Whether you're scrolling through TikTok or binge-watching Instagram reels, one thing is clear—people love video. It’s immersive, authentic, and easily shareable Now, take it a step further with video user-generated content (UGC)—  genuine videos from your customers showcasing your products in real life. This kind of content builds trust and turns your customers into brand advocates.

The best part? Video UGC lets you do all the talking. When customers share their experiences, they’re not just promoting your product—they’re helping you create a community around your brand.

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What is Video UGC?

UGC is all about authenticity and connection. It is any content created by your customers instead of your brand. Whether it’s product reviews, social media shoutouts, tutorials, or unboxings, video UGC showcases your products through your customers' eyes. The authenticity behind it makes video UGC more trustworthy than traditional ads, which is why it’s such a powerful marketing tool.

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And to make sure you're showing off that amazing content, tools like Clipara are perfect for seamlessly displaying videos on your website. With swipeable, mobile-friendly features and customizable layouts, Clipara gives your audience a smooth experience that's just like scrolling through TikTok or Instagram reels. It even lets customers shop directly from videos, boosting both engagement and conversions.

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In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get more video UGC from your customers, turning them into content creators and advocates for your brand.

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Let's dive in!

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1. Encourage UGC on Social Media Using Hashtags

Creating a branded hashtag is one of the most effective ways to inspire video content. Hashtags make it easy for customers to engage with your brand while organizing content for you. A simple call to action like, “Share your experience with #MyBrandStory”, invites customers to post short video clips of their product use.

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How to boost video engagement:

Run a contest: You can incentivize UGC by running contests where customers can submit their videos using your hashtag. Offer rewards such as discounts, free products, or a shoutout on your social media for the best video content shared.

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Example: GoPro’s #GoProAwards. GoPro encourages users to share their most thrilling action shots and videos, rewarding the best entries. This campaign not only creates a buzz around the brand but also keeps GoPro’s content pool full of authentic, high-quality UGC, showcasing their products in real-life action.

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Repost UGC: Feature customer videos on your own social media platforms to inspire others and give credit. Reposting the best UGC on your channels strengthens your brand’s connection with customers and motivates others to participate.

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Example: Another great example is the #AsSeenOnMe hashtag by ASOS. This invites customers to share videos of themselves wearing ASOS clothing and accessories. This user-generated content not only showcases real-life fashion looks but also creates a dynamic, interactive community around the brand.

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Pro Tip: Aside from building a community, a branded hashtag can significantly boost your activity. Using a single hashtag on a post can lead to a 29% increase in interactions, helping your content reach a wider audience and engage more effectively.

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2. Add QR Codes on Packaging to Collect Video UGC

Here's a fun and innovative way to collect video UGC:QR codes on your product packaging, receipts, or even thank-you cards. QR codes are a fantastic tool for bridging the physical and digital worlds. It allows customers to quickly access a submission page for UGC. When customers scan the code, they can be directed to a page where they can upload their own video content—whether it's a quick unboxing or a testimonial.

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Steps to implement:

• Create a Post-Purchase Page: Design a simple, mobile-friendly submission page where customers can easily upload their videos. Include a friendly prompt like, “Enjoying your new product? Share a quick video review and get 10% off your next purchase!”
• Add the QR Code to Packaging: Print a QR code on your product packaging or insert it on a thank-you card inside the box. This code should lead directly to a thank-you page that invites customers to share their experience with a quick video.
• Offer Incentives: Encourage participation by offering an incentive, such as a discount code or entry into a giveaway, in exchange for a video review. This not only boosts engagement but also shows appreciation for their contribution.

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Example: A fitness brand could include a QR code on their product packaging that leads to a “Share Your Workout” page. Here, customers are encouraged to post workout videos using their gear. By doing so, they can showcase their experience with the product and potentially win a prize or receive a discount on their next purchase.

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Pro Tip: Make it easy and fun! Ensure that the QR code leads to a simple and engaging submission page. Consider adding interactive elements, such as a short video tutorial on how to create a great submission or a fun, branded filter to use. The easier and more enjoyable the process, the more likely customers will participate and share their content.

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3. Host In-Person Events and Capture Live UGC

In-person events offer a prime opportunity to capture live video UGC. Whether it’s a product launch, workshop, or store opening, events allow customers to interact with your brand in real-time. Designate a “video zone” where customers can film their experiences.

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How to leverage events:

Set Up Video Booths:: Set up designated "content creation zones" where customers can try out your products and film their experiences. Create engaging spaces with branded backdrops and prompts for customers to record testimonials, product interactions, or behind-the-scenes clips. Ensure the booths are easy to use and encourage creativity.

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Example: Brands like Sephora often host in-store events where customers can film product demos and tutorials that they can instantly share on social media.frequently hosts in-store events where customers can film product demos and tutorials that they can instantly share on social media. By setting up dedicated video stations and encouraging live sharing, Sephora captures authentic, engaging UGC and boosts their event’s visibility.

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Share Live on Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram or TikTok to broadcast the event live, incorporating a branded hashtag. This encourages attendees to share their own videos in real time, amplifying the event’s reach and creating a buzz around your brand.

