With over 1 billion active users worldwide, TikTok has become a powerhouse for brands looking to tap into the magic of user-generated content (UGC). If you’re in marketing or running a brand, you’ve likely heard the buzz around TikTok UGC – but what exactly is it, and why should it be at the heart of your strategy? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of TikTok UGC, explore its unmatched benefits, and show you how partnering with a platform like Ecomobi can take your campaigns to the next level compared to relying on a single TikToker booking service.
What is TikTok UGC?
User-Generated Content (UGC) refers to any form of content (text, videos, images, reviews,…) created by users rather than brands. On TikTok, UGC is the lifeblood that keeps the platform vibrant and engaging.
Think of viral dance challenges like the #SavageLove trend or unboxing videos of your favorite products shared by real customers. Unlike traditional advertising, UGC feels raw, authentic, and relatable – qualities that resonate deeply with TikTok’s audience.
What sets TikTok apart from other platforms is its algorithm, which prioritizes engaging content over follower count. Features like Duet, Stitch, and trending sounds make it easy for users to jump on a trend and create their own spin, amplifying TikTok UGC organically. This means a single user’s video can go viral overnight, giving brands unprecedented exposure.
Why UGC matters for brands (Benefits of TikTok UGC for Brands)
Authenticity and Trust-Building
UGC allows brands to showcase real-life experiences, creating a sense of authenticity that resonates with audiences. Generation Z, in particular, gravitates toward posts from “real people” over expensive, polished advertising content. On social media platforms like TikTok, audiences generally prefer authentic, relatable posts to editorial-style content.
This authenticity is crucial in building trust, as consumers are more likely to engage with content that feels personal and relatable. For brands targeting younger demographics, social proof through UGC is essential to building trust and connection.
Engagement
TikTok UGC often sees higher likes, shares, and comments compared to polished brand content. A study by Stackla (The 2021 Online Consumer Trends Report UGC) found that 79% of people say user-generated content highly impacts their purchasing decisions, and it’s perceived as more authentic and trustworthy compared to other content types. According to Social Media Today, user-generated content can increase engagement by 28% more than other types of content.
Cost-Effectiveness
Additionally, UGC provides significant cost benefits for businesses. Companies no longer need to invest heavily in planning and producing content in-house. Instead of spending big on professional shoots, brands can leverage free or low-cost content created by users.
By encouraging users to create content, brands can save on production costs while still generating impactful marketing material. A report by Hootsuite highlights that UGC campaigns can deliver up to a 29% higher return on investment (ROI) compared to traditional media.
This combination is especially powerful for consumer goods industries like fashion, where authentic representation can directly influence purchasing decisions.
TikTok Study: User-Generated Content Used by Fashion Brands
So, how well does user-generated content really perform on social media when published by brands? Can businesses actually use it to appeal to their target group?
A detailed study examining over 800 videos across the TikTok channels of ten prominent fashion brands (Amazon Fashion, Asos, Bershka, Cider, FashionNova, Forever21, H&M, Monki, Shein, and Urban Outfitters) revealed key insights into content distribution. Out of nearly 900 posts analyzed, more than a third (36.9%) were user-generated, showcasing the significant role of UGC in their strategies.
Meanwhile, the majority of the content, accounting for 63.1%, was created directly by the fashion brands themselves. This balance indicates a growing reliance on UGC to complement brand-produced content on TikTok.
While fashion brands’ original content on TikTok reaches a larger audience in terms of views, the content created by UGC creators tends to drive slightly higher engagement. Specifically, UGC content achieves an average engagement rate of 0.19%, outperforming original brand content, which stands at 0.17%.
Additionally, posts from UGC creators garner a marginally higher percentage of likes compared to those from fashion brands, with rates of 0.19% versus 0.17%. This subtle but notable difference highlights the power of authentic, user-driven content in connecting with TikTok audiences.
How to encourage and leverage TikTok UGC for Brand
Ready to harness the power of TikTok UGC? Here are actionable steps to get started:
Create a UGC-Friendly environment
- Branded hashtags: Hashtags are the first things when it comes to stand-out UGC TikTok examples. Make it catchy and easy to remember, such as: #NikeRunClub or #ShotOniPhone.
- Challenges and contests: To encourage UGC, brands must create content that is both engaging and shareable. This involves understanding the preferences of TikTok’s audience and crafting content that resonates with them. Brands can leverage trending challenges, music, and filters to enhance the appeal of their content.
