Why UGC matters
Shoppers trust other shoppers. UGC shows a product in real hands and real settings, which answers questions a polished studio photo cannot. Visual UGC in particular, customer photos and video, tends to lift engagement and conversion because it is concrete proof rather than a claim.
Common forms of UGC
- Reviews and ratings on the product page
- Customer photos and video, often shown in a gallery
- Testimonials and social posts
- Questions and answers between shoppers
Questions
Do you need permission to reuse customer content?
Yes. Reusing a customer’s photo or post in your marketing needs their consent, which is why rights management is part of any UGC program.
Is UGC the same as a testimonial?
A testimonial is one type of UGC, usually a named endorsement. UGC is the broader category that also includes reviews, photos, and video.