Ready to level up your UGC (user-generated content) game and catch the eye of the top brands? Whether you're a seasoned influencer or just diving into the world of content creation, mastering these UGC video types is your golden ticket to stand out and score those dreamy collabs. Let’s break down each style and give you some actionable steps when creating each!

1. Unboxings + Hauls

Unboxing + Haul videos are product-forward but still very organic if executed right! They create a buzz and showcase the product's packaging and first impressions, making viewers feel like they're part of the experience. Brands love this style of UGC because it highlights their product's appeal and generates authentic hype.

How to Nail It:

• Close-up shots of packaging and branding.
• Step-by-step unwrapping of the product.
• Initial thoughts and impressions of the product.
• Clear visuals of the product and its features.
• Mention of where to buy the product.
• Quick clips and multiple angles of each product + packaging 
• Call to action
• Optional: ASMR style unboxings perform really well
• Example UGC Unboxing Video
• Example Haul Video

2. Honest Product Reviews

Product reviews are trusted sources of information, they build trust with customers based on real-life use + storytelling. They give potential buyers the scoop on what’s hot and what’s not, directly from someone they trust. Brands LOVE these videos because they offer detailed insights and genuine feedback, boosting credibility and driving sales.

How to Nail It:

• Introduction of the product and brand.
• Honest and detailed opinions about the product.
• Highlighting key features and benefits.
• Showing the use case of the product
• Comparison with similar products/competitors (if applicable).
• Personal experience/story and usage scenarios.
• Clear visuals and demonstration of the product in use.
• Pros and cons list.
• Optional: side by side before and after using the product
• Call to action (e.g., "Check it out at…", "Buy now at…").

3. Trends + Challenges

Trend videos are all about riding the wave of what's in right now. They keep content relevant and engaging, while seamlessly integrating products into popular challenges or themes. Brands NEED these videos because they reach a wide audience and show that the brand is trendy and tech-savvy. The goal is to gain exposure to new, different audiences.

Dance Trends: Tap into trending dances to get your video noticed. You can include brands in these videos for example wearing a t-shirt for a brand while also doing a viral dance (making it look organic and unplanned)

Lip-Syncing: Tap into trending audio tracks to resonate with your audience and stay top of mind. Depending on the audio track, this can also make way for a creative spin and an added layer of entertainment value. You can also interject the product into the video in a clever way.

How to Nail It:

• Use of current music, challenges, or viral content.
• Relatable and engaging content that fits the trend.
• Quick and catchy editing to maintain viewer interest.
• Inclusion of trending hashtags and effects.
• Integration of the product in a natural and seamless way.

4. Green Screen

Green screen videos are a new wave of content—they can transport your viewer anywhere! This style is effective for creating visually captivating content that stands out.  Brands love the versatility and creativity that green screen effects bring to showcasing their products in various environments. Green screens can be used for educational purposes and so much more!

How to Nail It:

• Clean and well-lit background for chroma keying. I suggest using CapCut for Green Screen videos.
• Relevant and high-quality background images or videos.
• Clear and concise messaging.
• Smooth transitions and editing.
• Appropriate use of the green screen effect to enhance the content, not distract from it.
• Formula for Success:
  • Start with a greenscreen visual in the hook: notes app, brand’s website, show press 
  • Introduce the product 
  • Show the features/benefits 
  • Your life is so much better now thanks to...
  • Call to action 

5. Paid Ads

Paid ads need to hit hard and fast. They’re crafted to grab attention and deliver a clear, compelling message within seconds and get the viewer to take action (aka purchase). Brands invest in these videos to drive conversions and showcase their products in the best light possible, maximizing return on investment. These videos should follow the scripting formula, starting with a HOOK and ending with a strong CTA.

How to Nail It:

• Strong hook in the first few seconds to grab attention.
• Clear and engaging script following the direct response formula.
• High-quality visuals and audio.
• Clear demonstration of the product's benefits, and value prop callouts.
• Strong and compelling call to action.
• Branding elements (logo, slogan, etc.).
• Compliance with any advertising guidelines provided by the brand.
• Royalty-Free music
• Example Paid Ad Video

6. Lifestyle / Vlog

Lifestyle videos showcase how a product seamlessly fits into your daily life, making it super relatable and desirable. Brands love these videos because they enhance the product’s appeal by demonstrating real-life usage in a natural, engaging way. The goal is to showcase the value and aesthetic of the product in day-to-day life.

