What are the most effective ways to use user-generated content on Instagram?

1 Find and collect UGC

The first step to using UGC on Instagram is to find and collect it. You can do this by searching for relevant hashtags, mentions, tags, or locations related to your brand. You can also use tools like Later or Bazaarvoice to curate and manage UGC from different sources. Another way to find and collect UGC is to encourage your audience to create and share it. You can do this by running contests, campaigns, or challenges that invite them to post their photos, videos, or stories with your branded hashtag or tag.

2 Ask for permission and credit

Before you repost or share any UGC on your Instagram account, you need to ask for permission and credit the original creator. This is not only a matter of respect and ethics, but also a legal requirement in some cases. You can ask for permission by sending a direct message, commenting on the post, or using a tool like Tack that automates the process. You can credit the creator by tagging their username, mentioning them in the caption, or using a sticker or watermark.

4 Showcase UGC in different formats and features

Instagram offers a variety of formats and features that you can use to showcase UGC in creative and engaging ways. You can use UGC in your feed posts, stories, reels, IGTV, guides, or live videos. You can also create a dedicated UGC highlight or a UGC carousel. Each format and feature has its own advantages and best practices, so you need to experiment and see what works best for your brand and audience. For example, you can use stories to share UGC in real time, reels to share UGC in short and fun videos, or guides to share UGC in curated collections.

5 Engage with your UGC creators and audience

One of the benefits of using UGC on Instagram is that it can help you build relationships with your customers and followers. To do this, you need to engage with your UGC creators and audience. You can do this by liking, commenting, sharing, or reposting their UGC, as well as thanking them for their support and feedback. You can also use UGC to start conversations, ask questions, or create polls and quizzes. By engaging with your UGC creators and audience, you can show your appreciation, increase your loyalty, and encourage more UGC creation and sharing.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?