UGC on TikTok: our Guide

TikTok has emerged as a powerhouse for brands and creators alike.

At the heart of this dynamic platform is Creator Generated Content (CGC), a professional and strategic evolution of User-Generated Content (UGC). Unlike traditional UGC, which is crafted by everyday users, CGC is produced by professional creators, offering higher quality and strategic alignment with brand goals.

The main information to keep in mind is that CGC on TikTok plays an important role in marketing strategies, allowing brands to engage audiences authentically and creatively.

For brands, CGC provides a way to harness the talents of professional content creators. But for creators, it offers a real opportunity to collaborate with brands, grow their reach, and monetize their skills!

What is UGC on TikTok?

User-Generated Content (UGC) on TikTok refers to the videos and other media content created and shared by users of the platform, rather than by the brand or company itself. 

UGC is a powerful tool for brands as it harnesses the creativity and authenticity of individual creators (professional or non-professional), making content more relatable and engaging for a broader audience. 

For Youdji, which connects brands with professional UGC creators, understanding the unique features of TikTok that promote UGC is a priority.

TikTok's duet and stitch features are prime examples. Duets allow users to create a split-screen video alongside another user's video, facilitating interaction and collaboration. This feature encourages users to build upon existing content, creating a dynamic and participatory content ecosystem. Similarly, stitches enable users to integrate segments of other users' videos into their own. 

Benefits of UGC on TikTok

Here are the main benefits of UGC on TikTok : 

✅ Authenticity and Trust-Building : UGC is created by everyday users but also by professional creators recruited by brands (here you can talk about CGC, Creator Generated Content), making it more relatable and authentic compared to traditional advertising, which helps in building trust with the audience; 

✅ Cost-Effectiveness for Brands : Leveraging UGC reduces the need for expensive production setups, professional actors, and even high-end equipment. Brands can also achieve significant reach and engagement without a large budget, as UGC can go viral organically; 

✅ Scalable Content Creation : Encouraging users to create content allows brands to scale their content production efforts without proportionally increasing costs;

✅ Increased Engagement and Community Building : TikTok’s duet and stitch features enable users to engage directly with each other’s content, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. UGC on TikTok typically generates higher engagement rates because it feels more personal and less like a traditional advertisement !

How to create UGC on TikTok?

Before creating UGC on TikTok, you neek to learn some tips to brainstorm content ideas: 

✅ Identify your target audience and understand their interests and preferences;

✅ Research trending topics and popular content in your niche for inspiration;

✅ Collaborate with other creators or influencers to generate fresh ideas;

✅ Look at comments and feedback on your previous posts to find new content ideas.

Then, here is our step-by-step guide to create engaging videos : 

➡️ Open the TikTok app and tap the "+" icon to start creating a new video ;

➡️ Select the appropriate sound or music that fits your content from the extensive TikTok library ;

➡️ Plan your video’s storyline and structure to ensure it’s clear and engaging ;

➡️ Record your video using TikTok’s built-in camera, utilizing effects and filters to enhance visual appeal (you can also read our article about 10 examples of UGC videos you should try) ;

➡️ Edit your video by trimming clips, adding text, and incorporating transitions to keep it dynamic ;

➡️ Include a compelling caption that encourages viewers to interact with your content.

Become a UGC creator on Youdji !

How many followers do you need to be a UGC Creator ?

To be a UGC Creator on TikTok, you don't need a minimum number of followers. Brands and agencies often prioritize the quality and creativity of the content over the follower count when selecting UGC creators. 

This means that anyone, even with zero followers, can become a UGC creator. Micro and nano influencers, who typically have smaller follower counts, play a crucial role in the UGC ecosystem. They often have highly engaged and loyal audiences, making their content more impactful and authentic. 

The emphasis is on producing engaging and high-quality content, rather than focusing on the number of followers. Whether you have a large following or none at all, you can effectively contribute to and benefit from the UGC landscape on TikTok.

⭐ Do not hesitate to look at our Blog to discover other topics ! 

Leveraging TikTok trends

Leveraging TikTok trends is a powerful way for brands to stay relevant and engage with their audience. Staying current with trends is essential because it allows brands to tap into the collective interest of the platform's users, making their content more discoverable and engaging. 

However, not all trends are suitable for UGC campaigns. The transient nature of trends means they can become outdated quickly. Identifying a trend, creating content, and then distributing it often takes time, and by the time the content is ready, the trend may no longer be relevant. This can result in a brand appearing out of touch or as a "wannabe cool" entity that doesn’t fully understand the platform's dynamics.

To effectively leverage TikTok trends, brands should focus on strategies for quickly identifying and participating in trends. This involves continuously monitoring the platform to catch emerging trends early and collaborating with UGC creators who can produce high-quality content rapidly !

For instance, evergreen content formats like micro-interviews or "man-on-the-street" segments, which originated organically, tend to perform well over time and can be adapted for various marketing campaigns. These formats are more sustainable and less likely to become outdated quickly. On the other hand, shorter-term trends can be effective if the promotion of the product is well-suited to the trend. For example, a fitness brand might capitalize on a trending workout challenge if it aligns well with their products.

How to collect UGC from TikTok ?

Collecting UGC from TikTok involves several strategic steps to ensure the content is relevant and high-quality. While true UGC (content created organically by users without any brand solicitation) can be authentic, it is often not suitable for advertising purposes or consistent organic branding. This is why many brands prefer to work with professional UGC creators, such as those found on platforms like Youdji.

To collect UGC effectively, brands should first identify and connect with talented creators who can produce high-quality content tailored to their needs. Platforms like Youdji specialize in this, offering a curated selection of professional UGC creators. 

These creators are skilled at crafting content that aligns with brand guidelines and marketing objectives, ensuring the final product is polished and effective for campaigns.

💡 A critical point to note is that most UGC ads seen on social media platforms like TikTok are not purely organic content. They are often produced by professionals hired through platforms such as Youdji. This professional touch ensures that the content is not only engaging and authentic but also aligns with the brand's marketing strategy, making it far more effective for advertising and long-term brand building !

When seeking UGC from TikTok, brands should:

✅ Set Clear Objectives: Define what you want to achieve with the UGC, whether it's to increase brand awareness, drive engagement, or promote a specific product ;

✅ Engage with Professional Creators: Use platforms like Youdji to find and hire professional UGC creators who understand how to create compelling content that resonates with your target audience ;

✅ Provide Detailed Briefs: Give creators clear instructions and guidelines, including key messages, brand voice, and any specific elements to include in the content ;

✅ Incorporate Trend Insights: While working with professionals, ensure they are up-to-date with the latest TikTok trends and can incorporate these insights into the content to enhance its relevance and engagement ;

✅ Review and Approve Content: Maintain a collaborative process where you review and approve the content before it goes live, ensuring it meets your standards and objectives.