February 26th, 2025

Katja Orel

TikTok UGC: The Ultimate Guide for Brands 2025

You’re scrolling through TikTok, and suddenly, there it is—a video that looks like your best friend made it. It’s not polished. It’s not an ad. It’s just real, raw, and impossible to ignore.

That’s User Generated Content on TikTok, and it works.

That’s because nobody wants to be sold to. 82% of customers trust brands more when they include UGC-style ads in their marketing. UGC on TikTok feels authentic, not forced.

Big-budget ads scream "BUY THIS!" TikTok UGC whispers, "Hey, check this out."

It blends into the feed.

The algorithm loves it. More engagement = more reach. TikTok UGC content sparks comments, shares, and duets.

Also, It’s about twice as cost-effective. No need for a studio. A phone, good lighting, and a UGC creator are all you need.

Need more reasons? It converts like crazy. Users see it. They relate. They buy.

That’s the power of brands using UGC on TikTok.

Consider this: User-generated content on TikTok is 22% more effective than brand-created videos. It surpasses engagement rates of Facebook ads by 32% and regular ads by 46%.

Plus, 56% of consumers say they are more likely to buy a product after seeing it featured in a relatable or positive UGC photo.

These numbers don’t lie. UGC on TikTok isn’t just a trend. it’s the game-changer.

You can keep throwing money at traditional ads. Or you can embrace the new era of marketing.

Real, relatable, and ridiculously effective.

Welcome to TikTok UGC.

It’s not the future. It’s already here.

Key Takeaways:

  • ​82% of customers trust brands more when they use UGC-style ads.
  • ​UGC on TikTok is 22% more effective than brand-created videos.
  • ​56% of consumers are more likely to buy after seeing relatable UGC photos.
  • ​UGC-based ads achieve 4x higher click-through rates.​
  • 79% of consumers say UGC influences their purchasing decisions.

What Is TikTok UGC?

Brands leverage UGC on TikTok for marketing and to seamlessly blend promotional content into TikTok’s organic content.

Product reviews, tutorials, and trend-driven videos look and feel organic.

Unlike traditional flashy, loud ads, TikTok UGC content organically shows up on your feed—quietly.

And that’s why it works.

People trust UGC 2.4x more than brand-created content.

So if you’ve ever wondered why some TikTok video ads feel so real… it’s because they are.

Brands that get it win.

Brands that don’t? They’re playing catch-up.

Why Use TikTok UGC?

You’ve seen the numbers.

You know TikTok UGC is everywhere.

Wondering why, and how it actually works?

Because it’s authentic, engaging, and insanely effective for brands.

Here’s what makes UGC TikTok examples so powerful, for big brands and small businesses:

You could keep throwing money at polished ads.

Or you could use UGC on TikTok and watch your brand grow.

Your move.

Create Better TikTok UGC Ads With These 9 Steps

Now that you’re convinced brands using UGC on TikTok are onto something, let's get you on to the bandwagon.

If you want TikTok UGC ads that actually convert, you need a plan.

One that hooks viewers, sparks engagement and drives sales.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating scroll-stopping UGC ads that work.

1. Research Like a Pro

Before you create UGC TikTok ads, you need to understand what works.

Research isn't optional—it's the difference between viral and invisible.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Search trending hashtags: Go to TikTok and look up #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt or #UGCads to see what’s performing.
  • Spy on competitors: Find brands in your niche and analyze their best-performing UGC ads. What’s their hook? What’s their style?
  • Check out TikTok’s Creative Center: It’s a free tool showing top-performing ads by industry (TikTok Creative Center).
  • Follow UGC creators: See what TikTok UGC creators are posting and how they structure their videos.
  • Look at engagement: High views don’t always mean success. Check comments and shares to see if people actually care.

How to Make It Works: If you're selling skincare, search #SkincareRoutine and note which UGC ads have the most engagement. See what formats, sounds, and captions are being used.

Want better UGC? Study before you create.

2. Set Clear Goals

Without a goal, you’re just posting random videos.

Every TikTok UGC ad needs a purpose.

