UGC video reviews establish trust in a newly authentic way. We’ve compiled ten top examples of user-generated content to get your creative juices flowing.
* Originally posted on November 17th, 2021 and updated on April 18th, 2024.
You're seeking a brief escape between back-to-back meetings, with just a precious few minutes to stretch your legs and grab something to eat. When it comes down to making a choice, how likely are you to risk trying the local bakery's new lunchtime sandwich counter without any prior knowledge as opposed to visiting the latest popular eatery your friends have been raving about on Instagram?
The answer to this question is likely obvious: When you see your peers fully supporting businesses, brands or services - that veil of uncertainty is lifted and the choice often becomes clear. This example encapsulates the value of social proof, for which video reviews, generated by like-minded consumers, are becoming an increasingly valuable facet of online marketing.
Thank you for asking: user-generated, video reviews are powerful and persuasive because they are also relatable, unscripted, and undeniably authentic.
Hearing about an experience with a product or service from previous customers helps establish consumer confidence in future prospects. Add video to the mix, and the effect is undeniably amplified. And any industry under the sun may benefit from UGC testimonials. For now, we’ll provide user-generated video review examples for the following verticals:
The BBC did a fantastic job creating a video that generates empathy and compassion. This clip introduces 50 people who were invited to The Royal Wedding as a thank-you for all of their work through their local charities. It not only was a great marketing campaign, but it also allowed the invitees a platform to promote the charities they care about. Video testimonials like this prove it’s possible to establish an emotional connection with other people through authentic footage of their feel-good experiences.
If you’ve been on YouTube in the last 10 years, we hope for your sake you’ve seen Daymon Patterson’s hot take on Five Guys - or at least the remixes. This example of a UGC review made its mark on the internet with over 11 million views on the original video since 2012.
Here at Widewail, we love this example because it ignited a storm of word-of-mouth marketing. All Daymon had to do was sit in his car and enjoy some fast food. It’s gotta feel good to work on the marketing team of a company whose customers just put out rave reviews like this without being asked. And an even bigger plus is when your customers create content as hilarious and genuine as Daymon’s.
Ilia benefited from user-generated video content of their products working in real-time (and with no beauty filters). As she effortlessly applies her makeup routine, lifestyle blogger, Lynn (@WhiteHairWisdom), helps to demonstrate several benefits of the Ilia product in this video tutorial. Not only is she revealing the ease of use with this makeup, but she’s also showing that the blend of powerful botanicals is suitable for a wide range of skin types and textures.
Video testimonials like this one are persuasive because they can be so relatable to shoppers who are in the market for a specific product or experience. Getting your customers to show off how they use your product or service is a fantastic way to build trust and answer any lingering questions a prospective customer may have so they can make a confident decision to go with your brand.
Rather than solely relying on their Google Business Profile to show customers their newly adjusted hours, Dolan took to the drawing board and came up with a more gratifying way to connect with their audience. By asking their employees to record quick videos of what they do in their free time, and compiling them into a 30-second video, Dolan made two announcements: they strongly value their workers and loved ones, and will also now be closed on Sundays.
This video demonstrates a more sincere way to update your customer base by tugging at their heartstrings and giving them insight as to why the decision has been made - the perfect recipe to demonstrate your company’s core values within your marketing content.
Coach DreRVA kept it short and sweet during his video testimonial covering Sleefs workout gear. In under 30 seconds, he told us how he and his son’s sports team rely on Sleefs to make sure they stay comfortable while keeping the “drip” strong during game day. He even went as far as adding a little bit of flare by personalizing his video with some music. This is a great example of how your customers would love to talk about your brand. They will even go the extra mile to make their testimonials fun, captivating and informative.
While we love user-generated content that comes organically from real users of a product or service, the truth is... some people get paid to make this kind of content as well. Outsourcing video reviews and product demos from expert reviewers and influencers may be a strategy worth investing in if you want to increase the reach and quality of your third-party content.
For those who love outdoor sports, product reviews are huge for buyers looking to purchase the latest gear for the upcoming season. Expert snowboarder and reviewer, Mike Leighton, takes to the slopes to demonstrate the 2022 Burton Hometown Hero Unisex Snowboard in this video from Curated. From the early rise in the nose to the tapered tail, Mike’s video testimonial spends 4 minutes discussing the technical specs as well as showing off how his choice of snowboard for the 2022 season rides on the mountain.
This is a great video to give the buyer all the information they’ll need to know before purchasing, and having an external creator publish the video adds a level of trust and credibility you would not be able to achieve with a traditional advertisement and in-house production.
