UGC

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name: UGC description: Create viral user-generated content for marketing with effective hooks, formats, and creator strategies. metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"📱","os":["linux","darwin","win32"]}}

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Hook (First 1-3 Seconds)

Must stop the scroll—pattern interrupt or curiosity gap

Face close to camera—creates intimacy, attention

Movement in first frame—static = scroll past

Text overlay reinforces hook—works with sound off

Controversial or surprising statement—triggers engagement

"Wait for it" only if payoff delivers—overused but works when earned

Authenticity Over Production

iPhone quality preferred—polished = ad, raw = real

Real person, real environment—not studio, not perfect lighting

Natural speech patterns—not scripted-sounding

Mistakes left in strategically—human, relatable

POV style—viewer feels like friend showing them something

Formats That Work

Problem → Solution: "I was struggling with X until I found this"

Tutorial/Demo: show product in use, not just talking about it

Before/After: visual transformation

Reaction: genuine response to trying product

Story time: narrative hook, product woven in

Green screen over product page/reviews—social proof

Platform Specifics

TikTok: trends matter, sounds matter, fast pace

Instagram Reels: slightly more polished acceptable, older demo

YouTube Shorts: can be more informational, longer retention

Cross-post but native feels different—adjust energy, pacing

Trends and Sounds

Use trending sounds—algorithm boost, familiarity

Put your spin on trend—don't just copy, add value

Move fast—trends die in days, not weeks

Save trending content for reference—build swipe file

Original sounds can blow up—worth trying

Brief for Creators

Clear product benefit—one main message, not five

Target audience description—who should feel spoken to

Mandatory elements—product visible, key phrase, CTA

Freedom on execution—creator knows their audience

Examples of what works—reference videos, not scripts

What NOT to do—avoid these mistakes/phrases

Call to Action

Clear, single CTA—link in bio, use code, try free

CTA in last 2 seconds—after value delivered

Verbal + text on screen—reinforce both ways

Urgency when genuine—limited time, limited spots

Soft CTA in caption—second chance if skipped

Testing and Iteration

Multiple hooks for same content—test first 3 seconds

Multiple creators, same brief—different audiences resonate differently

Winning concepts get variations—iterate on what works

Kill losers fast—80% won't work, that's normal

Track by creative, not just campaign—identify patterns

Metrics That Matter

Hook rate: % watching past 3 seconds—creative quality

Watch time: % completing—content quality

Engagement: saves > shares > comments > likes—intent signals

Click-through: actually taking action—conversion quality

Cost per result: efficiency—scale what works

Creator Selection

Authentic to your audience—not just follower count

Check their content style—matches brand energy?

Engagement rate over followers—active audience matters

Previous brand work—how did it perform?

Micro-creators often outperform—more trusted, better rates

Volume Strategy

More content > perfect content—algorithm needs volume

3-5 concepts, 3-5 creators each—matrix of tests

Repurpose winners—different hooks, platforms, lengths

User comments become new hooks—real objections, real language

Seasonal/timely angles—Black Friday, New Year, etc.

Common Mistakes

Too branded—looks like ad, users scroll

Product shown too late—already lost attention

Weak hook—generic opening, no curiosity

No clear CTA—engagement without conversion

Wrong creator for audience—mismatch kills authenticity

One video tested—need volume, most won't work