Before you create, decide what you want:

  • More brand awareness: Get your product in front of more people.
  • Higher engagement: More likes, shares, and comments = algorithm boost.
  • Increased conversions: Turn viewers into customers.
  • Website traffic: Drive people to your landing page or product page.
  • More followers: Build a loyal audience who keeps coming back.

How to Make It Works: Suppose you’re launching a new fitness supplement and your goal is brand awareness. In this case, you’d focus on UGC ads with high-energy demos, before-and-after shots, and testimonials.

To track success, set a benchmark. If your goal is conversions, aim for at least a 3% click-through rate.

Set a goal. Track it. Adjust as needed.

3. Define Your KPIs

How do you know if your UGC TikTok videos are working?

You measure the right numbers.

Your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will tell you what’s working and what’s flopping.

Here’s what to track:

  • CTR (Click-Through Rate): How many people clicked your link? A good CTR on TikTok UGC ads is 1-3%.
  • Engagement Rate: Are people commenting, liking, or sharing your ad? High engagement = TikTok pushing your content to more users.
  • Watch Time: Are people actually watching, or scrolling past? UGC on TikTok works best when the first 3 seconds hook attention.
  • Conversion Rate: Out of everyone who clicked, how many made a purchase? A great TikTok UGC example will drive at least a 2% conversion rate.
  • Cost per Acquisition (CPA): How much does it cost to get a sale? Lower CPA = a better UGC ad strategy.

How to Make It Works: If you’re selling beauty products and your CTR is below 1%, try a new hook or format. If people aren’t watching past 3 seconds, you need a stronger opening.

Track your KPIs. Adjust your content. Win more sales.

4. Build a Strong Strategy

Great TikTok UGC ads are not accidents—they’re planned.

Without a strategy, your content will be inconsistent, forgettable, and ineffective.

Here’s how to build a winning UGC strategy that delivers results:

  • Define your message: What do you want people to feel? Inspired? Excited? Curious?
  • Stay consistent: Post regularly to keep your brand in the algorithm’s favour.
  • Use a mix of content types: Try testimonial videos, product demos, and unboxings.
  • Collaborate with a TikTok UGC agency: Agencies can help scale content production.
  • Follow TikTok trends: Use trending sounds, effects, and challenges for better reach.
  • Test different video lengths: Some audiences prefer quick 15-second videos, others want more detail.
  • Include captions: Many users watch without sound. Text overlays help communicate your message.
  • Engage with your audience: Reply to comments, encourage duets, and build a community.

How to Make It Work: Promoting a skincare brand? Use a mix of before-and-after clips, influencer testimonials, and how-to videos. A well-structured strategy means making content that converts.

A strong UGC game is a carefully balanced formula of engagement, optimization, and consistency.

5. Create Killer Content

The difference between flop UGC TikTok content and viral sensations?

Quality, creativity, and engagement.

Here’s how to make high-performing UGC ads:

  • Start with a hook: The first 3 seconds determine if people keep watching.
  • Make it feel native: TikTok UGC content should blend into the platform, not feel forced.
  • Use fast-paced editing: Quick cuts and dynamic movements hold attention.
  • Show the product in action: Instead of just talking about it, demonstrate it in real life.
  • Leverage storytelling: Turn your ad into a mini "before and after" journey.
  • End with a call to action: Tell viewers what to do next—"Click the link!" or "Try this now!"

How to Make It Works: A fitness brand could create a TikTok UGC video showing a real customer’s transformation using their product. The story-driven format keeps users engaged and leads to more conversions.

Good content isn’t just entertaining—it makes people take action.

6. Nail the Right Angle

Your angle is the story you tell in your UGC ad.

It’s how you position your product to make people care.

A weak angle and no one watches.

With a strong angle you hook viewers and make them want to buy.

Here are five high-converting angles for TikTok UGC ads:

  • Problem-solution: Show a real struggle, then reveal your product as the fix.
  • Social proof: Use real customer testimonials to build trust.
  • Comparison: Show why your product beats competitors.
  • First-person storytelling: Make it feel like a personal experience.
  • Behind-the-scenes: Show how your product is made or how it works.

