UGC stands for User-Generated Content. It refers to any form of content—such as text, images, videos, reviews, or social media posts—created by individuals rather than brands, companies, or professional content creators. Typically, UGC is produced by everyday users, customers, or fans and shared online, often on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X, or forums.
Examples of UGC include:
- A customer posting a photo of a product they bought with a caption about their experience.
- A video review of a restaurant uploaded by a diner.
- Comments or discussions on a blog or social media thread.
- Fan-made art or memes inspired by a movie or game.
UGC is valued for its authenticity and relatability, as it comes from real people rather than polished marketing campaigns. Businesses often leverage UGC to build trust, engage communities, and boost credibility, sometimes encouraging it through hashtags, contests, or features on their own channels. In the context of something like Google’s E-E-A-T, UGC might carry weight for “Experience” if it reflects genuine use or insight, though it may lack formal “Expertise” or “Authoritativeness” unless the creator has verifiable credentials.