Collaborate with Influencers and Creators
- Partner with TikTok influencers to kickstart your UGC campaign. Their audience can amplify your reach.
- Provide incentives like exclusive codes or freebies to encourage high-quality content creation.
Takeaway: If you want scroll-stopping content, you need the right creators.
While collaborating with influencers can be effective, partnering with platforms like Ecomobi can yield superior results. Ecomobi connects brands with a network of micro and nano-influencers, allowing for a more targeted and authentic reach. Unlike working with a single TikToker, Ecomobi’s platform facilitates scalable campaigns that maximize brand exposure across diverse audiences.
Use TikTok Features
- Leverage tools like Duet and Stitch to inspire creative spins on your content.
- Jump on trending sounds or effects to align with what’s hot on TikTok right now.
Repurpose UGC
- Showcase standout user videos on your brand’s TikTok page or website (with permission).
- Use UGC in paid ads to add authenticity and relatability to your campaigns.
Incentives and Rewards
Offering incentives and rewards is a powerful way to motivate users to create Tiktok UGC. Brands can run contests or offer exclusive discounts to users who participate in their campaigns. This not only boosts engagement but also increases the likelihood of content being shared widely.
Analyzing and measuring Tiktok UGC success
To gauge the success of UGC campaigns, brands must track key metrics such as engagement rates, reach, and conversions. Tools like TikTok Analytics and third-party platforms provide insights into campaign performance, helping brands refine their strategies for optimal results. A case study by Influencer Marketing Hub revealed that brands investing in UGC experienced a 20% increase in web traffic and a 60% increase in conversion rates.
Best Practices for TikTok UGC Campaigns
To ensure your TikTok UGC campaigns succeed, follow these best practices:
- Stay authentic: Let users create content in their style. Overly scripted UGC can feel forced and inauthentic.
- 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 or Ecomobi, Hashtag searches,…
- Set clear guidelines: Provide a loose framework for content creation to keep it aligned with your brand values without stifling creativity.
- Monitor and moderate: Keep an eye on UGC to avoid off-brand or controversial content. Post your UGC TikTok examples on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts.
- Reward participants: Give shoutouts, feature top creators on your page, or offer small rewards to keep the momentum going.
- Analyze performance: Use TikTok Analytics to track views (5+ proven tips fore creators to get more views on Tiktok), engagement, and hashtag reach to measure the success of your UGC efforts. Beside, use Tiktok ads to promote content to reaches more people.
Challenges and pitfalls to avoid with TikTok UGC
While TikTok UGC is powerful, it’s not without challenges. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Lack of control: Brands can’t dictate every piece of UGC. Negative or off-brand content can surface. Mitigate this by setting clear guidelines and monitoring submissions.
- Legal concerns: Always seek permission before repurposing UGC to avoid copyright issues. A simple comment or DM asking for consent can save headaches.
- Algorithm dependence: TikTok’s algorithm changes frequently. Diversify your marketing efforts to avoid over-reliance on one platform.
Why choose Ecomobi over single TikToker booking services?
Now that you understand the transformative power of TikTok UGC, the question is: How do you scale it effectively? Many brands turn to single TikToker booking services, hoping one influencer can drive results. However, this approach often falls short compared to partnering with a comprehensive platform like Ecomobi. Here’s why Ecomobi offers superior value:
The limitations of Single TikToker Booking
- Limited reach: Relying on one influencer restricts your audience to their followers. If their content doesn’t resonate, your campaign may flop.
- High costs: Top TikTokers charge premium rates, and there’s no guarantee of ROI if the content underperforms.
- Lack of diversity: A single creator can’t represent the varied voices and styles that make UGC so powerful. You miss out on the authenticity of a broader community.
The Ecomobi advantage for TikTok UGC
Access to a network of creators: Ecomobi is currently connected with more than 700,000 KOLs, KOCs, Publishers and is present in 5 SEA markets. Ecomobi’s booking service connects you with a diverse pool of TikTok creators at various levels – micro, macro, and nano influencers. This ensures a wide range of authentic voices promoting your brand through UGC.
- Scalable campaigns: Instead of banking on one TikToker, Ecomobi helps orchestrate large-scale UGC campaigns with multiple creators, maximizing reach and engagement across different audience segments.
