What Is User-Generated Content? + Examples |
What process has helped Meta to create a platform which generates $44 per user? How can LinkedIn achieve $8 billion in revenues by charging everyone, from premium members to recruiters to employers?
Check out the billion-dollar social media firms and you'll notice that their valuations are directly related to the customers that they provide. User-generated content are the main reason behind the huge corporations. It's also what's powering community forums on the internet, brands communities Discord servers, Medium as well as the comment section of blogs, if there is any. In addition, as a social platform, we're able to provide a front-row seat to the various ways that UGC creates vibrant communities that turn into six or 7-figure enterprises. There are even companies that make 8 figures.
In this article, we'll be discussing:
- What is user-generated content? can be.
- What makes it so important (plus pros and pros and).
- Examples of UGC.
- How to obtain UGC for your brand or business.
What is User-Generated Content (UGC)?
User-generated content refers to any material made by the members of an online platform rather than its owners, regardless of whether the content is text, videos images or other types of text. Many social media platforms are built upon user-generated content. However, so do many other online platforms like online forums along with online communities. The majority of these websites are based on a model of business where the application is hosted by the platform and the users create material.
Although you may not be a major social media player, it's possible to use UGC to benefit yourself. In particular, the majority of us thrive due to user-generated content since people come together to form communities, discover things they're fascinated by and participate in lively conversations.
How UGC helps firms
Do you remember the app Clubhouse? Pitched as an exclusive application for social listening and valued at a staggering $4 billion by 2021. The application was not available to the public (you had to be invited) as well as featured regular guests from famous personalities including Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk and Kevin Hart, and it was a huge success.
However, as the restrictions on the spread of pandemics came into conclusion, Clubhouse had a tough retention problem, and has recently cut a number of employees. The active user count at Clubhouse has been declining for a few years, averaging 10 million weekly, in comparison to Pinterest is home to 482 million people per month.
The platform Threads is an interesting case. It has reached 100 million active users within four days! But, over the next two weeks, the number only rose to 60 million. The increase has generally slowed down, even though Meta isn't making it publicly available anymore.
Source: Statista
160 million active users on Threads is not something worth looking at. Its rival X (Twitter) is home to more than 600 million monthly active users.
The viability or otherwise of these platforms, along with the billion-dollar valuations, hang on two things: 1. Will people attend? 2. Do they create content? Nothing else really matters.
It is the case in the case of membership-based communities as well. We discovered that we could determine with 93% accuracy what a community online will do to prosper or fall. There are two things that matter: 1. Do people sign up? 2. Are they buddies? Data was so potent that we've begun building the software that goes beyond simply provide hosting for UGC in addition to helping members meet one another.
The basis for it is the social component of social networks. The theory of social networks sees that the social networks are the base of human interaction. What is it that makes Facebook an one of the largest platforms with over 3 billion people using it? Maybe it's because Facebook is actually built on the social network that is in person. There are times when you're annoyed with a friend on Twitter and then take down the website. But if Facebook is where you talk to your grandmother and mother and sell stuff out of your garage, you'll probably have it for a while.
In order for UGC to help create businesses It can't be a matter of dropping material onto the internet. Making endless AI social media-related content isn't the best method to increase the size of your company.
That's the reason it is to allow comments on blogs, reddit. But the most valuable aspect of these platforms is participation.
UGC is the act of engagement. Content creators. Consumers who consume content. If you do not possess UGC and you do not engage.
Content created by users has advantages and negatives
User-generated content has numerous advantages for users who host or have their own platforms.
The size: Keeping people active enables content creation to increase faster and more than could be accomplished through a single site or company. Major social media platforms make a limited amount of content. In the case of YouTube, YouTube estimates that around 500 hours of video content is posted every minute! YouTube is unable to do this with AI.
User-directed discussions: There are many bizarre and fascinating things users love to talk about on the internet. UGC lets users start discussions and posts they're passionate about.
The diversity of perspectives: UGC gives people voices-especially people who may not get a say in the media. Everybody is eligible to be a part of the UGC. Anyone can share their thoughts.
The effect of networks The network effect is the term used for how communities and platforms become better with every new member they get.
Enhancing customer experience: for an organization or brand User-generated content can be used in order to improve user experiences, and also the customer experience. For instance, Apple's Community for Customers includes users who answer queries in their own manner.
However, there could be disadvantages to user-generated content as well:
- Misinformation and false information: Since there are no gatekeepers, UGC lets anyone create anything. In addition that 55% of Americans believing that false data is a problem that must be addressed, UGC can be a factor in the situation.