How to Make It Works: A haircare brand could run two TikTok UGC ads. One shows a bad hair day transforming into flawless curls. The other can be made with a real customer explaining why it’s better than competitors.

Different angles attract different types of buyers.

Test multiple to see which one resonates most.

The right UGC TikTok content is all about how you frame it.

7. Hook Viewers Instantly

People scroll fast on TikTok.

If your ad doesn’t hook immediately, they’re gone.

That’s why your opening line is everything.

Here are five TikTok UGC hooks that work:

  • "You won’t believe what happened when I tried this!"
  • "Wait! Don’t scroll. This will change your life."
  • "I wish I knew this trick sooner!"
  • "Here’s why this product is going viral!"
  • "I tested this so you don’t have to!"

Want to make your TikTok UGC content even stronger?

  • Use text overlays: TikTok captions grab attention immediately.
  • Incorporate movement: A sudden zoom, close-up, or transition hooks viewers.
  • Ask a question: Curiosity keeps people watching.
  • Show an extreme reaction: Facial expressions create an emotional connection.

How to Make It Works: If you’re promoting a teeth-whitening kit, start with “I didn’t expect this to work... but WOW.”

Your first three seconds decide if they stay or stray.

8. Work With the Right Creators

Not all UGC creators are a good fit for your brand.

Choose professionals who make content that feels authentic and converts through:

  • TikTok Creator Marketplace: The official place for hiring top TikTok UGC creators.
  • Fiverr UGC creators: A budget-friendly option for brands just starting out.
  • Hashtag searches: Search #UGCCreator or #TikTokUGC to find active creators.
  • Check competitor ads: See who’s making high-converting UGC TikTok videos for other brands.
  • Ask your customers: Happy buyers make some of the best UGC creators.

How to Make It Works: A beauty brand could partner with a micro-influencer who regularly posts "Get Ready With Me" videos featuring skincare products.

A great TikTok UGC creator makes videos feel like a recommendation, not a sales pitch.

That’s the difference between ads people skip and ads that sell.

9. Run Ads & Scale Smart

Once you find a winning TikTok UGC ad, don’t stop.

Scale it.

Here’s how to maximize results:

  • Boost your best-performing UGC: More budget = more reach.
  • Use Spark Ads: Run ads directly from a TikTok UGC creator’s account.
  • Expand your audience: Test different age groups, locations, and interests.
  • Repurpose content: Post your UGC TikTok examples on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts.
  • Increase your budget slowly: No rush! Scale up spending once you see strong performance.

How to Make It Works: If an influencer’s UGC video gets high engagement, they can use TikTok Ads Manager to turn it into a Spark Ad.

Don’t let high-performing content die.

Scale what works. Cut what doesn’t.

10. Scaling Campaigns Like a Pro

You’ve got a TikTok UGC ad that’s performing well.

Now what?

You scale it to reach more people and drive bigger results.

Here’s how to do it effectively:

  • Increase your ad budget gradually: Boost spending on high-performing UGC TikTok ads instead of burning cash on new ones.
  • Expand your audience: Test different demographics, interests, and regions to find new potential buyers.
  • Use lookalike audiences: TikTok can find similar users to those already engaging with your ads.
  • Repurpose content across platforms: Share your UGC TikTok videos on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts.
  • Test multiple ad formats: Run Spark Ads, in-feed ads, and collection ads to see what scales best.

How to Make It Works: Sneaker brands using UGC on TikTok could film a "first run in new sneakers" video. If it performs well, turn it into a Spark Ad. Target runners and sneaker fans, then repurpose it for Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts to maximize reach.

The secret to scaling smartly is to test, tweak, and scale only what converts.

Don’t stop at one great ad.

Turn it into a campaign that keeps delivering.

This right here is the full blueprint for high-converting TikTok UGC ads.

Brands that master UGC on TikTok see higher engagement, better conversions, and lower ad costs.

Are you ready to be one of them?

How to Get UGC for TikTok

You want TikTok UGC, but where do you start?

