Top 10 Tips to Film a User Generated Content (UGC) Video

Ever tried to film a UGC video and ended up more blooper than blockbuster? 

Fear not! 

This article is your behind-the-scenes guide to creating content that clicks, not clunks — stay tuned for pro tips that’ll turn those ‘oops’ into ‘oohs’!

TL;DR:

• Understand your audience: Tailor your UGC videos to your audience’s preferences and the platforms they frequent.
• Plan your content: Use scripting and storyboarding to outline your video’s message and visual flow.
• Choose the right equipment: Use accessible gear like smartphones, stabilizers, and external mics for quality footage.
• Focus on lighting: Leverage natural light or artificial lighting setups for clear and appealing visuals.
• Capture high-quality audio: Record in quiet settings and consider external microphones for clear sound.
• Composition and framing: Employ the rule of thirds and vary shot types to enhance visual appeal and maintain viewer interest.
• Encourage authenticity: Let genuine emotions and stories shine for relatable and engaging content.
• Edit for rngagement: Craft a compelling narrative with tight editing, and enhance storytelling with music and transitions.
• Optimize for platforms: Tailor your video’s format and content for specific social media platforms to maximize engagement.
• Include a clear call-to-action: Guide viewers on what to do next with a specific, compelling CTA to boost engagement and conversions.
• Conclusion: Embrace storytelling and authenticity in your UGC videos to resonate with audiences, build trust, and foster community engagement.

A Beginner’s Guide to Film a UGC Videos

In an age where digital content is king, user-generated content (UGC) should be a key part of your overall marketing strategy, offering authentic content that resonates.

UGC refers to any form of content, such as text, videos, images, or reviews posted by users on online platforms.

Thus, user-generated video content revolutionizes how brands connect with their audiences, offering a genuine touch to digital marketing strategies and social media presence.

The power of UGC lies in its ability to resonate with real customers by showcasing real experiences.

It’s not just about the content itself but the stories and personal touch behind it that make UGC compelling, helping it build a sense of community.

Side note: Our creators filmed GRWM videos for the Bumble app, showcasing their personal experiences using the app. The result is we increased app installs and active users while crushing CPAs.

Source

As a result, more individuals and companies are looking to harness the power of UGC videos to enhance engagement, build community trust, and even boost conversions.

But how do you create a UGC video that stands out?

How do you ensure your content is not only visible but also impactful? 

This guide will walk you through ten essential tips to master the art of filming UGC videos.

Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or just starting, these insights will help you plan, produce, and share videos that truly engage and inspire your audience.

10 Essential Tips to Film User-Generated Content Videos

Get ready to film great  UGC videos with these 10 simple tips.

Learn how to plan, film, and share your personal story effectively. 

Tip 1: Understand Your Audience

Before you even begin filming, it’s crucial to understand who your audience is and what they care about.

Different demographics have varied interests, preferences, and browsing behaviors.

Choose the right social channel to share your video based on where your audience spends their time.

Start by defining your target audience: 

Are they young adults interested in entertainment, or perhaps professionals looking for educational videos and customer testimonials? 

Use social media analytics, surveys, and direct feedback to gather as much information as possible about your audience. 

Understanding your prospective customers will guide every aspect of your UGC video, from the tone and style to the subject matter.

It will also influence the platforms you choose to share your content on. Your UGC videos should be tailored to the social media channels where your audience is most active.

For example, younger audiences might be more engaged on platforms like TikTok or Instagram, while a more professional audience may be found on LinkedIn.

Tailoring your content to viewer preferences means capturing their attention and maintaining engagement throughout the video.

Key points to consider:

• Conduct audience research to understand preferences, needs, and habits.
• Tailor your UGC’s tone, style, and subject to resonate with your target audience.
• Choose the right platform to share your video based on where your audience spends their time.

Tip 2: Plan Your Visual Content

A well-planned video is more likely to convey a clear message and keep viewers engaged. 

Start by outlining the key message or story you want to share. 

What is the purpose of your video? 

Are you trying to entertain, inform, or educate your audience? 

Once you have a clear objective, you can begin scripting or storyboarding your ideas.

For example, an unboxing video can be a simple yet effective type of UGC to plan for.

Scripting doesn’t mean your UGC should feel stiff or overly rehearsed; instead, it provides a guideline to produce quality content for different social platforms. 

Meanwhile, storyboarding allows you to visualize the sequence of your video, helping you plan out shots, angles, and transitions.

Both scripting and storyboarding can significantly improve the flow and coherence of your UGC, making it more engaging and effective.

Key points to consider:

• Define the purpose and key message of your video.
• Use scripting to organize your thoughts and cover all necessary points.
• Use storyboarding to plan the visual flow of your video.

Tip 3: Choose the Right Equipment

Your choice of equipment can significantly impact the quality of your UGC video.

However, this doesn’t mean you need the most expensive camera or gadgets.

Often, a smartphone with a good camera is enough for creating high-quality videos. Besides, your social media post should feature clear, engaging content – and for that, you need the right equipment.

The key is to understand the tools at your disposal and how to use them effectively.

Consider aspects like resolution, stability, and audio when choosing your equipment.

Invest in a stabilizer or tripod to avoid shaky footage if you’re using a smartphone. 

Pro tip: To improve video quality, consider external microphones and additional lighting. 

Remember, the goal is to produce clear, stable, and well-lit videos that engage viewers, not necessarily to have the most high-tech setup.

Key points to consider:

• Use what you have access to — often, a smartphone will suffice.
• Invest in stabilizers or tripods to improve video stability.
• Consider external microphones and lighting to enhance audio and visual quality.

Tip 4: Focus on Lighting

Lighting can dramatically affect your video’s mood, quality, and professionalism.

Good lighting ensures that your subject is visible and your video is pleasing.

Whenever possible, take advantage of natural light. 

Filming outdoors or near windows can provide a soft, natural look.

However, be mindful of the time of day and weather conditions, as these can affect your lighting consistency.

Pro tip: When natural light isn’t enough or feasible, use artificial lighting to illuminate your subject evenly. Avoid harsh shadows or overly bright spots by using diffusers or reflectors. 

The key is to create a balanced, flattering light that enhances the visual appeal of your video without overpowering the content.

Key points to consider:

• Hunt for natural light when possible for a soft, authentic look.
• Use artificial lighting to maintain consistency and visibility in low-light conditions.
• Avoid harsh shadows and bright spots by diffusing and reflecting light evenly.

Tip 5: Capture High-Quality Audio

Audio quality is just as important as video quality.

Poor audio can distract viewers and detract from the overall impact of your video.

To ensure clear sound, consider the environment you’re recording in. 

Avoid noisy or echo-prone areas, and if possible, film in quiet settings.

Pay attention to the acoustics of your location and make adjustments as needed.

Pro tip: For higher audio quality, invest in an external microphone. Even an affordable lapel mic can significantly improve the clarity of your voice or subjects. 

Ensure the microphone is properly positioned to capture sound effectively and test your audio before starting an extensive recording session.

Key points to consider:

• Record in quiet, controlled environments to minimize background noise.
• Invest in an external microphone for improved audio quality.
• Test and adjust your audio settings to ensure clarity and consistency.

Tip 6: Composition and Framing

Incorporate captivating visual elements to maintain viewer interest and convey your message effectively.

The composition and framing of your shots are crucial in creating visually appealing videos.

Good composition can guide your viewers’ eyes and emphasize the most important elements of your scene. 

Familiarize yourself with the rule of thirds, dividing the frame into nine equal segments and placing your subject along these lines or their intersections.

This technique often results in a more aesthetically pleasing and balanced composition.

Consider varying your shot types, from close-ups to wide shots, to maintain viewer interest and emphasize different aspects of your content. 

Pro tip: Pay attention to the background as well; it should complement the subject without causing distractions. Remember, the goal is to make each frame count and contribute to the story you’re telling.

Key points to consider:

• Use the rule of thirds for balanced, engaging compositions.
• Vary your shot types to keep the video dynamic and interesting.
• Ensure the background enhances the subject and doesn’t distract viewers.

Tip 7: Encourage Authenticity

Authenticity is the heart and soul of user-generated content.

Viewers are drawn to UGC because it feels more real, personal, and relatable than traditional, polished advertisements. 

Encourage a real person’s story and emotions to come through in your video, enhancing authenticity.

If you’re featuring others, allow them to speak in their voice and share their true experiences and emotions.

Be transparent about your intentions, and don’t try to script everything.

Instead, provide a general direction and let the authentic moments unfold.

The spontaneous, unfiltered moments often make for the most compelling content. 

Remember, authenticity builds trust and connection with your audience, making your content more impactful and shareable.

Key points to consider:

• Foster an environment where genuine emotions and expressions are welcome.
• Avoid over-scripting; allow for natural, spontaneous moments.
• Embrace imperfections as they add to the authenticity and relatability of your video.

Tip 8: Edit for Engagement

Editing is where you shape and refine your UGC video into a compelling narrative.

The goal is to keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

Use editing to tighten the pacing, remove unnecessary segments, and highlight the most interesting or important parts. 

Consider adding music, text overlays, or transitions to enhance the storytelling without overwhelming the content.

Keep your audience in mind during the editing process.

Short attention spans mean your video needs to capture and hold interest quickly. Use quick cuts, engaging visuals, and direct messaging to keep viewers hooked. 

However, ensure that the editing supports the authenticity and message of your content rather than detracting from it.

Key points to consider:

• Trim and tighten your video to maintain a lively pace and keep viewers engaged.
• Add elements like music, text, or transitions to enhance storytelling.
• Edit with the audience’s attention span and preferences in mind without compromising the video’s authenticity.

Tip 9: Optimize for Platforms

Each social media platform has its unique format, audience, and best practices.

Consider how your UGC video will fit into broader marketing campaigns on each social media platform.

Optimizing your UGC video for your target platform is crucial for maximum engagement and reach. 

For quick, engaging UGC, consider using features like Instagram Stories.

Videos on Instagram are shorter and more visually driven, while content on YouTube is longer and more in-depth (unless you’re using YouTube shorts).

Pro tip: Understand each platform’s technical specifications, such as aspect ratio and maximum video length. 

Also, consider users’ viewing habits on those platforms — are they likely to watch with sound on or off?

Tailor your content accordingly, perhaps by adding captions for platforms where users commonly watch videos without sound.

Engagement features like hashtags, tags, and interactive polls or questions can also increase visibility and interaction.

Stay updated with each platform’s latest trends and features to make your UGC more relevant and engaging.

Key points to consider:

• Adapt your video format and content to suit the specific platform you’re targeting.
• Understand and follow the technical specifications for each social media platform.
• Use platform-specific features like hashtags, tags, and interactive elements to boost engagement.

Tip 10: Include a Clear Call-to-Action

Compelling UGC videos can influence purchasing decisions by showcasing real, relatable content.

A clear call-to-action (CTA) guides your viewers on what to do after watching your UGC video.

Whether you want them to share the video, leave a comment, follow your page, or visit your website, make your CTA specific, compelling, and easy to follow.

A good CTA can significantly turn viewers into potential customers, increasing viewer engagement and helping achieve your video’s objectives.

Position your CTA strategically — it can be at the end of the video or woven subtly throughout the content. Encourage viewers to participate in a natural and relevant way in the video.

Remember, the more aligned your CTA is with the viewer’s interests and the content’s message, the more effective it will be.

Key points to consider:

• Clearly define what action you want viewers to take after watching your video.
• Make the CTA compelling and easy to understand and follow.
• Position the CTA strategically within your video to maximize engagement.

Conclusion

While content is continually vying for attention, understanding how to create engaging and authentic UGC videos is more important than ever.

Engage and inspire your audience with your UGC videos, turning viewers into loyal customers.

By following these ten essential tips — from understanding your potential clients to including a clear call-to-action — you can significantly improve the quality and impact of your UGC videos.

Each tip offers a building block in crafting content that resonates with viewers, builds trust, and fosters community.

Remember the power of storytelling and authenticity as you embark on your UGC video journey.

Keep refining your skills, stay updated with platform trends, and most importantly, enjoy the creative process. 

Share these tips and your own journey in creating UGC videos in your blog posts.

Your unique perspective and genuine approach will make your user-generated videos stand out and leave a lasting impression.

Happy filming!