Top Performing UGC Video Ideas for Your Next Project

User Generated Content (UGC) is a powerful tool for brands looking to connect with their audience authentically. As a UGC creator, producing content that grabs attention and resonates with a target audience is crucial. UGC videos are especially effective because they combine relatability with engaging visuals, which is why so many brands seek them out. But what kinds of UGC videos perform best? In this blog, we’ll explore the top-performing UGC video types and how you can create each one for your next project.

1. Unboxing Videos

Why They Work: Unboxing videos have gained massive popularity across social media because they offer viewers an authentic, first-look experience with a product. These videos tap into the excitement of receiving a new product and build anticipation as the viewer discovers what’s inside the box.

How to Create an Engaging Unboxing Video:

• Set Up a Clean Background: Use a neutral or branded background to keep the focus on the product.
• Show Close-Ups: Capture clear, close-up shots of the packaging and the items inside. Make sure the viewer can see the details that make the product special.
• Explain Each Item: As you unbox, describe what’s inside and highlight key features. Focus on what makes the product stand out, like unique packaging or high-quality materials.
• Express Genuine Emotion: React to the product in a natural and genuine way. Viewers love to see real excitement and honest first impressions.

Tip: Use natural lighting to enhance the product’s appearance, and film from multiple angles to capture every detail.

2. Faceless Videos

Why They Work: Faceless videos focus on the product or action rather than the person creating the content. This style works especially well for tutorials, demonstrations, or aesthetic content. It keeps the viewer’s attention on the product while still feeling approachable and authentic.

How to Create a Faceless Video:

• Focus on Hands and Product: If you’re demonstrating how to use a product, make sure your hands and the product are in focus, with a clean, minimal background.
• Use Strong Lighting: Since there’s no face to focus on, lighting becomes even more important. Bright, even lighting ensures that the product is clearly visible.
• Add Text or Voiceover: Since viewers won’t see your face, use text overlays or a voiceover to explain the steps or details of the product being used. This helps guide the audience and keeps them engaged.

Tip: Faceless videos are great for cooking tutorials, DIY projects, or any demonstration where the product is the star.

3. Product Tutorials

Why They Work: Tutorial videos offer step-by-step guidance on how to use a product, making them highly valuable for viewers who want to learn more before making a purchase. Tutorials showcase how easy (or difficult) a product is to use and often help brands highlight key features that may not be obvious.

How to Create an Effective Tutorial Video:

• Start with the Problem: Explain what problem the product solves. For example, if you’re demonstrating a skincare product, mention common skin concerns and how the product can address them.
• Break It Down Step-by-Step: Show how to use the product in clear, logical steps. Avoid overwhelming the viewer by keeping each step concise.
• Highlight Benefits Along the Way: While demonstrating the product, mention its key benefits and what makes it unique. For example, explain how the product saves time, money, or effort.
• End with Results: Show the final outcome, whether it’s a completed DIY project or a finished skincare routine. Viewers need to see that the product delivers on its promises.

Tip: Keep tutorials short and to the point—about 60 seconds for social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok.

4. Video Reviews and Testimonials

Why They Work: Video reviews provide social proof and build trust with potential customers. Seeing a real person use and review a product creates an authentic connection and adds credibility to the brand’s claims.

How to Create an Authentic Review:

• Be Honest and Transparent: The key to an effective review is authenticity. If the product has strengths and weaknesses, mention both. Viewers value honest feedback, and this makes your review more relatable.
• Focus on Key Features: Highlight the aspects of the product that stood out to you, whether it’s durability, ease of use, or unique design features.
• Show the Product in Action: Don’t just talk about the product—show yourself using it. For example, if you’re reviewing a coffee machine, demonstrate how to make a cup of coffee while explaining why you like it (or don’t).
• Keep it Conversational: Speak as if you’re talking to a friend, and keep the tone casual. Avoid sounding too scripted, as this can come off as inauthentic.

Tip: Video reviews are most effective when kept under two minutes. Any longer, and you risk losing the viewer’s attention.

5. Before-and-After Videos

Why They Work: Before-and-after videos create a powerful narrative by showing a transformation. These videos work especially well for beauty, fitness, home improvement, and DIY projects, as they highlight the tangible results a product or service can deliver.

How to Create an Impactful Before-and-After Video:

• Show Clear Contrasts: Make sure the “before” footage is shot in the same lighting and angle as the “after” to emphasize the transformation.
• Focus on Details: For example, if you’re showing a skincare product, zoom in on the problem area in the “before” shot and the improvement in the “after” shot.
• Use Time-Lapse or Quick Transitions: These techniques can help speed up the process while keeping viewers engaged. Make the transformation feel dramatic, but still realistic.
• Provide Context: Include text overlays or voiceovers to explain what product or method was used to achieve the transformation and how long it took.

Tip: Pair before-and-after videos with testimonials to give viewers additional insight into the process behind the transformation.

6. Challenges and Trend-Based Content

Why They Work: Challenges and trending content are highly shareable and can go viral quickly. Brands often use challenges to engage their audience and encourage UGC creators to participate, making them a fun and interactive format for content creation.

How to Create Trend-Based Content:

• Join Popular Challenges: Research trending challenges or themes on platforms like TikTok or Instagram and find creative ways to incorporate the brand’s product. For example, if there’s a popular transition challenge, showcase the product during the transition.
• Stay True to the Brand: Make sure that while following a trend, you maintain the brand’s message and tone. This ensures that the content feels authentic rather than forced.
• Keep It Light and Fun: Trend-based content is often more playful than other types of UGC, so focus on creating a positive, entertaining vibe.

Tip: Keep an eye on trends through social media, and act quickly—trends can move fast, so the sooner you jump on them, the better.

Conclusion

Creating top-performing UGC videos involves more than just capturing footage—it’s about understanding what resonates with the brand’s audience and delivering content that feels authentic and engaging. Whether you’re filming an unboxing, creating a tutorial, or joining a viral trend, each of these UGC video types can help you stand out to brands and boost your portfolio.

By mastering these styles and following the tips provided, you can produce compelling, shareable content that showcases your creativity while helping brands build stronger connections with their audience.