The user-generated content platform market was worth $4.7 billion in 2022, and it's projected to explode to $71.3 billion by 2032.
That kind of surge shows how fast UGC is reshaping the way brands connect, convert, and grow.
If you’re not already leveraging UGC videos in your strategy, you’re missing the format that’s building trust, driving conversions, and dominating social media feeds.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
Doesn’t matter if you're in beauty, tech, fashion, or food. These examples will spark ideas and show what’s working today.
P.S. Struggling to scale UGC that actually performs? You can partner with inBeat. It is a performance-driven UGC agency that connects you with the top 2% of content creators to deliver scroll-stopping, conversion-focused videos at scale. Book a free strategy call now!
UGC videos (user-generated content) are authentic clips created by real customers that build trust, drive conversions, and outperform brand-made content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Why UGC works:
Top 15 UGC video formats:
Best practices for creating great UGC:
How to use UGC effectively:
Bottom line: UGC is a high-ROI tool to build trust, boost engagement, and scale content production. Smart brands use it across channels to connect authentically with their audiences.
Need help? inBeat helps brands scale high-performing UGC by connecting with top creators. Book a strategy call to start.
UGC videos, or user-generated content videos, are clips created by real customers, fans, or everyday users instead of the brand itself. These videos can include product reviews, tutorials, unboxings, or even funny reactions.
Their authenticity makes them valuable; viewers see genuine experiences from real people, not polished brand-created content. Whether it’s someone showing how a beauty product works or sharing a customer story, UGC videos help build trust, answer common questions, and turn browsers into confident buyers across social media platforms.
If you're looking to build trust, increase conversion rates, and reach broader audience segments across key platforms, UGC video deserves a central place in your marketing strategy.
Let’s break down why customer-generated content is one of the most effective tools for maximizing engagement and ROI.
Now that we’ve seen the impact UGC videos can have, let’s look at how brands are putting them into action. These examples show how authentic content can drive real engagement, build community, and support key marketing goals.
These videos show real users explaining how to use a product, feature, or service step by step. They work especially well for complex products or tools with customization options. Viewers trust authentic customer voices more than polished brand demos.
That’s why these clips are ideal for building trust, improving engagement metrics, and turning curious viewers into confident buyers across social media channels.
Example:
Our sister agency inBeat’s clients, Prose, nailed this format with a video featuring a creator who took their online haircare survey and unboxed a custom product kit. The walkthrough felt personal and informative, showing how Prose tailors solutions to different hair types.
Product hauls are all about showing what’s in the bag or the box. These videos feature real customers or content creators unboxing multiple items from a recent purchase and sharing first impressions.
They give potential buyers a closer look at product quality, variety, and packaging. It's a fun, low-pressure way to drive curiosity, highlight product placement, and spark conversation on social media platforms.
Example:
A great example is Nicole Pamela’s Mini Sephora Haul on YouTube Shorts, where she showcases her different products in a smooth, satisfying way. It taps into the curiosity of viewers while increasing community engagement.
These videos start with a real-life issue and walk through how a product solves it. They’re perfect for potential customers who want to see results before they buy.
Whether it’s dull skin, cluttered space, or tech frustrations, seeing genuine experiences from real users builds trust. This type of customer content blends storytelling with product usage tips, making it easier to connect with audiences and drive conversion rates.
Example:
Unroll.me teamed up with inBeat to create a short-form video that called out the chaos of cluttered inboxes. The creator introduced the app as a quick fix, framed as a casual conversation with a problem-solving twist.
The video hit instantly with viewers by blending a common frustration with a clear, relatable solution.
Unboxing videos create a sense of anticipation and excitement by letting viewers experience the moment a product is revealed. These clips highlight packaging, product quality, and first reactions, all through the lens of real customers.
Whether it’s a luxury gadget or everyday skincare, this type of user-generated content video adds authenticity and helps potential buyers visualize the product in their own lives.
Example:
Maryna’s Instagram video is a perfect example, where she unboxes her Polène dream bag. The clip highlights the premium packaging and elegant product reveal. There’s no voiceover, just pure aesthetic, which makes it the kind of user-generated content that draws in casual viewers and turns them into confident buyers.
