For ads, the UGC video formats that usually work best are short vertical selfie-style videos that show the product or outcome fast, like testimonial reviews, problem-solution demos, and before-and-after clips.
In paid placements, people decide in seconds, so the winning formats are the ones that feel like a real person talking, get to the point quickly, and make the next step obvious. We typically shoot UGC in 9:16 (phone vertical) first, then cut variations for placements like Reels, Shorts, TikTok, and Stories. If you want us to plan, film, and edit a set of ad-ready variations, start with our UGC video service.
| UGC format | Best for | Typical ad length | What makes it work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testimonial or review (selfie) | Trust-heavy offers (dental, medspa, legal, home services) | 15 to 35 seconds | Feels personal, handles doubt fast, can include a quick “what changed” moment |
| Problem-solution demo | Anything that fixes a clear pain (pest control, HVAC, lawn care, skincare) | 12 to 25 seconds | Hook is the problem, proof is the demo, CTA is simple |
| Before-and-after | Visual results (cleaning, landscaping, cosmetic, restoration) | 10 to 20 seconds | Instant proof, strong scroll-stopper, works well with captions |
| Tutorial or “how to” | Products or services with steps (software, beauty, home projects) | 20 to 45 seconds | High watch time when steps are tight, sets you up as the helpful option |
| Unboxing and first impressions | eCommerce and subscription offers | 15 to 30 seconds | Builds curiosity, shows packaging and quality cues quickly |
| POV or “day in the life” | Service businesses and routines | 15 to 35 seconds | Feels natural, shows what it’s like to use or book you |
| Objection buster (myth vs fact, FAQ) | Higher-consideration buys (legal, medical, premium home services) | 15 to 30 seconds | Turns common hesitations into simple answers without sounding salesy |
| Green screen or voiceover over b-roll | When the creator cannot film on location | 15 to 30 seconds | Fast, flexible, great for showing screenshots, reviews, or service highlights |
What we look for when picking formats is simple: can your offer be understood in one sentence, can we show proof fast, and can we show a clear next step. For example, an Orlando pest control company usually wins with a “problem-solution demo” plus a quick before-and-after. A dental office tends to do best with a calm testimonial, a fear reducer (comfort, timing, what happens at the first visit), and a short tour-style clip.
To get more mileage from each shoot, we build variations, not one “perfect” edit. That means filming 3 different hooks for the same concept, swapping the first line, changing the first shot, and cutting 15-second and 30-second versions. We also add on-screen text for sound-off viewing, keep the message tight, and put the CTA in plain language, like “Book online” or “Get a quote,” not buzzwords.
If you are running paid campaigns, your creative and your targeting have to work together. Our PPC management pairs UGC testing with the ad setup so you can tell which video is driving calls, forms, or purchases.
Two quick guardrails matter for ads: first, if a creator is paid or receives free product, disclosure needs to be clear (for example, #ad). Second, regulated industries should avoid guarantees and overly specific outcome claims. If you want a broader menu of styles to mix into your ad rotation, our breakdown of common UGC video styles helps you pick concepts that fit what you sell.
If you tell us what you offer and where you want the lead to land (call, booking link, form, Amazon listing), we can recommend a small set of formats that fit your buyers and your budget, then turn them into multiple ad-ready cuts.
