# What is UGC – User Generated Content?

What is UGC – User Generated Content? Content created by real customers. Influences 79% of purchase decisions.

## How it works in practice

UGC is the cheapest and most effective advertising. A real customer photo converts better than a studio shot.

## Related metrics

- Social Proof — UGC is its strongest form
- Influencer Marketing — UGC from influencers
- Reviews — written UGC is reviews
- Brand Authenticity — builds authenticity

## Common misconception

'UGC is just Instagram.' UGC includes reviews, Q&A, unboxings, posts, photos. A multi-channel asset.

## How to fix it

Not getting UGC? (1) a post-purchase email after 7 days with an incentive, (2) a note in the package, (3) a unique hashtag plus featuring the best ones, (4) a UGC contest.

## Real-world example

A bag store: '#TechBagLife' plus 15% off. Within two months: 340 posts. Using UGC in ads cut CPA by 38%.

## Where to start

A post-purchase email requesting UGC is the easiest flow with the highest ROI.

---

Category: Marketing · From the [Jimmy OS KPI Glossary](https://jimmy-os.com/glossary/kpi.md) · Source page: https://jimmy-os.com/glossary/kpi/ugc-user-generated-content