Why Does Watch Time Matter for UGC Creators? | Raise your KPIs
Jan 27, 2025
How to Skyrocket Your Watch Time and Grow Your UGC Business in 2025
If you’re a ugc creator who’s serious about showing up on socials + landing brand deals, then you need to understand the power of watch time. Let’s get real here: TikTok + IG is all about keeping people on the platform, and that’s where you come in. The longer people stay on your video, the more the algorithm loves you—and more reach equals more paying clients.
TikTok’s average user spends 52 minutes a day scrolling, and if you want to be part of that time, you’ve got to keep them watching.
High watch time = more views = more brand deals. It’s simple math. So how do you get your videos to stick?
Let’s break it down.
Why Does Watch Time Matter for UGC Creators?
First, if you’re building your own ugc brand/account, you want to prove you know how to keep an audience hooked. The more time they spend on your videos, the more the platform will push them out to potential clients. And trust me, that’s exactly what you want when you’re pitching your ugc to brands!
Second, when you’re submitting content for a brand, you want to give them something that works. More watch time means more successful content, and more success means more repeat business. So, let's talk strategy to boost that watch time!
🔑 Watch Time = The Key to Going Viral
Here’s the secret sauce: when your watch time increases, the algorithm starts favoring your videos. The loop goes something like this:
- High Watch Time ⇒ More time on the platform
- TikTok / IG pushes video to more users ⇒ More views
- More engagement ⇒ More reach and more brand opportunities
Yep, more watch time leads to more eyeballs on your content. But how do we close that loop? It starts with analyzing your current performance. See other ways to track your metrics and KPIs.
Step 1: How to Find Your Watch Time
Before you dive into improving your stats, check where you’re starting from.
Instagram: You can view insights by tapping on the post and checking "View Insights" to see your average watch time (for Reels) and engagement stats.
TikTok: Head to your video, tap the three dots, click on “Analytics,” and check your average watch time.
Once you’ve got this number, you can analyze what’s working (and what’s not). If your watch time is only 1-3 seconds, that’s a red flag—your hook is weak. If people drop off right after your hook, it’s time to re-hook them.
Step 2: Strategies to Increase Watch Time
Ready to bump up your numbers? Here’s how to keep viewers glued to your videos:
1. Nail Your Hook
The first 2-4 seconds? Make them count. If you don’t capture their attention right away, forget about it. Hooks should be intriguing, punchy, and straight to the point. Try using proven hooks that grab attention fast—these work wonders for ugc content.
2. Re-hook Your Audience
If they make it past your hook but dip out too soon, it’s time to bring something new. Introduce a scene change, use text overlays, or add a visual effect to re-engage them.
3. Use Storytelling
People love stories. A great narrative can keep viewers engaged longer. Structure your videos like this:
- Problem: Start with a relatable issue.
- Agitation: Dive deeper—what happens if this problem isn’t solved?
- Solution: Introduce the solution (hint: your brand/product!).
- Outcome: Show the amazing results of solving the problem.
Pro tip: People love a payoff, so make sure your story has a satisfying ending. That’s how you turn views into action.
4. Tease the End
Create curiosity! Tease that something big is coming at the end of the video—whether it’s a surprise, a reveal, or something unexpected. Use captions like “wait ‘til the end” or “you won’t believe what happens next” to get them to stick around.
5. Give the Best Info Last
If you want them to watch until the end, drop the biggest takeaway last. People will stay hooked just to find out that golden nugget of info.
6. Master Video Editing
As a ugc creator, editing can make or break your TikTok game. Here’s how to keep things interesting:
- Loop your content—make the video feel seamless and repeat without the viewer noticing a hard stop.
- Keep it fast-paced—no long, drawn-out scenes. Short engaging clips, change scenes every 3-5 seconds.
- Use captions to make your message clear, even without sound.
7. Optimize Video Length
Social media users are on the go and tend to have a short attention span. Keep your videos between 10-35 seconds—that’s the sweet spot for keeping viewers engaged without losing them.
8. Create Native TikTok & Instagram Content
Both TikTok and Instagram thrive on native content. Overly polished videos or ones that feel repurposed from other platforms (like YouTube) won’t resonate as well. Instead, lean into each platform’s unique tools—use TikTok’s trending sounds, text overlays, emojis, and transitions, or Instagram’s Reels features to keep your content authentic. Match the vibe, and watch your engagement soar!
9. Have a Strong CTA
Make it clear what you want viewers to do next. Whether it’s commenting, following you, or checking out your profile, don’t be afraid to tell them what to do. A direct CTA can boost engagement and increase watch time.
10. Use Trending Sounds
On TikTok, 88% of users say music is key to the experience. Instagram is catching up, too. But what if you could leverage these sounds in a completely unique way? Mix them with your content to create something fresh—don’t just follow the trend, lead it. The result? People will keep watching just to hear that sound with your twist.
11. Prioritize Quality Footage
Lighting, framing, and audio all matter. Don’t let poor quality be the reason your video doesn’t go viral. Proper lighting (natural sunlight is your best option) and clear sound are a must!
12. Share the Key Info Last
Don’t give it all away in the first few seconds. A solid content strategy delivers value right at the end. Leave your audience wanting more by revealing your best tip or key insight at the end of the video. But wait... have you considered using a hook in the comments too?
Step 3: Keep Researching & Testing
Consistency is key. Spend time studying what other creators in your niche are doing. What works for them? What can you do differently to stand out? Keep testing new ideas, tracking your watch time, and adjusting your content strategy.
