User-Generated Content Statistics: A Compelling UGC Stats Compilation

This article compiles some of the most relevant user-generated content statistics. User-generated content (UGC) has emerged as an essential component of successful marketing strategies. As consumers increasingly seek authentic, relatable content, brands are discovering the undeniable impact of letting their customers become their most powerful advocates.

From social media posts and product reviews to viral TikTok challenges and customer testimonials, UGC is revolutionising how brands connect with their audiences. But what makes this form of content so compelling? Let’s dive into the latest user-generated content statistics that showcase why UGC has become an indispensable tool in modern marketing.

User-Generated Content Definition

User-generated content refers to any content that has been created by a brand’s fans and wider audience and can be used to sell more of a product. This might take the form of pictures and videos shared on social channels, testimonials, reviews, tweets, blog posts, and more.

User Generated Content refers to any content that has been created by a brand’s fans and wider audience and can be used to sell more of a product.

When customers share their positive experiences, it not only feels great for your brand but also spreads the word to potential buyers. In fact, research shows that 82% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a brand that features.

User-Generated Content Benefits

Let’s break down the key benefits that make UGC such a powerful marketing tool:

• Increased Trust and Authenticity: Provides genuine, unbiased product experiences. Creates relatable content that resonates with potential customers.
• Higher Engagement Rates: Generates more likes, comments, and shares than branded content. Encourages two-way conversations between brands and customers.
• Cost-Effective Content Creation: Reduces content production costs by providing a constant stream of fresh content. Decreases reliance on professional content creators.
• Improved SEO Performance: Increases organic content volume, generates valuable keywords naturally.
• Better Conversion Rates: Influences purchase decisions through social proof by reducing customer hesitation, it provides authentic product demonstrations.
• Community Building: Fosters brand loyalty, it creates a sense of belonging among customers, and encourages ongoing customer engagement.
• Enhanced Customer Insights: Provides valuable feedback about products, reveals customer preferences and behaviour, identifies areas for improvement.

These benefits make UGC an essential component of modern marketing strategies, particularly for brands looking to build authentic connections with their audience while maximising their marketing ROI.

If you want you discover even more benefits, check out our article breaking down all of the benefits of user-generated content.

User-Generated Content Statistics

Let’s examine the compelling data that demonstrates why user-generated content has become an indispensable part of successful marketing strategies. These statistics reveal how UGC influences consumer behaviour, drives engagement, and delivers measurable results for brands across various industries.

First, let’s showcase the statistics focused on the content generated by various popular social media platforms.

UGC Statistics: Instagram

Instagram continues to be a powerhouse platform for user-generated content, with impressive engagement rates and growing influence on consumer behaviour.

The platform’s visual-first approach, combined with features like Stories, Reels, and shoppable content, has created an ecosystem where authentic user content thrives and drives meaningful brand interactions.

• Product Discovery: Reports show that 61% of social users turn to Instagram to find their next purchase.
• Platform Preference: Nearly one-third (28%) of e-commerce marketers believe Instagram generates the most engaging UGC, surpassing other platforms.
• Enhanced Interaction: Instagram posts with user content get 70% more likes and comments than those with only brand content.
• User Reach: The average user reach per image post on Instagram is approximately 5,200, while carousel posts reach about 7,800 users
• Reels Consumption: An impressive 91% of active Instagram users watch daily Reels, providing a substantial opportunity for UGC to enhance customer engagement.
• Dominance in UGC Engagement: Nearly 80% of Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) prefer to focus on UGC content on Instagram.

UGC Statistics: TikTok

TikTok has become a dominant force in user-generated content, revolutionising short-form video creation and viral content distribution.

Its AI-driven recommendation engine, combined with features like Duets, Stitches, and effects, has created an environment where creative user content can reach massive audiences instantly.

With its rapidly growing user base and innovative features, TikTok continues to redefine how brands and creators interact through UGC.

