# How do you use UGC in your ads?

> Leverage UGC in paid ads by hook-testing top performers, maintaining raw authentic visuals, clear call-to-actions, and properly licensing creator assets.

- Canonical: https://www.influentials.com/knowledge/for-brands/how-to-use-ugc-in-your-ads
- Locale: en
- Hub: brands
- Published: 2026-08-18
- Updated: 2026-08-18

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User-Generated Content (UGC) is one of the highest-converting formats for paid social channels like TikTok Ads, Meta Ads, and YouTube Shorts. Because it resembles organic posts, users don't instantly scroll past it.

## How to Effectively Implement UGC in Ads:

- **Hook Fast in First 3 Seconds:** Start with a strong visual trigger, surprising statement, or problem-solution setup to stop the scroll immediately.
- **Focus on Real Problem-Solving:** Show the product in actual daily use, demonstrating the pain point it solves through clear, unscripted-feeling demonstrations.
- **Test Multiple Hooks and CTAs:** Produce one primary core video body and pair it with 3 - 5 different opening hooks to discover what converts best.
- **Keep It Raw and Authentic:** Avoid over-produced corporate aesthetics. High-definition smartphone video usually outperforms studio lighting for UGC formats.
- **Secure Proper Usage Rights:** Ensure licensing agreements allow usage across paid channels for an agreed timeline and territory.

Want to put this into practice? See how [Influentials helps brands](https://www.influentials.com/for-brands) run creator and UGC campaigns, or [book a demo](https://www.influentials.com/book-a-demo) to talk it through.