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Example: Check out this TikTok video by @wearatwist that showcases an influencer capturing the excitement of Sephora's new store opening, demonstrating the products and atmosphere. Events like these encourage live sharing or UGC posts, helping Sephora capture authentic, engaging content and boosting their event's visibility while creating buzz around the brand.

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Pro Tip: Make it memorable and shareable! To enhance participation, offer incentives like instant giveaways or exclusive discounts for those who share their videos. Additionally, ensure that the event space is visually appealing and aligned with your brand’s aesthetic to encourage high-quality content creation.

4. Run “Best Content” Competitions

Running a video competition is a surefire way to incentivize high-quality UGC. Encourage customers to create videos around a specific theme, such as the “best product review” or “most creative unboxing.” Offer prizes like exclusive products, discounts, or social media shoutouts to the winners.

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Best practices:

• Set Clear Guidelines: Define the competition rules and criteria to ensure that all entries are engaging and focused on your product. This helps maintain a high standard of content and makes judging easier.
• Feature the Best Entries: Showcase the top videos across your social channels and website. This not only highlights the creative efforts of your community but also motivates others to participate.

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Example: Samsung frequently runs competitions like the #WithGalaxy campaign, where they invite users to share their best photos or videos captured with their Galaxy devices. Winners receive prizes such as the latest Samsung gear or exclusive experiences, driving high engagement and showcasing the capabilities of their products.

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Here's a video UGC by @agusgon reposted Samsung on their Instagram page. Samsung not only credits the original creator but also highlights the real-world quality and versatility of their products.

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Pro Tip: Engage your audience early! Promote the competition through email newsletters, social media, and in-store signage to maximize participation. Additionally, provide regular updates and teasers about the competition to keep the momentum going and maintain interest throughout the contest period.

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5. Partner with Content Creators

Influencers and content creators are experts in generating video content. Partnering with influencers to kick off a UGC campaign can inspire their followers to participate. Whether it’s through a challenge, giveaway, or product review, influencers can spread your branded message while increasing video UGC submissions.

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Tips for choosing partners:

• Collaborate with Micro-Influencers: Choose influencers whose audience closely aligns with your brand. Micro-influencers often have loyal, engaged followings, making their endorsements more impactful.
• Ensure Authenticity: Work with creators who are genuine and relatable. UGC performs best when it feels natural and reflects real user experiences.

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Example: Partnering with a dermatologist and content creator like @aamnaadel can be highly effective. By collaborating with someone like her, you add credibility to your brand and encourage her followers to create their own UGC. For instance, after using your skincare products, her followers might share their skincare routines or testimonials, adding a personal touch to your campaign.

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Check out this video where she demonstrates her three-step skincare routine using Beauty Pie. She also highlights a special offer where viewers can get a 60-day free trial on memberships and receive a discount on their first order using her code. This type of content effectively showcases the product while encouraging engagement through an attractive promotional offer.

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Another example is MAC Cosmetics frequently partners with beauty influencers for UGC campaigns that feature product tutorials and reviews. These collaborations help showcase the products in real-life scenarios and drive engagement from the influencers’ audiences.

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Check out this video where beauty influencer @cam_kangas shares a makeup tutorial featuring MAC products.

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Pro Tip: Kick off with a challenge or giveaway! Launch a campaign where influencers encourage their followers to participate in a video challenge or submit their content for a chance to win a prize. This can boost participation and generate a steady stream of high-quality UGC.

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6. Leverage Clipara for a Seamless Video UGC Experience

Now that you’ve got all this awesome video content, where do you display it? This is where Clipara comes in. With Clipara, you can easily showcase user-generated video content on your website, creating a sleek, mobile-friendly experience for your audience.

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Why you'll love Clipara:

• Swipeable design: It’s got that swipey feel like TikTok or Instagram Reels, so your audience can easily flip through all your cool videos.
• Shoppable videos: Enhance your conversion rates by allowing customers to buy products directly from the videos they’re watching. It’s a smooth way to integrate shopping with content.
• Customizable layouts: Tailor your video gallery to perfectly match your website’s branding. Whether you prefer grids, carousels, or even custom shoppable videos, Clipara makes it easy to create a cohesive look.

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Example: Flashpack uses Clipara to showcase their travel adventure videos. Visitors to their site can swipe through engaging travel content, from stunning destination highlights to personal travel stories. Plus, with Clipara’s shoppable features, viewers can explore and book travel experiences right from the videos.

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Using Clipara is all about making your video UGC look great and work for you, all while keeping things user-friendly and stylish. It’s like having the coolest video gallery without any of the hassle.

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Conclusion: Building Your Brand with Video UGC

Video UGC offers a unique opportunity to build authentic customer engagement while driving trust and conversions. By implementing the strategies above, from branded hashtags to in-person events, you can create a constant flow of user-generated videos that highlight your products in a genuine way.

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And when it comes to displaying that UGC, don’t forget to consider tools like Clipara to give your site a clean, mobile-friendly look that enhances both customer experience and conversions. Start gathering those videos, and watch your brand’s online presence grow!