In 2020, comedian Nick Lutsko released the Spirit Halloween Theme Song on YouTube as a part of his cult classic “Songs on the Computer Saga”. Immediately, it became one of his most recognized and hilarious tracks.
Throughout the video, Lutsko jokes that he had a dream where Spirit Halloween pays him to write a theme song paying “1,000 dollars for each 100 retweets.” Released in September, the Spirit Halloween marketing team must have liked what they saw because they did just that. Lutsko was commissioned to produce a sequel track that dropped just days before Halloween of that same year.
The following year, Lutsko went on to produce the third and final installment of what is now a trilogy of user-generated Spirit Halloween content. We love this example of a company recognizing an opportunity to ride the momentum of a great piece of UGC while it’s still hot.
The TD Bricks YouTube channel serves as a vibrant hub for LEGO enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of content celebrating the beloved building toy. From detailed set reviews and tutorials to creative stop-motion animations and custom builds, TD Bricks provides engaging and informative videos that cater to fans of all ages and skill sets.
What sets TD Bricks apart is its emphasis on community engagement; it actively encourages viewers to participate and contribute their ideas and creations. Through regular Q&A sessions, live streams and viewer challenges, TD Bricks fosters a sense of camaraderie among its audience, creating a welcoming space where fans can connect, collaborate and share their passion for LEGO.
UGC plays a central role in the success of the TD Bricks YouTube channel, enriching the viewing experience and driving community interaction. Viewers are encouraged to submit photos and videos of their own LEGO creations, which are showcased in dedicated segments and featured prominently on the channel. This not only highlights the creativity and talent of the LEGO community but also inspires and motivates others to unleash their own imaginations.
By actively involving viewers in the content creation process, TD Bricks creates a sense of ownership and belonging, fostering a loyal and dedicated fan base that eagerly awaits each new upload.
"Cruising with Ben and David" is a popular YouTube channel that chronicles the adventures of Ben and David as they explore the world of cruising. With a mix of vlogs, ship tours and travel tips, the channel offers a comprehensive look at the cruise experience from the perspective of avid enthusiasts.
Ben and David's dynamic personalities and genuine passion for cruising shine through in their engaging content, which captivates viewers and earns them a dedicated following. Whether they're documenting their latest cruise escapades or sharing insider advice, Ben and David create a sense of excitement that resonates with their audience.
Ben and David make it clear that their reviews are unsolicited and they’re determined to provide viewers with a fair take on the pros and cons of everything a given cruise has to offer. With over 250k followers on YouTube, Ben and David attract the attention of not only avid cruisers but also the key demographic of those looking to book. Cruise lines, for the most part, do what they can to entice the creators of this channel and those like it to come aboard and give them some online exposure.
In the "Good Mythical Morning" episode comparing a $29 juicer to a $200 juicer, hosts Rhett and Link embark on a humorous and informative exploration of the differences between budget and premium kitchen gadgets. With their characteristic wit and charm, they conduct a side-by-side taste test, evaluating the performance and quality of each juicer while sharing their candid impressions with viewers. Rhett and Link provide valuable insights into the pros and cons of investing in higher-priced culinary equipment versus opting for more budget-friendly alternatives.
Good Mythical Morning is a well-known YouTube channel that reviews all sorts of products, often revolving around food. This episode exemplifies UGC by tapping into the curiosity and interests of the show's audience. Viewers are encouraged to share their own experiences with juicers and offer suggestions for future taste tests or product comparisons in the comments.
By actively involving their fan base in the content creation process, Rhett and Link foster a sense of community and collaboration, empowering viewers to contribute ideas and feedback that shape the show's direction. This interactive approach cultivates a loyal and engaged audience, enhancing the viewing experience for fans while showcasing the diversity of perspectives within the online community.
These are just ten of the many ways your customers may be using UGC videos and testimonials to spread their thoughts and experiences regarding your brand.
Prospective customers are looking to make an easy decision on whether or not to buy your products or services. The rise of online video content and the ongoing importance of authentic online reviews make UGC the perfect tool to increase visibility and customer engagement.
Whether you have a customer explaining why they love your product (just as much as Daymon Patterson loves Five Guys) or get an expert to give a full-on product demo (like Mike Leighton does with his new snowboard), user-generated video testimonials can be a persuasive weapon in your digital marketing arsenal.
*Originally posted on November 17th, 2021 and updated on April 18th, 2024.
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