How to actually make a GOOD UGC

User-generated Content(UGC have quickly become one of the most effective ways to build trust, rapport and sales on social media. Consumers are tired of traditional advertising that feels too polished and staged. Instead, they want content that feels human, natural and relatable. And this is where UGC stand out.

When a creator - whether it's a customer or a content creator - shares their experience in a genuine and credible way, it creates a completely different kind of trust than if it comes directly from the brand itself. That's why UGC have proven to be a game changer for companies that want to break through the noise on social media and create content that people actually want to engage with. But there's a world of difference between a random video and a good UGC that is well thought out, structured and created to convert.

Why do UGC work?

What makes UGC special is that it feels authentic and unfiltered. When the viewer sees a person talking about a product, they get the experience of a real recommendation - not an ad written by a marketing team. And it's this authenticity that makes UGC on average have higher click-through rates, better engagement and more credibility than brand-produced content.

People simply trust people more than companies. It's the same psychological mechanism that makes us ask friends or family for recommendations before we buy something. A good UGC mimics that experience online: you feel like you're watching and hearing from a friend who shares a genuine experience. This not only creates more awareness, but also a stronger relationship with the brand - and ultimately more conversions.

1. Start with a strong hook

The first 3 seconds are crucial. If you don't grab the viewer's attention, they'll keep scrolling. A good hook can be:

• Question: "Did you know that 8 out of 10 people make this mistake?"

• A reaction: The creator holds up the product and reacts in surprise.

• Problem: "I struggled for years with [problem] - until I found this solution."

2. Tell a personal story

A good UGC should feel like a recommendation from a friend. This means the creator should share their own experience - what was the problem, how did the product help and why can they recommend it?

3. Show the product in use

It's not enough to talk about the product - you need to see it work. It can be:

• Unboxing the product

• Before and after images

• A step-by-step demo

• B-roll clips of the product in everyday life

4. Use social proof

People trust other people. That's why it's powerful if the video contains social proof, for example

• "I have already recommended it to my friends"

• "See the difference after 2 weeks"

• "Over 5,000 have already tried it"

5. Finish with a clear CTA

A good video should always have a call-to-action. It can be:

• "Find link in bio"

• "Buy this - I promise you won't regret it"

• "Swipe to see more"

6. Use a simple script

A good script accounts for almost half of the success. But it should be a framework - not a forced commercial.
A simple UGC can be built like this:

1. Hook - Grab attention

2. Problem - What is the challenge?

3. Solution - How does the product help?

4. Proof - Social proof, experience or before/after

5. CTA - What should the viewer do now?

👉 Also read: How to make the perfect UGC

7. Create a good brief for creator

If you work with creators, give them a clear brief. It should include:

• Guidelines: Mood, tone and length (e.g. 20-40 seconds)

• Do's & Don'ts: Be authentic, show the product - but avoid sounding like an advertisement

• Purpose: What is the message and what action should the viewer take?

👉 Also read: How to make the perfect brief

8. Authenticity beats perfection

The best UGC are not necessarily the best looking. On the contrary, "raw UGC" often performs better because it feels real. Footage with natural light, handheld camera and personal energy can convert far better than a polished commercial.

👉 Also read: Why raw content UGC works

9. Test and optimize

A single video is rarely enough. Test different hooks, angles and lengths and find out what performs best on your channels. Also, reuse your content across:

• TikTok and Instagram Reels

• Meta ads

• Landing pages

• Newsletters

Conclusion

A good UGC is not about expensive productions - it's about authenticity, structure and a clear message. If you combine a strong hook, a personal story, the product in use and a clear CTA, you have the recipe for a video that actually sells.