WORK WITH US

The 4 Types of UGC That Still Sell in 2025

Because in a content-saturated world, only the right formats actually move product.

Let’s be real:
Everyone’s doing UGC.
Only a few are doing it right.

The reason? Most brands confuse content creation with conversion strategy. They chase aesthetics, not outcomes. But in 2025, there are only four UGC formats consistently driving sales and they have nothing to do with trends and everything to do with consumer psychology.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Testimonial-Style UGC

What it is:
A real person talking directly to camera, sharing why they love your product, how it helped them, or what makes it worth buying.

Why it works in 2025:
Buyers are more skeptical than ever. They’re not convinced by polished ads. But hearing from someone like them? That hits different. Especially when it feels raw, unfiltered, and honest.

✅ Pro tip: The best testimonial UGC isn’t scripted. It’s guided. Ask real customers to record a voice note answering: “What problem did this product solve for you?”

2. Tutorial UGC (a.k.a. ‘Show me, don’t sell me’)

What it is:
Creators showing your product in action, demonstrating how it works, how to use it, or how it fits into their daily routine.

Why it works in 2025:
Today’s shoppers don’t just want to see a product. They want to experience it before buying. Tutorials shrink the imagination gap. They build confidence. They answer objections before they even surface.

Think:

  • “How to style this dress 3 ways”

  • “Unboxing + using this serum for 7 days”

  • “What’s inside my gym bag (feat. your brand)”

✅ Add subtle captions. Keep it native. Don’t over-edit. Organic-feeling tutorials perform better than overly produced demos.

3. Reaction Content

What it is:
People reacting to your product in real time, smelling a perfume, tasting a snack, trying on clothes, etc.

Why it works in 2025:
We’re wired to trust emotional cues. When we see someone laugh, cry, or say “OMG this actually works,” we feel it. It’s fast, visceral, and taps into our primal FOMO.

No script needed. Just hit record and let the moment play out.

✅ Works especially well in TikTok Shop formats. Pair this with voiceovers like: “First time trying this, let’s see if it’s worth it.”

4. Story-Based UGC

What it is:
Creators sharing a personal story that naturally leads into your product. Think: a skin struggle, a gym transformation, or a breakup-to-glow-up arc that ends with them discovering your brand.

Why it works in 2025:
Storytelling is undefeated. It creates emotional connection and reframes your product as a turning point, not just a tool. This format doesn’t just sell, it builds loyalty.

✅ Bonus points if it taps into identity, insecurity, or aspiration. That’s where desire lives.

Why This Still Matters in 2025

Platforms change. Algorithms shift. But people? People still buy from people.

These four UGC formats continue to sell because they feel real. They don’t try to impress. They try to relate. And that’s why they work, especially in a content-saturated world where polish can feel like posturing.

Want These UGC Types Done for You?

At SwingUp, we specialize in turning UGC into high-converting sales content across TikTok, Meta, and beyond.

Whether you're looking to scale with TikTok Shop, build your affiliate program, or train creators to deliver content that actually moves inventory, we’ve got you.

👉 Book a free strategy call and we’ll walk you through how we use these 4 UGC types to help brands go from ₱100K to ₱5M/month.

Let’s turn content into conversions, without the fluff.

You've built the brand. We'll build the system that sells it

You’ve built the brand.

We’ll build the system that sells it
 Our team will break down where you’re leaking conversions,
 which creator angles match your brand, and what’s stopping you from scaling.