Leverage UGC Ads to Drive Sales on TikTok

Every day, customers create content about brands—whether it's product reviews, social media posts, or unboxing videos. This user-generated content (UGC) is one of the most powerful marketing tools available.

Why? Because people trust real customers more than ads.

TikTok UGC is a fruitful strategy for companies of all sizes. Research shows that:

• 44.1% of TikTok users are 20 to 39 years old, and 37% of them are in the top third of spenders.

• TikTok is replacing Google as a search engine, with 40% of young people turning to TikTok when they search for specific products or services

• TikTok users are twice as likely to recommend products/services discovered on TikTok compared to other social channel users. They’re also 1.5x more likely to successfully persuade their friends to try that product/service.

• UGC is more persuasive than branded content because 90% of people trust UGC, but only 4% trust branded messages.

Numerous companies are already on TikTok, creating successful campaigns.

What Is TikTok UGC?

TikTok UGC (User-Generated Content) consists of original videos created by real users, showcasing creativity and authenticity. From viral challenges and dance trends to product reviews and tutorials, this content builds genuine connections and fosters community engagement.

Brands leverage TikTok UGC to influence purchasing decisions, enhance trust, and boost brand awareness. The platform’s organic nature makes it a valuable space for brands to engage audiences authentically.

But let’s look at the numbers that prove its impact.

Strategies That Work for UGC

1. Feature Customer Photos & Videos

   • Encourage customers to share their experiences using your products.

   • Ask them to showcase how they use the product in their daily life.

   • Repost UGC on your website, Instagram, and product pages to build authenticity.

2. Leverage Reviews & Testimonials

   • Ask customers to share what they love most about the product.

   • Request before-and-after stories for impactful testimonials.

   • Showcase authentic reviews with images to increase credibility.

   • Use video testimonials to add a personal touch.

3. Run Hashtag Campaigns

   • Create a branded hashtag to collect UGC effortlessly.

   • Encourage users to share personal stories related to your product.

   • Offer incentives for the best content (discounts, shoutouts, giveaways).

   • Ask users to tag your brand to increase reach and engagement.

4. Turn UGC into Ads

   • Use customer-created content in paid social ads for higher engagement.

   • Highlight real customer stories instead of stock images.

   • Feature UGC in carousel ads, reels, and interactive formats to boost conversions.

5. Use UGC in Email Marketing

   • Add customer-generated images to abandoned cart emails.

   • Feature real reviews in post-purchase and loyalty campaigns.

   • Include UGC in promotional emails to showcase social proof.

   • Ask customers to share their feedback via email and offer incentives for responses.

What to Ask Customers for UGC

• How do you use our product in your daily life?

• What problem did our product solve for you?

• Can you share a before-and-after transformation using our product?

• What is your favorite feature about our product, and why?

• Would you recommend this product to others? If so, why?

• Can you show us your unboxing experience?

• What made you choose our brand over competitors?

• How has our product made a difference in your routine?

Few Successful TikTok Marketing Campaigns

1. Chipotle

Chipotle has mastered TikTok marketing through viral challenges and influencer collaborations, driving massive engagement.

Key Strategies:

✅ Viral Challenges – The lid-flip challenge got 111,000+ video submissions.
✅ Influencer Power – Partnered with David Dobrik for huge reach.
✅ Hashtag Trends – Launched #GuacDance, boosting engagement.
✅ UGC Focus – Encouraged user-generated content to amplify brand impact.

By blending fun with brand promotion, Chipotle keeps winning on TikTok.

@chipotle

Wait for it #corn

2. DuoLingo

Duolingo turned a meme into a marketing win by embracing humor and TikTok trends, making their mascot Duo the Owl a viral sensation.

Key Strategies:

✅ Leaning Into Memes – Turned the “evil Duo” joke into engaging content.
✅ Mascot Marketing – Positioned Duo as a funny yet “menacing” character.
✅ Trend-Driven Content – Created TikToks around lesson reminders & Google Translate.
✅ Gen Z Appeal – Stayed relevant by engaging younger audiences authentically.

By embracing humor and user-generated trends, Duolingo skyrocketed brand awareness on TikTok.

@duolingo

how much more longer do we realistically think I have running this account 🥸 #Duolingo #trend #comedy #helpme #mickeymouseclubhouse #Adele

3. GymShark

Gymshark mastered TikTok by leveraging influencer marketing and relatable fitness content, gaining 2M followers in just six months.

Key Strategies:

✅ Influencer Marketing – Partnered with fitness creators for wider reach.
✅ Relatable Content – Shared workout challenges, transformations, and gym humor.
✅ Viral Campaigns – Launched "66 Days: Change Your Life", amassing 193M+ views.
✅ Data-Driven Approach – Used TikTok analytics to refine content strategies.

By making fitness fun and inclusive, Gymshark has built a loyal TikTok community. 💪🔥

@gymshark

Her: He’s probably out cheating on me. Him with the boys: 💀💀💀 @The Johnson Brothers #Gymshark #GymTok #GymBro

That’s a wrap for today! GrowthCart is developing an AI-powered tools to automate ad optimization, content creation, and customer insights—helping marketers boost efficiency and drive revenue.

Stay tuned for more insights. 🚀