Authenticity and User-Generated Content (UGC): What You Need to Know
Authenticity is everything in the modern digital world. Consumers are quick to spot scripted marketing and are increasingly drawn to real voices and experiences instead. That’s where user-generated content (UGC) comes in.
These photos, reviews, videos, and mentions created by everyday users can result in higher engagement than polished brand campaigns. This article explores why authenticity and UGC matter so much, the benefits for brands and creators, and some practical tips for starting your own.
Why Authenticity Matters More Than Ever
Authenticity is crucial for building trust and fostering strong connections with viewers who are becoming more discerning and can easily identify insincerity. Consumers are becoming skeptical of traditional marketing and now prefer to see real people endorsing products they actually use themselves. Authenticity in this area can lead to higher conversion rates than brand-generated content.
What Counts as UGC?
User-generated content (UGC) on social media means any content that is created and shared by users rather than a brand or company. It could be photos, videos, reviews, or comments. Here are some examples of UGC:
Users posting a photo of a product and/or writing a review on a company website or a shopping site like Amazon.
People creating videos of themselves using or interacting with a product or service that they share on social media platforms.
Users engage with a brand’s posts by participating in discussions or mentioning a brand in their own content.
Stitching or remixing a brand’s existing videos and posting them on social media platforms like TikTok “stitches” or Instagram reels
Livestreams or podcast snippets where brands are mentioned during the event and then are shared by the users on their own social media channels (often without pay).
Creators who purchase, compare, and contrast products and do a review on social media to help educate their viewers.
What Are the Benefits of UGC for Brands and Creators?
Here are some of the great benefits of UGC for brands:
Creates authenticity and trust because it comes from real users rather than marketing professionals trying to sell products.
Builds a sense of community as users connect with each other and share their experiences.
It encourages interaction, leading to higher engagement rates on social media.
With permission, brands can leverage user content to promote their products at a much lower cost than traditional marketing campaigns.
Extended reach as users share the content with their own network, and their network may repost and share it again.
Product development and marketing benefits, including feedback and insights into how real consumers use and feel about the products.
Reviews and testimonials provide social proof, which can strongly influence purchasing decisions.
Now, let’s take a look at some benefits for creators:
It allows creators to build a portfolio that can attract future opportunities.
Leads to brand collaboration opportunities.
It can help increase a creator’s visibility and reach, increase their followers, and possibly open more opportunities.
It helps creators connect with other creators to build a community around their work.
Allows creators to express their individual creativity without the constraints of paid brand advertisement guidelines, which can be strict at times.
It can be a stepping stone leading to a full-time career as a content creator and influencer.
Tips & Tricks for UGC Creators
Research your niche and see what other UGC is being created.
Don’t worry at first about investing in an expensive camera, microphones, etc. Many vloggers simply use a quality smartphone to produce high-quality videos.
If you are a vlogger who’s always on the go. Recording video can drain your batteries fast, and you don’t want to be caught in the midst of an excellent shot only to have your battery die.
Carry the EcoFlow TRAIL Series DC Portable Power Station with you for portable power. Its compact, lightweight, and DC-only charging make it perfect for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices. A portable power station can elevate your creator experience.
Create a way to pitch a brand that aligns with your unique style and approach the company with your proposal.
Tag brands in your posts and engage with them by posting comments on their content and participating in any campaigns they have.
Be open to feedback, good and bad, so you can use it to refine your content.
If you spend a lot of time on the road and have invested in additional equipment, invest in an additional portable power supply you can bring with you. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus, which will charge all your DC-powered equipment, also has a built-in inverter to provide AC power for any devices you have that require AC wall plugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between UGC and Influencer Content?
User-generated content, or UGC, is content created by customers, fans, or other regular people about a brand that they share, often for free, on the brand’s channel and their own. Influencers are people who already have an established audience and are paid to promote that brand.
Why Is UGC Valuable?
UGC is valuable to brands because it develops trust and authenticity in a brand, as it’s created by real people who use the products, rather than traditional advertising, where people are paid to promote them.
Do You Need Permission to Use UGC Content?
Most of the time, you need permission to use UGC content for commercial purposes. Even though some platforms allow sharing under specific circumstances, getting clear consent from the creator is strongly recommended.
Final Thoughts
Authenticity isn’t just another marketing buzzword because it’s all about real people and creates trust in today’s digital world. UGC bridges the gap between brands and their users, offering social proof and better conversion rates than traditional ads can. For creators, it opens doors to collaboration, income opportunities, and creative freedom.
If you’re just getting started, remember to identify your niche, showcase your best work, and engage with brands. And if you’re always on the go, don’t forget to carry a reliable power station like the EcoFlow TRAIL Series DC Portable Power Station to keep your content going.