UGC (User Generated Content) has become a must in 2025. Especially when it comes to the ultra-connected Generation Z, who prefer authenticity to traditional advertising....
Find out how you can harness this phenomenon to power your marketing strategy to new heights.
Why is UGC crucial to reaching Gen Z?
UGC is now a powerful marketing tool for attracting Generation Z. This generation, born between 1997 and 2012, constantly seeks authenticity, preferring to rely on real experiences rather than traditional advertising. In fact, nearly 90% of young Generation Zers consider UGC to be more reliable than traditional advertising. UGC creates a real connection between the brand and its target audience, thus facilitating engagement and loyalty.
The power of UGC lies in its authenticity. Users see the creators of this content as people close to them: friends, family, or colleagues. This generates increased trust and greatly improves the impact of marketing campaigns. By leveraging UGC, you significantly increase the likelihood of conversion, especially since this Generation Z is particularly active on digital platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Types of UGC preferred by Gen Z
For your marketing strategy to be effective, you need to know the most popular forms of UGC among Gen Z. Here are the main types that can turn your marketing campaign into a resounding success:
Authentic customer reviews
Customer reviews are a powerful form of UGC. More than 70% of consumers consult these reviews before making a purchase. When these reviews include visuals or videos, their effectiveness is multiplied by three. Take the French brand But, for example: thanks to more than 380,000 verified reviews, it managed to double its online conversions. This social proof significantly strengthens trust and significantly improves conversion rates.
Short and engaging UGC video
Generation Z loves short-form video, particularly thanks to TikTok and Instagram Reels. This immersive content allows young people to better visualize products and easily interact with brands. In fact, 95% of users are more likely to remember messages presented in this dynamic and engaging format. For example, Chipotle's viral #GuaCdance challenge generated 250,000 video submissions in just six days, sparking an explosion in visibility and engagement on TikTok.
Interactive Live Shopping
Le Live Shopping has become a goldmine for UGC. This interactive format, where consumers can interact live, is particularly popular with Generation Z. According to the latest studies, the UGC generated during these sessions is almost ten times more influential than traditional content. Brands like Monoprix and Micromania have understood this perfectly, generating a massive volume of authentic and effective UGC.
Gen Z's favorite social platforms
To effectively leverage UGC with Generation Z, it is essential to choose the right platforms:
| Platform | Key benefits |
|---|---|
| 70 % additional engagement compared to traditional ads | |
| TikTok | 22 % more efficiency for the UGC |
| YouTube | User-generated videos viewed 10 times more than brand videos |
By targeting these strategic platforms, you maximize your chances of effectively engaging Generation Z.
Future trends to exploit with UGC
In 2025, UGC will continue to evolve with trends such as the integration of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and gamification. Starbucks, for example, is heavily leveraging UGC by highlighting its customers' experiences on Instagram, particularly during holiday seasons like Christmas.
Encourage your audience to share interactive and engaging content. This will increase engagement while building a loyal and active community around your brand. These interactions not only increase your visibility but also increase consumer trust and affection for your brand.
What you need to remember
By skillfully leveraging UGC with Generation Z, you can literally double your revenue. In 2025, it's no longer possible to ignore the importance of this winning duo. Authenticity, trust, and creativity are the key words for successful marketing campaigns. So, are you ready to boost your strategy with UGC? Share your experience in the comments and find out how ValueYourNetwork, expert in influence marketing since 2016, can help you optimize your presence on social networks through powerful and authentic campaigns.