9 UGC Video Examples That Work (and Why)

Ever scrolled through social media, stopped at a video, and thought, “Wow, that feels real”?

That’s the magic of UGC (User-Generated Content) videos; authentic, relatable, and the kind of content that makes people pause mid-scroll.

For brands, UGC videos aren’t just engaging - they work.

Studies show that consumers are 2.4x more likely to trust UGC over brand-created content.

That’s because nothing sells a product better than seeing real people using it, loving it, and sharing it.

But not all UGC videos are created equal.

Some grab attention, spark curiosity, and drive sales.

Others… well, let’s just say they don’t make the cut.

That’s where this post comes in.

We’ve rounded up 9 UGC video examples that work - real-world clips that drive engagement, boost conversions, and turn casual viewers into loyal customers

Whether you’re looking for inspiration or a shortcut to creating UGC-style content in seconds (psst… that’s what Minta does), you’re in the right place.

Let’s jump in.

What are UGC videos?

UGC videos - short for User-Generated Content videos - are exactly what they sound like: videos created by real people, not brands.

UGC videos showcase authentic experiences with a product or service. They’re made by customers, fans, or influencers who genuinely use and enjoy what a brand offers.

Think of them as word-of-mouth marketing in video form. Instead of a polished ad, you get real people sharing real opinions.

Common types of UGC videos include:

• Unboxings - First impressions of a product, fresh out of the box
• Reviews & Testimonials - Honest opinions from customers
• Tutorials & How-To’s - Showing how a product works in real life
• Before & After Transformations - Visual proof of results
• Trend-Based Reels & TikToks - Fun, relatable clips that go viral

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Why UGC Videos Matter for Your Brand

User-generated content isn’t just a trend,  it’s a marketing powerhouse.

If you’re not using UGC videos yet, here’s why you should start:

• They Build Trust Instantly - People trust people, not ads. Seeing a real person talk about a product feels genuine, while brand ads can feel scripted. 79% of consumers say UGC influences their buying decisions.

• They Boost Engagement - UGC videos stand out because they feel real. More engagement means better reach, which leads to more customers, without extra ad spend.

• They’re Cost-Effective - Brands spend thousands on video production, but UGC is free. Encourage customers to share their experiences, reshare their content, and let your marketing run itself.

• They Influence Buying Decisions - A simple UGC video, someone unboxing, trying, or reviewing a product, can be the final push a customer needs to hit “buy.”

• They Make Your Brand More Human - UGC shows real people using and loving your product, making your brand feel authentic and relatable.

9 UGC Video Examples That Work

Not all UGC videos are created equal - some grab attention, spark curiosity, and drive real results, while others fade into the scroll abyss. 

The best ones feel authentic, engaging, and effortlessly persuasive, making people stop, watch, and take action.

Now, let’s break down the UGC video formats that actually work and why they convert.

1. Unboxing Videos – The Hype Starts Here

Few things are as satisfying as peeling back the tissue paper and revealing a fresh pair of kicks.

This Adidas Samba unboxing does it right - filmed in POV style, it feels like you’re the one opening the box. Every detail is captured: the crisp packaging, the first touch, the close-up of the design.

Why does this work?

• Immersive Experience - Makes viewers feel like they’re holding the product themselves
• Builds Anticipation - The step-by-step reveal keeps engagement high
• Triggers Desire - Seeing the product in pristine condition makes people want their own

UGC unboxing videos like this aren’t just satisfying to watch - they drive sales by making the buying experience feel real before checkout even happens.

2. Try-On Videos - Help Customers Decide

Choosing the right fit can be overwhelming - especially when a product comes in multiple styles. That’s where UGC try-on and review videos shine.

In this UGC video, a self-described ex-Lululemon employee asks, “Which Define Jacket should you choose for your body type?” 

Then, she tries on each version of the jacket, breaking down the fit, feel, and best body types for each.

Why does this work?

• Expert Credibility – As a former employee, she adds insider knowledge that builds trust
• Side-by-Side Comparisons – Seeing multiple options helps potential buyers make a confident choice
• Personalized Shopping Experience – Viewers can match their body type to hers and decide what works best

Try-on and review videos like this remove uncertainty and make the purchase decision easier - so viewers don’t just scroll past, they add to cart.

3. Haul & First Impressions - The Power of Authentic Reviews

Nothing beats the excitement of a beauty haul - especially when an influencer walks viewers through each product, swatches it, and shares their honest thoughts.

In this video, a content creator sits down to review multiple Charlotte Tilbury products, giving a genuine, unscripted reaction to each one. She breaks down the textures, shades, and whether they’re worth the hype.

Why does this work?