- The term intimidation or bullying used in UGC by content creators and the people who reply (e.g. through comments) could refer to intimidation or using bullying, or specifically targets a group or person.
- Moderation: for community hosts as well as social media firms alike Moderation is a key element for hosting UGC.
Don't be dissuaded by this from permitting users to create content users. Its negative effects is mitigated by a well-designed community moderation system and guidelines. Being able to provide users with the means of moderation goes an extremely far way (e.g. the "report this comment" button). ).
If you have customers who put the time and effort to your company they will want it to be a positive satisfaction. They'll usually be happy to help with moderation.
Pros of user-generated content
- Scale content creation fast
- Let in numerous voices and different points of view
- Create organic reach and engage in conversation
- UGC will bring more users to your platform (e.g. when it's used in a shared way) increasing your reach
Cons of user-generated content
- There is a greater risk of receiving incorrect or misleading information
- Intimidation as well as bullying
- It is important to be moderate.
Examples of user-generated content
A Mighty Network
A Mighty Network is a community platform that gives Hosts an opportunity to connect with communities and improve lives. Members can take part in discussions, live events, workshops, as well as livestreams and other events. Communities that thrive benefit from high levels of engagement among members. (See some of the cases here ).
The photo sharing application was launched in the hopes of letting anyone share their photos using filters. The popularity of the app quickly increased, and has since expanded to offer more options like Reels and has over two billion active users.
YouTube
In the previous section, we noted that there's an estimated 30,000 hours of content that is posted to YouTube each hour. It would take over 1900 years just to watch current video uploads. YouTube is an absolute beast in the field of UGC and with 30 % of children calling YouTuber their "dream job" it has had an effect on the imagining of our society. If they are able to monetize their content and generate revenues from their users' views, or otherwise, YouTube is a juggernaut to UGC.
Blog Comments
It's not as common in the present, but the idea of starting your own blog as well as taking feedback was once the OG of user-generated content. It's still a common phenomenon in some blog websites particularly for blogs such as Medium. Certain news sites on the internet suffer from this problem as well.
Local Reviews
The topic has been talked about a lot regarding social media, but reviews of restaurants, tourist attractions, etc. on Google or Yelp are a great example of UGC.
Review of the Product
The same as local reviews when you look up product reviews before making a purchase on Amazon or any other web-based store .
Forums
If you've ever spent time in online forums such as Reddit or Quora, you'll realize that there are a lot of people that hang out on these platforms, creating content that keeps these communities running. Reddit will be home to 53 million active members by the year 2025.
Strategies to unlock UGC
1. Create amazing content
The first and most important thing is that UGC will most likely come from great material. There are tons of instruments available to create lots of material. With regards to technology, you can create endlessly AI texts and distribute it.
The best content, however, stands out and can spark conversations. If the content is authentic the readers step up and comment or even create.
2. Create niche spaces
Imagine who is in charge of algorithmic processes. Hootsuite claims that the standard amount of engagement per Facebook Page post is 0.07 percent. What type of UGC succeeds in the environment of social media that it doesn't get seen? Who would want to produce an unpopular product that nobody can see?
It is best to design a space that is not algorithmic that allows individuals to make and distribute. Email. Online communities. Chat rooms. Apps. It's important to create spaces which don't use an algorithm that unlocks UGC.
3. Memorable social media campaigns
Even though algorithms change, UGC is still possible by using social media in campaigns. Pick the one you're comfortable with, and make content that's engaging. You can also find creative methods to get people involved. The inclusion of a prize or contest for contributions can also boost engagement!
4. Reviews
The most important types of UGC to a company's brand are reviews, testimonials and other feedback that is positive (negative feedback can be valuable, too however in a different way.) To get UGC in review websites for products you sell or localized reviews when you're using Google is essential as more of us depend on reviews to make buying choices. If you're using testimonials on your website, UGC can be really helpful in this regard also.
If you'd like to receive UGC feedback, don't forget to contact us. Simple reminders that encourage users to post comments or reviews can make a huge impact on the participation.
5. Gamify contribution
If you're searching for UGC Gamifying the entire procedure can be beneficial. For example, Apple's brand support community is heavily dependent on users and includes many volunteers that are there to help with questions. The process has been game-like with levels of achievement and a private community for the top contributors. The inclusion of rewards or gamification can help encourage the creation of content.
Conclusion
The at the end of the day UGC is an effective tool. Many of the most renowned companies around the world have relied on UGC to propel them to multi-billion dollar valuations. But whether it's billions of people creating content or a community that shares the things that inspire them, UGC taps into human imagination in a manner that's incredible.
Then Read: 11 kinds of communities that thrive online.
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