• Higher Engagement Rates: UGC on TikTok is 22% more effective than brand-created videos, surpassing engagement rates of Facebook ads by 32% and regular ads by 46%.
• Enhanced Ad Performance: TikTok Spark Ads featuring UGC outperform non-creator ads with a 30% higher completion rate, 142% more engagement, and 43% more conversions. ​
• Daily User Interaction: 54% of TikTok users engage with brand content on the platform at least once per day, actively seeking new products and updates.
• Sales Opportunity: 37% of Americans under 60 have purchased something on TikTok Shop
• Time Spent on Platform: More than 170 million TikTok videos are watched every minute. 

UGC Statistics: YouTube

YouTube remains a powerhouse for long-form UGC video content.

Its diverse ecosystem supports everything from quick shorts to lengthy documentaries, offering creators sophisticated tools for content production and audience engagement.

• Enhanced Engagement with UGC: User-generated videos and Shorts on YouTube receive nearly 10 times more views than branded content, indicating a strong viewer preference for authentic, creator-driven material.
• Platform Preference: 17% of eCommerce marketers recognise YouTube as the most significant source of engaging UGC.
• Daily User Interaction: Approximately 62% of internet users in the U.S. access YouTube daily, with 92% visiting weekly and 98% monthly, highlighting the platform’s integral role in users’ routines.

UGC Statistics: Facebook

Facebook remains a versatile platform for diverse content sharing, from text posts and photos to live videos and stories. Its comprehensive suite of engagement tools creates strong community engagement, while its sophisticated advertising platform helps brands maximise UGC reach and impact.

• User Base: As of January 2025, Facebook boasts approximately 2.28 billion users worldwide, representing 35.3% of individuals aged 13 and above.
• Influencer Impact: In 2024, Facebook influencer content generated an Earned Media Value (EMV) of $63.1 billion, underscoring the platform’s significant role in influencer marketing.
• Marketer Preferences: 78% of marketers identify Facebook as the most effective platform for driving sales and business, emphasising its central role in digital marketing strategies.
• Influence on Peers: 52% of Facebook users say their friends’ travel photos inspire their own travel plans, showcasing the platform’s impact on personal decisions through shared experiences.

Post-Implementation UGC Statistics

• Beats Branded Content: Influencer/User-generated posts consistently outperform branded posts, according to 60% of marketers.  According to Flowbox research, UGC is 5x more likely to create a conversion compared to professional content.
• Cost-Effectiveness: 85% of marketers view visual UGC as a more cost-effective option than traditional professional photography or influencer content.
• Purchase Decisions: 79% of individuals report that UGC highly impacts their purchasing decisions.
• Conversion Rates: Campaigns incorporating UGC experience 29% higher conversion rates compared to those without.

Emerging User-Generated Content Trends 2025

The landscape of user-generated content continues to evolve rapidly, with several key trends shaping how brands and consumers interact. Here are the most significant trends defining UGC in 2025:

AI-Enhanced Content Creation

User-generated content is becoming more immersive than ever before. Augmented Reality (AR) filters and effects are now standard features in content creation, while virtual try-ons enable consumers to experience products digitally before purchase.

Machine learning powers increasingly advanced filters and effects, enabling creators to produce professional-quality content with minimal effort.

Short-Form Video Dominance

Thanks to the likes of Instagram Reels, TikTok and YouTube Shorts, the rise of vertical, easily consumable content continues to shape the UGC landscape. Creators are increasingly focused on cross-platform video sharing and repurposing, maximising their content’s reach across different networks.

The integration of shopping features within short videos has created new opportunities for eCommerce, turning entertainment into seamless shopping experiences.

Community-Driven Content Ecosystems

Content creation is becoming increasingly collaborative and community-focused. Niche content communities are flourishing, providing specialised platforms for like-minded creators.

Collaborative content creation initiatives bring together diverse voices, while user-curated collections help organise and showcase the best content within these communities.

No matter how big, small or niche you believe your brand may be, there are thousands, if not millions of like-minded customers. Learn How UGC Drives Growth for Small Community Brands.

If you’re interested in learning more on UGC trends, check out our article on UGC trends for eCommerce brands and find out how you can identify and capitalise on emerging digital trends.

Sources

• Flowbox
• Keywords Everywhere
• Sprout Social
• Backlinkto
• Wisernotify
• Statista
• Billo
• Statusphere
• Nosto
• The Social Shepherd
• Datareportal
• Search Logistics
• Charle