UGC Ads: How To Create UGC Video Ads That Get Results

User-Generated Content (UGC) has revolutionized the way brands approach digital marketing, particularly when it comes to video advertising. In an era where consumers are inundated with polished corporate ads, UGC stands out for its authenticity, relatability, and trustworthiness. But how do you create UGC video ads that not only capture attention but also drive real results?

This article will guide you through the process of creating effective UGC video ads, leveraging the power of your customers' voices to enhance your brand’s visibility and credibility. Plus, we’ll show you how Growth Spurt’s UGC service can help you harness the full potential of UGC in your advertising campaigns.

Why UGC Video Ads Matter

UGC video ads are advertisements that feature content created by real users rather than the brand itself. This type of content can include customer reviews, social media posts, photos, and videos that highlight their experiences with your brand or product.

Why should you care about UGC video ads?

• Authenticity: Consumers trust real people over brand messaging. A study by Stackla found that 79% of people say user-generated content highly impacts their purchasing decisions.
• Higher Engagement: UGC ads often perform better than traditional ads, boasting a 4x higher click-through rate (CTR).
• Cost-Effective: UGC reduces the need for costly content production. Instead, you can leverage the content your customers are already creating.

Steps to Create Effective UGC Video Ads

Creating UGC video ads involves more than just throwing together a few customer videos. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your UGC video ads hit the mark.

1. Collect Authentic UGC

   • Encourage UGC Creation: Start by motivating your customers to create content. Run contests, offer discounts, or simply ask them to share their experiences using a branded hashtag.
   • Curate the Best Content: Not all UGC is created equal. Select content that aligns with your brand values and resonates with your target audience. Tools like Taggbox can help you collect and filter the most impactful UGC.

2. Get Legal Clearance

   • Obtain Rights: Before using UGC in your ads, make sure you have the legal right to do so. This can be as simple as reaching out to the content creator for permission or using a platform that manages rights and permissions.
   • Avoid Legal Pitfalls: Ensure that your UGC complies with advertising standards and copyright laws. For more on this, check out our guide on the legalities of UGC.

3. Incorporate UGC into Your Ads

   • Blend with Professional Content: Mix UGC with professionally shot content for a balanced and engaging ad. This not only elevates the production quality but also maintains the authenticity that makes UGC so effective.
   • Tailor for Platforms: Customize your UGC videos for different platforms. For instance, Instagram and TikTok favor short, snappy videos, while Facebook might support slightly longer content.

4. Optimize and Test

   • A/B Testing: Experiment with different versions of your UGC ads. Test various formats, messages, and calls to action to see what resonates most with your audience.
   • Measure Performance: Track key metrics like engagement rates, CTR, and conversion rates to gauge the effectiveness of your UGC ads. Regularly refine your approach based on these insights.

5. Scale with Professional Help

   • Partner with a UGC Agency: If managing UGC sounds overwhelming, consider partnering with a professional agency like Growth Spurt. We specialize in creating, curating, and optimizing UGC video ads that drive results.

Real-World Examples of UGC Video Ads

UGC has been a game-changer for many brands. Here are some examples of successful UGC video ad campaigns:

• Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign: Coca-Cola replaced its iconic logo with popular names on bottles, encouraging customers to share photos with their personalized Coke. This campaign generated a massive amount of UGC, driving significant brand engagement.
• GoPro’s #GoProAwards: GoPro encouraged users to submit their best action videos shot with GoPro cameras. The winning entries were featured in their video ads, showcasing the product’s capabilities while celebrating the creativity of their community.
• Starbucks’ #RedCupContest: Starbucks ran a contest asking customers to decorate their holiday-themed red cups and share them on social media. The UGC from this campaign was featured in ads, boosting both brand visibility and customer loyalty.

Conclusion

User-Generated Content isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a powerful tool for creating video ads that resonate with your audience. By leveraging the authentic voices of your customers, you can build trust, drive engagement, and increase conversions. Whether you’re a small business or an established brand, UGC video ads offer a cost-effective and impactful way to enhance your marketing strategy.

Ready to get started? Learn more about how Growth Spurt’s UGC service can help you create UGC video ads that deliver real results.