the #ShotOniPhone campaign, encouraging users to share high-quality videos and photos taken with iPhones.

Execution:

• Featured the best UGC videos in Apple’s official ads and billboards.
• Created iPhone photography challenges, motivating more users to share content.
• Integrated UGC clips into product launch presentations to showcase real-world performance.

Results:

• The campaign generated 27+ million Instagram posts under #ShotOniPhone.
• Apple’s UGC-based Instagram engagement increased by 50% (Apple, 2024).
• Customers viewed iPhone cameras as professional-grade, boosting sales.

Example Video: Apple’s UGC Compilation

4. Starbucks: #RedCupContest – A Viral UGC Challenge

Strategy:

Starbucks turned its seasonal holiday cups into a UGC-driven campaign, inviting customers to design and share creative cup art.

Execution:

• Customers posted photos and videos of their decorated red cups using #RedCupContest.
• Starbucks reshared the best UGC across its social media and website.
• Created limited-time promotions for contest participants, driving in-store visits.

Results:

• Over 40,000 UGC submissions in the first year.
• Starbucks’ Instagram engagement increased by 20% during the campaign.
• Strengthened Starbucks’ community-driven branding around the holidays.

Example Post: #RedCupContest on Instagram

5. Gymshark: UGC-Driven Social Proof for Fitness Apparel

Strategy:

Gymshark, a fitness apparel brand, built its reputation through UGC fitness content from real customers.

Execution:

• Encouraged customers to share workout videos wearing Gymshark gear.
• Featured top UGC videos in product ads, showcasing real user transformations.
• Partnered with micro-influencers to generate authentic UGC content.

Results:

• UGC videos led to a 9.6% increase in conversion rates (Gymshark, 2024).
• The brand’s Instagram engagement grew by 15%.
• Built strong customer loyalty by making users feel like part of the Gymshark community.

Example Video: Gymshark UGC Post

Key Takeaways from These UGC Success Stories

• Encourage Authenticity: The best UGC campaigns showcase real users, not scripted content.
• Incentivize Participation: Contests and rewards motivate users to submit videos.
• Leverage Social Proof: UGC builds trust and credibility better than brand-made content.
• Repurpose Across Channels: Use UGC in social media, ads, email campaigns, and product pages.
• Engage with Your Community: Respond to UGC creators and make them feel valued.

UGC videos are powerful, cost-effective, and engagement-driven. Whether you’re in tech, hospitality, fitness, or retail, user-generated content can elevate your brand and drive real results.

Future Trends in UGC Video Marketing

1. AI-Generated UGC Videos

AI tools like Runway ML and Synthesia can create realistic, AI-generated UGC-style content.

2. Shoppable UGC Videos

Brands are integrating click-to-buy UGC videos on platforms like TikTok Shop and Instagram Shopping.

3. AR & VR-Based UGC

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are enabling more interactive UGC experiences.

4. Voice & AI-Powered UGC Search

Google and TikTok are improving AI-powered search, making UGC videos more discoverable.

Final Thoughts

UGC video content isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful marketing strategy that builds trust, increases engagement, and boosts sales. Whether you’re curating customer testimonials, influencer collaborations, or viral challenges, authentic UGC videos drive real business results. Start leveraging UGC today and watch your brand grow.