What is user-generated content (UGC)?
Examples + How to Use It

In today’s content-heavy world, people trust people more than they trust brands. That’s where user-generated content (UGC) shines.

Whether it’s a customer review, an unboxing video, or a tagged Instagram post, UGC is raw, authentic, and real. It builds trust, boosts engagement, and acts as powerful social proof for your brand.

What is Instaplug?

Instaplug is an innovative tool that allows you to display your Instagram feed directly on your website. It seamlessly integrates your social content with your web presence, providing visitors a dynamic and engaging experience.

By showcasing your Instagram posts, you can keep your website content fresh and visually appealing while encouraging visitors to follow you on social media.

But what exactly is UGC? Let’s break it down.

What is User-Generated Content?

User-generated content is any form of content, text, images, videos, or reviews created and shared by people (not brands). It's often voluntarily shared by users based on their experiences with a product or service.

Think of it like digital word-of-mouth. When someone posts a photo wearing your product or writes a review online, they’re creating UGC.

Why Do Brands Use UGC?

Simple: people trust people.

  • 84% of consumers trust peer recommendations over brand-created content.

  • UGC is cost-effective, it’s created by your customers.

  • It boosts conversion rates and engagement.

  • It helps brands build a community and encourages more interaction.

Brands use UGC to add authenticity to their marketing and influence buying decisions, especially in social media, e-commerce, and email marketing.

Types of User-Generated Content

UGC comes in many forms, and each one serves a different purpose depending on your marketing goals. Some are visual and great for social media, while others build trust on product pages or in emails.

Here are the most popular and effective types of user-generated content brands can use:

Content from Social Media

When users tag your brand in their Instagram posts or stories, that’s UGC gold. This content is organic, real-time, and shows genuine excitement around your brand. It also builds a sense of community and encourages other customers to share their own experiences for a chance to be featured.

Example: A customer posts a selfie wearing your fashion brand and tags you in it. You can repost it on your profile.

INSTAPLUG

Reviews and Testimonials

Written or video reviews help future customers feel confident. They serve as real-time proof of your product quality and customer experience. These testimonials act as modern-day word-of-mouth, helping new users feel safe about their purchase decisions.

Example: A 5-star Google review praising your skincare product can be featured on your homepage or product page. Adding customer photos, star ratings, or even video clips can further enhance the credibility and impact of these reviews.

INSTAPLUG

Video Content

Video testimonials, YouTube unboxings, or short-form videos (like Reels or TikTok) offer high-impact, relatable insights from real users. These videos showcase the product in action, helping potential customers visualize the experience before buying.

Example: A tech blogger unboxes your product on YouTube and gives an honest review. This kind of visual storytelling not only informs but also entertains, increasing the chances of shares and engagement across platforms.

INSTAPLUG

Blog Posts

If customers write blog posts about your brand or how they use your product, that’s high-value UGC that can influence readers and improve your SEO. These posts often include personal stories, practical use cases, and real-life benefits that readers connect with more than branded content.

Example: A travel blogger writes a post about their journey using your travel gear, linking back to your product. This not only drives organic traffic but also acts as an evergreen piece of content you can feature in your own blog or email campaigns.

Hashtag Campaigns

Branded hashtags encourage users to join the conversation and share their stories. They make your brand part of a larger social dialogue while helping you track and collect UGC easily.

Example: Coca-Cola’s #ShareACoke campaign encouraged people to post photos of Coke bottles with their names, generating massive engagement. These campaigns tap into user emotions and creativity, giving your brand a viral push through community participation.

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Case Study

Some users or clients go a step further and share their experience in a structured story; this becomes a case study. It usually outlines the problem they faced, how your product helped, and the results they achieved, making it a powerful trust-building tool.

Example: A business writes a LinkedIn post about how your software helped them save time and grow revenue. This kind of in-depth content is especially effective in B2B marketing and sales enablement materials.

Content Collected in Surveys

Feedback forms and surveys often include testimonials, ideas, or stories. With permission, this content can be repurposed for marketing. It’s a great way to collect honest input from engaged users who care about your brand.

Example: A customer shares how your app helped improve their productivity in a survey response. You turn it into a quote graphic for social media. This method provides a steady stream of authentic content you didn’t have to create yourself.

Zero-Party Data

Zero-Party Data

Example: A quiz where users choose their skincare type and you personalize content based on their responses. This kind of user-driven content not only enhances personalization but also improves product recommendations and marketing performance.

Showcase UGC Easily with Instaplug

Collecting great user-generated content is only half the journey; the real magic happens when you showcase it in the right place, at the right time.

That’s where Instaplug comes in.

Instaplug lets you embed your Instagram feed directly into your website, making it the perfect way to display UGC (user-generated content) where it matters most: in front of potential customers.

Whether it’s photos of customers using your product, reviews shared on Instagram, or creative unboxings from influencers, Instaplug helps you display that content visually, beautifully, and instantly on your site.

Here's how Instaplug makes it easy:

  • Real-Time Sync: Every new UGC post you share on Instagram gets automatically pulled into your feed.

  • No-Code Setup: Just copy and paste your unique embed code — no dev work required.

  • Content Moderation: Choose which UGC posts appear on your website and hide the rest.

  • Custom Design: Match your embedded feed to your brand’s aesthetic with easy layout controls.

  • Shoppable Integration: Turn your best UGC into conversions by tagging products directly in the post with Instaplug’s Shoppable Feed feature.

By placing authentic user-generated content right on your website, Instaplug doesn’t just help you build trust; it helps you drive action.

No code required. Just plug and play.

Try Instaplug for Free

Wrapping It Up

User-generated content is more than a trend; it's a powerful marketing tool that builds trust and drives conversions.

Whether it's a tagged Instagram post, a review, or a hashtag campaign, UGC helps you speak your customers' language.

The best part? You already have it, your happy users are creating it every day. Now it’s time to tap into that content and let it work for your brand.