How to Make Better UGC Videos: 7 Tips Creators Swear By

Boost your UGC video results with practical creator-approved tips and see how smart AI tools simplify your workflow.

Not every scrolling video starts with a film crew or fancy gear. In fact, some of today's most impactful content is filmed on a phone, shot in one shot, and features someone talking straight to the camera like a friend. That's the magic of UGC (user-generated content), and it's changing the way brands reach people online.

But let's be clear: just because a video looks casual doesn't mean it's easy to pull off. Successful UGC blends authenticity with purpose. It feels spontaneous, but it's built on strategy. For many creators, using an ai ugc video generator can be a game-changer, helping to structure content without losing that authentic feel. In this guide, we'll break down seven proven tactics that top UGC creators rely on to craft content that brands want to pay for and audiences actually watch.

What UGC Videos Are All About

UGC, or user-generated content, refers to videos created by real people—consumers, creators, freelancers—not brands or agencies. It’s content that feels raw, honest, and human. And that's exactly why it works.

Unlike traditional ads, UGC videos often feature unpolished clips, natural speech, and personal opinions. You'll see someone unboxing a product, giving a quick demo, or sharing why they love a brand, all in a way that feels completely unscripted. But behind that simplicity is a clear intent: to make viewers feel like they're getting a genuine recommendation, not a sales pitch.

For creators, UGC is more than a trend. It becomes a creative niche and an income stream. You don't need a huge following, what matters is your ability to produce content that feels like a real experience. And for brands, it's a goldmine. UGC consistently drives higher engagement, better retention, and stronger trust than polished ad campaigns.

7 Tips to Create UGC Videos That Get Results

Creating UGC videos that actually drive clicks, shares, or brand deals is all about understanding what makes content feel authentic, useful, and watchable. These seven tips are taken straight from what top creators are doing right now and why it works.

  1. Lead With Something Relatable

Forget the flashy intros. Start with a moment with which your audience instantly connects. Maybe it's a quick "I've been dealing with this for weeks," or a frustrated sigh as you open a cluttered drawer before revealing your product solution. Real moments hook people better than rehearsed lines.

It's not about being dramatic, it's about being real. If someone watches the first three seconds and thinks , "That's me," they'll stick with it.

  • Show, Don't Sell

You're not a salesperson, and that's your power. The best product videos don't just say a product works—they demonstrate it. Show how the texture feels, what it fixes, or how it fits into your daily life.

One swipe, one before and after, or one unexpected reaction can say more than one paragraph of explanation. Let the product speak through your experience.

  • Keep the Message Tight

You've got 30-45 seconds, max. Pick a clear message and build your video around it. Maybe it’s “this sunscreen doesn’t feel greasy” or “I found a blender that’s actually quiet.”

Trying to say everything usually leads to saying nothing. Clarity wins, both for your audience and for the brands watching your content.

  • Let Imperfection In

Perfect lighting and flawless speech? Overrated. A bit of stumbling, an eye roll, or a laugh mid-sentence adds personality, and makes the video feel like it's coming from a real person.

Authenticity builds trust. When people feel like you're being honest, they're far more likely to take your advice seriously.

  • Think Like a Viewer

Scroll through your own feed. What makes you stop? What does it feel like to talk to a friend vs. an ad? Keep these instincts in mind when filming. Use subtitles, tight shots, and quick cuts. Keep the energy up and down.

If your video feels like it belongs in someone's feed—not above it—they're more likely to stay engaged.

  • Match the Platform

Your content should blend into the platform where it lives. A TikTok video should feel fun and fast. An Instagram story might feel more casual or personal.

Small things matter: vertical format, quick pacing, relevant music. Do not repurpose without adjusting – it will feel off.

  • Invite the Audience In

End with a nudge, not a pitch. Ask a question, invite opinions, or prompt a response:

  • "Have you ever tried this?"
  • "What would you use this for?"
  • "I didn't think it would work, but here we are."

These types of prompts turn passive viewers into engaged followers. And the more engagement, the more reach your video gets.

How AI Makes UGC Creation Faster and Smarter

Creating a viral UGC doesn’t mean you need to be a one-person production studio. AI is changing the game, here's how smart creators are using AI to get more done, without burning out.

  1. Shoot and Edit Without a Team

You don't need a full crew to film and edit. AI-powered platforms now help with lighting adjustments, camera framing, background changes, and voiceovers automatically.

You can turn a simple product photo into a full-on promo video in minutes with zero technical skills.

  • Let AI Write Natural Scripts for You

Coming up with what to say can slow you down. But AI tools can suggest hooks, write full scripts, or create outlines based on your product or audience.

It still sounds like you, just a more polished, point-of-view version. No hard lines or overused ad lingo.

  • Create More Content in Less Time

One of the hardest parts of being a creator is staying consistent. AI lets you generate multiple versions of a single video: different lengths, call-to-action, or styles.

This makes it easy to post consistently across platforms without having to shoot everything from scratch. You stay visible and fresh, without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Cut Costs on Production

Hiring editors, designers, and voice actors adds up fast. AI tools replace these roles by automating everything from subtitles to transitions to voiceovers. The result? Videos that look professional – without the price tag or time lag.

With the right tools, AI helps you spend less time stuck in production mode and more time doing what actually grows your brand.

Why Creators Are Turning to Topview

Most video tools weren't made for today's fast-moving content game. They are either too complex, too generic, or just too slow. That's why more and more creators are turning to Topview, an AI-powered platform designed to take the friction out of making UGC videos that actually convert.

Turn Product Images Into Scroll-Stopping Content

Got product photos but no time or team to shoot video? Topview transforms static images into full videos, complete with motion, AI-generated models, and branded scenes. No filming needed, no editing headaches.

You Get UGC Style Videos Without Being on Camera

With Topview's Product Avatar, you can choose from hundreds of AI avatars that will hold, show, and talk about your product on screen. They move, lip-sync, and present just like a real creator, so you get the UGC look without having to get in front of the lens.

It Handles Editing So You Don’t Have To

Things like subtitles, transitions, background music, and formatting are automatically baked in. The platform generates clean, vertical-ready videos tailored for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and more. It’s as close as it gets to one click video creation.

Built for Creators, Not Just Video Editors

Topview isn't just a repackaged editing app. Each feature is built with UGC's modern needs in mind, from AI voiceovers in 30+ languages to custom branding tools. It’s fast, intuitive, and doesn't require any editing experience.

Conclusion

Creating UGC videos that actually drive results doesn't require a studio, script, or big budget, it just requires clarity, consistency, and the right support. The most effective creators today aren't the ones doing more, they're the ones doing it smarter.

By focusing on simple, proven techniques and tapping into tools built for speed and quality like Topview, anyone can turn everyday product content into videos that feel real, relatable, and ready to perform.

Whether you're creating your first piece or scaling up your content output, now's the time to simplify your workflow and step up your video game. Because better UGC is not about doing everything – it's about doing the right things.