These videos do more than just highlight a product; they share real-life moments. When everyday users talk about personal experiences tied to a brand, it creates an emotional connection and trust.
A skincare journey, a meaningful gift, or a small transformation can turn into compelling content. These authentic stories help build community and resonate deeply with potential customers.
Example:
Icelandic Provisions is a great example. They created a short UGC story about a girl who always loved her dairy-filled breakfast breaks, until she became lactose intolerant. That’s when their non-dairy oatmilk skyr stepped in. The story feels real, relatable, and highlights the product as part of a genuine lifestyle shift.
These videos show real-world use and results; nothing builds credibility faster. Viewers see the difference a product makes, whether it’s clearer skin, a cleaner home, or a style glow-up.
This kind of user-generated video content taps into curiosity and delivers visual proof, which makes it easier for potential buyers to trust the outcome and feel more confident about purchasing.
Example:
Upkeep shared a powerful UGC video tracking one user’s microneedling results across 7 days. It starts with textured skin and enlarged pores, then follows every stage, redness, healing, and final glow. This kind of authentic video content gives viewers confidence in the service and increases conversion optimization across social media platforms.
These videos feature real customers sharing honest opinions after using a product or service. It’s one of the most powerful forms of user-generated content for building trust. Potential buyers get to hear authentic experiences, not brand-created content or celebrity content.
When satisfied customers speak directly about their results, it creates a sense of community and helps drive conversion rates across social media channels and campaign centers.
Example:
Bluehouse Salmon consistently reposts UGC from food enthusiasts who share honest reviews, cooking tips, and recipe ideas. This approach helps drive awareness, educate potential customers, and turn authentic experiences into compelling content that supports long-term brand loyalty and community engagement.
Trend videos tap into what’s hot on social media, sounds, formats, challenges, or viral edits. When real customers or content creators use trending formats to feature your product, it feels fresh and relatable.
This kind of user-generated content helps brands stay relevant, reach broader audience segments, and ride the momentum of what’s already gaining traction across key platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Example:
The #RayBanElevatorDance campaign featured people doing quirky dances in elevators while switching outfits and showing off their Ray-Ban glasses. It combined product placement with trending formats, helping Ray-Ban stay top-of-mind with a younger, style-savvy crowd.
Q&A videos answer common questions directly from the audience, making them feel heard and valued. Real customers or content creators address product details, usage tips, or even concerns in their own words.
This format helps clarify doubts, builds trust, and improves content quality across social media posts, campaign centers, and community forums. It’s a simple way to support confident buyers while strengthening customer relationships.
Example:
ClearScore ran a public Q&A-style video where a host asked random people, “What’s your credit score?” on the street. She then introduced the ClearScore app, showing how anyone can check their score in just 3 minutes. It’s direct, engaging, and educates while entertaining.
Offer videos highlight limited-time deals, discounts, or product bundles in a way that feels personal and urgent. When real users or creators share these promos in their own voice, it feels less like a sales pitch and more like a tip from a friend.
This type of user-generated content drives clicks, encourages quick decisions, and helps convert casual viewers into confident buyers.
Example:
Teagan Kavan partnered with Gametime and shared a $20 discount using the code AUSTIN20. Her laid-back delivery made the offer feel genuine, like a tip from a friend, helping turn casual viewers into confident buyers.
Educational videos focus on teaching something useful. They help explain product features, usage tips, or important topics in a way that’s easy to understand. When real users or creators deliver the message, it feels more relatable. This style works especially well for complex products or topics that require a little guidance.
Examples:
NYC Votes partnered with inBeat to run a TikTok campaign using creators to share voting info in a fun, clear format. The campaign hit 2.5 million views, held an average watch time of 10 seconds, and kept over half the viewers engaged, showing just how powerful educational UGC can be.
Day-in-the-life videos let viewers peek into someone’s routine while naturally featuring a product or service. This content feels personal, unscripted, and highly relatable, perfect for connecting with everyday users.
