How do you leverage user-generated content and testimonials in your stories?

1 Why user-generated content matters

User-generated content (UGC) is any content created by your customers, fans, or followers that features your brand, products, or services. UGC can include photos, videos, reviews, testimonials, or social media posts. UGC is valuable because it shows your audience that real people love your brand and have positive experiences with it. It also helps you create more authentic and diverse content for your stories, without spending too much time or money on production.

2 How to collect user-generated content

To begin using UGC in your stories, you must first collect it from your existing or potential customers. This can be done by asking your audience to share their feedback, stories, or opinions using a specific hashtag, tag, or mention. You can also create a contest, giveaway, or challenge that encourages your audience to submit their entries using UGC. Additionally, you can offer incentives, rewards, or discounts for your audience to share their UGC with you. Furthermore, you can feature your customers' UGC on your website, blog, or other social media platforms and invite them to check it out on your stories. Lastly, you can collaborate with influencers, advocates, or ambassadors who can create and share UGC for your brand.

3 How to use user-generated content in your stories

Once you have collected some UGC, you can use it in your stories to create engaging and compelling narratives for your audience. For example, you can showcase customer reviews, testimonials, or ratings and thank them for their support. You can also share customer photos or videos of using your products or services and highlight their benefits or features. Reposting customer stories that mention your brand or products and adding your own comments or reactions is another great way to use UGC. Additionally, you can curate customer UGC into a theme, topic, or category and add some context or tips. Finally, you can create a poll, quiz, or question sticker using your customers' UGC and invite your audience to participate or respond.

5 How to optimize your user-generated content strategy

Using UGC in your stories can help you grow your audience, but you can also optimize your strategy to get even better results. To do this, you should be clear about your goals and expectations when asking for UGC from your audience, providing guidelines, examples, and instructions on what you want and how to submit it. Additionally, you should be selective and consistent with the UGC you use in your stories, choosing the UGC that aligns with your brand voice, values, and message. Respect and transparency should also be maintained when using UGC in your stories, always asking for permission, giving credit, and following the terms and conditions of the platforms and the creators. Finally, be responsive and interactive with the UGC you use in your stories, replying to comments, questions, or feedback, and encouraging more UGC by asking follow-up questions, giving shout-outs, or featuring the best UGC in your highlights.