Have you ever seen an influencer post a video showing off a product because they genuinely love it? That’s Fan-Generated Content (FGC), and it’s an effective way to bring people together around your brand.
In fact, a recent survey found that 81% of consumers trust user-created videos more than brand ads, and 85% say they watch them before they buy anything.
So why aren’t more brands making the most of it? Too often, they just reshare the occasional fan post and call it a day. But if you make FGC a part of your UGC marketing, you’ll see more likes, comments, and shares, and potential customers will start to see you as a brand they can connect with.
Here’s how your brand can make the most of fan-generated content in a way that feels like a natural part of your UGC marketing strategy.
Find the FGC That’s Already Working for You
Fan-generated content pops up all over social media. If you know where to look, you can turn those casual mentions into UCG marketing assets that get your brand noticed and talked about.
Start by checking:
Instagram and Facebook Tags
Check your notifications for photos, Reels, or Stories where customers are showing your product or talking about their experience.
Mentions and Replies on X (formerly Twitter)
Search your brand name or handle to spot shoutouts, customer stories, and honest feedback. This type of fan-generated content can give you both testimonials and insight into what your audience wants.
TikTok Posts Using Your Brand or Hashtags
Many people post first impressions and how-tos on TikTok, sometimes without tagging you directly. Try searching for your product name or campaign keywords to see what pops up.
Instagram Stories Where You’re Mentioned
These disappear in 24 hours, but if you find them, they can be great to reshare or save in a highlight. This can help boost fan engagement strategies without having to create new content yourself.
YouTube Videos
Look out for unboxings, tutorials, or “favorites” videos. Creators often mention products they genuinely like, and these reviews can influence other customers.
Reddit and Niche Forums Related to Your Industry
Search for your brand on relevant subreddits or forums; sometimes, the most useful, candid feedback shows up here before anywhere else.
You can also use Instagram DM automation tools like Stampede Social to track hashtags, keywords, DMs, and comments on all your posts and campaigns. These tools help you spot user content you might otherwise miss and make it easy to reply, repost, or start conversations with your fans.
Make Fan-Generated Content a Part of Your Brand Story
Once you’ve gathered great fan posts and reviews, don’t just reshare them once and move on. Fan-generated content works best when it’s part of your whole UGC marketing game plan. Bringing fan content into your regular communications helps your brand look more relatable, trustworthy, and in touch with your customers.
Here are some ways to use FGC across different channels:
Instagram Grid Posts
Share standout fan photos or quotes with a short, personal caption about why you liked it. Tag the person and thank them directly. Let your audience know how the story connects to what your brand is all about. These posts typically get more engagement than the standard brand photo shoot.
Instagram Stories & Highlights
Don’t let inspiring fan content vanish after 24 hours. Set up an always-available highlight called “Fan Love,” “Real Results,” or “In Your Words” so people can see how your community uses your products. Keep it up to date with new posts as they come in.
Email Newsletters
Drop screenshots of genuine reviews or fan photos right into your email updates. Whether it’s a “Fan Favorite of the Week” or a short review quote, it shows potential customers that people are talking about your brand.
Product Pages
Add customer photos right next to your product images. When shoppers see real people using your product, it’s easier for them to imagine buying it for themselves.
Ad Creative
With permission, turn fan content into video ads or carousels that look and feel like what people already post on TikTok or Instagram. Customers explaining why they like your brand connect better with new shoppers than a traditional ad.
Live Events & Campaigns
Add QR codes at events so attendees can post about your brand in real time. A tool like Stampede Social makes it easy to catch these moments as they happen and show them on a display or use them for follow-up content.
Create a Reason for Fans to Share
If you want more fan-generated content, give people a real reason to post about your brand. You don’t need a big contest; sometimes, asking a fun question or using a creative hashtag is enough. Try using small, actionable requests that feel fun and low-pressure.
Here are a few examples that work:
- “Show us how you use [Product] this weekend! Tag us and you might get featured in our Stories or feed.”
- “Got a [Brand] story to tell? Drop it in the comments, we love reading and we might reshare a few.”
- “Share your results with #[CampaignName] and we’ll send you a thank you in your DMs.”
- “Heading somewhere cool with [Product]? Snap a pic and tag us, we’re reposting our favorite shots all week.”
- “What’s your go-to [Brand] hack? Record a quick video and use #[YourHashtag] to join the community.”
You can also encourage UGC marketing by offering rewards like early product access, shout-outs on your main feed, or exclusive behind-the-scenes content. The goal is to create trust and a sense of belonging within your brand’s story. This fan engagement strategy will help you turn casual buyers into loyal supporters over time.
Final Thoughts
When your customers talk about you online, make sure to celebrate them and share their stories. Fan-generated content shows everyone that your brand brings people together, not just sells products. It helps your audience feel like they’re part of something bigger.
And when you make FGC a part of your marketing, your customers keep creating more, and your brand gets even stronger.