Not all UGC on TikTok happens organically—you need a plan.

Here’s how you can actively create opportunities for scroll-stopping, high-converting UGC on TikTok:

1. Hashtag Campaigns

Hashtags are your best friend when it comes to stand-out UGC TikTok examples.

They give users a way to engage with your brand while generating free content.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Create a unique branded hashtag: Think #NikeRunClub or #ShotOniPhone.
  • Encourage users to post content using your hashtag: Offer a feature on your official page.
  • Use trending challenges: Pair your hashtag with a viral TikTok trend.
  • Make it easy: Give clear instructions on what kind of content you want.
  • Run TikTok Ads: Promote your UGC hashtag to reach more users.

Example: Chipotle’s #GuacDance campaign generated over 250K video submissions and 800M+ video views.

Takeaway: Want UGC on TikTok that delivers? Start with a hashtag.

2. UGC Creators & Influencers

Not all UGC is created equal.

Some of the best organic content comes from TikTok UGC creators who know how to make engaging videos.

Here’s how to find them:

  • Browse TikTok Creator Marketplace: It’s where you’ll find verified TikToKUGC creators.
  • Hire from Fiverr or Upwork: Find budget-friendly creators who specialize in UGC TikTok content.
  • Search hashtags like #UGCCreator: Many freelance creators post their work publicly.
  • Partner with a TikTok UGC agency: Agencies handle the entire content creation process for you.
  • Check your existing audience: Your own followers might already be making great UGC.

Example: A beauty brand can work with a TikTok UGC creator to make "Get Ready With Me" videos featuring their products.

Takeaway: If you want scroll-stopping content, you need the right creators.

3. TikTok Challenges

TikTok challenges = engagement gold.

They’re fun, shareable, and drive massive amounts of UGC.

Here’s how to launch one:

  • Tie it to your product: Make it relevant to your brand.
  • Make it easy to do: Simple challenges = more participation.
  • Use trending sounds: Pairing with viral audio boosts visibility.
  • Feature the best submissions: People love being recognized by brands.
  • Offer an incentive: Discounts, shoutouts, or even a chance to be in an ad.

Example: Looking for inspiration? Just check out some of the best UGC examples TikTok has to offer. E.L.F. Cosmetics’ Eyes Lips Face challenge became one of the most viral TikTok campaigns ever, racking up 5M+ user-generated videos.

Takeaway: Wondering how to do UGC on TikTok? Launch a challenge.

4. Giveaways

People love free stuff.

Giveaways are a simple way to encourage tons of UGC TikTok videos.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Ask users to post a video using your product.
  • Require a specific hashtag for entries.
  • Offer an exciting prize. The bigger the reward, the better.
  • Feature user videos on your brand’s TikTok.
  • Promote it with paid TikTok ads.

Example: Fashion brand Aerie’s UGC giveaway campaign resulted in 660% more engagement and a 200% increase in mentions.

Takeaway: Give people a reason to post UGC TikTok videos for your brand.

5. Duets & Stitching

TikTok’s Duet and Stitch features make it easy to create UGC from existing content.

Here’s how to use them:

  • Post interactive videos: Ask users to react, answer, or join in.
  • Encourage unboxing Duets: Let customers show their first impressions.
  • React to fan content: Brands that engage with users see higher loyalty.
  • Use stitching to add your own take: Brands can respond directly to viral content.
  • Ask for opinions: “What do you think of this?” sparks engagement.

Example: The Washington Post uses Duets and Stitches to comment on trending news, making their content interactive.

Takeaway: Let your audience create TikTok UGC free for the products they love.

Best UGC Content for TikTok

Not all UGC on TikTok gets attention.

Some videos flop. Others blow up overnight.

The difference? Content style.

Here are the five best types of TikTok UGC content you should use.

1. Product Reviews

92% of consumers say they trust UGC more than branded content.

A well-made UGC TikTok example can turn skeptics into buyers.

  • Unboxings build excitement: Show the product from packaging to first impressions.
  • Honest reactions win: The best product reviews feel natural, not scripted.

