User-Generated Content

Topic

Content created by users of a platform rather than the platform owner. Section 230 is described as the key legislation that enabled platforms based on user-generated content to exist.


First Mentioned

12/15/2025, 3:13:40 AM

Last Updated

1/4/2026, 4:02:34 AM

Research Retrieved

12/15/2025, 3:15:50 AM

Summary

User-generated content (UGC), also known as user-created content (UCC), encompasses a wide range of material produced by internet users, including images, videos, audio, text, and software. Platforms like social media, forums, and wikis facilitate its creation and sharing, transforming consumers into active participants. UGC is utilized for diverse applications such as problem-solving, news dissemination, entertainment, customer engagement, and advertising. Its rise, particularly through platforms like YouTube and TikTok, has significantly impacted the media landscape, contributing to the declining relevance of legacy media outlets like CNN and CBS News, as discussed in the All-In Podcast.

Research Data
Extracted Attributes
  • Applications

    Problem processing, News, Entertainment, Customer engagement, Advertising, Gossip, Research, Marketing ROI enhancement, SEO improvement

  • Content Formats

    Images, Videos, Audio, Text, Testimonials, Software, Reviews, Social media posts, Blog posts, Vlogs, Podcasts, Music

  • Impact on Brands

    Influences consumer perception, Builds trust, Boosts online reputation, Generates sales leads, Increases sales

  • Alternative Names

    User-created content (UCC), Consumer-generated content, Customer-generated content

  • Key Characteristics

    Authentic, Reflects genuine user experiences and opinions, Low barriers to entry, Rapid dissemination of information

  • Facilitating Platforms

    Social media, Discussion forums, Wikis, YouTube, TikTok, Rumble, Google, Yelp

  • Influencing Factors (Reception)

    Content quality, Creator credibility, Viewer engagement

Timeline
  • The BBC adopted a user-generated content platform for its websites. (Source: wikipedia)

    2005

  • Time magazine named 'You' as the Person of the Year, referring to the rise in the production of UGC on Web 2.0 platforms. (Source: wikipedia)

    2006

  • An increasing number of businesses began utilizing User Generated Content (UGC) to promote their products and services. (Source: wikipedia)

    2020

User-generated content

User-generated content (UGC), alternatively known as user-created content (UCC), is content generated by users of the Internet such as images, videos, audio, text, testimonials, software, and user interactions. Online content aggregation platforms such as social media, discussion forums and wikis by their interactive and social nature, no longer produce multimedia content but provide tools to produce, collaborate, and share a variety of content, which can affect the attitudes and behaviors of the audience in various aspects. This transforms the role of consumers from passive spectators to active participants. User-generated content is used for a wide range of applications, including problem processing, news, entertainment, customer engagement, advertising, gossip, research and more. It is an example of the democratization of content production and the flattening of traditional media hierarchies. The BBC adopted a user-generated content platform for its websites in 2005, and Time magazine named "You" as the Person of the Year in 2006, referring to the rise in the production of UGC on Web 2.0 platforms. CNN also developed a similar user-generated content platform, known as iReport. There are other examples of news channels implementing similar protocols, especially in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophe or terrorist attack. Social media users can provide key eyewitness content and information that may otherwise have been inaccessible. Since 2020, there has been an increasing number of businesses who are utilizing User Generated Content (UGC) to promote their products and services. Several factors significantly influence how UGC is received, including the quality of the content, the credibility of the creator, and viewer engagement. These elements can impact users' perceptions and trust towards the brand, as well as influence the buying intentions of potential customers. UGC has proven to be an effective method for brands to connect with consumers, drawing their attention through the sharing of experiences and information on social media platforms. Due to new media and technology affordances, such as low cost and low barriers to entry, the Internet is an easy platform to create and dispense user-generated content, allowing the dissemination of information at a rapid pace in the wake of an event.

