From organic posts to paid ads, brands are going all-in UGC videos for good reason. Here are 16 types of user-generated videos to consider for your next campaign.
Video content is more valuable than ever for brands.
Especially UGC videos that highlight real people using your products in the wild.
Videos are by far the most important type of UGC for marketers right now. We've seen a 37% lift in brands requesting short-form videos via TikTok and Instagram Reels over photos year-over-year.
Want to see the types of videos brands are requesting from influencers to build awareness and drive sales? In this post, we'll break down UGC video examples and why they work.
Good news: user-generated video content is fair game for brands of all shapes and sizes.
And no matter what you're selling, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to potential formats.
Below are sixteen examples to inspire you to use more UGC videos in your marketing campaigns.
Creators unboxing products and sharing their genuine first impressions is surprisingly compelling.
And while this format may seem simple, it's super effective for showcasing products.
In this UGC video, Lensmart tapped into the power of unboxing content by having a creator reveal a variety of trendy glasses sent in a PR package. The creator tries them on with genuine enthusiasm before sharing her discount code.
Unboxings are among the most popular types of content on TikTok and Instagram with millions of posts on each platform. Through tactics like product gifting and seeding, brands can generate authentic reactions and ad-worthy content through these types of videos.
Sure, most UGC videos are technically "product-in-action" videos.
But these videos are specifically about demonstrating how products work in real-life scenarios, including practical uses and benefits.
In the example below, the creator applies a concealer and how well the product works is immediately clear. No elaborate setup or further context is necessary to highlight the product's results.
These types of videos stick to the principle of "show, don't tell." That's why they work.
For this type of UGC video, simplicity is key. Let your UGC creators focus on showing the real results shoppers can expect and how your products live up to their hype.
Another way to showcase the positive results of a product is through a before-and-after video.
While this is often done through UGC photos, videos offer a way for brands to highlight real-time results that are even more authentic and entertaining.
These videos work because viewers see the immediate, impactful results. The more striking the difference between the "before" and "after," the more impressed your audience will be.
This example from Peach & Lily also shows how brands can repurpose user-generated content to promote UGC videos via Instagram Reels. Note how this particular Reel tagged the creator and earned impressive engagement, too.
Similar to unboxing content, these videos involve creators trying out products and filming their real-time reactions. Authentic reactions do double duty of building trust and driving engagement.
Product test and reaction videos are popular on TikTok, especially among creators who go out of their way to try viral products that might be popping off on TikTok Shop.
The example below for Love and Pebble highlights why. Note how the creator is blown away by how soft, moisturized and incredible her skin feels as the product delivers real results.
The creator's honest reaction is a recipe for engagement. Note how the brand likewise ran this post as a Spark Ad to piggyback on the post's performance and drive conversions. Given how well TikTok UGC videos perform as ads, this strategy makes perfect sense!
These videos are bite-sized tutorials that simplify complex information, explaining why a product works in a way that viewers can understand.
This format is important for products that contain special ingredients, like skincare or food items.
Check out how Versed used a UGC video to explain how products using retinol repair dark spots and acne marks. The brand made the science behind its products digestible and to-the-point.
UGC explainer videos win when they're short and sweet. If you plan on briefing creators on explainer content, make sure not to go overboard with details or jargon that could overwhelm their audiences. When in doubt, let them sing the praises of your products in their own way.
In these UGC videos, creators seamlessly blend products into their everyday routines (think:skincare or styling tutorials).
Check out how the creator below shares her new haircare discovery and how she "cured" her frizzy hair. She even lets viewers know where to buy it and recommends the brand's whole product line.
This type of UGC hits just because it feels relatable and authentic, connecting with viewers on a personal level. The creator's enthusiasm and rapid delivery are what sell it for us.
Videos like this represent something that highly produced branded content can’t really do. Likewise, UGC videos can highlight product results in more detail than UGC photos by default.
Consumers love to learn via short-form videos. With life hack videos, creators share creative tips and hacks that incorporate your products into everyday tasks to make life easier.
Check out how IPSY posted a tip video on TikTok, highlighting a valuable life hack for their viewers.
Consider that UGC videos featuring quick and clever hacks naturally encourage shares. This boosts organic reach and engagement. Plus, viewers are more likely to comment, save or "Like" these videos because they provide immediate and valuable takeaways.
