What is user-generated content?

User-generated content (UGC) refers specifically to any content created by consumers or end-users, rather than by brands or professional content creators. This type of content can come in various forms, such as reviews, social media posts, videos, and blog articles, where individuals share their experiences, thoughts, and creativity related to a brand or product.

UGC is valuable for a number of reasons. It often enhances community engagement and trust, as potential customers tend to trust content created by other users more than traditional marketing messages from brands. It can also provide brands with authentic and relatable material for their marketing efforts without the cost and time associated with producing professional content.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of content that are not categorized as user-generated. Content created by professional creators typically involves specialized skills and resources, automated software generates content based on algorithms rather than user input, and marketing content produced directly by the brand represents the company’s own messaging and advertising efforts. Each of these types lacks the open and communal aspect that characterizes user-generated content.