Web Search Results
  • What is user-generated content (UGC)? - Adjust

    User-generated content (UGC), also known as consumer-generated content or customer-generated content, refers to any form of content (images, videos, text, and reviews) created by users rather than the brand itself. In the mobile app context, UGC content can include app screenshots, gameplay videos, user reviews, or social media posts about an app. This content is organically created by users and shared across various digital platforms, often reflecting genuine user experiences and opinions. [...] Deep linking guide The future of mobile measurement playbook Resources Overview ? What does UGC mean? User-generated content (UGC) refers to any form of content, such as videos, reviews, or images, created by users rather than by app marketers. Image 5 Related terms Application Analytics Attribution Share: Glossary What is user-generated content (UGC)? What is UGC content?

  • User-Generated Content: More Than Customer Reviews

    User-generated content is content that customers generate about a specific brand. User-generated content can range from positive customer reviews posted on sites like Google and Yelp to deep-dive videos on products and services. Audiences consider user-generated content authentic because the opinions expressed are free of commercial interference, making them trustworthy. [...] Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers.Editorial Guidelines. ### Table of Contents User-generated content (UGC) is an excellent strategy for gaining exposure for your brand and showcasing content from your customers. User-generated content is more than just customer reviews; innovative marketing teams are finding ways to leverage user content effectively to build a bigger brand, boost their online reputation, generate sales leads and increase sales. [...] ## What are the benefits of user-generated content? User-generated content is a powerful and effective tool when used as part of your overall marketing strategy. Some brands are wary of user-generated content because consumers have the power over the actual content generated. However, with the right strategy and framework, user-generated content can benefit your brand massively and add to your content marketing library.

  • Pros and cons of User Generated Content (+useful tools) - Flowbox

    User Generated Content, often abbreviated as UGC, is a term used in marketing that usually captures the genuine experiences and opinions of the customers. It includes a variety of content forms, including reviews, testimonials, images, and videos, created by users who voluntarily share their feedback with a brand. These work like word-of-mouth recommendations. [...] Providing a constant influx of fresh and relevant material, User Generated Content has a great impact on website SEO. Search engines always prefer dynamic and updated content, and UGC, such as customer reviews, testimonials, and comments, contributes to this ongoing stream. The diverse keywords and phrases users use in their authentic content naturally improve the website’s search engine rankings, making it more discoverable to potential customers.

  • What Is User-generated Content and Why Does It Matter? - Backstage

    User-generated content (also known as UGC) refers to any type of content that is created and shared by users, rather than by brands or companies. This can include text, photos, videos, and other forms of media. UGC is often made by customers, fans, or other members of a brand's community, and can be shared on a wide variety of platforms, including social media, forums, and review sites. It is important to note that there is a difference between true UGC and paid or sponsored posts, as the [...] User-generated content can take a number of forms, including: Photos: These can include anything from selfies and vacation shots to professional-quality images taken by photographers and enthusiasts. Videos: Videos can take the form of short clips and vlogs or longer-form content like product demos and tutorials. Text: This can include reviews, testimonials, blog posts, and other written content. Audio: Podcasts, music, and other audio content might be produced by users. Related

  • UGC Content 101: A Comprehensive Introduction

    User-generated content (UGC) is any content made by people (customer lookalikes) rather than the brand itself. This includes Instagram stories about new purchases, tweets complimenting customer service, or blog posts sharing product experiences. UGC is genuine content created by individuals about their experiences with a brand. This content normally offers a real and authentic perspective amidst traditional corporate advertising. ## Who Creates User-Generated Content? [...] User-generated content (UGC) is a powerhouse for enhancing marketing ROI, eliminating the steep costs associated with professional content creation and high-profile influencer partnerships. By leveraging content from your own audience, the direct investment drops dramatically, while the authenticity of these customer endorsements significantly lifts engagement and conversion rates. [...] By recognizing and engaging with these key players, you can amplify their presence and build a community around authentic and relatable content. ## Types of User-Generated Content User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful way for your audience to share their love for your brand. Each type offers unique benefits and opportunities for engagement. Here’s a quick guide: