15 Powerful Examples of User-Generated Content in Action
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why UGC Examples Matter
“People trust people, not brands.” That’s the heartbeat of modern marketing—and the reason user-generated content examples are rewriting the rules of engagement. According to Stackla, 90% of consumers say authenticity matters when choosing brands, but less than half believe brands are truly authentic. UGC bridges that gap, turning everyday users into your most persuasive marketers.
In this guide, you’ll discover 15 ugc examples that prove just how powerful user-generated content can be. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or creator, these stories and strategies will help you harness UGC for real results.
New to user-generated content? Learn everything in our complete guide to UGC.
What Are UGC Examples?
UGC examples are real-world cases where brands leverage content created by their users—photos, videos, reviews, testimonials, and more. These examples show how UGC builds trust, boosts engagement, and powers authentic marketing.
UGC can be organic (shared spontaneously by fans) or paid (commissioned from creators). Both types are valuable, but organic UGC is the gold standard for authenticity.
Want to know more about the different types and creators of UGC? Check out Who Creates UGC? Types of User-Generated Content Explained.
15 UGC Examples That Drive Results
Let’s dive into 15 ugc examples—from global giants to niche brands—that show just how transformative user-generated content can be.
1. Coca-Cola: “Share a Coke” Campaign
Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign is legendary. By printing popular names on bottles and encouraging people to share photos with their personalized Coke, the brand sparked a global wave of UGC. The result? Millions of organic posts and a massive boost in brand love.
2. Apple: #ShotOnIPhone
Apple’s #ShotOnIPhone campaign invited users to share their best photos taken with an iPhone. Apple then featured these real photos in global ads, billboards, and social feeds—turning customers into creators and advocates.
3. Lulus: Fan Photos on Product Pages
Lulus, a women’s fashion retailer, embeds customer photos directly on product pages. Shoppers upload images, share their size and fit, and help others visualize how clothes look on real people. This is one of the most actionable user generated content examples for e-commerce.
4. Pringles: Personalized Music Videos
Pringles let fans create personalized music videos featuring their products, using a chatbot and app. The brand incentivized participation with a contest and trip giveaway, making UGC creation fun and interactive.
5. CLUSE: UGC on the Homepage
Watch brand CLUSE features customer photos on its homepage, not just social channels. This bold move puts real users front and center, encouraging others to join in.
6. Glossier: Influencer and Customer UGC
Glossier’s marketing is built on UGC. The brand enlists influencers and everyday users to share product experiences, often reposting customer selfies and reviews. The result? 90% of Glossier’s revenue comes from word-of-mouth and UGC.
7. GoPro: GoPro Awards
GoPro’s entire brand is built on UGC. The company runs ongoing challenges that reward users for submitting their best action shots and videos. These are then featured across GoPro’s channels, fueling a steady stream of authentic content.
8. Doritos: Legion of Creators
Doritos launched a platform where fans could create branded images and videos, participate in challenges, and get featured on Doritos’ social channels. The result? Wild, creative, and highly shareable content.
9. Airbnb: “Live There” Campaign
Airbnb’s “Live There” campaign encouraged travelers to share their unique experiences in Airbnb homes around the world. The campaign highlighted authentic, local living and inspired wanderlust.
10. Spotify: #FindYourFeels
Spotify’s #FindYourFeels campaign asked users to share how music impacts their lives. The result was a flood of personal stories and playlists, deepening the emotional connection between users and the brand.
11. Netflix: Stranger Things Fan Art
For Stranger Things Season 2, Netflix encouraged fans to create and share themed art, memes, and stories. The campaign went viral, with fans fueling the hype and anticipation.
12. ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is a textbook UGC campaign. A simple, fun challenge (dump ice water on your head), a good cause, and a viral call-to-action led to 2.4 million videos and $220 million raised.
13. Amazon: Customer Reviews
Amazon’s review system is the backbone of its marketplace. Every product page is filled with star ratings, photos, and detailed feedback from real buyers. This UGC is central to the shopping experience.
14. LEGO: LEGO Ideas
LEGO Ideas invites fans to design new sets. If a design gets enough votes, LEGO may turn it into a real product. This not only generates UGC but also involves users in product development.
15. Aerie: #AerieREAL
Aerie’s #AerieREAL campaign pledged to stop retouching photos and encouraged customers to share unedited images. The brand also donated to charity for every post, combining inclusivity with social good.
Want to see more ways UGC powers marketing? Explore How User-Generated Content Powers Modern Marketing.
How to Use UGC Examples in Your Strategy
These ugc examples aren’t just for inspiration—they’re blueprints you can adapt for your own brand. Here’s how to get started:
- Make UGC easy to create: Use branded hashtags, provide templates, or offer easy upload options on your site.
- Promote and celebrate UGC: Feature user content on your homepage, product pages, emails, and ads. Give credit, tag users, and make them feel like VIPs.
- Integrate UGC into your product: Embed UGC in your product experience—like Lulus does with fan photos on product pages, or Amazon with reviews.
- Leverage influencers and micro-influencers: Partner with influencers who align with your brand, but don’t ignore everyday fans. Micro-influencers often have higher engagement and more trust.
- Automate and streamline: Use tools to automate collection, moderation, and publishing. reallz lets you create UGC ads in seconds, way cheaper than hiring real creators.
Curious about the benefits? See 10 Benefits of Using User-Generated Content in Your Campaigns.
Pro Tips for Maximizing UGC
- Create a branded hashtag and encourage its use.
- Embed UGC in shoppable galleries on your product pages.
- Showcase UGC in email marketing for higher engagement.
- Align UGC with seasonal or thematic campaigns to boost relevance.
- Run “Customer of the Month” contests to incentivize participation.
- Transform UGC into testimonial carousels for your homepage.
- Use UGC in retargeting ads for a more authentic touch.
- Involve micro-influencers for cost-effective, high-trust content.
- Feature UGC in checkout flows to reinforce purchase decisions.
- Run polls and surveys to engage your audience and gather insights.
Want to learn how to grab attention with UGC? Read What Is a Hook in UGC? How to Grab Attention in 3 Seconds.
Conclusion: Start Your UGC Journey
The best ugc examples prove one thing: people want to be part of your brand story. They want to share, connect, and be seen. Your job? Make it easy, fun, and rewarding.
Whether you’re a global brand or a local shop, UGC can transform your marketing. Start small, experiment, and watch your community—and your business—grow.
And if you’re ready to create UGC content at lightning speed (and a fraction of the cost), try reallz. It’s the AI UGC ad creator built for the next generation of marketers.
New to UGC? Learn everything in our complete guide to UGC.