What Is User-Generated Video, 7 Benefits You Must Know.

User-generated video, also known as UGV, refers to videos that are created and shot by users themselves, be it by customers to boost marketing traffic and sales or your employees to build your employer's brand. 

UGV is kind of the opposite of professional videographers and production teams - which also means it's super affordable.

Smartphones and advancements in video technology, like the tech we use in the Vouch video platform, make affordability and simplicity possible.

Of course, user-generated video is the entire reason that social media giants like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok exist. However, in the business landscape that we cover today, user-generated video is a must for engaging audiences and building trust and authenticity. 

UGC is everything for marketing and talent acquisition teams these days.

Key Takeaways:

• User-generated video refers to videos created by users or your employees themselves, not professionals.
• Smartphones and video technology advancements have fuelled the popularity of user-generated video on social media platforms.
• User-generated video is highly engaging and can help build trust with audiences.
• Companies are leveraging user-generated video in their marketing and talent acquisition strategies, tapping into authenticity and storytelling that drive sales and customer loyalty.
• Tools like Vouch are designed to make user-generated videos easy.
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What Are The Benefits of User-Generated Videos?

The benefits of user-generated videos (UGV) are immense, and they help companies at all stages of the marketing and recruitment funnel. Let's dive into a few of the benefits and why it's worth investing in UGC if you still need to or are looking to scale your UGC up. 

1) Authenticity

UGV is created by real users, making it more authentic and trustworthy than branded content. So, even with minimal budgets, companies can create authenticity that also helps you build your employer brand and company culture. 

2) Engagement 

UGV often generates higher levels of engagement, as users are more likely to interact with it because it's created by and for people just like them. When we look at high-level productions, there can be a big disconnect, and engagement times might be different from what they should be.

3) Cost-effective 

UGV is one of the most cost-effective ways to create content that drives results, and businesses only need to invest a fraction of what they would if they used professional videographers and production teams.

4) SEO benefits 

UGV can dramatically improve SEO through video, as user-generated reviews, comments, and other content can increase engagement times. Engagement, along with authenticity, is one of the biggest drivers for SEO in 2024.

5) Community building 

UGV can be a key driver when building a community around your brand or product, as users feel more connected to the content and each other.

6) Brand Advocacy 

One of the biggest benefits of UGV is that it can turn satisfied customers into a base of loyal followers and brand advocates. There is also a snowball effect, where the more you work on your brand advocacy, the more it will grow.

7) Insight and feedback 

UGV can provide valuable insights and feedback for your business. You can better understand your audience and use videos to improve your products, services, and support.

The Rise of User-Generated Video in Business

User-generated videos have become essential in business, as consumers look to authentic brands they trust and can "get behind."

Even the largest corporations like HSBC, Novartis, and Vodafone have embraced user-generated video to amplify their customers' and employees' voices. With the latter, the idea is to showcase their unique workplaces and cultures.

Trust is everything in business today, and the B2C business that people don't trust generally doesn't last long. The same trend is increasingly happening in even the most traditional B2B industries. User-generated means that much. Authentic video is that powerful.

User-generated video is also critical to the recruitment process, with 88% of millennials considering internal company culture and employee experiences as essential factors of their decision-making when finding a job.

By showcasing the employee experience through user-generated video, companies can attract top talent and create a positive brand presence.
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The Power of User-Generated Video in Building Trust

We've talked about the benefits of UGV, but let's dive into trust a little more. User-generated video, unlike scripted video that's professionally produced, allows real people to speak from the heart, creating a genuine connection with viewers.

Here are three reasons to start leveraging UGV:

Authentic Content

User-generated video delivers raw and unfiltered content, giving audiences an inside look at real user and employee experiences. This authenticity builds trust by eliminating the polished and potentially disconnected nature of traditional brand communications.

Genuine Storytelling 

User-generated video allows employees and community members to share their stories in their own voices. This genuine storytelling helps establish a personal connection between the brand and its audience, fostering trust and authenticity.

Community Engagement 

Studies have shown that people are three times more likely to trust an employee than a CEO. User-generated video encourages your users and employees to actively participate in building your brand and community, and that's invaluable.
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How Do You Create And Share Powerful User-Generated Video Content?

Technology is everything, and that's where modern video tools like Vouch make UGV super easy. The beauty of user-generated video is that almost everyone has the tools required to film themselves on their smartphones or laptops.

Creating an engaging story is another essential element in creating powerful user-generated video content. By weaving together multiple voices, businesses can create a cohesive story that resonates with their audience.

Companies can seek inspiration from successful user-generated video campaigns and utilize interactive guides to navigate the process effectively.
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User-Generated Video in Corporate Communications

User-generated internal video can also significantly impact corporate communications. By featuring employee and leadership voices in both internal and external communications, you can further humanize your leadership team and promote transparency while giving a voice.

Sharing employee-generated videos can help you build your company culture while highlighting the passion and dedication of its employees.
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What kind of internal content can you produce?

1) Employee interviews and testimonials

Sharing videos of employees discussing their roles, experiences, and the company's core values helps create a sense of community and reinforces transparency within the organization.

2) Leadership videos

Creating user-generated videos featuring your executives speaking directly to your employees can promote open communication, build trust, and provide a human touch to your internal communications.

3) Training and onboarding videos

Encouraging employees to create videos explaining specific processes or sharing their expertise helps streamline training and onboarding while building employee engagement and knowledge sharing.
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Using User-Generated Video for Corporate Social Responsibility

User-generated video has also proven to be a powerful tool for brands to showcase their commitment to social responsibility. Unlike polished content, UVC creates transparency, authenticity, and inclusivity.

By leveraging user-generated video, companies can share authentic stories that resonate with their audience and demonstrate their dedication to social causes. This form of content allows brands to effectively communicate their values and engage both internal and external stakeholders, and it is perfect for sharing on social media.

The ease of creating video content enables brands to tell their unique brand stories and promote inclusivity and diversity. UGV is also perfect for showcasing your company's corporate social responsibility. 

FAQs

What are user-generated videos?

User-generated video refers to videos that are created and shot by users themselves rather than professional production teams. It is also known as UGV or user-generated content.

How can user-generated video be used in my business?

Businesses can leverage user-generated video to build trust, showcase employee stories, and enhance brand presence through authentic and relatable content.

What elements are crucial in creating powerful user-generated video content?

Storytelling techniques are heard of UGV; a good story gets remarkable engagement, and user-generated video content is also faster to produce.

How can user-generated video be used in corporate communications?

User-generated video can be used to humanize your leadership team, showcase employee voices and stories, and promote transparency. 

How does user-generated video enhance employee engagement?

User-generated video allows employees to play an active role in shaping your company's narrative, promoting transparency, and bridging the gap between leadership and employees. If you want to learn more, be sure to see our 25 Employee Spotlight Questions here.

How can user-generated video contribute to corporate social responsibility efforts?

User-generated videos can showcase a brand's commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and community-focused initiatives, fostering a deeper connection and engagement with your audience. 
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Conclusion

User-generated video has revolutionized the way businesses communicate, engage, and build trust with their audiences. By embracing the authenticity and power of user-generated content, your customers and employees can create compelling stories and strengthen your employer brand.

UVC is also a small investment, especially when compared to professional videographers and production; UGV is a fraction of the cost and, in most cases, much more powerful.
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Like to try Vouch?

Loved by companies like Canva, Nike, Cisco, Stryker, HubSpot, Amazon, and more, tools like Vouch make leveraging video in your business remarkably easy.

Be sure to book a Vouch demo today and chat with a video content expert.