Paid Ads Strategies
July 20, 2024

TikTok UGC Ads vs Influencer Marketing: What Drives Better Engagement?

Arielle Bental
Arielle Bental

In the dynamic world of TikTok advertising, two approaches have risen to prominence: User-Generated Content (UGC) and Influencer Marketing. Both have their merits, but which one truly drives better engagement? This comprehensive analysis will dive into practical examples and real data to provide a clear answer.

By the way, did you know that as official partners of TikTok, Uplifted offers you the opportunity to get free UGC video ads by committing to a minimum spend on TikTok? Learn more about this exclusive offer here.

What is UGC and Influencer Marketing?

UGC (User-Generated Content): Content created and shared by users or customers about a brand or product. Authentic and relatable, UGC resonates with audiences.

Influencer Marketing: Brands partner with influencers to promote their products or services. While effective, it can sometimes lack the genuine connection UGC offers.

Real Examples & Data

UGC: A Natural Fit for TikTok

Brand: Gymshark
Campaign:
Gymshark encouraged users to share their fitness routines.
Results:
5.7 billion views, fostering a real community around the brand.
Why it Worked:
Authenticity, connection with real users.

Brand: Aerie
Campaign:
Aerie’s #AerieREAL campaign celebrated body positivity.
Results:
2 billion views and an increase in sales by 20%.
Why it Worked:
Real people, real stories.

Influencer Marketing: Impactful but Costly

Brand: Daniel Wellington
Campaign:
Collaborated with top influencers for watch promotions.
Results:
Increased brand visibility but at a high cost.
Why it Worked:
Celebrity appeal, but lacked personal connection.

Brand:
Chipotle
Campaign:
Worked with popular creators for the #GuacDance challenge.
Results:
Viral but required substantial investment.
Why it Worked:
Influencer reach, not sustainable for smaller brands.

Comparative Analysis:
UGC vs Influencer Marketing

Authenticity
UGC fosters real connections. Influencers may sometimes feel scripted.

Cost-Effectiveness

UGC is generally more affordable. Influencer marketing can be expensive.

Engagement Rate

UGC often drives higher engagement as people relate to real experiences.

Scalability
UGC can be easily scaled, especially when leveraging platforms like Uplifted, that facilitate UGC creation.

Why UGC and Why Uplifted?

UGC stands out as the more authentic, cost-effective, and engaging approach. For brands looking to tap into the real potential of UGC on TikTok, Uplifted offers an unparalleled solution.

Here's how we make it happen:

🔗 CRM Integration

First, we seamlessly link to your CRM. Not using a CRM? No worries. We can integrate via different methods, like webhooks, APIs, or any other method you prefer.

📧 Reaching Out

Next, we send personalized, branded, persuasive, and perfect conversion-focused video requests to your customers. Don't want to send emails? That's fine. We can integrate via in-app notifications, SMS, webhooks, APIs, and more.

🎥 Customer Filming

Your customers step into the limelight, filming authentic experiences with your brand. Our AI guides your customers on what to do. Everything is web-based; there's no need to download anything. We'll guide them on cinematography and automated interview questions.

✂️ Expert Editing

Our AI then steps in as a virtual director, crafting a compelling narrative from the raw footage. It edits the video to be focused on paid acquisition, including various hooks and value propositions.

🛡️ Hassle-Free Content Rights

Leave legal complexities and incentives management to us. We secure user consent, manage rewards, and ensure a hassle-free experience, so you can focus on strategy.

🎁 Delivery

Voila! You receive high-performing, on-brand videos, ready to launch on your paid platforms - TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat. Zero effort required from your end, but the impact is massive.

By utilizing Uplifted, brands can harness the raw power of UGC and create TikTok Ads that resonate with their audience. The process we follow ensures a smooth transition from customer engagement to final delivery, making UGC creation not just viable but supremely effective.

The comparison is clear: UGC Ads outshines influencer marketing on TikTok when it comes to authenticity, cost, engagement, and scalability. In the era where real connections matter, aligning with platforms like Uplifted, which facilitate genuine UGC creation, can make all the difference.

Ready to embrace the future of TikTok advertising? Explore Uplifted today and discover how UGC can take your brand to new heights.