• Feels Like a Friend’s Recommendation – Viewers trust influencers who share real opinions, not just brand scripts
• Multi-Product Exposure – Showcasing several items at once keeps engagement high and increases chances of a purchase
• Creates FOMO – When someone raves about a product, it makes viewers feel like they need to try it too

Haul videos blend authenticity with entertainment, making them a go-to UGC format for beauty brands looking to drive engagement and conversions.

4. Giveaway & Experience-Based UGC - Turning Viewers into Participants

Few things drive engagement like a giveaway, and this video does it effortlessly.

In this Instagram UGC video, Roz Purcell partners with a boutique hotel to give away a free weekend stay to followers who tag a friend and follow the hotel’s account.

The video itself? A dreamy, experience-driven showcase of the hotel - baths, nature walks, a cozy fire pit - all the elements of a perfect getaway. 

Instead of just telling people about the prize, Roz shows them what they could win.

Why does this work?

• Creates FOMO & Desire - Seeing someone enjoy the experience makes people want it even more
• Boosts Brand Visibility - Tagging a friend spreads awareness and brings in new potential customers
• Authentic Influencer Endorsement - The video feels like a personal recommendation rather than just an ad

This format is a win for both brands and influencers - it creates engagement, brand exposure, and hype, while still feeling organic and aspirational.

5. Day-in-the-Life Vlogs - Subtle, Yet Powerful Product Placement

Sometimes, the best product marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all.

In this day-in-the-life vlog, the influencer takes viewers through her morning routine, meals, and self-care moments - effortlessly incorporating products like makeup, electrolytes, and more.

There’s no hard sell, no scripted pitch - just a natural, real-life glimpse into how these products fit into her day.

Why does this work?

• Feels Organic, Not Promotional – Viewers connect with lifestyle content that doesn’t feel like an ad
• Lends Trust to Your Brand – When an influencer genuinely uses a product, it builds credibility
• Creates Emotional Connection – Watching someone’s routine makes the content feel relatable and aspirational

For brands, this type of UGC is gold. It subtly weaves products into real experiences, making them feel like an essential part of daily life rather than just another thing to buy.

6. Try-On & Fit Check - Making Online Shopping Easier

Buying activewear online comes with one big question - how will it actually fit?

In this video, an influencer unboxes their Gymshark order, neatly lays out all the pieces on the bed, and then takes viewers to the gym to show how the outfits look and move in action.

The comment section? Full of people asking, “What’s your height?” “How does this fit?”- clear proof that UGC try-ons help shoppers make confident decisions.

Why does this work?

• Full Experience Showcase – From unboxing to real-world use, it helps viewers see the product before they buy
• Fit & Sizing Clarity – Seeing it worn by a real person answers questions that stock photos can’t
• Authenticity Over Perfection – Instead of a brand ad, it’s a real person showing how the clothes fit & feel

For fashion and activewear brands, UGC try-on videos aren’t just content - they’re customer service in video form. They answer sizing concerns, increase confidence, and drive more add-to-cart moments.

7. Come Shop with Me

Shopping hauls are great - but shopping trips bring an extra layer of relatability and fun.

In this UGC video, an influencer brings their dad along for a trip to Primark, capturing the experience as they browse, try on outfits, and react to the store’s latest finds.

It’s not just about the clothes - it’s about the experience, the reactions, and the fun of discovering new items together.

Why does this work?

• Feels Like a Shared Experience – Viewers feel like they’re shopping alongside the creator
• Adds Personality & Entertainment – The dad’s reactions make the video feel even more engaging and fun
• Drives Foot Traffic & FOMO – Makes people think, “I need to check out Primark and see what they have right now”

If you’re looking for UGC inspiration, Primark’s TikTok feed is a goldmine. 

They’ve built an entire content strategy around real people, real reactions, and real shopping experiences. 

From in-store try-ons to styling videos, they’ve mastered the art of making UGC feel natural, engaging, and fun.

8. High-Quality UGC – Blending Authenticity with Luxury

UGC videos don’t always have to be casual and raw - sometimes, a more polished production is the right fit, especially for luxury brands.

In this video, Instagram influencer Shashank Sanghvi presents a Mercedes-Benz GLC-300, highlighting its sleek design and premium features. 

Unlike typical UGC, this one is professionally shot and edited, but it still carries that personal, influencer-driven feel that makes it engaging.

Why does this work?

• Balances High Production with Authenticity – Feels premium, but still like a real person’s experience
• Aligns with the Brand’s Identity – Luxury brands need content that reflects sophistication and exclusivity
• Brings the Product to Life – Seeing the car in motion, being driven in real-world settings, makes it more aspirational

For higher-end brands, UGC videos don’t have to mean lo-fi. A well-produced, influencer-led video can maintain the brand’s prestige while still feeling real and engaging.

