If you’ve been scrolling through your social media feed lately, you’ve probably paused on a video that looked like it was shot by a regular person on their phone, yet somehow made you want to buy that product immediately. That’s the power of UGC videos, short for User-Generated Content.
UGC videos are authentic, spontaneous, and relatable. They show real people using real products in real-life settings. On the other hand, traditional product shoots, with their flawless lighting and professional models, often look too staged to feel believable. Consumers today crave connection and honesty, not perfection.
In fact, studies show that shoppers are 2.4 times more likely to say UGC feels more authentic than brand-created content. Let’s explore the five e-commerce niches where UGC videos are not only effective but also completely outshine traditional product shoots.
1. Beauty and Skincare
( Source – freepik.com )
This is the biggest playground for UGC success. Beauty buyers rely heavily on trust and real-life results. A glossy product shoot may look stunning, but it doesn’t show whether a moisturiser actually reduces acne or if that lipstick suits medium skin tones.
UGC videos in this space are often product demos, “get ready with me” clips, or skincare routines recorded in everyday lighting. These videos show texture, colour payoff, and reactions—everything buyers want to see before purchasing.
Why it works:
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Real people and real skin create authenticity.
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Honest reviews drive more trust than scripted influencer ads.
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Audiences love genuine before-and-after results.
Example: When customers show their 7-day progress using a serum, it feels more real and convincing than a studio shoot with an airbrushed model.
Pro tip: Offer small rewards or repost features to customers who share their skincare journeys using your products.
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2. Fitness and Wellness
The fitness world thrives on transformation and motivation. Traditional ads often show chiselled athletes working out in high-end gyms, which can feel intimidating. UGC videos, on the other hand, show people like you and me working out at home, making real progress, and sharing small wins.
Whether it’s a customer trying a yoga mat, demonstrating a supplement’s benefits, or recording their morning routine, UGC helps audiences connect emotionally with the product.
Why it works:
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Real people equal real results and credibility.
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Viewers see achievable fitness goals, not unrealistic perfection.
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It builds a sense of community and shared motivation.
Example: A fitness equipment brand featuring everyday users showing their home workouts tends to gain higher engagement and conversions.
Pro tip: Encourage customers to share short clips of their fitness progress or morning rituals featuring your products.
ALSO READ | Beyond Influencers: The Power of Everyday UGC Creators for Authentic Brand Storytelling
3. Fashion and Apparel
Fashion thrives on personality, and UGC is all about individuality. A studio shoot may make an outfit look great, but customers want to see how it fits in real life.
When people post videos trying on clothes, showing how they style them, or giving size and fit reviews, it adds immense value. It helps potential buyers visualise how the product might look on them—not just on a professional model.
Why it works:
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Authentic try-ons show real fabric movement and fit.
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Helps viewers see relatable body types and styling options.
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Builds trust and encourages community-driven fashion trends.
Example: Brands like Myntra and H&M use UGC-style “Outfit of the Day” clips to boost engagement because real people create relatable fashion moments.
4. Home Decor and Lifestyle
When it comes to home decor, the charm lies in seeing how products actually fit into everyday spaces. Studio photos may be beautiful, but they rarely reflect how people live.
UGC videos featuring customers showcasing how they’ve styled your lamp, rug, or art piece bring a personal, emotional element. Viewers can imagine those products in their own homes.
Why it works:
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Provides realistic context and placement ideas.
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Builds an emotional connection with the brand.
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Serves as free word-of-mouth marketing.
Example: A customer showing how your vase complements their living room decor feels more personal than a staged product photo.
ALSO READ | The Secret Weapon Behind Explosive FMCG Brand Growth: Product Video Shoots
5. Food and Beverages
( Source – freepik.com )
UGC videos in the food niche can instantly trigger cravings. Watching a customer pour, taste, or cook with your product feels genuine and relatable.
Instead of a slow-motion, cinematic coffee pour, a quick clip of a real person making their morning coffee using your brand feels warm and real. People love food that feels approachable, not perfect.
Why it works:
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Engages the senses and feels organic.
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Real reactions make viewers trust the product’s taste or quality.
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Quick recipe or “first bite” videos are easy to share and go viral.
Example: Snack brands that encourage “taste test” reactions on Instagram often see massive engagement because the content looks spontaneous and trustworthy.
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BossWallah enables you to create, optimise, and grow social media video channels effortlessly from scratch.
Final Thoughts
In the fast-changing e-commerce world, consumers no longer want to be sold to. They want to believe in what they buy. UGC videos bridge that gap by making brands more human and products more believable.
Traditional product shoots still matter for websites and print materials, but when it comes to social media marketing, brand storytelling, and conversions, UGC videos are unbeatable. They combine storytelling, authenticity, and relatability in one frame.
So, if you’re still spending heavily on high-end photo shoots, maybe it’s time to balance your budget. Let your customers become your brand ambassadors. Their voices and videos often hold more power than any polished advertisement ever could.