How to Nail It:

• Authentic and relatable scenarios.
• B-roll shots
• Natural integration of the product into everyday life.
• Engaging storytelling and personal anecdotes.
• High-quality visuals showcasing different environments.
• Focus on the product’s role in improving or complementing a lifestyle.
• Example Lifestyle UGC video

7. ASMR

ASMR videos use the power of sound and visuals to create a calming immersive experience that keeps viewers coming back. They create an immersive sensory experience that keeps viewers hooked. Brands like these videos because they highlight product details in a soothing, captivating way that can make any product feel luxurious.

How to Nail It:

• High-quality microphone to capture subtle sounds. I use the mini microphones from Amazon, you can check them out here.
• Close-up visuals of the product and its textures.
• Slow and deliberate movements to enhance the sensory experience.
• Gentle and soothing voiceover.
• Creative use of everyday sounds (e.g., tapping, crinkling, whispering).
• Satisfying visuals and sounds that are on beat with the visual
• Example ASMR video

8. Tutorials / How to

Tutorials offer step-by-step guidance, making them super helpful and shareable. They demonstrate a product’s value by showing exactly how it works. Brands love these videos because they educate consumers and boost confidence in purchasing decisions. Tutorials offer practical value, teaching your audience how to get the most out of a product.

How to Nail It:

• Clear and concise step-by-step instructions.
• Demonstration of the product’s use.
• High-quality close-up shots of each step.
• Voiceover or on-screen text to guide viewers.
• Tips and tricks to optimize product usage.
• Before and after comparisons (if applicable).
• This can include recipes and featuring the product as an ingredient

9. BTS (Behind-the-Scenes)

BTS footage gives your viewers a peek behind the curtain, making them feel part of your journey and building a deeper connection with the audience. They create transparency and authenticity, which are gold for brands looking to build trust and loyalty with their consumers.

How to Nail It:

• Candid and authentic footage of the creation process.
• Insights into the brand or product development.
• Personal anecdotes and experiences.
• High-quality visuals capturing the workspace or setting.
• Engaging and relatable storytelling.

10. Testimonials

Testimonials use personal experiences to influence others, lending authenticity and persuasiveness to your content. They feature real people sharing their honest experiences, which can be incredibly persuasive. Brands love these videos because they add authenticity and credibility to their products.

How to Nail It:

• Genuine and heartfelt personal stories.
• Clear and articulate delivery.
• High-quality visuals and audio.
• Emphasis on specific benefits and results of the product.
• Personal endorsement and call to action.

11. Q&A Videos

Q&A videos are perfect for building a direct connection with an audience. They address common questions and concerns, fostering transparency and trust. Brands love these because they provide clear, honest communication about their products. You can use the sticker feature and place a question on the screen and then respond in the video to that question, this is an organic feeling video that can be great for a brand's socials.

How to Nail It:

• Answering frequently asked questions about the product.
• Clear and concise responses that are also relatable.
• Personal anecdotes and experiences.
• Encouraging viewers to leave their thoughts in the comments

12. Problem/Solution

Problem/solution videos are the ultimate way to address pain points and provide value. They identify a common issue and demonstrate how a product can solve it, making them super relatable. Brands love these because they highlight the product’s effectiveness and show real-life applications, driving home the product's value. These videos follow the direct response formula and are the most reliable UGC-style ad for brands. Typically, if brands are asking for UGC content for paid ads, this is what you will be delivering in most cases. 

How to Nail It:

• Start with a Hook: Catch the attention of the viewer in the first 2-3 seconds.
  • TikTok made me buy this...
  • No one can convince me there is a better (product) 
• Introduce a relatable problem (that the target audience would also experience) 
• Followed by a solution that the brand/product can solve. The brand is the solution to X.
  • The Value Props can also contain the solution
• Value Props: These are unique selling points that set the brand/product apart from the rest of its competition. You can usually find these on the brand's website & marketing platforms.
• Social Proof: (Not a necessary step) Gains credibility and authority. When we see other people buying something, it affects our buying decisions, too.
  • i.e. praises on social media, positive 5-star reviews + expert opinions
  • I saw this viral product all over my FYP... 

• Call To Action: The goal is to communicate “buy now” with a sense of urgency. At the end of the day, brands need sales. Here are some call-to-action examples:

  • i.e. Get yours today!
  • i.e Click the link in my bio
• Example Problem/Solution video