Some products need more than just an unboxing - they need a step-by-step assembly and setup to help potential buyers feel confident about their purchase.

9. Unboxing & Assembly - Showing the Full Customer Experience

UGC isn’t just for physical products—digital products like apps can also benefit from authentic, influencer-driven content.

In this video, Priscilla Corona walks viewers through a workout while overlaying screenshots of her fitness app on the screen. As she performs each exercise, the app’s interface appears, showing workout details, reps, and progress tracking.

Why does this work?

• Blends Product Use with Real-Life Action – Viewers don’t just see the app; they see it in action, guiding a real workout
• Makes Digital Feel Tangible – Instead of just a screenshot or a promo video, this UGC shows exactly how the app fits into a user’s daily routine
• Builds Trust & Authority – Seeing an influencer use their own app reinforces its credibility and makes it more appealing to their audience

For fitness, wellness, and other digital brands, this style of UGC turns a product into an experience, helping potential users picture themselves using it.

How to Get More UGC Videos for Your Brand

UGC doesn’t just happen - you have to give people a reason to create it.

Here’s how to encourage customers and influencers to generate UGC that feels authentic, engaging, and share-worthy.

1. Make It Easy for Customers to Share

Not everyone is a content creator, and that’s okay. The easier you make it for people to share their experiences, the more likely they will.

• Encourage Tagging  - Ask customers to tag your brand when they post photos or videos
• Create a Branded Hashtag -  Something simple and memorable that customers can use when posting their content
• Feature Customer Content -  Reposting UGC to your socials or website incentivizes people to share more

2. Offer Incentives Without Forcing It

People love freebies and exclusive perks, but UGC videos should still feel natural - not like they’re being paid to say something nice. You can use email flows to automate this.

• Run Contests & Giveaways – Reward people for sharing their experiences with your product
• Offer Discounts or Perks – Give customers a reason to post by offering a small incentive (think 10% off their next purchase)
• Turn Reviews into UGC – Ask happy customers to film a quick video review in exchange for store credit or a small reward

3. Partner with Influencers Who Match Your Brand

Not all influencer partnerships need a huge budget—sometimes, micro-influencers and niche creators drive more engagement than big-name influencers.

• Look for Creators Who Already Use Your Product - A genuine recommendation will always feel more authentic
• Give Them Creative Freedom - Overly scripted influencer content doesn’t feel like UGC. Let them showcase the product in their own way
• Encourage Real-Life Scenarios - The best UGC doesn’t look like an ad - it looks like someone using the product naturally in their daily life

4. Leverage Trends & Challenges

Tapping into existing trends can fast-track your UGC strategy and help you reach new audiences.

• Use Popular Sounds & Challenges - TikTok and Instagram trends create instant relatability
• Create a Challenge Around Your Brand - Encourage users to post their best looks, workouts, transformations, or experiences with your product
• Engage With Your Audience - Reply to comments, share UGC, and build a community around your brand

Encouraging UGC isn’t just about getting more content, it’s about creating a community of brand advocates who genuinely love what you offer.

Best Practices for Using UGC Videos Effectively

Having UGC videos is great, but how you use it determines its impact. To get the most out of your UGC, always ask permission before sharing and give credit to the creator. 

A quick DM asking for approval and tagging them when reposting not only builds trust but also encourages more people to share content about your brand.

Since most UGC videos are viewed on mobile, optimizing for short-form, vertical formats is key. Videos under 30 seconds, formatted for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels (just make sure you adapt it to the Instagram safe zone), tend to perform best. Adding captions also helps, as many viewers watch without sound.

Lastly, don’t just post UGC once and forget it - repurpose it across multiple channels. Featuring customer videos on product pages, in emails, or even as part of your Meta or TikTok ads can boost credibility and drive more conversions. 

When done right, UGC isn’t just another piece of content; it’s one of the most effective marketing tools for building trust, increasing engagement, and driving sales.

Use UGC Videos to Drive More Sales Today!

UGC videos feel authentic, and organic, and are more persuasive than traditional ads.

From unboxings and try-ons to day-in-the-life vlogs and giveaways, the right UGC can make your brand more relatable and turn everyday customers into your most powerful marketers. 

But getting and using UGC videos effectively takes strategy - encouraging customers to share, partnering with the right influencers, and repurposing content across multiple channels.

With the right approach, UGC videos becomes more than just content; it’s a trust-building, conversion-driving marketing tool that works 24/7. 

Start leveraging UGC videos today, and watch as real people create content that sells for you.

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