Example: A TikToker trying a viral skin care product on camera and reacting in real-time.

2. How-To Videos

TikTok how-to videos increase purchase intent by 50%.

People love quick, useful tutorials.

Teaching something valuable makes UGC TikTok content more shareable.

  • Show, don’t tell: Demos work better than long explanations.
  • Keep it simple: Shorter videos = higher engagement.

Example: A creator shows how to do UGC TikTok ads step by step.

3. Before & After

Before-and-after videos get 45% more engagement than static posts.

Transformation videos hook viewers fast.

They make TikTok UGC content feel real and relatable.

  • Start with a problem: Show the “before” moment clearly.
  • Reveal the results: Make sure the “after” moment is satisfying.

Example: A hair care salon using UGC TikTok content to show dry hair becoming smooth and shiny.

4. Storytelling

Emotional UGC ads increase brand recall by 70%.

People remember stories, not sales pitches.

That’s why UGC TikTok videos with narratives perform well.

  • Use emotions: Make people laugh, cry, or relate.
  • Add a personal angle: First-person experiences feel authentic.

Example: A creator shares how a fitness supplement changed their daily routine.

5. A Day in the Life

These videos feel personal and immersive and drive up engagement, more than traditional ads.

They give viewers a sneak peek into someone’s world.

  • Make it casual: No scripts—just natural moments.
  • Integrate the product subtly: No hard selling needed.

Example: A travel influencer featuring a new suitcase in their daily routine.

Here’s why these five formats for UGC for TikTok work best:

  • Product reviews build trust.
  • How-to videos educate and convert.
  • Before & afters grab attention.
  • Storytelling makes UGC memorable.
  • Day-in-the-life videos feel real and relatable.

Ready to Elevate Your Brand with TikTok UGC

You've seen how User-Generated Content (UGC) can transform your TikTok strategy.

Now, it’s time to use UGC on TikTok for your brand.

TikTok UGC isn’t just a trend—it’s how brands win.

Let’s recap the key takeaways.

  • Authenticity sells. People trust real voices over polished ads.
  • Engagement is everything. Good UGC keeps users watching, liking, and sharing.
  • Cost-effective content. No need for high-budget productions.
  • Conversion rates skyrocket. UGC-based ads get 4x higher click-through rates.

Great, but how do you get started and where should you even begin?

Enter Influee.

Influee is a top-tier UGC platform connecting you with over 80,000 creators across 23 countries.

Here are some features Influee offers to help you boost your brand:

  • Affordable UGC Ads. Starting at just 20€, making high-quality content accessible.
  • Diverse content options. From testimonial ads to unboxing videos and Instagram Reels.
  • 80,000+ vetted creators: Access a diverse network across 23 countries.
  • On-demand UGC creation: Get high-quality videos starting at nominal pricing.
  • AI-powered script generator: Instantly create engaging UGC scripts with this AI-powered UGC script generator.
  • Creative strategist tool: Find winning ad angles and optimize content.
  • Campaign & collaboration manager: Simplify creator partnerships and content approvals.
  • AI UGC video editor: Add subtitles, logos, and brand elements automatically.
  • Unlimited revisions: Ensure content perfectly matches your brand vision.

Want to make money without having a huge following? Influee is just what UGC creators needed to become profitable!

UGC still sounds too complicated for your brand? Influee took care of that too. Here’s how Influee streamlines the entire UGC generation process, better than any TikTok UGC agency:

  1. Post a creator brief. Share your product details and content requirements.
  2. Receive applications. Within 24 hours, creators matching your criteria will apply.
  3. Get content delivered. Receive UGC videos in 7-10 days, with unlimited revisions.
  4. AI-powered editing. Automatically add subtitles, logos, and brand colors.
  5. Launch your ads. Deploy compelling UGC ads across platforms.

Premium brands like Layoners have collaborated with multiple creators through Influee, increasing sales and creating stand-out ads.

Ready to start using UGC on TikTok?

With Influee, creating high-performing UGC is effortless, fast, and results-driven.

Stop watching trends—start leading them today!