Whether it’s a creator starting the morning with a skincare ritual or showing a product in use at work, these videos build emotional connection and help potential buyers see real-world use in action.
Example:
Lauren shared a “day in my life” video showing her 9–5 work routine, from grabbing coffee to visiting Whole Foods after office hours. The video blends lifestyle content with product placement in a way that feels authentic and easy to watch, making it a perfect example of community-driven storytelling.
GRWM videos take viewers behind the scenes as someone gets ready for their day, night out, or special event. They’re personal, unfiltered, and ideal for showcasing beauty products, outfits, or routines.
This content feels like a chat with a friend and helps build trust with potential buyers by showing real users, real experiences, and honest product placement in context.
Example:
For a GRWM campaign, Bumble teamed up with inBeat to feature creators getting ready for first dates. One creator used the app to plan a fun thrift-store outing, capturing the whole process, from the chat to the final look. The video made Bumble feel personal, fun, and part of everyday dating experiences.
Shop-with-me videos give viewers a front-row seat to real buying moments. From browsing shelves to reacting to prices and packaging, these clips feel spontaneous and honest.
When everyday users share what they’re picking up and why, it builds trust and sparks curiosity. It’s a great way to highlight customer content and guide potential buyers toward confident choices.
Example:
Creator Vanilla Swirl shared a “hygiene shopping” trip at Target, walking viewers through her must-have self-care items. The video felt casual, personal, and packed with genuine product recommendations. All that’s exactly what makes this type of content work.
Podcasts offer a laid-back space for deeper storytelling, honest opinions, and long-form conversations. When brands collaborate with creators or everyday users, the content feels natural and unscripted, perfect for sharing real experiences, product journeys, or values.
This kind of casual, conversational UGC builds trust over time and helps create a stronger emotional connection with potential customers across multiple marketing channels.
Example:
inBeat created a podcast-style UGC video for Fake Fragrances. In the video, creators casually discussed scent preferences and shared their impressions of the product.
The unscripted vibe made the content feel personal and relatable, ideal for capturing attention from curious, detail-focused viewers.
If you want your UGC videos to stand out and actually convert, focus on clarity, authenticity, and pacing. Start with a hook, grab attention in the first 2 seconds. That could be a problem, a bold claim, or a relatable moment.
Keep the tone conversational, like you're talking to a friend, not reading a script.
Highlight real product usage. Don’t just show the item, use it. Let people see textures, reactions, and results. Create content that feels raw but intentional. Good lighting and clean audio matter, even in casual formats.
Stick to a clear structure: hook → context → benefit → call to action. Keep it under 45 seconds if it’s for ads. If it’s longer, make sure every moment counts. Avoid generic praise, talk about specific features or moments that made you love the product.
Finally, be responsive. Being easy to work with increases your chances of being rehired. Track what performs well and keep iterating.
Great UGC is about connection. When viewers trust what they see, they’re more likely to act.
If you want your UGC to convert, make sure to follow these strategies:
UGC videos create space for real voices, real stories, and real impact. These 15 formats show how smart brands use everyday content to drive community engagement, increase conversions, and stand out across key platforms. When viewers see genuine product moments, shared by people they relate to, it builds trust and moves them closer to action.
If you’re looking to create high-performing UGC without wasting time chasing the wrong creators, inBeat makes it simple. Get matched with the right talent and launch content that’s built to convert. Book a free strategy call now!
What is an example of UGC?
User-generated content (UGC) includes anything created by real users or customers instead of brands. A good example is a customer recording a short product review or sharing a skincare routine on Instagram. These videos feel authentic and help potential buyers trust the product based on real experiences.
What are UGC videos on TikTok?
UGC videos on TikTok are clips created by everyday users that feature a product, service, or experience. These can include hauls, unboxings, GRWM videos, or storytelling content. Since they come from real people, not brands, they perform well with audiences looking for genuine recommendations.
How to start making UGC videos?
Start by picking a product you like or already use. Record a short, clear video showing how you use it, why it helps, or what makes it different. Keep the tone casual, use good lighting, and stay honest.