In these videos, creators use products as part of their daily routines in a way that's super relatable.
Look at the TikTok below as a great example of how well GRWM content works.
Despite being just six seconds long, the creator's bite-sized routine video went viral and earned over 12 million views! Note how the creator's audience flooded the video's comments asking where to buy the products, too.
GRWM videos are a perfect way for creators (and brands) to naturally showcase products in action. The easier it is for someone to imagine your product as part of their daily routine, the better.
No surprises here! With these videos, creators share honest reviews or recommendations. Their goal is to build trust with their audience through a personal endorsement.
Done right, UGC video reviews can transform into genuine recommendations when the product is the perfect fit for a creator. This lip liner review on TikTok below is a great example of what we mean.
And this type of content feels more trustworthy than brand-generated content because it's coming directly from a creator's account with their unfiltered opinions.
Makes sense! After all, today’s shoppers seek real feedback from real people.
Testimonial videos go a step beyond reviews, featuring real consumers sharing their positive experiences with a product.
Note how the brand in the example below showcases a video from a creator highlighting their product’s positive results in a detailed voiceover.
These types of videos are a proven way for brands to build customer loyalty and likewise incorporate storytelling into their UGC strategies. After all, who better to tell your story than satisfied customers?
In these videos, creators present a first-person perspective to talk about relatable scenarios with a product. The goal here is to make viewers feel directly involved.
In the example below, the creator describes her haircare struggles and shows off a product that actually worked to help. The result? Content that feels authentic and resonates deeply with viewers.
Consider how micro-influencers and UGC creators excel at authentic storytelling, making them perfect for showcasing products in videos like these.
In these videos, creators document a typical day while effortlessly weaving products into their activities. You can think of these as "natural" product placements.
In the example below, the creator’s "What I Ate Today" video went viral simply by offering a genuine look into her daily routine and the products she ate throughout.
Granted you're partnering with relevant creators, these types of UGC videos offer a way to promote products in a way that's authentic rather than salesy.
These videos show how products can solve everyday problems or meet specific needs. This is a great way to position your product as being "practical."
For example, the creator below went viral by demonstrating how $5 wire baskets from Target and craft deli papers from Amazon can replace paper plates.
These videos tackle specific pain points and offer quick, actionable solutions that viewers can immediately apply. Much like life hack videos, they are are prime for saving and sharing.
Polls are an effective way to engage viewers as they have a built-in hook.
The idea here is simple: choose between two product options or styles and feature them in a video.
Then, select your favorite or encourage viewers to the do the same. In the UGC video example below, the brand prompted viewers to pick between two classy dress options.
For brands, "This or That" is all about driving discussions while also learning what customers want. Since people love sharing their opinions in these types of videos, they're more likely to earn engagement as comments and interactions are a positive signal to both the TikTok and IG algorithms.
In these videos, creators showcase new products received as gifts or through seeding campaigns. They share their initial excitement and thoughts, building anticipation and hype in the process.
In this TikTok UGC video, the creator has just returned from vacation and is thrilled to unbox gifts from multiple brands.
And despite the video’s length, viewers stay engaged as they're eager to see each product reveal.
This type of videos keeps viewers hooked as they anticipate the creator’s reactions. These genuine first impressions make the content feel real and relatable.
In these videos, UGC creators generate buzz by revealing or announcing a new product or launch on behalf of a brand.
That’s exactly what GlitterGirl did with their new Sparkle Under Eye Masks. In their IG video, a UGC creator not only announces a new product but also reviews multiple versions of it.
This is a perfect way for brands to build anticipation and give viewers an inside look at what’s coming.
To say that UGC videos are a must-have for brands is a big understatement.
From organic to paid social and beyond, user-generated content is a scalable way to strengthen performance across multiple channels while building trust with your target audience.
But both encouraging and collecting customer videos is easier said than done, especially when you have to manage content rights and UGC permissions across hundreds of creators.
That’s where Statusphere's software can help.
Our platform connects brands with vetted micro-influencers to generate rights-ready UGC videos at scale. We automate everything related to permissions and usage rights, so you can get UGC videos faster. All ready to repurpose across ads, product pages and other key channels.
Want to see how our software works? Get in touch with one of our experts to learn how we can scale your UGC with guaranteed content from vetted creators.
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