Most brands say they love user-generated content (UGC), but when it comes to actually getting it? Crickets. Or worse—awkward attempts that feel like begging.
But don’t worry. You don’t need to sell your soul (or your product) to get customers to start posting about you. You just need a little strategy, a sprinkle of tech, and a solid understanding of what makes people want to share in the first place.
This is your no-fluff, all-action guide to making UGC work for you—not just once, but on repeat.
Why User-Generated Content Matters Now
UGC is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s one of the fastest-growing marketing tactics—and for good reason:
Social proof that converts. UGC isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore—it’s one of the fastest-growing marketing strategies, and for good reason. It delivers powerful social proof that converts. When potential customers see real people using your products, it instantly makes your brand feel more trustworthy and relatable. Take TikTok, for example—with over 1 billion monthly users, it’s become a launchpad for viral trends, authentic connections, and everyday users turning into passionate brand ambassadors.
Endless content potential. UGC gives your brand a steady stream of relatable content to share across social platforms.
Authenticity wins. UGC brings a human voice to your brand. It slices through polished, corporate messaging and builds emotional resonance.
Just look at the success of Glossier. The beauty brand built its entire identity around customer feedback and real-user photos. Instead of glossy campaigns with supermodels, they repost everyday users wearing their products—and it works. Their community feels seen, and their products become more aspirational because they’re attainable.
High engagement. Most shoppers rely on peer recommendations, reviews, and relatable content before making purchasing decisions. UGC drives that engagement naturally.
Proven Ways to Motivate UGC Creation
Brands love UGC, but many hit a wall when trying to spark it consistently. Here’s how to flip that script:
1. Use Smart Collaboration Tools
One of the simplest ways to kickstart UGC is by making it easier for influencers and creators to collaborate with you. But how do you find the right UCG to amplify your brand without breaking the bank? That’s where leveraging the best UGC platforms in 2025 comes into play—and SocialBook stands out as a top choice.
SocialBook Product Launcher bridges the gap between small brands and micro-influencers, making it easier than ever to collaborate without breaking the bank. With just a few clicks, you can create a task, and the right influencers will come to you. From managing contracts to content delivery, everything is handled seamlessly within the platform, ensuring a secure and hassle-free experience for both parties.
2. Launch a Hashtag Campaign
Create a hashtag that speaks to your brand and invites users to share their own stories. Campaigns with branded hashtags can increase engagement by up to 29%—but the key is giving users a reason to participate. Consider prompts, themes, or challenges to make the idea stick.
Take GoPro as a prime example. Their iconic hashtag #GoProAdventure (with millions of tagged posts) isn’t just about cameras—it’s a global invitation for users to share their most thrilling moments. From skydiving and surfing to hiking hidden trails, GoPro enthusiasts post breathtaking footage of their adventures, knowing the brand frequently features the best UGC on its official channels. This strategy has transformed customers into passionate advocates, fueling a community built on authenticity and shared passion for exploration.
Since launching #GoProAdventure, GoPro has seen over 12 million tagged posts worldwide, with the top 1% of UGC content generating an average of 500K+ organic views per post. Their 2022 'Million Dollar Challenge' (rewarding creators for the best adventure footage) drove a 73% increase in UGC submissions in just 30 days.
To find the perfect influencers for your campaign, leverage SocialBook's SaaS platform. It offers in-depth analytics on engagement rates, audience demographics, and content performance, enabling you to make informed, data-driven decisions and enhance your influencer marketing efforts effortlessly.
3. Host Social Media Contests
Contests incentivize your audience to post content in exchange for the chance to win something valuable. Whether it's a product bundle, exclusive experience, or cash prize, a well-executed contest can dramatically increase UGC submissions.
For instance, Nomad Goods, a small yet highly successful brand known for its premium leather accessories, ran a contest where customers shared photos of their Nomad products in use with the hashtag #NomadAdventures. Participants could win a complete Nomad gear set or a custom leather item by showcasing their personal adventures with the products. The contest encouraged authentic, high-quality content and sparked a community of users who shared how Nomad’s products fit seamlessly into their lifestyles. This not only drove engagement but also helped elevate the brand’s visibility in a highly competitive market, all while fostering a sense of loyalty and connection among customers.
4. Encourage Reviews and Testimonials
Encouraging your audience to leave detailed reviews (especially in photo or video format) is a powerful UGC tactic. Research shows that shoppers care more about the quality of reviews than the quantity. Consider offering a small reward or discount code for participants who post authentic, thoughtful feedback.
5. Spotlight the Creators
Another effective motivator? Recognition.
Highlighting top user content on your official channels shows creators their work matters. Whether you repost to your Instagram feed, include them in newsletters, or feature them in ads, users feel valued when their content is elevated.
Rewarding UGC Creators (Without Breaking the Bank)
People love being acknowledged—and there are countless ways to say thank you:
Offer discounts or special deals. Simple and effective, offering exclusive codes or loyalty points can inspire ongoing participation.
Send a thank-you note. A personal message of appreciation can go a long way in building loyalty.
Monthly giveaways. Choose standout contributors and reward them with prizes. Make it fun and competitive.
Free product samples. Provide a small gift or early access to a new product as a thank-you for content.
Expanding Reach with UGC
Even with a library of high-quality UGC, reach isn’t guaranteed. Here’s how to boost visibility:
Post UGC across your channels. Give it a permanent home on your website, product pages, or social feeds.
Create story templates. Make it easy for users to follow a simple narrative when talking about your product.
For example, Patagonia, the outdoor clothing brand, regularly shares user-generated content on its Instagram and product pages. They’ve also created the #PatagoniaPledge hashtag, inviting users to post their eco-friendly adventures while wearing Patagonia gear. The brand features these posts on its website and social channels, allowing real customers to share their outdoor experiences. This creates a sense of community, boosts engagement, and encourages others to share their own stories. By making it easy for users to join in, Patagonia ensures that their UGC extends beyond just a single post—helping to build a loyal, engaged following over time.
Offer resources. Provide tips, do’s and don’ts, or video guides to help creators craft better content.
Incentivize long-term partnerships. Let creators know that consistent high-quality content can lead to early access, long-term collaborations, and more exposure.
And because SocialBook Product Launcher lets you monitor every step—from proposal to publication—you can quickly identify your most promising creators and build lasting partnerships.
Spotlighting UGC to Maximize Impact
UGC isn’t just about collecting content—it’s about what you do with it. Here are a few spotlight strategies that can elevate your brand:
Feature UGC in ad campaigns. Integrate real reviews and customer videos into your paid promotions to build trust.
Customer of the month. Celebrate a top contributor each month, both to reward them and motivate others.
UGC on product pages. Display user reviews and videos alongside product descriptions to increase conversions.
Include UGC in your email newsletters. Rich, real content drives opens and clicks while making subscribers feel seen.
Final Thoughts
UGC Is a Vibe—and a System
User-generated content isn’t a one-off campaign. It’s a full-on culture. When you make your brand fun to post about—and reward people who do—it turns into a self-sustaining cycle.
Tools like SocialBook Product Launcher help you organize, scale, and actually enjoy the process of working with creators.
No awkward back-and-forths. No flaky deals. Just good vibes and better content.
So the next time someone asks how you built that scroll-stopping, trust-building, UGC-fueled brand?
Just smile and say: “Oh, we engineered the vibe.”
