The Rise of User-Generated Content (UGC) in YouTube Ads

Move over, traditional ads. There's a new ad creative strategy in town, and it's making a big splash in the world of YouTube. That's right, I'm talking about user-generated content (UGC) in YouTube ads. It's the perfect combination of real people, real opinions, and real entertainment.

Every morning, when doing my quick morning stretch routine, I need to wait 10 seconds before my favourite Yoga video loads - and trust me, this is the longest 10 seconds of my day. Why? Because most of the times I see polished ads with boring stock footage and monotone voiceovers. But it doesn’t have to be that way: With UGC in YouTube ads, you can change the game people view your brand. You get to see real people trying out real products, and giving their real thoughts (good or bad) on camera. It's like a breath of fresh air in a world of scripted YouTube ads that feel more fake than a toupee on a windy day.

But UGC in YouTube ads isn't just entertaining, it's also effective. When consumers see real people using and enjoying a product or service, they're more likely to trust the brand and make a purchase. It's like having a friend recommend something to you, instead of just seeing a generic ad from a faceless corporation.​

Here’s an example of fitness supplement brand Huel and Whoop that I recently spotted on my YouTube screen before my daily morning Yoga. Instead of using static images or professional videos, they used short-form horizontal UGC instead. It felt refreshing, familiar, realer, and I actually enjoyed watching it.​

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And let's not forget about the cost savings: UGC in YouTube ads is a cost-effective way to create content for marketing campaigns. Smaller brands may not have the budget or resources to create polished, professional YouTube ads, so UGC is a smart way to create engaging content without breaking the bank. Here are a few facts about UGC in YouTube ads:

• UGC videos on YouTube get 10x more views than branded content. (Source: Yotpo)
• YouTube content that features UGC generates 7x more engagement than branded content. (Source: TINT)
• When a brand includes UGC in their YouTube ads, it can increase click-through rates (CTR) by 400%. (Source: HubSpot)
• Brands that incorporate UGC in their YouTube ads see a 20% increase in repeat visitors to their website. (Source: Yotpo)
• Brands that use UGC in their YouTube ads see a 50% decrease in cost-per-click (CPC) compared to traditional ad campaigns. (Source: TINT)
• UGC can increase conversion rates by up to 161% when used in YouTube ads. (Source: TurnTo)

But with great power comes great responsibility. No one wants to see something that's cringey, inappropriate, or just plain boring. So, it's important to make sure the UGC aligns with the brand's values and target audience.

All in all, UGC in YouTube ads is taking over the digital marketing world, one video at a time. It's fun, authentic, and effective. So, if you're not already incorporating UGC into your YouTube ad strategy, it's time to get on board before you're left in the dust like a rotary phone. Talk to us!