How to Create UGC for YouTube

User-generated content (UGC) is one of the most powerful tools brands can use to build trust and authenticity. And with over 2 billion users, YouTube is the perfect platform for UGC to thrive. By allowing real customers or influencers to create authentic, relatable content, your brand can drive engagement and boost conversions in a way that feels organic and trustworthy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create and leverage UGC specifically for YouTube to help your brand stand out.

Why UGC on YouTube Works

1. It’s Authentic and Relatable

YouTube viewers are drawn to content that feels genuine and unfiltered. UGC, whether it’s reviews, unboxings, or tutorials, shows real people using real products, which instantly builds trust. Authenticity drives higher engagement and makes your brand more approachable.

2. It Boosts Engagement

UGC videos on YouTube tend to generate more comments, likes, and shares because they feel like personal recommendations. According to research, people are twice as likely to engage with UGC compared to brand-created content.

3. It Converts

UGC encourages potential customers to take action. When real people talk about your product, it feels more trustworthy, leading to higher conversions. Shoppable UGC is a rising trend on YouTube that allows viewers to purchase directly through video links.

How to Create UGC for YouTube

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of UGC

There are many types of UGC that work well on YouTube. Here are a few to consider:

• Product Review Videos: Customers or influencers review your product, sharing what they love or how it has solved a problem.
• Unboxing Videos: People love watching unboxings because it builds excitement and shows the product in action.
• Testimonial Videos: Featuring real customers sharing their positive experiences with your brand.

Step 2: Encourage Your Customers to Participate

Once you’ve decided on the type of UGC, you’ll need to motivate your customers or influencers to create and share content. Here are some ways to do that:

• Run Contests: Encourage your audience to share their experiences with your product for a chance to win a prize.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Work with influencers in your niche who can create UGC and share it with their followers.
• Create Branded Hashtags: Use branded hashtags to build a community of content creators around your product. This helps track UGC and amplifies visibility on YouTube and other social platforms.

Step 3: Provide Guidelines for UGC Creation

While UGC is meant to be creative and authentic, providing basic guidelines ensures that the content is aligned with your brand’s goals:

• Video Length: YouTube videos can range from a few minutes to longer form, but for UGC, it’s best to aim for 7-15 minutes to keep it engaging.
• Quality: Encourage users to film in HD (1080p or higher) to ensure clarity and professionalism.
• Messaging: Ask creators to focus on specific features of your product that highlight its benefits.

Step 4: Edit and Optimize the UGC for YouTube

Once you’ve collected the UGC, make sure the content is polished and optimized for YouTube:

• Add Intros and Outros: Include branded intros to give your UGC a professional feel and outros that include calls-to-action, like subscribing to your channel or visiting your website.
• Optimize Titles and Descriptions: Use SEO-friendly keywords in your titles and descriptions to improve discoverability.
• Create Thumbnails: A compelling thumbnail can increase click-through rates. Make sure your thumbnails are eye-catching and relevant to the video content.

Best Practices for Using UGC on YouTube

• Be Consistent: Regularly sharing UGC on your YouTube channel will help build trust with your audience over time. Aim to upload UGC videos consistently.
• Promote Across Channels: Share the UGC from YouTube across your other social media platforms to maximize its impact.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, encourage discussion, and engage with viewers to build a stronger connection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Audience Feedback

When using UGC, it's essential to listen to your audience's feedback. Make sure you're adapting your strategy based on what resonates most with your viewers.

2. Not Optimizing for SEO

If you're not optimizing your UGC content with relevant keywords you may struggle to get the visibility you're aiming for on YouTube. Use strategic keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags.

3. Over-Editing the Content

UGC works because it feels authentic and real. Avoid over-editing the content to the point that it no longer feels genuine. Keep it polished but authentic.

FAQs

How long should a UGC video for YouTube be?

Most UGC videos perform best when they are between 7-15 minutes long, giving enough time to showcase the product without losing audience attention.

Do I need professional tools to create UGC?

No, many UGC videos are created with basic equipment like smartphones. However, it's always good to encourage users to shoot in high definition for clarity and quality.

How do I find influencers to create UGC for my brand?

You can find influencers by searching relevant hashtags, checking engagement rates, or using influencer marketing platforms. Make sure to choose influencers who align with your brand’s values and audience.

Conclusion

Creating UGC for YouTube is one of the most effective ways to build trust and engagement with your audience. By encouraging your customers or influencers to share their experiences, you can create content that feels real, relatable, and drives conversions. Ready to start leveraging UGC for your brand’s YouTube channel? Contact us at Growth Spurt to help you get started today!