3 Ways I Make UGC Feel More Organic (Not Like an Ad)
Letโs be real โ no one wants to feel like theyโre being sold to. If I had a dollar for every time I skipped a video that felt like a straight-up ad… Iโd have a very fancy skincare stash. Thatโs exactly why I focus on creating UGC that feelsย authentic and organic, like Iโm just chatting with a friend. Whether youโre new to user-generated content or trying to make your brand collabs feel less forced, hereโs how I keep things real โ and still get results.
Hereโs how I keep my content authentic, engaging, and yes โ still effective:
1. I Pretend Iโm Talking to My Best Friend ๐ฅ
This is my #1 trick. When I hit record, I picture my best friend on the other side of the screen. That means:
- I ditch the script (unless the brand has hired me for a scripted asset)
- I use my normal voice.
- I donโt try to sound polished or overly professional.
Example: I once tested a vitamin C serum that smelled… funky. Like hot dog water. But I said that in the video! And then followed it up with:
โBUT โ it gave me the glowiest skin Iโve had in months.โ
People loved it because it was honest.
๐ก Hot tip: Authenticity drives more engagement than perfection.
2. I Keep the Tone Chill (No Sales Voice!) ๐
Weโve all heard that cringe “influencer voice” โ the overexcited tone that instantly screamsย ad. I’ve been guilty of this myself. When you see and hear it so often, you may unknowingly find yourself doing it. I try to avoid it entirely. Instead, I try to talk how Iโd text my group chat:
- โOkay wait, no one told me this was actually good??โ
- โHereโs the part I didnโt expectโฆโ
- โIf you hate sticky serums, youโre gonna love this one.โ
I even leave in little bloopers or awkward pauses sometimes. It makes the whole video feel way more natural.
What about the occasional oddly written script that doesn’t sound natural? Some brands are open to the creator bringing their own voice to the script but not always…We’ve all had to read some cringe-worthy dialogue., right? I always wonder…who writes this stuff!?
3. I Show, Donโt Just Tell ๐งด
If Iโm talking about a product, I prefer to beย usingย it. No talking-head monologues (unless that’s what the brand wants) For a more organic experience I like to:
- Film myself applying the product
- React in real-time
- Show a before/after if it makes sense
Sometimes, less effort equals more impact โ especially when itโs unforced.
โ Bonus Tip: Disclose & Stay Real
If youโre using affiliate links (like I do through Amazon, LTK, or ShopMy), just be honest. I always say something like:
โThis post contains affiliate links. That means I earn a small commission if you shop through them โ but I strive to share things Iย actuallyย use and love.โ
Trust builds over time. And when people feel like theyโre getting real advice (not a pitch), theyโre way more likely to click.
Want to Try Organic-Feeling UGC Yourself?
If youโre just getting started with UGC or want your videos to feel less “salesy,” try this:
- Film in a relaxed environment (bedroom, bathroom, car โ wherever youโd chat with a friend)
- Use natural light
- Speak off the cuff (ditch the script!)
- Talk about what youย reallyย liked… and what you didnโt
Itโs not about being perfect โ itโs about being real.
Want more ideas on how brands use UGC in campaigns? Check out this guide from Later.
Related Posts You Might Like:
- Top 5 Tools I Use to Create UGC
- Behind the Scenes of a 15-Second UGC Video
- How I Film UGC Videos in My Home Office (on a Budget)
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