Top 7 Strategies to Encourage UGC Ads from Your Existing Customers

Customers in today’s digital age place more trust in one another than in brands.  This is why user-generated content (UGC), particularly video, is one of today’s most powerful marketing tools.  UGC commercials, which range from product evaluations to unboxing clips, help to generate social proof, authenticity, and loyalty in ways that traditional advertising cannot.

But how can you encourage your current consumers to develop and distribute this type of content for your brand?

Here are seven practical ways for encouraging UGC ads from your existing consumers and converting them into dedicated brand champions.

1. Launch a Branded Hashtag Challenge

Creating a hashtag campaign is one of the most engaging ways to motivate customers. Encourage consumers to contribute material about your product or service using a specific branded hashtag.

For example, if you’re a beauty brand, you could launch a challenge like #GlowUpWithUs, inviting followers to upload transformation videos using your goods.  This can result in a lot of ugc video material, especially on sites like TikTok and Instagram, where short-form video reigns dominant.

Pro Tip: Share the greatest user videos on your official page to increase visibility and appreciation.

2. Provide Rewards for Submissions

People appreciate accolades, but they enjoy gifts and discounts even more.  Incentivize content creation by providing minor rewards in exchange for UGC advertisements.  They can take the form of:

• Discount codes
• Loyalty points
• Free samples or trial products.
• An opportunity to be featured on your website or social media.

Make sure your call to action is clear and make the participation procedure as simple as feasible.

Like this one: “Post your ugc video using our coffee maker and get 15% off your next order!”

3. Feature Customers in Paid Advertisements

Want to increase engagement while cutting production costs?  Begin include consumer material in your paid social media ads.  This not only makes your brand more relatable, but it also brings customers the attention they deserve.

Featuring genuine consumers in real-life scenarios develops confidence faster than polished brand-generated material.  UGC ads have been demonstrated to increase click-through rates while lowering acquisition expenses.

Always obtain sufficient permissions and adhere to platform standards before presenting customer content.

4. Simplify the Creation Process with Video Apps

Creating content can be scary for some of your clients, especially if they aren’t video aware.  Make things easier by recommending user-friendly video tools for recording, editing, and sharing footage.

Invideo AI is a standout among video apps, allowing consumers to make high-quality videos using simple text cues.  It’s especially useful for individuals who want to create quality material without relying on professional abilities or resources.

Encouraging consumers to use tools reduces the content production barrier, resulting in more consistent, on-brand UGC ads.

5. Hold a Monthly Contest or Giveaway

Contests are an effective approach to generate more content quickly. Create a monthly user-generated content (UGC) contest in which users submit innovative experiences with your product.

Examples include: 

• “Best Before & After UGC Video”
• “Most Creative Use of Our Product”
• “Funniest Product Review”

Winners may get cash prizes, special bundles, or even the opportunity to become a brand ambassador.

Make the rules simple and enjoyable, and publicize the winners publicly to encourage continued participation.

6. Work with Micro-Influencers in Your Community

Your most loyal clients might sometimes be your most powerful advocates.  Look for micro-influencers—people with a small but active following—who have actually used your items.

Collaborate with them for UGC campaigns by sending them free things to evaluate and asking them to demonstrate the product on camera.

Offer them affiliate links or profit-sharing possibilities.

Micro-influencers can create original ugc video content that feels genuine and trustworthy.  Their fans find them relatable, which boosts the legitimacy of your brand.

7. Integrate UGC Requests Into Post-purchase Workflows

The optimal time to request material is when a consumer is most enthusiastic about their purchase.  Integrate your UGC approach into your post-sale email or SMS follow-up.

Example email copy:

“We hope you love your new skincare kit!  We’d be excited to see how you use it. Share a short video on Instagram with the hashtag #GlowWithUs and tag us; you could be featured on our page!”

This form of integration ensures that you ask at the optimal time—when enthusiasm is high and the product is front of mind.

Final thoughts: UGC is a Two-way Street

When it comes to UGC ads, your duty is more than just collecting content; it’s also about creating an experience centered on content sharing.  You must establish trust, make it simple, and reward contributions.

Allow your customers to become storytellers.  Whether people utilize their phone cameras, professional equipment, or video tools like Invideo AI, what counts is the authenticity they bring to your company.

By actively supporting user-generated content videos with deliberate strategies and clever tools, you’ll have access to a wealth of relatable, engaging content that speaks louder than any standard commercial.

Recap of Key Takeaways

Do you want to encourage your customers to start creating today? Share this tutorial with your marketing team and get started on your next UGC campaign, powered by authentic voices and smart video technologies.

Allow your audience to be your greatest content creators, because no one can tell your story better than those who are experiencing it.