- Data-Driven matching: Ecomobi uses advanced algorithms to pair your brand with creators whose audiences align with your target market. This precision boosts campaign effectiveness.
- Cost efficiency: By working with a mix of creators, including affordable micro-influencers, Ecomobi delivers high-impact results without the exorbitant fees of a single top-tier TikToker.
- End-to-end Management: From campaign ideation to performance tracking, Ecomobi handles campaign execution, monitoring, reporting and optimization, saving you time and ensuring seamless execution of your TikTok UGC strategy. Brands can track the progress of their campaigns and make adjustments as needed.
- Affiliate Marketing integration: Ecomobi’s expertise in affiliate marketing means creators can promote your products with trackable links, driving direct sales while creating UGC – a dual benefit single bookings can’t match.
Real Impact with Ecomobi: Imagine launching a hashtag challenge through Ecomobi and having dozens of creators – from fitness enthusiasts to beauty gurus – share unique content about your product. Compare that to a single TikToker’s video that might get lost in the algorithm. With Ecomobi, you’re not just buying content; you’re building a community-driven movement that amplifies your brand authentically.
The Future of TikTok UGC in marketing
Looking ahead, TikTok UGC is poised to become even more integral to marketing strategies in 2025 and beyond. Here are some trends to watch:
- TikTok Shop integration: With TikTok Shop gaining traction, UGC creators will play a key role in driving direct sales through authentic product demos and reviews.
- Live streaming engagement: Live sessions featuring UGC creators interacting with audiences will deepen brand-consumer connections.
- AR and Interactive features: Augmented reality effects will inspire more creative UGC, making campaigns stand out.
- Affiliate Marketing growth: Platforms like Ecomobi will enable creators to earn commissions via affiliate links, incentivizing high-quality UGC that converts.
As consumers continue to prioritize authenticity over traditional ads, brands that invest in TikTok UGC today will be ahead of the curve tomorrow. For more insights, check out our guides on Best Tiktok niches and Creating Viral TikTok.
FAQs
How does TikTok UGC differ from brand content?
TikTok UGC (User-Generated Content) refers to content created by regular users, such as videos, reviews, or challenge participations, rather than by brands or professional creators. Unlike polished brand content, UGC on TikTok feels authentic and relatable, often resonating more with audiences due to its unscripted nature.
What are the risks associated with TikTok UGC for brands?
Risks include a lack of control over messaging, as negative or off-brand content can emerge. Legal issues may arise if UGC is repurposed without permission, and reliance on TikTok’s algorithm can be unpredictable due to frequent changes. Brands should monitor content and set clear guidelines to mitigate these risks.
How does TikTok UGC compare to UGC on other platforms?
TikTok UGC stands out due to the platform’s algorithm, which prioritizes engagement over follower count, allowing content from smaller creators to go viral. Features like Duet and Stitch make it easier for users to interact with and build on existing content, unlike platforms like Instagram, where UGC often requires more follower-driven reach.
How can brands measure the success of a TikTok UGC campaign?
Brands can measure success using TikTok Analytics to track metrics like views, engagement rates (likes, comments, shares), hashtag performance, and follower growth. Additionally, tracking conversions or website traffic linked to UGC campaigns can show direct business impact.
How much does UGC cost for brands on TikTok?
The cost of TikTok UGC can vary widely depending on the approach. Organic UGC from everyday users is often free, as it’s created voluntarily through challenges or hashtags without direct payment.
Where can I find UGC creators for TikTok campaigns?
You can start by exploring TikTok’s Creator Marketplace, social media marketing agencies or platforms like Ecomobi also offer access to a curated network of UGC creators, matching brands with talent suited to their goals.
What about UGC privacy and copyright concerns on TikTok?
Brands must obtain explicit permission from creators before repurposing their content for marketing purposes, as failing to do so can lead to copyright infringement issues. A simple direct message or comment requesting consent, along with a written agreement if possible, helps protect against legal risks.
Conclusion
TikTok UGC is more than a buzzword – it’s a proven strategy to build trust, boost engagement, and drive conversions for brands. From creating viral challenges to repurposing authentic user content, the opportunities are endless. However, to truly scale your efforts and outshine competitors, partnering with a platform like Ecomobi is the way to go. Unlike single TikToker booking services, Ecomobi offers a network of creators, data-driven insights, and end-to-end campaign management to maximize the impact of your TikTok UGC initiatives.
