Why Consumer Brands Are Betting Big on UGC Ads

Consumer brands are everywhere, whether it's the shoes you’re rocking, the cereal you munch on, or the skincare line you swear by. They’re all about making products that blend into our everyday routines. But what’s shaking things up big time is UGC. Brands are turning to everyday creators to make their ads hit differently.

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are at the heart of this shift. UGC has become the secret ingredient brands are leaning on to reach their audiences in a way that feels natural, relatable, and refreshingly real. It’s less about the polished stuff and more about people just vibing with the product.

What Are Consumer Brands?

Consumer Brands are the ones making the stuff we all use on the regular. From your go-to sneaker brand to that coffee maker you can’t survive without, consumer brands are all about creating products that fit into everyday life.

Consumer brands are way different from B2B brands. B2B brands sell to businesses, while consumer brands are all about connecting with regular folks like us. And for them, it’s all about being relatable and real.

The thing is, people are way more likely to trust content that feels genuine. That’s why consumer brands are leaning into UGC. They want their ads to feel less like ads and more like friends giving recommendations. They want to see real people hyping up their favorite products in real-life situations. That’s why UGC is making such a massive splash.

How Can Consumer Brands Use UGC?

UGC is that raw, unfiltered stuff created by everyday users who genuinely love your product. It’s not just an ad; it’s a vibe. Think TikToks of people raving about their latest beauty find or Instagram posts showcasing their perfectly styled outfits.

Why does it work? Two words: Relatability and Trust. People are done with perfectly polished, overly-produced ads. They want to see someone just like them using a product and keeping it real. And that’s why UGC just clicks.

How brands are using UGC to their advantage:

• 💡 Authentic Ads: Brands are weaving UGC into their paid ads to make them feel more relatable. It’s less “Here’s why our product is amazing” and more “Here’s why someone just like you loves it.”
• 📢 Social Proof at Scale: Nothing screams credibility like everyday people hyping your product without being forced.
• 🔥 Driving Engagement: UGC invites more interaction, whether it's comments, shares, or even inspired recreations.

Pro Tip: Get creative with how you repurpose UGC. Turn testimonials into snappy ads or remix trending sounds with your brand’s vibe.

Types of UGC That Work for Consumer Brands

When it comes to UGC, there’s a whole menu of options that work wonders for consumer brands. Here’s a breakdown of what’s hitting the mark:

• 📦 Unboxings and Product Reviews: Nothing says “real” like someone unboxing your product and giving their unfiltered opinion. It’s like a mini-review that feels trustworthy.
• 💡 Tutorials and How-Tos: People love seeing products in action. Quick guides showing how to use your product = gold for engagement.
• 🔥 Challenges and Trends: Riding popular trends on TikTok and Instagram isn’t just fun; it’s strategic. It shows you’re tuned into what people are already loving.
• 🌿 Lifestyle Content: When people showcase your product in their daily routines, it feels authentic. It’s not just about the product but how it fits into their life.
• 🌟 Before-and-After Transformations: Nothing drives sales like proof of results. Showcasing transformations helps people see the value right away.
• 🎥 Duets and Reaction Videos: Interactive content is huge right now. Brands are using duets and reactions to engage with their audience in a personal, fun way.

Pro Tip: Experiment with all these formats and see what clicks with your audience. Sometimes, the most unexpected approach can be the most effective.

Should Consumer Brands Work with TikTok Trends?

TikTok trends, everyone’s talking about them, but are they actually worth the hype for consumer brands? The answer: Absolutely. But you have to be smart about it.

What Are TikTok Trends?

TikTok trends are those catchy, viral moments that seem to blow up out of nowhere—whether it’s a sound, a dance, or a quirky challenge. And the wild thing? Trends can gain traction overnight and just as quickly fizzle out.

Why It’s All About Timing

You wanna jump on trends early, ideally before your audience has seen it a million times. Think of it like surfing: Catch the wave at the right moment, and you’re in for a smooth ride. Miss it, and you’re just flailing in the water.

How To Do Trends Right?

The appeal of TikTok trends for consumer brands is obvious. When you nail it, you get insane reach and come across as relatable and culturally aware. But when it’s done wrong, it feels forced and even cringe-worthy. Consumers can smell desperation from a mile away.

• Pick trends that align with your brand’s personality.
• Make it feel natural, not like you’re trying too hard to be “down with the kids.”
• Use UGC to let real people show off your product within the trend.

Wanna stay ahead of the curve? Our Trends Page keeps you updated on what’s blowing up on TikTok. And hey, why not subscribe to our newsletter? You’ll get the latest trends straight to your inbox, every week.

Creating UGC campaigns that actually hit the mark isn’t just about finding creators, it’s about finding the right creators.

That’s where Ramdam comes in, making everything way simpler and way smarter.

We’ve built our platform to help you find creators who get your brand and know how to speak to your audience. And we don’t just leave you hanging. Our AI-powered tools help you whip up creative briefs that actually make sense, match you with creators who fit your campaign goals, and even predict budgets so you know what you’re getting into.

Ramdam is all about creating emotional, relatable content at scale. We make sure you’re not just getting one or two great pieces of content; you’re getting a whole library of amazing stuff that hits your audience right where it counts.

In a nutshell

At the end of the day, it’s all about connecting with people. Consumer brands thrive when they can speak their audience’s language, and nothing does that better than UGC. Whether it’s creators unboxing your product, showing how it fits into their daily lives, or jumping on trends that are blowing up on TikTok, UGC is the bridge between your brand and the real world.

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